I know where Erie runners go in winter: The Wilderness Lodge ski touring lodge in Wattsburg.

I’ve spent the last couple weekends skiing at the lodge while Kelly and Lauren participate in the Wilderness Wildcats kid’s ski program, and I can’t count the number of ERC and Erie Triathlon folks I’ve seen on the trails working up a sweat on skis instead of Saucony’s.

I’ve run into Larry Kisielewski, Mary Kay Pazder, Craig Nivens, Jan Comi, Mike Vieyra, Dan & Nicolina Peirce, Jennifer Martin, Larry Mroz, Chris Borgia, and Rhonda Berlin…and probably another 10 people from various fitness circles that I know by sight, but not name.

Why ski?

Cross-country skiing is a natural transition for runners as traditional cross-country skiing technique closely mimics running. You just kick and glide. It’s simple really.  A step up from traditional XC skiing is skate-skiing, which is what many of the folks I saw are now into because it’s faster and more sweat-inducing (i.e., it’s more of a fitness workout).

Runners can see many benefits from cross-country skiing, not the least of which being that it’s a lower-impact activity (giving your body a much-needed winter break from running).  I also found that it was a killer upper body workout, too—something you definitely don’t get from running!

Get schooled

You can find all kinds of cross-country videos on YouTube, but I’d highly suggest you just pony up a few bucks and take a personalized lesson at the Wilderness Lodge like Dan & I did last week. (Read all about it in the Feb. 5 issue of Her Times magazine in the Erie Times-News).

I didn’t take long for us to learn the basics—how to kick & glide, how to stop, how to go down a hill and how to turn—and then we were off and skiing. And, it was a lot of fun.

I liked it so much that I went back the next week and skied for a couple hours in the winter wonderland that Mother Nature provided. Here are a few photos:

It just takes your breath away—not because it’s cold (because, trust me, you won’t be cold if you keep moving), but because it’s so absurdly beautiful. These photos don’t even begin to do the landscape justice. It was amazing and silent and peaceful. A few times, I stopped just to watch the snow fall, take in the scenery and thank God for the show. (Yeah, you read that right…I was grateful for SNOW!!!).

So, if you’re struggling to maintain mileage this winter and have sore hip from slogging through slushy, slippery long runs…you might want to give  it a rest, strap on a pair and join the rest of the runners at the lodge.

I’ll post a link to my story—with all the info you need to know— when it publishes in Her Times on Feb. 5. In the meantime, check out the lodge’s website, like their page on Facebook, and feel free to shoot me any questions you might have.

* Have you ever tried cross-country skiing? Not thrilling enough for you? Um..consider the ride out there, which is nothing short of an adventure!

* Did I mention the lodge has a full bar, homemade food, and rooms for rent?

* Ever find yourself doing really crazy stuff in winter, like singing and skipping through the grocery store because it’s snowing and you’re actually happy about that?

Seems appropriate on this — our 2nd snowfall (!!!) of the season — to post a link to this article from Runner’s World magazine with 5 cold-weather running tips.

Me? I opted out of an outdoor run today. I was supposed to meet a friend at 5:30 a.m., and I knew the minute I heard that wind blowing outside my window, I wasn’t going.  I did some cross-training and then hit the ‘mill for a couple miles. I hate the treadmill, but I hate snow hitting my face at gale force more.

Wherever you chose to run today, stay warm.

If you’re going to run or walk outside in Erie in winter, you are eventually going to have to deal with snow/ice/slush or some horrid combination of all three.

I almost always brave the elements because, in my book, freezing winds and feet of snow are preferable to the running on the “dreadmill” or running circles around all the gawkers on the machines at the gym.

Up until this week, we runners have had an ideal winter — cold (refreshing), but with solid footing and no precipitation or ice to deal with.

Then, we got what was coming to us. Couldn’t dodge that bullet forever.

But, you don’t have to let it stop you. You just need to get on solid footing.  Here are three good options:

1. Yaktrax Pro. Yaks are make of coil and rubber and they stretch over your running shoes for added traction on snow and ice. You may have seen them and wondered just how comfortable they are to run in? You’d be surprised. You don’t even notice them, unless you’re on pavement and, even then, it’s no more annoying than the scritch-scritch sound the coils make when hitting the pavement.

You can get Yaktrax at Achille’s Running Shop or the Erie Sports Store for $30 to $40. They usually sell two versions — “walkers” and “pro,” which are more expensive.  If you’re going to run with these, you want the Pro models. The difference is in how well they stay on your shoes; the “pro” version have extra straps to keep them secure.

Most people love them. Read a review by Mid West Running Mom and another good one by Predawn Runner.

I used to use Yaks, but got tired of wearing through two pairs every winter and, twice, they caused me to fall in mid-run when one of the rubber straps broke and a coil shimmied out and grabbed the lace of my other shoe (so…imagine running full out and someone ties your shoes together…bam…on ice. I’m still pissed). Plus, they are hard to get on & off.

So, I switched to ….

