Braving winter weather

By Alesha L. Crews

CORRIDOR — While some may view the winter as a time best spent curled up on the couch with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, many area runners use the season to train for upcoming road races.

For those who are turned off by treadmills or making countless loops around an indoor track, this means braving the cold temperatures, snow and ice to run outside.

Cedar Rapids native Lucas Fritch began running three years ago while training for the annual Pigman Long Course and Olympic Triathlon in Palo, and has been hooked on the sport ever since.

“I like that running is endurance-based,” he said.” It’s not necessarily about being the fastest runner; it’s about wanting to finish.”

Mr. Fritch, a sophomore at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., is training in preparation for road races and triathlons in the spring. He admits that it’s difficult to stay motivated in the winter.

“I don’t really like running in the snow,” Mr. Fritch, who said he splits his time between running outdoors and on an indoor track in the winter. “It’s hard to know what to wear to keep yourself warm without sweating.”

Running Wild Store Manager Phil Young said having the right gear is essential for successfully running outdoors in the winter.

“Wearing the right clothes can change the whole experience,” he said. “No matter what you wear the first five or 10 minutes are going to feel cold, but after that you are going to feel good.”

Mr. Young said cold hands are a big issue for many runners, so the most important piece of gear is a nice pair of performance-minded mittens or gloves.

In addition, it’s essential to properly layer your clothing. Mr. Young said runners should start with a base layer that wicks away moisture, followed by a warming layer, and topped with a windproof shell.

“You want to wear materials that aren’t going to get soaking wet with sweat and make you cold,” Mr. Young said.

Many runners use their regular running shoes throughout the winter, but others prefer trail-specific running shoes because they offer more traction on the ice, he said.

Mr. Fritch said he’s likes using Yaktrax, removable cleats that add traction to standard running shoes.

“When you have them on you don’t need to worry about slipping in the snow or ice,” he said.

Mr. Young said a good way for runners to keep themselves motivated in the winter is to participate in group runs.

“In the winter, especially, people need that,” he said. “They need something to get them out and to stick with it. When training gets difficult, it’s nice to have people around for encouragement and to hold you accountable.”

Running Wild has been organizing group runs in the Corridor since the Coralville location opened in 1999. The store now hosts more than 100 group runs throughout the year, according to its web site. Local running clubs across Iowa, including the Cedar Rapids-based Cedar Valley Running Association, also organize group runs throughout the year.

These group runs help create a community of runners and bring a social aspect to the sport, Mr. Young said.

Those not interested in braving the winter weather should focus on staying active in the winter months, Mr. Young said, noting that the time can be focused on cross-training activities like swimming, weight lifting and playing team sports, such as basketball.

“There is plenty to be done inside,” he said. “Anything you can do to stay active is going to be helpful.”