Running on ice!

brutes

How have people coped with running in snow/ice/frozen paths/roads over the last few days - do you still road run, and have you had any accidents/falls...?! Have stuck on the grass/trails over weekend , and am debating whether to run on road later, forecast below freezing...- any thoughts??

<mod>

Stickied for the current snowy spell. Running in snow is great fun and a good workout, but increases the chances of a visit to A&E. Best practice is to stick to fresh snow, grass, trail, parkland, offroad (and let someone know your route if you are hitting the mountains). Gear should include hat, gloves, layers, and a spare dry pair of socks in your pocket.
Some very good DIY alterations to increase shoe grip in this thread, including screws and a cheesegrater.

Have fun, and remember to post any pics here

/<mod>

robinph

Carefully.

Keeping an eye on the surface all the time and trying to guess a good place to aim for if I have to take a dive. Tried to run on any grass where possible, but not going to bother going out today anyway and with the way things are looking may have another couple of off days yet.

topper75

I got out for 14m yesterday but timed it just right ie it started sleeting just after I got home and the sun had thawed most of the paths when I was out. I had one or two wobbles in built up areas alright.

I have given up on any more running until St. Stephen's Day! Ice ain't for me.:cool:

Best of luck to anyone who heads out.:eek:

kennyb3

+1 on what robin said, just watch the path and every step. look out for bad patches and avoid. i jump off the path and use the side of the road when there is no cars around as this seems to be less icy as cars drive over it

shels4ever

kennyb3 wrote: »

+1 on what robin said, just watch the path and every step. look out for bad patches and avoid. i jump off the path and use the side of the road when there is no cars around as this seems to be less icy as cars drive over it

I'll keep away from the roads, run on grass and if the grass is bad i'll go out to portmarnock beach to get my long run done.

RubyK

I had hoped to get a few miles in yesterday before lunchtime. Thought I'd better get the dog out for a walk first. She was slipping and sliding all over the place, so that put an end to my plans!

I'd be pretty nervous about having a fall, especially out on country roads, so I think I'll avoid all this ice for the moment. Will stick to the beach, if I can get out of work during daylight.

scottreynolds

shels4ever wrote: »

I'll keep away from the roads, run on grass and if the grass is bad i'll go out to portmarnock beach to get my long run done.

Ran from train station in Portmarnock, turned at the wine shop for the back entrance to the beach and then allong the beach and round to Malahide (most of the way) and back last night for a good 12km run. The roads etc were fine the ony problem area was the board walk by the beach but all in all everything was fine.

The ice isn't that bad you just need to adjust your pacing a bit. Saying that I was nearing home and went to stretch and almost fell over in our car park -- which further proves the stretching can be dangerous theory.

kennyb3

shels4ever wrote: »

I'll keep away from the roads, run on grass and if the grass is bad i'll go out to portmarnock beach to get my long run done.

i guess another reason i use the road is its flatness and im always wary of my old achilles injury and bumpy sections of path. would love to use the portmarnock beach but most of my running gets done at night. must try it some sat morning tho

kennyb3

scottreynolds wrote: »

Ran from train station in Portmarnock, turned at the wine shop for the back entrance to the beach and then allong the beach and round to Malahide (most of the way) and back last night for a good 12km run. The roads etc were fine the ony problem area was the board walk by the beach but all in all everything was fine.

The ice isn't that bad you just need to adjust your pacing a bit. Saying that I was nearing home and went to stretch and almost fell over in our car park -- which further proves the stretching can be dangerous theory.

bit off topic (sorry) -what time where you out at scott, surprised i didnt see you? are you still mixing up cycling and running?

T runner

brutes wrote: »

How have people coped with running in snow/ice/frozen paths/roads over the last few days - do you still road run, and have you had any accidents/falls...?! Have stuck on the grass/trails over weekend , and am debating whether to run on road later, forecast below freezing...- any thoughts??

