Derek - I went down to Gloucester too, but I went for hat & gloves with just vest and shorts. I suffer from poor circulation in my extremities, but I think the beenie was overkill in the end!

Boring course, wasn't it?! Still, at least the showers were hot.

Hi Dave, Gloucester wasn't really a XC course in my eyes just a run around a football pitch, the organisers could have at least sorted out the banks of the brook so we could run through, shows how easy it was I was running at road speed, but as you say I think we were spoilt with the showers.

I assume you are running at the next one at Wolverhampton and Bilston mid January.

The snow and ice can be dangerous but wear proper footwear and I think its possible to run safely in this weather. Ive been taking part in something called the Marcothon which is to run everyday (at least 3 miles or 25 minutes, whatever comes first) in December. Going well so far! I say get out there and give it a go. Good luck

Mark..... I like the sound of this 'marcothon' thing you're doing. 3 miles every day for a whole month doesn't sound much but I bet it'd be quite a challenge really.
Might have a go at that in the new year. I've already missed running for the opening part of this month because of all this ice and snow so its too late to think about it for December.
Not too worried about the temperature...just dont fancy taking the risk of slipping and breaking my ankle...or neck !

Good luck with it.....    And run safe !

Come on everyone. Get out there! This is why we all love running. Variety, changing seasons, fantastic scenery. Unless of course you just run around the roads in the dark. As a runner pre-jogging boom I really look forward to the challenge each year of training over the country in these conditions. It will give you a great strength base for races and the warmer months ahead. Yes, don't get injured, but as someone said get the right footwear, wrap up warm (Skins or equiv. underneath jogging bottoms, sweat top and windproof jacket + gloves and hat), forget about PB's and just enjoy it.

All together now..... OGGY OGGY OGGY [put's hand to ear]

Out the door this morning at 04:30 for an easy 7.5 mile run on grass verges where possible. The ice is receding a bit now so it's not too bad. Did have a Torvill and Dean moment on Monday on the way back from an intensive hill session, it's funny how you get up faster than you went down and look around to see if anybody is laughing and pointing.....then again who else is awake and out before 5am.

I'm with you on that one Richard.  It's great to get out and about at this time of year and mix in some variety.  From the first forest run of through crunchy leaves , I've been enjoying this autumn/winter so far.  Mind you, I've been lucky.  Still no snow and it's been so dry that there's very little ice (apart from a perilous long run last Sun morning).  It was a 5 miler along the beach today for me today in glorious sunshine - what could be better?

And Derek, I can't see you getting many 'oi, oi, oi's at 6.20 am!

As much as I would rather be outside training / running in this weather, I do not want to be out of action for 6 weeks with a break as happened 2 years ago. I,m afaraid I opt for the gym and the treadmill, when the ground is too perilous under foot.

It was a 'four topper' for the first time earlier this week on one of my early morning runs with a recorded -10 Deg C, full set of Skins, three tops, thermal Ron Hill running tights, two pairs of socks, beany hat, running gloves and trail shoes. As it was an easy pace run I wasn't going to get too warm. 

Good work MattG! 10 miles is a long distance - and a very symbolic one too. Sounds like your overall health is going in an incredibly positive direction, so be proud of that and enjoy it! Incidentally, I reckon 11st would feel great too, but it ain't ever gonna happen for me. :-)