2. Stabilicers Sport. These winter cleats have hard rubber lugs and nine 1/8-inch steel cleats that provide a good grip on ice and hard-packed snow. They stretch to fit over your running shoes and they hold strong; I’ve never had them slip off.  They’re also easier to take on & off — a big plus in my book. They’re compact enough that if you wear them on a run and discover you don’t need them, you can take them off and carry them.

Since the entire bottom is rubber, they shouldn’t wear through as quickly as Yaktrax. I’m going on my third winter running in my Stabilicers.  You can get them for less than $40 at the Erie Sports Store.

Low on cash? Like to buck the system? Then….

3. Screw it…make your own. If you’re the do-it-yourself kind, you can make your own winter cleats with sheet metal screws and a cordless drill. Complete instructions here.

* What kind of “winter tires” do you prefer?

* How many Yaks have you killed? At least 8 for me.

* Would you ever consider drilling screws into your $100 running shoes?

These are NOT the exact hats you’ll get for running 5 miles on New Year’s Day, but this is what I mean by “tassel” hat

Don’t forget about the ERC’s New Year’s Day 5-miler on, you guessed it…New Year’s day. The race doesn’t start till 10 a.m., so  you can sleep (or recover) a little. Race starts & finishes at the Rotary Pavilion. Information can be found here.

If you haven’t registered already (guilty), you’ll have to pony up the extra bucks for day-of-race registration. Premium is a cute winter “tassle” hat — though, my husband doesn’t do “cute” hats, so he won’t be getting one (you can opt out and save yourself a few bucks).

This race is #2 in the 3-race ERC Winter Series (Turkey Trot, New Year’s Day & St. Patrick’s Day), so…it’s worth your while to participate. Complete (or volunteer) at all three events and you get a special prize for free.  No, I don’t know what it is…it’s always a closely-guarded secret.

This race is always a great way to start the year off right!

Unless you’re training for a specific event, winter is a good time to give your body a much-needed break from the stress and strain of hard-core training and racing.

I’m not saying you should quit running in winter, I’m just suggesting you dial it back and slack off for a few months. I

f you’re hanging onto those 12-mile long runs on weekends, ask yourself why. What for? What purpose is there in doing long runs in horrible weather (besides giving you bragging rights and sore hips from slushy, slipp-y footing)?

Mother Nature usually conspires to help you decide to take it easy by offering you lots of cold, wet and icy excuses to cut your run short or cross-train indoors.

Don’t feel guilty about that. It’s not racing season and, trust me, your body can use the recovery time.

This is the time of year I stop running for miles and start running for time. It’s also the time of year, I start “forgetting” my Garmin, if only because I can’t stand to see that it takes me so much longer to cover distances in the winter (thanks to the slush, ice, snow).

I stumbled upon this great article with 10 Reasons to Ditch the Garmin. This is advice you might consider heeding, at least for the next few months.

* Do you have a Garmin and also find yourself ridiculously addicted to it? Guilty as charged!

* Do you take it easy over winter? Do you think it helps you race better come spring?

* When was the last time you reveled in the joy of a Garmin/watch-free run?

Want to pay-it-forward with some calorie-burn before the Christmas eating fest begins? Suze Carstarter and some of the other ERC gang are putting together a Christmas Eve endurance event.

Here’s a note from Suze:

The past few years a group has met at the rotary on Christmas Eve at 8AM and have run the mile loop for as many miles as someone wants like the Endurance run. Anyone interested this year post below? Post pace and miles if you want. My pace will around 12:00 and miles will be based on weather but will run at least 6.

Want more info? Join the Erie Runner’s Club Running Groups group on Facebook or email Suze at suzannec@erie-runnersclub.org.

* Did you know there was a special Facebook Group just for running groups? There is and you have to request to join.

* Isn’t it great to start a holiday in-the-hole (calorie-wise)?

* How many miles will it take to run off what you plan to eat later?

This is kinda what I was getting at with my “I give you credit…” post last week:

If I had a dollar for every time someone shook their head in disbelief and said…”I give you credit for running out there in that stuff…,” I could outfit the entire Erie Runners Club from head to toe in Under Armour cold gear.

I’m always surprised at their awe, but sort of enjoy the admiration. I sit up a little straighter — a tough-as-nails, die-hard winter warrior am I!

It happened again last night. I had to meet a business acquaintance right after I finished a brisk 5.5-mile run with eight friends. I arrived raccoon-eyed (thanks to non-waterproof mascara and spitting precipitation last night) with sweat-soaked hair and clothes.

He said…”Man, I give you credit for running out there tonight.”

I’m think: What? It’s perfect running weather! Dark, sure, but there was no snow or ice to slide on, no sun to burn my face off and not much wind.

I say: “You’d be surprised. Once you get going, you never really notice the weather. And, I’d much rather run in 40-degree weather than 70-degree weather.”

He just kinda shook his head. I know what he’s thinking: She’s nuts.

Don’t you love that?

They just don’t know what they’re missing.

