I can’t help but feel that we live a bit of a charmed life here in Vancouver. With moderate winter temperatures and no serious threat of ice or snow, our biggest winter running obstacle is soggy feet. Charmed as it is, naïve we are not. We asked some of our favourite runners how they combat winter running in some of the bitterest cities.
1.injinji toesock
“With Vibrams® making a big splash this summer, these toe socks are a winter necessity for all ‘barely there’ barefoot running enthusiasts.”
–Jonas Caruana, ambassador, Montreal
2. brisk run toque
“A beanie is a must!”
–Tom Cripps, ambassador New York City
3. brisk run gloves
“Hands can get chilly (especially if it’s windy) so I turn to these gloves. I especially love the touchscreen-friendly finger tips!”
– Andy Nelson, ambassador, New York City
4. yaktrax® crampons
“When the road is super snowy or icy, I strap a set of Yaxtrax onto my runners to help me get a grip on the slippery spots."
– Sam Sykes, ambassador, Toronto
5. wind and water resistant jacket
“Winter runs along the rivers here in NYC only happen when I wear a windproof jacket. My new go-to is the Run: Essential Jacket.”
– Abby Bales, ambassador, New York City
6. little hotties®
“If it’s super cold (below 20 degrees) I put warmers inside my sneakers on top of my toes. They keep my feet warm for the whole run!”
– Terrance Gerchberg, ambassador, New York City
7. cytomax® energy drink
“For long runs, I heat up a Cytomax® Energy Drink (my personal fave) and put it in an insulated water bottle so it doesn't freeze. It also helps if you mix a more saturated drink - more powder less water. It’s a chemistry trick that will slow down the freezing process.”
– Dawn Nida, ambassador, Boston
8. gor-tex® running shoes
“These are a game changer! They look and feel exactly like regular runners, except they keep your feet completely dry while running in rain, puddles or through trails. Wet, soggy feet are a thing of the past.”
– Lindsay, video/photo producer, store support centre
May these products keep you warm, dry and upright during your coldest, iciest winter runs. And hey, if Mother Nature really unloads you can always get yourself a pair of running snowshoes. Anyone ever tried them?
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