Seriously, have you tried navigating the sidewalks lately?
It’s all ice, black ice and snow. You could easily pull a hammy, break a bone or end up looking like a dork slipping head over heels.
So you have a few alternatives: You can put screws in your shoes, succumb to the dreaded treadmill, run in super slow motion or just nix the whole persuit, altogether. None of these options sound attractive to me.
Enter: Yaktrax.
The hottest item of the winter, they are essentially steel coils connected to a rubber backing that you strap on the bottom of your shoes and provide extra traction on wintery terrain.
Yaktrax were sold out when I recently visited the downtown Laacke and Joys, and the next time I went there were maybe three left. The salesperson said it was their fourth shipment of the winter, and they’d just come in. Time to re-order again.
But before I plunked down $30, I got the scoop from my beer-drinking, trail-running, miracle-working, ninja acupuncturist Jennifer Bertram. She got a pair this fall, and uses them 3-5 times a week for anywhere from 4-10-mile runs.
It’s safe to say she likes them.
“I was AMAZED by how well I was able to keep my stride strong and safe,” she said. “It finally feels great to be able to go for a run in the winter and keep the heart rate up, not having to slow down due to the elements or any mishap due to ice.”
She said these allow her to get in her long runs.
“There is no way I would be able to get these long runs in without the Yaktrax, it would simply take up too much time.” she said. “Or I would have to use a treadmill more, and I am not a happy runner on a treadmill.”
And they aren’t just for runners.
“In fact, I am buying a pair for my mom so she can enjoy her winter time fresh air by taking a walk safely,” Jennifer said.
I was sold. I picked up a pair at Laacke’s.
Oh man, are they fun.
They provide incredible control, yet are lightweight and unobtrusive. Even running on bare sidewalk felt natural.
And they’re fun. I actually found myself running toward patches of ice, like a kid who purposely jumps in puddles. Probably not a good idea. As the box warns: “Although Yaktrax will aid in walking on ice and packed snow, Yaktrax will not eliminate the inherent risks of such conditions.”
Occasionally, I found myself slipping ever so slightly on glare ice. So they’re not quite snowshoes. But for running, it’s a dramatic improvement over bare shoes.
My verdict: If you have to run outside, get them. It’s a whole lot cheaper than going to the doctor.