Some good news is that road runners are actually the best type of runners for running on ice without skidding. Best to avoid the ice patches altogether of course.

aburke

brutes wrote: »

How have people coped with running in snow/ice/frozen paths/roads over the last few days - do you still road run, and have you had any accidents/falls...?! Have stuck on the grass/trails over weekend , and am debating whether to run on road later, forecast below freezing...- any thoughts??

This is a first. Brutes questioning whether he will run?
Or maybe the question is, will I run on the roads, or around Dangan in the Dark?

The roads were fine [ish..] at 7am this morning Brutes, when you were tucked up in your bed. You're gone soft :-)

Magnet

I went Christmas Shopping instead!!

brutes

aburke wrote: »

This is a first. Brutes questioning whether he will run?
Or maybe the question is, will I run on the roads, or around Dangan in the Dark?

The roads were fine [ish..] at 7am this morning Brutes, when you were tucked up in your bed. You're gone soft :-)

Oh ill be out alright aburke, my problem is ill never qualify for strictly come dancing on ice like your good self, my running coordination and style being how it is..:).. 50 laps of a cinder track beckons, cant risk any more broken ribs!!

thanks for the replies, run safely !!

goofygirl

I've posted about this before but I'm spending the winter in Canada so yeah, running on snow and ice and in subzero temps (have run in minus 18) any time I step outside the door....

Best thing to do is get a pair of Yak Traks or other such product for the bottom of your shoes. I know I keep going on about them but this isn't product placement I'm just so impressed!

RacoonQueen

I was planning on running home from work today but as I was getting changed I saw I'd forgotten my sports bra. Just as well mind could barely stay on my feet walking when I got of the bus.

rainbow kirby

Just cut short an 8 miler at the 4 mile mark... my area is like a skating rink at the moment. Lame.

menoscemo

Fantastic, I have just found another excuse not to go out again tonight. I am finding lots of excuses lately :rolleyes:

cloneslad

6 mile yesterday, 4.5 mile today.

I have been running wherever i see tarmac or snow/slush, had a few tricky moments coming down hills that were mainly ice, but after missing out on pretty much all of 2008 with a knee injury I just enjoy getting out for a run when I can and don't worry about times etc.

As has been said before, keep a good look out in front of you and if you are going out bring a reflecter jacket, you never know when it's going to get dark on you when you are out there.

Brianderunner

I was out tonight on the clontarf seafront which was unusually quiet. Loads of ice patches on the footpaths but no major incidents for me. I ran on the road for part of it, the grit trucks are out every night so its much safer than footpaths.

Rio 2016

Did a 5 miler in Limerick last night just after a heavy sleet/snow shower and all I can say is that it was some experience. Tested the core to tthe max and nearly ended up on the floor half a dozen times.

Woke up this morning and it was ten times worse. Did my workout indoors today as I was not up for a repeat of last night.

All that you can do is to make the best of your circumstances and if you can hop on a treadmill.:cool:

Killerz

I'm just in from a 10 miler. it was damn cold aswell, despite being wrapped up from head to toe. To be honest, the cold was affecting me more than the ice. Encountered a good bit of ice (running ballsbridge - milltown - sandymount - drumcondra - artane), but still found a bit of traction on it with my runners, and felt safe enough. Careful out there!

Slogger Jogger

Ran here yesterday (scroll down to yesterday's post) http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055481857&page=4

Did it in versatile road/trail runners with decent grip and cushioning which did the business. Going downhill was testing with the brakes on much of the way. You just need to apply some common sense.

paulocon

3 of us done a bit of a 'Solstice' run around the Boyne Valley yesterday morning just after a fresh fall of snow. One took a fall just after he started, came right down on his back and took a right whack. Being the caring individuals that we are, we left him in the car while we done 6 miles. Was great craic if very dicey in places and we tended to stick either to the grass verge (where not a ditch) or the the gravelly section to the side of the road.

