Hi Jonathan, regarding the spikes I run in Brookes Mach 12 XC spikes fitted with 9mm spikes, these dig into the compacted ice and snow a treat but can be a little difficult to run in where there is no snow and just hard pavement. As the thaw sets in I shall swop the 9mm spikes for 6mm track spikes, then finally change them for my trail shoes.

A word of caution though using spikes, don't heel strike as there are no spikes on the heel, lean forward from the ankles a tad when running to prevent this.

That's a cracking mileage Mark for the year. My goal is 2011 for 2011. Now there's an idea Ian, the mileage can easily be picked up from the logbook summary.

I wrote a blog post on safely running in snow when it is compacted and fresh, hope this helps, http://tinyurl.com/2uyqmbb

Nice idea Ian! Louise.......

Have the lunatics taken over the asylum? :o)

There's some really impressive mileage going on here - but I just noticed that there is no 'furthest run' or 'most miles in a year' table in the leagues? Would be good to see who should be given the "strappy-jacket" award!

thats brilliant Derek! Im at 3,421 miles for the year, next year who knows, been a tiring one! :-)

Wow - that's some mileage- and mostly before 6am no doubt ;o)  Well done!!

I was on target to reach 300 miles this year (I did only start running in April!) - and next year I might hope to double that.

Doubt I'll ever get close to to 1800 a year though!

Got the running spikes on yesterday -4c, 4 tops, two leggings and socks, hat and gloves and went for a 16 mile easy run most of which was on grass verge and canal towpaths, the spikes dug into the sheet ice no problem, just have to remember not to heel strike especially down steep embankments as there are no spikes on the heel. 

I was unable to run on Saturday due to the snow and xmas visits, etc. But overall reasonable pleased that I exceeded my 40 mile per week target.

Looks like I'm going to fall shy of 1800 miles for the year, currently at 1720 as I write.

Same here Martin- was increasing my distance earlier in the month, managed a 12K, and then ran 13K last weekend, and haven't run since! Was hoping to build up to 15K by the new year, but that isn't going to happen.

Still, I'd rather lose a little fitness and time than break something and lose a lot more. Roll on the thaw!

Well done Ian! I found after i ran accross Europe this year I had lost over a stone and a half (in 2 months!) its quickly went back on due to survival mode but i lost a stone since and Im at my ideal race weight. Its very hard to maintain but helps to keep a regular eye on it. All the best and well done to everyone keeping their training up in the winter weather! M