Tips for Running in a Snow Storm

I live in Mammoth Lakes, CA, and there is a winter storm warning in effect. I am still breathing hard from the run I just went on. This is a new one for my running log: 25 minute run around town, conditions = snowing, 25°F, wind 15-30mph. And it was a great run. Here are some tips doing a quick run in a snow storm (which is only advised if you are already comfortable in harsh elements and with dealing with traffic):

(1) Plot out your course beforehand: Avoid streets - cars can skid and snow plows are at work. Know where the sidewalks get plowed and stay on them. Or find a very empty street that has been plowed.

(2) YakTrax: I just bought some and they are great! $20 at Footloose Sports in Mammoth and they easily strap on the bottom of your running shoes. You can turn on a dime on slick ice! But they don't keep you afloat on powder, I found out. They are good on up to 1" of new snow and are perfect on ice and packed powder.

(3) Eye protection: Next time I'll wear some. I had to squint a lot and stop one time when a very large snowflake hit my eye. I guess I thought sunglasses would fog up and get wet from the snow and my snowboarding goggles would look too dorky. Maybe even a hat with a bill would help keep snow from hitting my eyes.

(4) Dry Equipment: I lucked out - my thicker pair of Asics socks kept my feet warm & dry and my cross-country ski pants were dry and very mobile. And any of the running shirts (often donated by Asics) you get when you are a member of the High Sierra Striders wicks away moisture.

(5) Wear Dark clothes: When the wind kicked up and created a temporary white-out, I was glad to be wearing black pants and a dark blue jacket - that way, the two loaders that were in the street could see me (hopefully).

(6) Don't mind the yells: I just got yelled at from a guy in the back seat of an SUV. An out-of-towner, excited to be in Mammoth yelled, "you ain't from around here, are you?" I ignored it, knowing he wasn't from around here.

He might have thought I was crazy to be running in this storm, but it sure beats running in a sweaty gym on a treadmill!