By Rebecca Mollison
Picture this:
You’re on a single-track trail that meanders through a frosty grove of trees that claims space throughout the Meewasin Valley. A fresh layer of snow blankets the tree branches, but the snowy trail is well packed thanks to those who walk and snowshoe the routes daily. Your eyes adjust to the shadows as the sun settles on the horizon and your ears search for sound in the dark quiet.
It’s organic, fresh, dark, and a much needed escape from the urban landscape that confines your daily routine.
But are you prepared if the run doesn’t go as planned?
Trail running — especially in the winter — has risks. Remote locations; uneven and sometimes unforgiving terrain; exposure to changing weather elements; wildlife; wild people; poor cellular service; the need/desire to travel light and fast; and distances travelled beyond urban amenities to name a few.
One of the greatest risks often not discussed is complacency.
If you are competing in an organized trail race, there might be mandatory and recommended gear as well as regular aid stations, allowing you to be mindfully independent. But what about training and recreational runs? Complacency is strongest when you are on your own trails close to home.
It’s important to ask yourself: What am I willing to do without if X happens? Insert your highest risk factors for the run you plan to do and pack accordingly.
Below is a long list of items to consider bringing on your next winter trail run. Many may consider this overkill, but it’s important to remember the risk of complacency and really reflect on your personal preparedness to manage stressors in an unplanned or unexpected incident while trail running in the remote places you choose.
The starred items (*) in this list are standard in my personal winter trail running vest (the Salomon ADV Skin 12) and easily carried on every run. As seasons change, clothing may be adapted, but many of these items are standard in my vest by choice and commitment to the habit.
Complacency Cautions
Slips, Trips, & Falls
Complacency Caution: No one PLANS to trip and fall, but fractures, sprains and impalements are common trail running injuries and blisters have ruined many races. Just because it has not happened to you does not mean it won’t. If you are injured to the point you cannot self-exit, you will wait and struggle. You are your own first responder and should not rely on anyone else to provide for you. Consider packing:
- *Elastic tensor bandage: Multi-purpose, easy to use on yourself
- *Neck buff: Multi-purpose and useful in first aid, usually worn instead of packed
- *Leukotape / strips: Blister mitigation mid run (strips can be cut/stuck to parchment paper)
Exposure (Location and weather/season influenced)
Complacency Caution: Packing extra is for the day you NEED it — not the days you don’t. Those days are a gift! Consider packing:
- Wind/Water resistant shell jacket and *pants
- *Insulating layer like puffy jacket: While you may be warm moving, you won’t be if stationary
- *Hot Hands/Toes: one emergency-use pair (cold-weather specific)
- *Silver Emergency Bivy Sac: Better than a silver blanket for shelter and heat retention; can be cut open and used as a sheet if needed in rain/sun.
- *Head covering: Hat, toque, or hood (weather dependent)
- *Hand covering: Consider light and heavier layers for cold weather as well as gloves/arm sleeves for sun protection
In Case Things Go Sideways
Complacency Caution: Never assume it won’t happen to you. The more prepared you are, the more equipped you are to stay out longer than anticipated just for the JOY of it! Consider packing:
- *Headlamp
- *Cell phone
- *Small battery bank for electronics with cords
- Basic fire starter kit (lighter, one fuel tab/starter – trip dependent)
- *Downloaded maps to device
- SOS Satellite device (location dependent; trip plans save lives)
Personal Health, Recovery and Hygiene
Complacency Caution: You feel good until you don’t. Consider packing:
- *Toilet paper and/or Pee cloth
- *Advil/Tylenol
- *Electrolytes
- *Water tablets or water filter (tablets in winter, bottle filter for other seasons)
- *Food/fuel options besides gels (distance dependent)
- *Water: how much depends on distances/local sources (I take 1-2 500ml flasks with filter)
Trail Safety
Complacency Caution: Safety starts with situational awareness and is enhanced by preparedness. Consider packing:
- *Bear Spray: for all types of trail threats; needs to be accessible!
- *Whistle: the whistle that comes with packs/vest is not nearly as loud as a Fox 40
- *Run plan: leave this with loved ones with strict advice on what to do if you have not checked in. Do NOT deviate from your planned route.
When you become more comfortable in an environment and as stamina/experience increases, it is normal to allow complacency to creep in. Experience earns comfort. For every good and uneventful run it further validates leaving things behind. But plan for every run to be the ONE where things go wrong.
Given the remoteness both in distance from roadways and people (even within city limits), it is mandatory that you be able to solve your own problems. While most problems are minor in nature, there are countless stories in the trail running community of real duress that happened to someone else.
There are more than 30km of trails along the Meewasin Valley to explore and, beyond the city, runners can traverse trails at Blackstrap Provincial Park, Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, Prince Albert National Park, and Cypress Hills. Plus there is every dirt/grid road you can find!
Regardless of where you run, don’t let complacency add further struggle to a run not going as planned.
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Rebecca Mollison is the owner/instructor of Back40 Wilderness First Aid Training & Adventures. She also volunteers with Saskatoon Search & Rescue. Being prepared for the “what if” is part of the job.
