Like any other outdoor fitness fanatic, runners face a plethora of weather-related obstacles while on their daily workouts.

In the spring, you have rainy conditions; in the summer, heat can wear you down quicker than the competition in a 5K. In the fall, you're facing more rain, and maybe a little freezing rain and icy conditions if you're prone to getting a workout in the wee hours of the morning.

Of all these nuisances, the winter brings the worst in my opinion: Snow, and more importantly, what's under it.

I took up running a few years back, when I was trying to lose some weight, with a plan of getting in shape to do some competitive cycling.

I ran all through that spring and summer, working up to a daily 5K, and feeling especially proud when I cracked the 30-minute barrier. I didn't stop there, finally cutting my times to less than 28 minutes.

But once the temperatures dropped in mid-October, I knew my days of flying through the course were numbered.

A trip to Fred Meyer found me face-to-face with some slip-on traction assistance, and I have come to call them 'my wires.'

It took a few weeks until the streets became compromised, and I slipped the wires over my running shoes and headed out.

I have to admit, they felt funny for a while, but I was probably running awkwardly, trying to get used to them. Once I had a little confidence that I would not find myself on my rear end with a quick slip, I started to regain my normal stride and probably gained more balance in my form while doing so.

Running on snow-covered streets and paths is actually preferred by many area runners, since there's some cushion under their feet as they go through their fitness routine.

The problem comes when there is slush under the snow, or worse yet, ice.

They now sell pairs of slip-ons with little spikes strategically placed which are said to keep you safe(r) in the elements. They work generally the same as my wires, but I have yet to go out and purchase a pair.

I slipped once a couple of years ago and twisted my ankle, trying to hop between ruts on a street near my house, on one of those slushy days that we in North Idaho have come to know way too well.

Like most of my injuries these days (meaning at my age), I didn't really notice anything was wrong until well over a day later, when my ankle began to stiffen. I had to really think back to determine when the injury occurred.

I had my wires attached to my running shoes, but apparently I just stepped wrong and landed on the side of my foot just enough to cause injury.

I decided at that time to cease and desist as far as running was concerned, at least until my ankle healed. A week later, I was back riding my indoor cycling trainer, and it took me more than six months to lace up the running shoes and get back on the streets.

For those with a little more cash to spend, plenty of shoe companies now offer running shoes with spikes implanted. Similar to shoes worn for track and field activities, they are meant solely for running on ice, snow and slush.

I am of the opinion that running with traction aids (or spiked running shoes) will work well for some people, not so well for others. Some will take to them, some might never trust them. Some may never get used to running when their shoes aren't making contact with asphalt, and that's OK.

I think runners with decent balance can have some great success running with these traction aids. If you're not comfortable with your balance, you might be better off finding a treadmill (and the relative shelter indoors) to get your workout.

And even if you slip, I bet you'll be back out there in less than six months.

Happy trails!