Prepping for the winter runs.... advice please

[Dutch-Fraggle]

Hi All,

So I'm on to approx. consolidation run 13 now - doing 5k in approx. 30mins depending on weather and my stamina that day.

I prefer running 1st thing around 6am ish before my working day starts - But realise as the winter mornings are soon to be arriving that this may have to stop due to the frosts meaning the pavements will be slippery - How do those of you that are seasoned runner's deal with this ?

Do I look into possibly running on a treadmill instead ( this is an option as gym at work and also a member at a local gym )

Any tips would be greatly appreciated Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

In the scheme of things, the number of days when pavements are frosty in the UK is limited and is unlikely to cause you many issues.

If you can find trails, cinder tracks or grass to run on then you have alternatives............which to my mind, are far better than resorting to the dreadmill!

[nowster Graduate]

Winter clothing: layers you can remove, high visibility, and good socks.

Possibly think about getting a head torch.

UK winter weather tends to be damp and chilly rather than frosty or snowy. The number of days you'll need to call off a run due to it being slippery is few.

[Comfortnotspeed]

Frosty pavements only stopped a couple of runs for me last winter. I needed to plan runs ahead around weather forecast.

It was well-lit routes, not too isolated, that were a priority for me!

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

I have a running hat and gloves and as others have said maybe an extra layer or two of clothing, but Winter shouldn’t cause you too many problems ⛄️

[Dutch-Fraggle Graduate]

Thanks everyone, hopefully I will be able to continue with the outdoor runs frost permitting...

All my routes are pavement based as live in the city .. I could drive to park to run on grass if needed I guess

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Experiment with different clothing. I was a novice runner all last winter and soon found I overestimated the amount of layers I needed. I can't count the number of times I got home with my buff wrapped round my wrist or a jumper tied round my waist because I was sweltering after the first 5 minutes. I ended up with a couple of trusty long sleeved walking tops. I found I could have zips up or down, sleeves one up, the other down etc, or even take one off. You'll soon find what works for you.

I would run over ice or hot coals to avoid running on a treadmill.