* Do you ever amaze people with your winter-hardy running habits.

* How do you respond when people are amazed that you actually run…outside…in that…that weather (the horror!)?

* Does it make you laugh inside, too? If only they knew…if only they knew….

I was snowshoeing here, hence the poles, but this is how I dress to run, too.

Some of my co-workers were recently discussing how much they hate running on the treadmill and how they are forced to do more of it now that the days are getting shorter (and colder).

I didn’t have much to add to the conversation because I can’t remember the last time I actually ran on my “dreadmill” — March, maybe?

I know I ran on the treadmill a handful of times last winter, but most days I just braved the elements (I hate the dreadmill THAT much). On the worst of winter days, I decided to take an extra rest day or I would cross-train (swim laps, weight lift, take a class, etc.).

If you’re a newer runner or a really competitive runner, you may be horrified at the thought of taking a few extra rest days. I get that. I’ve been there, done that. I used to be like you. In fact, I have two — count ’em two — treadmills in my basement, a “new” one and a “backup” treadmill.

But I’ve been running through Erie winters long enough to know it’s not going to kill me to take an extra day off, or two or (gasp) even four. And, in fact, it usually helps me—a lot.

The bottom line: I give in when Jack Frost really sticks it to us. That said, you’d be surprised how little that happens. Rarely — very rarely — is the weather too bad to run outdoors. All you need is the right gear.

Here are 10 things I find essential to running through an Erie winter:

1. Yak Trax or STABILicers. (About $30)

These are both traction aids that fit over your running shoes. Many runners use Yak Trax, but after having been knocked to the ground in the middle of a run TWICE by broken Yak Traks, I’ve switched to STABILicers which are easier to get on & off anyway.

2. Stretchy gloves and a couple pairs of cheap mittens. ($1 or so, each)

I probably have 15 pairs of black stretchy gloves. They’re perfect for running because they are lightweight, easy to put on/take off, small enough to stuff in your pocket or waistband if you get hot, they’re inexpensive, and you can toss them in the washer when you’re done sweating all over them.  I always buy black, so if I lose a glove, big deal…I match it up with another orphan glove.

I have a couple pairs of cheap mittens, too, because on the coldest of winter days, one little pair of stretchy gloves isn’t enough, but stretchy gloves topped with mittens will do the trick. On VERY cold days, you can put a Hot Hands pack between your gloves & mittens — warm hands, warm body.

3. Reflective vest or jacket. ($20 to $100).

I have a few types of reflective outer layers so I can A.) wash it between runs and B.) dress for the weather (by the way, dress for weather that is 10 to 20 degrees warmer than it is…you heat up FAST).

I have a lightweight Nathan reflective vest that I can put over a long-sleeve shirt or fleece vest and I have a couple of Illuminite windbreakers and an Illumnite vest for colder days.  An Illuminite jacket is worth the investment (I mean, seriously, how much is your life worth anyway?)

4. Turtleneck. ($10 to $50 )

You’ll want to cover your neck. Some runners like to use a scarf or a gaiter, but I prefer a good old fashioned turtleneck. You can get away with regular old cotton t-necks from Target, but when Under Armour sent me one of their ColdGear Mock Necks to try, I fell in love — LOVE, I tell you — and I shelled out the big bucks to get a couple more. I’ve never gone back to cotton T-necks.

5. Winter-weight tights.($50 to $100)

Lightweight summer tights are going to cut it in winter. You need thick, preferably fleece-lined, tights. I like the ColdGear Frosty Tights from Under Armour and, at $50, they’re pretty reasonably priced, as tights go.  (And, yes, I’ve sold my soul to the great and powerful Under Armour, but I’m telling you…it’s the best stuff).

6. Windbreaker.($20  to $50)

I rarely run in more than a turtleneck, tights and a windbreaker in winter.  You don’t have to spend a fortune on a special waterproof windbreaker — most of them are water-resistant anyway. I have several so I can wash them after each run.

7. Winter hats.($5 each)

These get sweaty and super-gross, so you want a few of them if you’re going to run outside regularly. I sewed up a bunch of fleece hats last year that I can toss in the washer after my run.  I even made a how-to video on how to make fleece winter hats.

8. Sunglasses. ($5 to $50). G

lare from the snow can be blinding, so sunglasses are a great idea if you’re running in the daytime. Sunglasses also help prevent your eyes from watering on a cold day. You can get away with el-cheap-o sunglasses, but real runner’s sunglasses are nice because they won’t fog.

9.  Fleece vest. ($10 to $30)

This is a nice layer to add on very cold days. I layer one between my t-neck and windbreaker and it provides just enough of an extra layer of warmth. I like fleece because it’s warm and it will  hold up to lots of washings.

10.  A flashlight. ($2 to $10)

When a car is approaching me, I turn on my flashlight and point it toward my feet (or just to the right of my feet) so they can see where I’m at.  I have a couple of mini-maglites that I use, but I will say the metal gets cold in the winter and I typically leave it in my pocket unless I need it.