This year’s Snowzilla, aka the Blizzard of 2016, dumped around 2 feet of snow in and around Washington, DC. Traffic came to a virtual standstill for several days, as neighborhoods took days to get plowed.
Shoveling snow was fun for a few days, but then my “runners itch” was back. I invested in a pair of Yaktrax (about $30-40) and this was the time to try them out. Running in the deep snow was impossible, but our neighbors simply laid tracks by walking. Using those tracks, running made for an intense workout, even with Yaktrax.
YakTrax and Running in the Snow
The Yaktrax are easy to put on, just slip them over your trail shoes and tighten the top velcro. They may also be a good idea for regular shoes to add traction in snowy weather.
5 Benefits Of Wearing YakTrax While Running In Snow
- Enhanced Traction on Ice and Snow: The primary benefit of YakTrax is its ability to provide increased grip on icy or snow-covered surfaces. This reduces the risk of slips and falls, which can be a significant hazard when running in winter conditions.
- Maintaining Training Consistency: For avid runners, maintaining a consistent training schedule is crucial, regardless of the season. With YakTrax, they can continue their running routine outdoors without being hindered by snowy or icy conditions.
- Injury Prevention: Slipping on ice is not just about the immediate fall; it can lead to long-term injuries that can significantly reduce a runner’s progress. By providing better stability, YakTrax can help in reducing the risk of these injuries.
- Confidence Boost: Knowing that they have better traction can give runners the confidence to maintain their pace and stride, which can be hindered by the fear of slipping on icy surfaces. This psychological benefit is as important as the physical one.
- Versatility and Ease of Use: YakTrax are easy to put on and take off, and they can be used on a variety of shoes. This means runners don’t need specialized winter running shoes; they can convert their regular running shoes into winter-ready gear.
Features of the Yaktrax
- Made of high-strength rubber
- 1.4 mm steel coils and spikes (gives good traction)
- Right and left foot design makes for a great fit
I would recommend them for packed snow rather than fresh powder. I love running in my Yaktrax (so does my husband), and we can’t wait to use them in the future
Happy Snow days! Heike