I hesitated to write this chapter. Running on a frozen lake is very risky. In recent years word has gotten out about this activity which I probably started and I’m wondering when the first tragedy will occur. Whether stupid or not, this is part of my running history and there are amazing photos to share. As of 2014, I have run nearly 250 miles on the lake. For years I was the only one doing it, but this past year dozens ran across the lake. If you must go, please take precautions.
- Don’t go alone
- Take a cell phone in a waterproof container
- Take a rope
- Wait until the ice is thick, at least six inches. Don’t go when it is thawing.
- Stay away from the areas of hot springs near the northwest end and Lincoln Beach toward the south.
- Stay away from areas of incoming creeks and rivers on the east side.
- Be very careful around fissures that have standing water on either side.
- The ice is thinner near the shoreline and thicker out in the middle of the lake
- Don’t run right after a snow. Snow can hide the cracks.
- Don’t run after a rain. The top layer will be slushy and hide the cracks. It won’t be fun running on slush anyway.