We’re getting to that time of year when runners are faced with a chilling decision “” continue to run outdoors with the cold, snow and ice or transition indoors until it warms up.
There is certainly no reason that you can’t continue to run outdoors ““ unless it’s icy. Even when Buffalo was socked in with 70 inches of snow last month, there were pictures of Buffalo-ites braving the drifts to keep up their running regime. Some gung-ho runners even claim you’re not a real runner until you’ve weathered a few winters outdoors.
Others, of course, disagree.
Taking your run indoors offers several benefits. Statistically, it’s safer without the perils of early nightfall and distracted drivers motoring past. With nice, even tracks and surer footing, there’s also a lesser chance of a tripping accidents and more serious injuries that can shelve you while you heal.
For runners coming back from an injury, the indoors also offer treadmill work “” not the most scenic run you’ll ever have, but runners have more control over speed, inclination and and other factors. More importantly, treadmill work lets you nurse a sore hamstring since the movement of the belt finishes your stride for you and takes pressure off hammies while still giving your quads a good workout.
Perhaps the best aspect of indoor running is that it allows you to go all out in your run without having to worry about exhaustion or how to get home on an empty tank. Your car’s right outside!
Some of the area’s best indoor tracks for the coming winter months:
- Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ridge Road, Reading
One-eighth mile, rubberized surface indoor track with three lanes for member use. Open 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, until 7 p.m. Fridays-Sundays.
- Cincinnati Sports Club, 3950 Red Bank Road, Fairfax: Billed as the area’s largest, the club’s indoor track is one-fifth of a mile and comes off work to improve it earlier this year. Open from 5 a.m.-midnight weekdays, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.
- Thomas More College, Crestview Hills: Located in the 47,000-square foot Connor Convocation Center, TMC’s indoor track is open to the public.
- University of Cincinnati Campus Recreation Center: Suspended above the new center’s basketball courts and full-service gym, the three-lane track runs throughout the 200,000-foot facility.
Most are open to members only (save TMC’s), but the price of access is fairly small.
The Central Parkway YMCA, located downtown, would be a lock for the list of “bests” as well, but the center closed in early December for a year-long renovation. It’s due to reopen in time for winter next year, so keep it in mind if only for its convenience to people who work downtown. Commercial gyms like Urban Active and L.A. Fitness have indoor tracks at some of their locations, as well.
