Winter Running Questions

At what temperature does it become socially inappropriate for runners to train in shorts?

Probably one of my favourite questions yet. And not because it’s an obvious one.

In most cultures, the moment that frost covers the ground, runners shed their shorts and begin training in warm leggings and thick socks.

Meanwhile, in Canada, it is not unusual to see a runner headed down a snow covered street with a winter coat and shorts. The reality is, it all comes down to personal preference. If you are comfortable wearing shorts in the polar vortex, then go out and train with confidence!

Wanting to rock your shorts, but you cannot stand the thought of bearing your legs to Canadian temperatures? There is always the ever fashionable shorts over tights look for you to try.

The good news is, runners have a reputation for being more or less socially inappropriate in our workout attire to begin with, so you really cannot go wrong.

Happy running!

What is the etiquette for running on narrowly shovelled sidewalks with pedestrians and other runners?

The answer to this will be different depending on who you are asking. For many people, running on a busy sidewalk is not great etiquette to begin with.

When the sidewalks become narrow or it is a busy section of time, I do my best to avoid it if I can. Often narrow, snow covered sidewalks are icy and it can be dangerous to be running into pedestrian traffic as it is more likely to trip or fall. Use this opportunity to find alternate routes and try out new places to run such as parks or side streets.

If you must run in a busy area with narrow sidewalks, be sure to give the pedestrians or runners plenty of room and be willing to stop and let them pass if need be.

If you have a running question, email it to [email protected].