Winter Running Prep (and YaxTrax Pro Giveaway!)
November 30, 2009 by Bryon Powell · 70 Comments
Winter Running Resources
If you stop by iRF looking for our latest winter-related articles, click on the Winter Running tab at the top of every page or use our winter running tag URL. If you’re looking for something more specific winter running advice, below are some examples.
Gear Resources
Last winter, we pulled together a series of winter running traction device reviews. The series, which focuses on over-the-shoe devices, includes separate reviews of the Kahtoola MICROspikes, the Kako Ice Trekkers Ultra (discontinued), STABILicers SPORT, and the YakTrax Pro – our top pick in the lot. Stay tuned for an overview of other winter running traction methods later this winter.
We’ve also reviewed some shoes that are particularly suited for winter, such as the Inov-8 Roclite 312 GTX, the Asics Gel-Arctic WR 2, the Inov-8 Mudclaw 330, and the La Sportiva Crosslite. We’ll also publish a quick review of Saucony’s ProGrid Razor in the coming weeks.
If you’re looking for ways to stay warm, take a look at our reviews of Moeben Arm Sleeves, the Original Buff, the Merino Wool Buff, and the Lululemon Sergeant Jacket.
Articles and Entertainment
We’ve also got a couple winter articles that you might enjoy. First off, there’s one discussing the merits (or lack thereof) of snowshoe running. Then there’s Kevin Sullivan’s highly entertaining Why I Hate/Love Winter Running. If you enjoy Kevin’s winter running article, check out his poignant Will Running on the Treadmill Make You Insane?
Winter Survival Box Giveaway!
We’re sure that you haven’t forgotten about about the YakTrax Pro giveaway and neither have we! To enter, leave a comment on this post (we’d love to hear about what running fun you’ve got planned for this winter) before Friday, December 4 at 5 p.m. to be eligible. We’ll post the results on Monday, December 7. Be sure to let us know who you are in your comment. We find that first name, last initial, and location is good enough. That said, you’ve got to be in the US or Canada to win.
Don’t forget that this is a Winter Survival package that you’ll receive if you’re one of the five lucky winners. Each winner will receive the following items courtesy of Implus Footcare:
- YakTrax Pro;
- Little Hotties Warmers (hand and toe warmers);
- A pack of Granger’s 2-in-1 Wash and Waterproofer detergent (like the name suggests, it cleans, deodorizes and waterproofs any machine-washable item);
- Sof Sole socks; and
- A Sof Sole insole.
A Favor
We don’t make you “do” anything to enter this giveaway. No need to fill out a form, sign up for this, or subscribe to that. However, if you appreciate iRunFar and what it does, we just ask that you spread the word. You could share news of this giveaway with others or tell them about the website on your next run.
While you’re at it, consider further embracing the iRunFar community through one of the following options. Not only will they keep you better informed (we share different news on the website, the Facebook fan page, and Twitter), but you’ll help us out, too!
- Subscribe to iRunFar via RSS or via email
- Become a fan of iRunFar on Facebook
- Follow iRunFar on Twitter
Related posts:
- Winter Running Traction Devices This past Friday, after 14 months of waiting, I finally got the chance to try the Kahtoola MICROspikes [iRF MICROspike preview]… and that’s not all. When I traveled north to...
- YakTrax Pro Giveway Winners! The winners of iRunFar's Winter Survival Package with YakTrax Pro giveaway....
- Trail Running Gear Guide Trail Running Gear Reviews and Previews iRunFar’s trail running and ultramarathon gear reviews currently cover trail running shoes, road running shoes, apparel, headwear, packs and hydration systems, lighting and night...
. You pay the same low price and we get a little something to cover our expenses!
I would love some winter gear to keep up my training.
Dylan B, Aliso Viejo, CA
Keep up the great posts!
Marc Griffin, Stuarts Draft Va
Add my name to the list, with Hellgate coming up very quickly and I heard of a new race in WV Jan 2 this gear would be great.
Thanks
Turi Becker, Reno, NV
Tried some screws in the soles of old shoes last year, and it worked pretty well, but the YakTrax could go on any shoes. Thanks.
I'm training for my first marathon this winter!
Brian Followell, Upper Arlington, OH
Training for my first 50M Ultra this winter. This gear would be great!
Here in North Dakota, a winter running package is just the thing! thanks much, Randy Snyder
Just trying to get as many miles in as possible to get ready for 2010.
Dylan W, Minneapolis, MN
Heya Bryon!
I'd love some winter gear to help me get through the snowy season we'll be entering here soon! Rocky Raccoon is almost a go, so that means training through all the snow and ice, yippee!
Paige T., Chicago, IL
Hi!!
I'm ramping up the miles training for The Coastal Challenge in January – brr!
Campbell River, BC, Canada
I would also appreciate getting some more winter running stuff. going to be my first winter out running loooonnnggggg! :)
mostly ice, some snow. :)
gino a, chicago, il
Hi Bryon….
