Downhill Running Dilemma

Some of the trails I’m running are getting a little tougher on the downhill hill stretches as fall is moving into winter. Lots of leaves make for much softer running but they tend to leave a little to be desired for traction when I’m trying to keep the speed up downhill. Muddy stretches are pretty slick but can quickly freeze up creating some gnarly surfaces to negotiate. And I’ve noticed a couple of asphalt areas that get a thin sheen of ice on them as the day advances and those areas get shaded.

Research has led me here...

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Seeing a picture of BFKB awhile ago wearing a propeller hat has led me to think he’s got a little secret he doesn’t want to share for some reason.

So what’s more effective?

A beanie- does it have less stability but more speed?
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Does the ball cap style slow you down? The visor keeps the sun and rain out of the eyes and might allow for more directional control but is the extra weight and drag worth it?
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Then there’s another perspective to contemplate...
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...are wings a better option? No moving parts. More aesthetically pleasing.

Decisions, decisions...
 
The winged helmet, definitely. But your soul has to be worthy just like Thor's hammer.

I take the attitude of always welcoming low traction training. I'm in Minnesota and the cold, snow and ice is coming and in lieu of running unshod I put on some all-leather huaraches with split-toe Luna Tabu booties then work on my glare ice running style. I'm going slow, probably not getting much of a "workout" in but it's some great form drills on how to step even quicker and how to achieve stability with careful foot placement under your center-of-mass because you simply cannot rely on grip.
 
The winged helmet, definitely. But your soul has to be worthy just like Thor's hammer.

I take the attitude of always welcoming low traction training. I'm in Minnesota and the cold, snow and ice is coming and in lieu of running unshod I put on some all-leather huaraches with split-toe Luna Tabu booties then work on my glare ice running style. I'm going slow, probably not getting much of a "workout" in but it's some great form drills on how to step even quicker and how to achieve stability with careful foot placement under your center-of-mass because you simply cannot rely on grip.

Hopefully being Norwegian in heritage is enough for the winged helmet :)

I’m still having success (for the most part anyway) with my Fivefinger Trek Ascents for days it’s too cold for barefoot.

Hate going down on ice, seems like it’s always knees, elbows, or the back of my head that makes first impact...
 
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Hate going down on ice, seems like it’s always knees, elbows, or the back of my head that makes first impact...

Knees: you pushed off too late and too far behind you

Elbows/back of the head: you were over-striding

Yeah, ice is totally unforgiving! I nearly broke my wrist once running in winter because I leaped over a pile of snow and landed on glare ice. In winter I've learned to really slow it down and be sure-footed with every step.

However, if I'm honest, my favorite footwear for winter is made of hard plastic and connects to a pair of 180cm, metal-edged sticks ;)
 
However, if I'm honest, my favorite footwear for winter is made of hard plastic and connects to a pair of 180cm, metal-edged sticks ;)

You’re preaching to the choir with that declaration, I’ve got a few pairs of those sticks I’m getting excited to use as well...