Having said that, I'll not venture out on my normal routes around Drogheda at night while the ice is around.

bourne99

Just in from a freezing run! Running on the grass was quite satisfying, but unfortunately there's only a 200m stretch of it on the 2.9 mile route. I would urge caution in general - it is very slippy out in places. If you're not sure then better to take it easy.

ekevosu

Just an important note for those going running in these conditions and just wearing the normal running shorts and nothing else - don't. Wear seven pairs of underpants. Ouch

The tarmac entrances to houses along paths appeared slippery than the paths and road.

kennyb3

having said what i said yesterday i take it back now, not just a case of watching for slippy patches - everywhere is now slippy. cut short a faster run last night as was slipping and didnt want to injure myself. will still try go for a longer much slower careful run later.

neonman

I was only thinking the same (Total Beginner here) do many runners go out in these conditions? I was due to go out last night but with the ice plus it's dark by the time I get home I thought not worth risking it since I'm a beginner. I'll try get out over the Christmas in day light.

robinph

Might miss today as well then by the looks of things.

islandexile

I'll have to stick to grass for the time being me thinks (mind numbing laps of a football field).......footpaths are lethal!

familyy099

I stay in house

TFBubendorfer

20 miles on ice today so far - 15 for my first run, 5 for running into work, with the 5 miles of my homewards run yet to come.

I originally intended to run 20 miles this morning, but decided that due to the icy roads I would neither be able to drive nor cycle into work, and running would be my only real option. I cut short my training run, or the mileage would have been stratospheric.

You know what? I love running!

pgibbo

I have been out twice since the frost hit - 6 miles on Friday and 6 miles today. The roads are fine but most footpaths are lethal. Luckily I only have a short run to the racecourse in Galway and then run on the grass for the majority of my run. There's no way I'd risk it after dark.

tunguska

Went out last night with a friend and although it looked pretty bad it was actually grand, looks were defintely decieving. Did 12.75miles at a healthy pace aswell so the conditions as they are have made no difference. We'll be heading out later again, although I just heard on the news that its gonna be -8!!

Slogger Jogger

Ran on frosty pavements in the vicinity of Dun Laoghaire around 8 this morning in my new trusty Pearl Izumis. I was surprised to see ice right down near the shoreline near Monkstown DART station, but once you avoided the obvious ice bits the frosty white bits were grand to run on. Took it relatively easy though given the wind chill that was blowing too.

neonman

Well I bit the bullet and went for a run tonight along the coast road (Clontarf) on the grass. Glad I did now a good few other runners out as well. The runs are getting that little bit easier at last :-)

Nialloooo

no problem running in the sunny south east the last few day, but tonight a rounded a bend and bang hit the road lack a sack of spuds right on the bone where my leg meets my back.. hence way im up can sleep... just watch the paths and run on grass if you can.. thats the lesson i have lerned

Peckham

Have a 15 miler scheduled in today, and was planning to do it from Blackrock to Santry (taking a long route). Had thought sticking as close as possilbe to the coast for most of it would be best bet, but looks from SJ's report above that even this isn't guaranteed.

On a related matter - if I'm coming from Fairview up along the coast towards Howth, is there a safe running route the whole way along the coast? I don't know the middle bit (Raheny area) that well, but am assuming the promenade just continues along the whole way?

hunnymonster

We've too many broken bones in our house at the moment so I'm sticking to treadmills at the moment. Running on the beach sounds great though.

Highway_To_Hell

I was out for 15 miles on Sunday night and 10 miles last night along the dalkey - sandymount coast road and didn't have any major ice issues. just need to be careful in the shaded areas or where water/ice is sitting in potholes/crevices. Took ages to warm up and then towards the end of the runs I started getting quite cold from moisture/sweat sitting on my chest and shoulders.

Still better being out running then on treadmill :-)

neonman

Peckham wrote: »

Have a 15 miler scheduled in today, and was planning to do it from Blackrock to Santry (taking a long route). Had thought sticking as close as possilbe to the coast for most of it would be best bet, but looks from SJ's report above that even this isn't guaranteed.

