I manage a rental property and have about 1,000 square feet of sidewalks and driveway to clear. I use a shovel for a variety of reasons: it's better for the environment, it's quieter, and I like the exercise and feeling of accomplishment. It also gives me some time to think.
Part of what I think about is the job at hand. Over the years I have come up with a mindful approach to shoveling that gives me inner peace. Or at minimum, allows me to clear my turf with both my back and sanity intact. In the spirit of the holidays, I'd like like to share that approach with you. Consider it cross-training. If you don't have anything to shovel, volunteer to shovel a neighbor's sidewalk. Shoveling makes a great gift, and not just for the holidays!
First, I choose the right tool. Shovels come in many flavors, but mostly they can be broken into pushers (curved blades) and lifters (flat blades). Hint #1: there is a reason that snowplows push snow rather than lift it. Unless you only have a six-foot sidewalk to clear, use a pusher!
The next aspect of shovel selection is to determine what you will be doing with the snow once you've pushed it. Unlike a snowplow, you eventually have to put the snow somewhere. This is where a special hybrid of shovels comes in handy. I prefer a 27" pusher that also has sides to the curved blade, allowing you to also lift a scoop of snow and toss it somewhere. Look for a handle on the end for easy gripping. I do have a smaller lifter for areas like steps, but the hybrid pusher is my go-to implement.
Finally, when choosing the right tool, keep a eye on overall efficiency. Cheap snow shovels are a bad investment. Metal snow shovels are much more durable, but are very heavy when you need to do the lifting. My compromise is a durable plastic blade with a steel reinforcement strip along the front edge. This allows you to scrape the sidewalk without chipping your blade, but is still light enough to lift without breaking your back.
One often neglected aspect of shoveling is hand position. During the lifting phase, most people have both hands in the palm up position. This makes the lift up and in front of you, using mainly your lower back. Hint # 2: instead, I recommend placing the lower hand in the palm down position. This allows you to lift with a sideways motion, using mainly legs and core muscles. Try it and you'll feel the difference!
Next, plan what to do with the snow once you've pushed it. Where you toss the snow depends on the conditions: the weight of the snow you're moving, the depth of the snow already piled up, what obstacles (trees, buildings, neighbors' driveways) are in your way. Hint #3: however tempting it is to move your snow onto your neighbors' property, resist the temptation. You'll just be starting an unwinnable war. Think Vietnam or Iraq.
Shoveling sidewalks is usually pretty straightforward: a few pushing passes, dumping snow to the left or right as appropriate. Driveways can be more tricky. Unlike using a snow blower, where you can simply do row after row until it is clear, shoveling a driveway requires strategy. Where will you put the snow? Should you go across or down the driveway? Hint #4: one thing I discovered is that sometimes the best strategy is to clear a section of snow to allow you to push other snow across the cleared area. At first it feels unfulfilling to cover your freshly-cleared path with more snow. Part of being a mature shoveler is to understand that moving forward sometimes requires a step back.
The final touch in professional snow removal is applying a salt/sand mix. Do this in moderation. The salt, while generally safe, does tend to destroy grass if left all winter, and can also be tracked inside. Hint #5: a light sprinkling of a mix of 2/3 salt, 1/3 sand works well, and is easily applied with a hand-cranked spreader.
When you're done, step back to enjoy your work. It won't be long until a runner passes by, and thanks you. At least I think that was thanks. It's a little hard to hear what they're saying through that mask, neck warmer and scarf.
By applying these techniques you'll not only have a great sidewalk, you'll have great abs and make your neighbors jealous. Let them in on your secret. Soon we'll have an entire metropolitan area of safe, runner-friendly sidewalks.
How is your neighborhood looking?
Chris Fuller is a certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Senior Instructor.
