Running on the Snow: 3 Ways it's Aiding Rehab

Running on the snow is really growing on me.  It is an adventure with every step.  At first I was skeptical about going out on such an unsure surface after my recent injury but so far it hasn't been so bad.  Running on the snow may even be helping me.  How, you ask?  Well...

1. You have to go slow!   
Now that I'm running again, it is so tempting to do too much too soon-- to go too fast... take on too many miles.  Running in this crazy weather has forced me to slow down and has kept me on my training "plan".  For example, I went out the other day and it was 14 degrees with -1 wind chill.  I was scheduled to do 1 mile and believe me nothing could have tempted me to go farther in that craziness!  I was feeling good so if the weather was nicer, I don't know that I would have stopped at just 1 mile.  Good thing the weather was horrible. :)
I've also found that running on the snow is easy on my legs and knees. Going slow is one thing but the snow also really cushions the impact.  When I was a part of a gym, I was able to do some of my running on the treadmill but now that I only have outside, it is nice to have the snow as a lighter surface.  I have been seeing some real progress in how far I can go lately and I think it is largely in part to the new terrain.

2. Running on the snow gives you more bang for you buck. 
Staying vigilant on the varied terrain and icy surfaces really increases coordination.  Every foot placement counts.  When, I'm out there, I am sometimes taking quick, short steps.  Other times, I am leaping over a huge puddle or climbing a snow mound.  Regardless, I HAVE to pay attention.  It is really easy to sprain something or fall. 

Slippery, squishy surfaces keep me on my toes...literally.  My toes have been kinda sore the last few weeks from the different strides.  It's all good.  I have to be ready to dodge a pedestrian at the last second or have the patience to trudge through an un-shovelled stretch of sidewalk (can anyone say high knees?).  That variety, keeps my body and mind active and engaged and makes for a more interesting and satisfying run.  A 2-mile workout in the snow can leave me just as exhausted as a run twice as long!

3. Completing a run on snow makes you feel like a Rock star.   

Aside from looking fierce in all of that winter gear we runners get to wear, everyone thinks you're awesome (or flat out of your mind!) when you're out running on the snow.  Our snow mounds have grown to about 4+ feet on both sides.  Sidewalks have been reduced to just a single track in between walls of snow.  Running on that feels crazy and awesome.  People look at you as if you are crazy and awesome.  They may mutter "you're crazy" as you pass by but it's clear from their lingering stares that they secretly want to be you.  

All that said, it's good to "feel" like a runner again after being sidelined for so long.  Not that I'm all about doing crazy things.  The majority of my training is pretty normal.  It just so happens that I'm beginning to run again coincides with winter and the end of my gym membership... 

What about you?

Do you like running on the snow?

What's your favorite season for running?