Runners still pounding pavement in December

Runners in the province are still hitting the pavement — ice free — mere days before the new year.

Lisette Schermann, general manager of Brainsport in Saskatoon, said although it’s been a bad year for skiing, the weather has shaped out to be excellent for running.

In a typical year, snow and ice can make runners nervous about strapping on their shoes and heading outside, but this year it’s allowed people to keep up with their running routines much longer, she explained.

As a runner herself, Schermann said the weather is encouraging her to get out to run more frequently.

“When you get up in the morning and it’s dark outside and you need that little extra boost of motivation to get out, it’s nice to know that the weather is friendly and the surfaces are friendly,” she said, adding that the store has seen more customers and higher sales because of it, as well.

Joseph Blondeau was at Brainsport on Thursday replacing his old winter shoes with new ones.

“It has been mild (weather this year) and it’s been nice to get outdoors,” he said, adding that he’s seen many runners in the community out at this time of year.

“They’re either just trying to keep their (running) schedule or wear off that Christmas turkey,” he said with a laugh.

As a runner, his advice to others is to “take your time” and even though there is no snow, watch out for loose gravel because it can still cause slipping.

In October, the province had a taste of winter with a snowfall that covered much of western and west-central Saskatchewan. At the time, that snow had customers stocking up on running gear like traction covers for shoes Schermann explained.

Although snow and ice isn’t a problem runners are facing currently, she said outdoor runners still need weather protection from windy conditions. She suggested getting jackets and pants with wind protection, as well as waterproof shoes.

“When people are outside on a chilly morning, they don’t feel the wind blowing through the toe of their shoe the same way that they would with their regular runners,” she said.

Even though it’s a late start to winter, Schermann said the product cycle still continues at the store. She recommended stocking up on winter products before the spring.

“It’s still a good idea to plan ahead and get the stuff now, while there’s still a good selection of sizes,” she said.