Rochester, NY winter running

You'll be fine. Just make sure to wear shirts over your tights to protect the family jewels.

If you're from the south, you're going to hate running in our winters. We get 104 inches of snow annually and its very cold/windy every day until April

Will you be living within the city limits? They plow the sidewalks in the city and at least a couple of the adjacent suburbs to the east. No info on other areas. If fresh snow isn't dropped on the plowed sidewalks and its really cold Will turn to ice.

Roads are plowed well around here. Some portions of your run are better on the road, some portions better to jump on the sidewalk. Good trail and snowshoe running scene here to help break it up a bit.

Although I don't prefer bone-chilling cold and strong winds, I am more concerned about being prevented from running because of poor footing. I have spent a fair amount of time in Boston during the winter so I am somewhat prepared for the temp and wind. Was just concerned about the footing because you guys get the mountains of snow that Boston does not. I will be living within the city limits. Sounds like everything should be OK with the city's highly efficient plowing/snow removal.

You should be fine. I live in Buffalo but have spent a lot of time in Rochester (girlfriend) and as I have in Buffalo, especially if you work a 9-5 type job, the best thing is to map out a couple 'magneto' routes that are well lit and plowed. Maybe a 8-12 miler, and a 4-6 miler depending on how much you run (and you can always double up a nice shorter loop). This is especially important as the dreary winter drags on, for those days when you dont want to worry about exploring a route, just hit up the trusty magneto.

Another tip if you live in the city: BUS ROUTES. Especially on some of the less busy roads. The city prioritizes these over other roads and they are almost always very well cleared.

The roads and sidewalks are usually not too bad during the winter, unless there is a significant amount of snow or more than a little ice. It depends on how harsh the winter is, but I would say that the roads are okay about 70-80% of the days during the winter. It also depends on exactly where you live, as more densely populated areas are obviously going to be better cleared. Ice is also a problem. Ice is common and requires that you find an ice free surface, or run with caution. You will not be able to run as fast if it is snowy or icy, so if you want to run fast, you need to either wait until better weather or get a gym membership at one of the nearby colleges that has an indoor track.

I ran indoor track three years in high school, and we were usually able to get in a good amount of running. Only in January and February would we have many days where we had to stay inside, and this was usually more due to cold temps than snow. As long as you are resourceful in finding ways to get your running in, and can handle running in the cold, you should be fine.

Do you know Kate Howard?

Lived there for 30 years and logged thousands of miles. The sidewalks are iffy. They either have a small packed layer of snow (good) or have patchy areas of hidden/black ice (bad). You can never really let your guard down on the sidewalks, especially while cornering. I usually run in the shoulders of the road unless it's bad weather out (snowing, slushy road) or a high-traffic road.

Sounds like you are in a prime spot. If you are in Southeast Rochester, you must be near Henrietta. Park at the RIT campus. The campus itself has Indoor track, not sure what your access is, but also the grounds are filled side walks within and on parts of the outer rim of the massive block RIT sits. On a good day, you have Green Valley Trail off campus and there are several extremely hilly routes leaving campus heading out East River Road. 7 miler, 9 miler (Lehigh Station Road), 10 miler (Brooks Road), 13 miler (Martin Road). The shoulders are solid. I ran these through some of the worst winters. Ask some of the RIT XC guys if you happen to catch them out for a run.

CosmicCharlie wrote:

Do they clear the roads and sidewalks well enough during the winter in Rochester, NY to run safely? I just accepted a fantastic job offer in Rochester, NY. Being an avid and highly addicted runner, my only real concern is whether I will be able to run outdoors during the Rochester winter. I currently live in the southeast where we rarely have to deal with snowy, icy roads or sidewalks. I generally run early in the morning; before work. Any insights or information on this topic will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have been running competitively in the Rochester area throughout high school and college. The running community here is amazing compared to a lot of cities. There are also a plethora of parks and trails that are available to run in during spring, summer and fall. During the winter, the suburbs around Rochester are usually pretty good about plowing and salting the roads so I have never had a problem getting runs in. I personally have a cheap treadmill just in case it ever gets too bad out. But Rochester is a great place to run if you don't mind braving the cold for a few months. Like a previous poster said, there is access to indoor facilities such as RITs indoor track for workouts for a fee during open times. Overall, if its a great job offer take it and you will adjust to running in the winter. Plus like I said, a great running community so you will feel right at home.

One of the best places to run in the winter in Rochester is Mount Hope Cemetery. It is always plowed, no traffic, and there are lots of flat or hilly loops. You can pop out and circle the UR from there, which is always plowed well.

I've run in Rochester for many years. It is rare when you can't use the roads - the bigger issue is lighting if you have to run after work.

YammaYamma wrote:

One of the best places to run in the winter in Rochester is Mount Hope Cemetery. It is always plowed, no traffic, and there are lots of flat or hilly loops. You can pop out and circle the UR from there, which is always plowed well.

I've run in Rochester for many years. It is rare when you can't use the roads - the bigger issue is lighting if you have to run after work.

Why can't he run the Gennessee River trail SOUTH from downtown. Running in snow (if not too deep) is way better than ice. Also, is a straight out & back to RIT. OP is well advised to run right after work FROM WORK before commuting home.

They usually pow a 10+ mile section of the Erie Canal Trail from just east of Brighton (once you hit the Pittsford town line) all the way to Fairport. You can park at Lock 32 State Canal Park and run for miles.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lock+32+State+Canal+Park/@43.0923015,-77.546458,18z/data=

!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89d1354237d98de3:0x1343e5f955ffdb4d

I greatly appreciate all the feedback! Not only about the road conditions, but also the specific routes and areas. I am feeling way better about the move knowing the running addiction can still be fed. I don't put in crazy miles like some of you guys (I average 50 or so per week) but was getting a little freaked out at the thoughts of a few months without much outdoor running. I am looking forward to the new job and am now excited to experience the Rochester running scene. Thanks again everyone!!!

If you're interested in joining a running club the two best in the Rochester area are GVH and Roadkill Racing. Check them out:

http://www.gvh.net/

http://roadkillracing.com/