Snow Running

1. Freshly fallen snow is a great shock absorber. If you have the chance to run on a trail or grassy field with three or four inches of the new stuff your joints will thank you.

2. Better traction can usually be found where the snow is less packed. Be careful, though, since newly fallen snow can cover a slick sheet of ice underneath it.

3. Snow can nicely hide roots, sidewalk cracks and fallen objects, too. A pair of sunglasses with yellow lenses will help you to see the relief patterns on snow.

4. It's okay to cut your mileage when running through snow. You are working harder to travel through snow than you ever do running on a dry surface. Don't overtrain just to jot down the same distances you ran this summer in your logbook.

5. Remember that running through snow will force stabilizing muscles on the inner and out part of your legs to work harder than usual. Try to ease into snow running to avoid injuries to these muscles.

6. Walking may seem like wimping out, but it beats slipping and falling when you try to dash across a slick stretch of glazed ice.

7. Snow can be used as a tool to give you a good resistance workout. Try vigorous bounding through deep snow for a great strength workout. Naturally, be careful of your footing.

8. Snow gives you a couple of great cross-training possibilities. Why not give Nordic skiing or snowshoeing a try?