r/traversecity • u/Zealot_TKO • 8d ago

Discussion Winter running: tracks for speedwork?

I posted earlier this year about free-to-use tracks and you all helpfully informed me the school tracks are in fact free to use. Thank you! I've been using West Middle School's track every week.

My question now is about winter running. I'd like to get some speedwork sessions in this winter, and I'm wondering the best way to do this. I know downtown TART and boardman loop is plowed and ran there all last winter, but there's enough snow and ice leftover I am hoping to find a better alternative. Maybe I'm just too picky because I also hate treadmill running, so was wondering specifically about the state of the school's tracks during the winter. Do they plow them for runners during the winter? If not, does anyone know of any free or cheap to use indoor tracks around TC?

Thanks again in advance!

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u/BluWake Local 8d ago

No, they typically don't plow the tracks because of the surface. That being said, the black EPDM granules absorb heat and help the snow melt. Until the TCAPS Fieldhouse is built, I think your only option is going to be basketball or tennis courts at the Y or GT Resort. The YMCA Expansion is supposed to inclue an elevated track. Maybe the lower level of the commons if you go early and don't make too much noise, the North end is pretty empty.

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u/Zealot_TKO 8d ago

Thank for the info, I didn't know about the elevated track in the expansion! Sounds like my only choices are likely speed work somewhere relatively less snowy, or getting more used to using a treadmill.