This time of year usually brings lots of snow to Nova Scotia, however it can be hit or miss depending on the temperatures. At the moment we have a few cm of snow on the ground, enough to make winter running a challenge.
Depending on the roads, I either run in just my sneakers or I throw on my yak tracks like I did this weekend. There are few people that put studs (or screws) on an older pair of sneakers and that works too. I’m thinking of putting some screws on a pair when I don’t want to wear my yak tracks but want some stability on the ice and snow.
We had a busy weekend of a basketball jamboree, library for the kids and cleaning the house for me, skating and then a Christmas sock exchange party for our kids.
![Picture_20171218_094241509[1]](https://pipersrun.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/picture_20171218_0942415091.jpg?w=413&h=413)
I’m not ready for Christmas and feeling completely unorganized but have a plan in place to get back on track before the holidays. It’s a different one this year as my husband who’s a paramedic works ALL Christmas 😦 It sucks big time but that’s life as we know it. We’re moving a few things around and Christmas will look a little different this year but we’re making the most of it.
Saturday afternoon while my parents were visiting and had the girls at the library, I snuck out for a 45 minute run. It was just what I needed. Yak tracks, Carmacks, snowy trails and me.
![IMG_20171216_160751_133[1]](https://pipersrun.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/img_20171216_160751_1331.jpg?w=372&h=465)
It was bloody cold out! It was -5c (23f) but felt like -11c (12f) and though I was dressed warm it was still a cold run. Eventually, I got used the the temperatures as my body warmed up but this was my first COLD run of the winter. I basically wear the same things when I run but layer up my core as the temperature drops more.
Winter running is always slower running for me and I’m just find with that. Carmacks is loving life running with us. Between Friday running with my husband (7k) and 6k with me Saturday he sure is raking up the mileage!
![Picture_20171218_095805183[1]](https://pipersrun.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/picture_20171218_0958051831.jpg?w=301&h=534)
We’ve been working on turning around and running back towards the location we just came from and managed it pretty smoothly this time. It’s all a learning curve for us. It’s amazing how he can remember which way we have gone when having to decided between left (haw) and right (gee). I often didn’t even have to give him the commands (for lack of better word) to tell him which way to turn, he remember through scent I guess. He does not like stopping to pose for a photo!
How was your weekend?
Anyone else running in the snow?
What’s your best tip for snowy runs?
Piper's Run 
As a nurse who has worked many Christmases, I get it! Yes, it sucks, but I guess what really sucks is for the people who need our services on the holidays. We always made the best of it at home and it worked out just fine. Enjoy your holidays! Nice snowy runs.
Yes, I really hope there aren’t sick people that need his services. It’s such a hard time of year for people. We too will just make the most of it!
I love snowy running and hope we have at one chance to use my Yaktrax this winter. So far just some slushy icy junk not good for running
Love my yaktrax! Hope you get to use yours!!
Yikes, that is cold! I’ve been afraid to try putting studs in my shoes. For now, I am being lazy and treadmilling it. I absolutely love the idea of a Christmas sock exchange. I might have to do this next year!
The Christmas sock exchange was a lot of fun!!! I’m going to treadmill it tonight as my husband is working but I do love a good winter run.
Whoa! That’s really cold and you handled it like a champ! I’m hoping to get a pair of YakTracks for Christmas so I can still run outside when it’s really snowy.
It was pretty cold but it’s just going to get worse as the winter goes by! It’s all good. Once you get running in it you get used to it and then all of a sudden Spring arrives 🙂
I’m always amazed how much colder the same temps feel when there’s snow on the ground (because the snow keeps my feet cold). We still have not had any snow in Iowa…but I think some its headed our way on Thursday…
You know what, my feet were soaked when I got home and I had no clue. They weren’t cold but main they were wet!!! Hope it’s a good amount of snow but not too much!
I think the cold in your area is similar to ours when it is cold… moist and cold FEELS colder. Glad you are getting out. Stay safe and dry and warm!
I don’t run, but I looove snowshoeing and getting out in the snow. But we haven’t had hardly any this year so I’m super jealous of you all! I’m hoping the snow they are predicting for us this weekend will come true!
No snow here, so I have no idea about running in it! I love that your pup is responding to voice commands like that. The pugs are way too stubborn and lazy LOL!
Great week!
He is a retired sled dog so he’s been trained well!
Nice job with your snowy runs. We’ve had just a little snow here and I got to run in it just as it was starting. I love snow runs but they do feel colder!
Bummer that your husband has to work on Christmas – I hope with a little juggling you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday.
Yes, hopefully all works out that we can spend some time together as a family.
I’m one of those people with the studs in the bottom of their shoes. 😉 But I much prefer my trail shoes for winter running since they’re weather-resistant as well. Makes for less cold/wet toes.
Yes! Your post recently was awesome on this! I’m eyeing some trail running shoes too! I have a pair of gators (like neoprene socks) that I can wear to keep my feet dry and warm. I just wasn’t expecting me feet to be soaked!
I find I don’t need gaiters unless there’s a lot of water crossings. The trail shoes and mid-length socks work pretty well!
These gators are different. They are like neoprene ankle socks not the gaiters that go up your leg to cover your ankle! They are amazing! https://ca.shop.runningroom.com/gear/footwear-accessories/gator-sports-sport-sock.html
Ohhhhh… those are cool! I’ve never seen those before. Maybe I need to try them!!
They are awesome for wet or really cold days!
They’re calling for snow tomorrow so I might be pulling out my yak trax too!
I hadn’t heard of a Christmas sock exchange – what a fun idea! My FIL was a pilot, so they often celebrated Christmas on a different day. It just makes the fun last longer!
You’re definitely getting into the “too cold to run outside” for my pleasure, but we’ve had a few snowflakes here too, no accumulation yet. I’m loving it, but all of your snow is beautiful!
I’m visiting my folks out in NJ and there was snow on the ground during my long run. I used to run in it all the time, but since moving to Texas, it’s like I forgot how to deal haha.
Your dog must be the happiest creature with all that running togetherness! Mine collapse into a heap of despair going for a pee in the cold.
Love my screwed shoes, though be careful walking into a Starbucks that you don’t wipe out! Not quite as bad as walking on floors in yaktrax but close!
Merry Christmas!
Oh goodness! Thanks for the heads up about the screws on floors!
Thank you for your post. Our snow has melted, but your post has me so excited for when it snows again. I LOVE running in snow. That soft sound, the lighter footstep (on snow instead of pavement), the feeling of the snow on my face, the quiet. It’s such a blessing! I look forward to more of your stories. I am a blogger too, and love to write about running.