Last night we got a few inches of snow in Baltimore. Growing up in New York, I am used to getting a decent amount of snow in the winter. Since living in Maryland I have learned that this state is not as accustomed to snow storms, and it seems like the whole state pretty much shuts down for a few inches. Whenever there is even a threat of snow, schools close. (I’m exaggerating, but not really).
I don’t think Maryland is as equipped to handle the snow as some of the northern states, making it harder to get the roads and sidewalks cleared. Although I knew this, I decided to go running this morning. I waited until the sun was up so that I was sure to see any ice in my path. It was about 16 degrees but my phone said it felt like 0, and winds were 23 mph.
Before I went for my run I cleaned off my car, just to get an idea of what the conditions were like outside. My street hadn’t been plowed at all, but I figured the main roads would be better.
They weren’t. Anywhere that cars had driven was now a sheet of ice. So I headed down to the harbor to see what it was like there. In the places where there was a few inches of snow, it wasn’t bad and I was able to run. It was the places that were sort of shoveled and had frozen over again that were slippery.
I managed to get in 5 miles, which was what I wanted to do today. In the beginning I had no idea how I would cover 5 miles when I couldn’t find anywhere to run. I was able to find places that were snow-covered and I kind of repeated some areas a few times.
I am glad I did it but I am kind of hoping I won’t have to do it too much this winter. I really hate the treadmill, but I don’t think its worth breaking an ankle from falling on ice. I also ran MUCH slower than usual, but I guess that’s good since I have my long run tomorrow.
I also added a page about my favorite winter running gear, under the “Running Gear” tab on the top of the page.
Do you brave the snow/ice or head to the treadmill?
Any tips for running in the snow?
I wish I was brave enough to venture out for a run in the snow today. I’m just a bit south of Baltimore and we got about 5 inches. That, coupled, with the frigid wind chill definitely kept me inside all day. But props to you for getting out there! It looks cold, but also quiet and lovely 🙂
It was nice, but really cold! I’m not exciting for the frigid temps that are supposed to continue this weekend, either!
It was too icy here to run today, or to drive, in CT…so I am jealous!! Great workout, so inspiring.
Thanks! It sounds like there is cold and icy weather just about everywhere lately!
I went out yesterday in about 8″ of snow while it was mid-storm. Gorgeous. 🙂
For me the rules are mainly awareness and safety:
– Take off the earbuds. Wear a hat that is based on tech materials, not bulk. Make sure you can hear stuff.
– Wear proper layers, and be ready for snow/ice/slush to get inside your shoes.
– Follow road rules – run against traffic.
– Be visible – reflective gear mid-day might seem silly, but it isn’t.
– Be EXTRA defensive in your running. A friend found a patch of black ice by watching a car just ahead slide … nasty fall averted!
Remember that your nose is exposed when you run without face coverage, so in sub-zero wind chills you have limited time (or get a balaclava like I have).
And just be safe.
Awesome tips! Safety is definitely the #1 priority. I can suck it up and deal with cold and wind but I don’t like constantly being worried about falling or cars not seeing me. But you also made a good point about face coverage, I will keep that in mind! Thanks for sharing!
It’s probably a good thing if the state shuts down for just a few inches! People drive like crazies up here in Massachusetts, especially when it’s snowing! I’m too afraid of getting hit by a car to go running in the snow (if it’s a pretty fresh snowfall).
I tm’ed it today…it was only 3 degrees here in Mass., and I don’t run in temps lower than 36.
Yea even though Maryland closes everything, people still go out anyway and drive poorly. The area where I run has a lot of sidewalks, residential areas, and the inner harbor promenade so I’m not running close to cars. The cold is rough to run in but personally I think wind is the worst!
Your run sounds a lot like my run today! I struggled to find five miles too. The sidewalks were completely out of the question. I definitely went a lot slower than normal.
Glad I’m not the only one:)
You are way more brave than me. As soon as it gets cold it’s the treadmill for me, as much as I like running outside I’m a baby when it comes to the cold!
I don’t mind the cold so much as the wind! And I realllly dislike the treadmill so that’s my other reason for braving the cold.
The treadmill just ain’t my thing so I brave the cold weather! W ehaven’t had much snow lately but lots of rain!
You’re lucky you haven’t had too much cold weather! I don’t mind the rain too much. Anything to avoid the treadmill:)
I moved from upstate to New Jersey this year and I agree with you, people here do not know how to handle the snow. Everything shut down and 2 days later the snow is still on the roads! Glad you braved the weather and got your run in!
Yes it is pretty crazy how poorly the snow gets cleaned up. My husband is from Ohio and I am from New York, so we are always so surprised at what a mess it is in Maryland!
You’re intrepid! I really struggle to stay engaged when I’m on the treadmill, but I do use it when the roads are icy or the wind is over 10mph. Straight-up cold I can handle (I’m in upstate NY), but that stuff makes me a wimp. Cheers!
I will also use a treadmill if its icy or really cold, but most of the time I prefer to just run outside. I get so bored on the treadmill!