On a related matter - if I'm coming from Fairview up along the coast towards Howth, is there a safe running route the whole way along the coast? I don't know the middle bit (Raheny area) that well, but am assuming the promenade just continues along the whole way?

Hi Peckham, soon as you get onto the coast road coming from Fairview you have the promenade all the way out towards Howth including Rahney. There is about a mile between the wooden bridge and the causeway that you'll have to run on the footpath but just take it easy along there and you should be fine.

I'd run on the grass where possible.

RacoonQueen

It's like a death trap out there now. Was planning on running home from work but a rain shower made already dangerous paths a LOT worse. Nearly fell down a steep hill coming out of work and had to grab onto rocks on the wall, then it took me 15 minutes to get home from the bus stop 5 minutes away.

ekevosu

I spotted a guy in is 60's running towards phoenix park at lunctime today in running gear topless. :eek:

robinph

I was all changed and ready to head out earlier, then I looked out the window and changed my mind.

TheRoadRunner

robinph wrote: »

I was all changed and ready to head out earlier, then I looked out the window and changed my mind.

May have been a wise decision. I ran on grass in my local park to prevent slipping on ice and then fell twice while out walking the dog. The first fall was pretty bad, my back is in a bit of a jock.

mrflair

robinph wrote: »

I was all changed and ready to head out earlier, then I looked out the window and changed my mind.

I dont want to be seen as trolling or anything but you have got to man up and just grind it out. No regrets its the only way to success in all walks of life. Get out there and bring it home ghruda style.

aero2k

I'm blessed with being close to the park and being able to run in daylight. The present cold snap has benefits in that parts of my route that have recently been soggy are nice and firm now. I take it handy on the paths but most of the roads are fine. Even the Furry Glen, which can be greasy at the best of times, was bone dry yesterday.
Oh, best of all, the park is looking particularly majestic these days.

colblimp

This may sound bizarre, but what are peoples views on putting socks over your runners for extra grip on the ice? Would it work?

RacoonQueen

TheRoadRunner wrote: »

May have been a wise decision. I ran on grass in my local park to prevent slipping on ice and then fell twice while out walking the dog. The first fall was pretty bad, my back is in a bit of a jock.

Yeah, my brother fell twice on his way home from work and jarred up his wrist. Cars struggled to get into the driveway, the covering on our driveway is terrible and is slippy in the rain never mind ice. Even walking on roads is slippy enough, I'm off today and looked out and my heart dropped. Unless I can get a lift to the gym it doesn't look like I'll be able to get up there either walking is barely an option the paths around here are so bad.

mrflair wrote: »

I dont want to be seen as trolling or anything but you have got to man up and just grind it out. No regrets its the only way to success in all walks of life. Get out there and bring it home ghruda style.

Yes, that's a good idea go out and run on the footpaths that people can't even walk on.

I don't remember it EVER being this bad, I always walked to and from school and work and never remember having these sorts of problems?

shels4ever

mrflair wrote: »

I dont want to be seen as trolling or anything but you have got to man up and just grind it out. No regrets its the only way to success in all walks of life. Get out there and bring it home ghruda style.

Was late getting out of work yesterday too dark to run in the park and managed about 800m on the roads before calling it a day, Going to get to the beach this afternoon to get some running done.

rickyflair

[



Yes, that's a good idea go out and run on the footpaths that people can't even walk on.

Who mentioned running on footpaths. Walk on them until you reach a field, park or as another poster suggested a beach. Common sense must prevail in such difficult weather conditions.

Pisco Sour

These conditions are frustrating me. Its annoying not being able to continue my marathon training. I'm thinking i'll have to swallow my pride and run on a threadmill. I'm not a member of a gym so can anybody recommend a gym in the rathfarnham/ terenure area that will be open on St Stephens Day?