I actually started using the Yaktrax last winter here in New Hampshire after screwing my shoes for years…so I have a pair, but Deb doesn't yet, so add my name!
We're hoping to be back in the Jemez Mountains of NM before winter is finished with us, but when we lived there in '06 and '07 we got 5 feet of snow! (It was just a LOT warmer) :-)
Steve
it'll be my first winter running season ever, so I need all the help I can get!
Bobby L., New Milford, CT
Holly McC
San Ramon, CA
Some new running gear would certainly help keep me motivated this winter since my running buddies are all fair weather runners and dropping like flies :D
Plenty of freezing runs ahead for me! Patrick Garcia, Denver, CO.
Benoit C, Montreal, Qc, Canada
Cold weather and snow… Winter is coming! But it's definitively not a reason to stop running. Your winter gear would be great for those upcoming months.
Thanks for your posts
mud mud mud mud mud
mud ice mud ice mud ice ice
winter is sick sweet
You may recognize that haiku, but I swear it is not plagiarized.
Sitting next to a gym teacher that just did some crazy trail run, recommended the shoes that Sparky recommended, and may be signing up for some crazy mud-races soon, running fast is not going to happen anytime soon so getting dirty seems like a good alternative.
keep up the good work boss.
Kapokkid, I do, indeed, recognize the influence of your haiku and it begs the question, who are you? I do not mean that in the metaphysical sense, but the more common Western personal-identity based sense.
Love this giveaway!
Joe Pope, Washington, DC
Please add me to the list! I love your site – it's incredibly helpful!
Also, could send me an iRunFar bumper sticker (if you have any left)? You can just put it in the box with the Hardrocks I'm going to win from the Black Friday giveaway!
Thanks!
Kevin T, Portland, OR
Training though the winter for first 100 miler at Bighorn. Slick always and icy at times…
go through this stuff like crazy in MN – Home of the Arrowhead 135.
Winter is the time of year to rack up the long slooow miles.
Andy S. MN
Joe,
Just in case you don't win, can you shoot me your mailing address via the contact form so I can send you the sticker regardless? :-)
Anyone who plans early season races knows that the secret to success in the warm days of summer are lots of cold lonely miles in winter.
As an avid snowshoer myself I definitely know the limitations of these on steep terrain. The YakTrax could be very helpful indeed.
Brad Nicholson
Alexandria, VA
Spring marathon training!
Kelly T, Portland, OR
Christy Drimmel, Sudbury, ON
Will hopefully be driving down to Creemore with my iRunFar bumper sticker proudly displayed for a fun 'little' jaunt on icy and/or muddy trails in January, in preparation for my first 50 miler in Sulphur Springs… which is in preparation for my first 12 hour… which is in reparation for my first 100 miler… which is in preparation for death shortly thereafter…
Love iRunFar! In fact I need to get a bumper sticker as well.
I am in dire need of ways to avoid the dreaded winter wipe-outs seen in my neck of the woods. Really any wipe-outs since I just took another nasty tumble this weekend.
Thanks and keep up the great work!!Pam W, Westland, MI
Pam,
Shoot me your mailing address and I'll send you an iRunFar bumper sticker!
-Bryon
Byron,
I'd love a set. I promise not to treat them nice. In fact, I'd stomp all over them. I have enough trouble keeping my Clydesdaleness upright in the mud, much less the snow and ice. Think of it as a service to our parks…You may save the poor sapling(s) I'm fated to collide with this winter. I lack Hoyawolf's "light" stride in the woods – especially downhill, so any edge I can get, I'll take. He actually took me up ice covered trails over Garmisch Germany last year that had potential for serious damage if you left the trail. The guy can run on anything. Bob Holzhauer – Northern Virginia's version of the Sasquatch.
I would love to get in on this. I want to be outside on the snow and ice this winter either with traction or snowshoes, and as a stay-at-home dad, I need a way to enjoy an eastern Canada winter.
I would also be nice to have some road and trail legs come spring.
Jody S
Fredericton, NB
Canada
Hi Bryon,
Chris, Honesdale, PA
Here in northeast PA we have what seems to be 6 months of winter–last year we had snow from October to April. This package would be great.
Thanks for the great posts!
I would love some winter gear! I am going to try to get out to the Grand Canyon in January, so this would come in handy.
Dustin Meyer
Lawrence,KS
Ivy Chastain, Reno, NV
I'm training for my first 50k next spring, some winter gear will help keep me in line in training this winter and hit some trails up in Tahoe
I would definitely appreciate some winter gear. I'm doing the Tecumseh trail marathon Dec 5th, and some other shortish trail races this winter, but I've got to keep my mileage up this year because I have a pretty big race I want to do in July that might have the letters V and T in it.
Sarah J, Marengo IL
I'd love some winter gear and happy to spread the word….Terry R, Massachusetts
I need to keep my running up this winter as I plan on doing my first Ulta in June with a spring 'training' marathon as well.
Keep up the good work on the blog!
David M. Ely, Okemos, MI
Bryon
Can't turn down a chance for some cool winter gear here in the North East.
