Safe Winter Walks

Winter is here and with it slippery conditions. As we know from our walking friends, there is a real risk of injury as we are outside for a longer than usual time compared to many other people. Here are things to keep in mind to minimize the risk.

• Watch the weather forecast carefully, particularly for days where a freeze follows a warmer day
• Sidewalks at the end of driveways are especially prone to icy patches from the runoff
• Walk with a buddy
• Have your phone with you at all times
• Consider indoor walks (PATH, treadmill) when conditions outside are treacherous

Anti-slip footwear is also a big help. There are a few choices and approaches.

• Add-on chains/cleats, such as Yak-Traks. Pros are cheap, easy to find (Shoppers) and fairly effective. Cons is they can slip off and get lost, and not as accommodating when conditions go from snow and ice to bare asphalt.
• Embedded anti-slip treads, such as Vibram’s Arctic Grip and Mark’s IceFX. These are more versatile for various surfaces, including wearable indoors, and provide some enhanced grippage, depending on the surface. However, this type of shoe can be more expensive and harder to find. For running shoes, Saucony seems the one to get (Peregrine Ice+ and model Razor models). Amazon seems to have a good selection.
• Studded soles, such as IceBUGs. The most positive grip of any shoe I’ve tried. Downside is they are the hardest to find, can be pricey, the studs will wear off in time (so far so good though for me) if you walk on mixed conditions and not recommended to wear indoors on hard surface like tiles and terrazzo.

No perfect solution but with a mix of caution and the right gear, it can be safe to be out there.

Weekly Walks

We are watching the forecast carefully for Saturday’s offsite walk. Road conditions will be similar wherever we go, but there is some concern wind could play a factor. It will feel cold regardless, so dress well. The Highland Creek path is sheltered by trees which could mitigate the wind chill so is still in play, but keep checking the comments, your email and WhatsApp should the situation change.

Brunch is definitely on.