Running in the snow is slow

12 miles today. It was Steve, Dave and I. Talk about a beautiful day - at least when we started. I think it was around -2 or so as we set off and the sun was shining. Unfortunately as the day went on the sun disappeared and the wind picked up. Running along the river on a windy day isn't fun...especially when there is snow on the ground. Steve had hoped for 'wind swept' running paths but instead most of the time we were running through snow drifts.

I had anticipated running at about a 10 minute per mile pace for the whole run. That would have us finishing the 12 miles in 2 hours. We opted to follow a 10 and 1 routine (10 minutes running, 1 minute walking) for the run and I think it worked out well. In the end, I finished the run in 2 hours, 3 minutesand 44 seconds; Steve was 15 seconds faster than me and Dave was a couple of minutes behind me. All in all not a bad day. Next week's 13 miles should be fun, hopefully the weather is nice. I'll have to remember to ask Grant if he'd like to come along...

Update: If you landed here looking for some tips on running in cold weather, here are a few.

First, if it is -30C (-22F) or colder, you do not have to be a hero. Find an alternative to running outside. This could be a great day for cross-training.

1. Wear three layers: base layer, insulating layer and windproof shell. Some clothing is quite efficient, such as Fit-Wear, and if you have this two layers will suffice.

2. Do not expose too much skin. Keep all extremities covered, i.e. ears, hands, wrists, ankles and neck. Your respiratory area (nose and mouth) will stay warm because of the breathing business going on.

3. Apply Bodyglide or another type of body lubricant to any exposed skin to help protect it from the wind and drying effects of the cold.

4. Run in small loops close to your home base. If you find it is getting unbearable, you will not be too far away from shelter.

5. Bring cab fare, cell phone and ID.

6. Tell someone where you are going (route map) and give that person an idea of your approximate time of arrival.

7. If you start to detect frostbite, seek shelter immediately and warm up. Do not stay out any longer.