Just learned about iRunFar a few months ago and am a fan. Will sign up today. Keep it up.
EricG
Briarcliff Manor, NY
Well, the iRunFar bumper sticker has advertised itself so far in Tahoe, Santa Barbara, Richmond and various other locales in California.
If I win the Yaktrax, I'm heading to Yosemite. Be prepared.
Hoping to get into MMT and start winter training on the A/T in another month. Bill Susa, Burkittsville, MD
Time to start banking some mileage in the frozen high plateau desert!
Alex Jones Pocatello, ID
watchung winter ultra- with 7 or 8 of my running buddies
plus love the yax!!!!!!
I live in Montana. 'Nuff said.
Rebecca Shaw
Helena, MT
I am running my first Ultra in Mid January, the Swamp Stomper 50k and would love to try out some winter gear in my training.
Frazer G., Memphis, TN
Definitely need the Trax for winters in Vermont! Great for doing a little "off roading" too.
Winter running in Tucson is a joy…! It's summer that kicks your butt. That said, if you run up on Mt. Lemmon you could be in for a wild slide if you don't have your Yak's strapped on…!
Jerry C, Tucson, AZ
Running while its dark out isn't fun, but preparing for Mountain Mist, Mt Mitchell Challenge and Umstead is fun. Maybe winter running isn't that bad!
Albie W.
Atlanta, GA
You all rock! Add my name to the list. I'd love to have some great winter gear for Hellgate, the Frosty Foot Fest, Mount Mitchell Challenge, and other races I've got coming up. Thanks a million!
Oops! My name/address didn't make it on my last post. Thanks again!
Will Jorgensen
Maryville, TN
Always need winter gear in Logan, UT
Jon Allen
I'm looking forward to running this winter! This is my second winter running and my first with the intentions of trails…
Love the site and the Twitter updates!
The snow has arrived here in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. I'm doing the Mississippi Blues marathon for some warm weather R&R….
Rebecca Sudduth, Charlottesville, VA
Training for my first 50 miler this winter, Rocky Racoon. Going to try to keep those trail mile on the AT going to keep me sane.
Thanks!
More give-aways. Wow, thank you.
My favorite winter running activity is pulling the kids in our chariot xc ski trailer while running in snowshoes. I don't rack up the miles but the kids love the "sleigh ride".
Collen Godfrey
Ortonville, MI
I always run more trails in the winter…pls add me to the winter give away list.
Cheri Hall Meridian,Ms.
I love reading all your posts.
I've already started my running in the snow and cold. Yaktracks are my favorite too! I just need to find something that covers my nose and cheeks – i find that the buffs don't breathe well and just end up freezing.
Michele Jensen, Littleton, CO
Winter running is just better, especiialy in shorts (down to -4 last year!).
ReaganE, Levittown, NY
If I do not get any winter gear to train with I will just sit on the couch and get fat all winter.
In upstate NY, it feels like I'm running in the cold and snow most of the year. Bring it on!
Kelly H., Saratoga Springs, NY
Collen,
I love the XC ski chariot idea. I'm looking to snowshoe in a manner that will require lots of gear. Good to know that running and pulling are compatible… though I may have to go with a more frugal option.
I have the Mcnaughton 150 in MAY in VERMONT! And I live in New England so can you say lots of loooong miles in the snow and ice?
Did a couple of 50's this year… 100 is next. Too much training to do on the treadmill so there will be a lot of time out with old man winter!
Jumping in on the Yaktrax giveaway. The running in NC during the winter is da shiz!! Just finished the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving and today I started my training plan for the Frosty 50 on Jan. 9th.
Hope all is well,
Jamie Moore
Lewisville, NC
Mark B Lees Summit, MO
Winter gear would be great, I plan to run all winter and am signed up for a 20 miler in Feb. I'll be screwing shoes or using Yaktrax.
Cole Mortellaro, Pittsburgh, PA
First 32 degree run this morning, winter is around the corner (or freezing rain as it comes here in Pittsburgh)!! I would love some winter gear to help get through the winter. Passing the good word, irunfar.com
Thanks again
Great giveaway. Aahh, to be warm, cozy and slip free ! sounds like a great run!
Heather V.
Will T.
Fall City, WA
Could have used these during last weeks race. 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and lots of ice/snow. Thanks Implus!
Switching from a roadie to a trailhead the gear would definately come in handy.
Love the site/blog.
Be well – Sank
Todd S. Mansfield, Massachusetts
sanksrunningrants.blogspot.com
Love that slippery sting of snowy running. Can't wait for it to hit in full force. Thanks Bryon!
-Jake M, Dayton, OH
I just bought some as an xmas gift for "someone" now I'll need some for myself! "someone" is headed to Reno for work all winter, and I will be in Tahoe lots for some snowy altitude running!
Well, Vibram KSO's don't work very well in snow. I only made it a mile and a half before frostbite started to set in. So I'd love a pair for the long, icy, Idaho Falls winter.
Winter holding off back in DC, but I'm hoping for better snow this year and a chance for some xc skiing.