Yak'n Aint Just For Frat Boys

I'm getting ready to step outside for a 5 to 8 miler.  The range is due to my lack of confidence in how I'll long I'll last out there.  It's 21 degrees and still dark out where I'm at in the So Cal mountains and according to Weather Underground, where I am is the lowest temperature in the State of California.  Before I go I'll be strapping on my Yak Trax which (hopefully) will keep me safe as I tread on black ice under the dark sky.  I'm at a loss as to how you Canadians and snow bound Americans do this every day in the winter.  Keep on Yak'n folks.