I have always preferred to run off road, so many advantages, although during the winter months it requires a little thought as to where to run. Where I am from, there are many decent country paths which are decent enough to enjoy a good workout. You don't have to travel miles to enjoy the fresh air and footpaths, but you may have to slow your tempo depending on the ground, then when the ground looks good, pick up your speed and have a quick burst.

I would say try it, for me the advantages are no traffic and the view of the countryside automatically relaxes you, enough to clock up the miles and become addicted to trail running.

I am like you Pete this is my second year running but I like to keep to main roads preferably with pavements for fear of hurting myself and noone knowing I am there. i dont like running across fields when the weather is nice let alone when the potential hazzards are there in Winter and what of you did fall you could be left there for a while. Please run carefully but stick to a main road route but if possible not too busy a one or with pavements then people can see you but at same time you know if you did have a problem you could be seen or helped. I dont run if it is icy thats when i will go to gym and tradmill or wait til a better day and run further if no ice brend. happy running brenda

I tend to run in the early morning and with the temperature falling and harsher weather predicted I am in planning ahead mode. Any thoughts on the following would be much appreciated:

1. Stick to my normal country roads/occasional pavements? This is only my second winter running and last year I did slide around quite a bit and had to avoid the busier roads for fear of slipping into the path of an oncoming vehicle or vice versa. This resulted in a short drive to get to quieter roads! Would Yaktrax or similar work well [and last] on roads with patches of black ice and sheet ice and allow me to continue the normal routine?

2. Take to the fields? I can access a rutted field at the back of our house that takes me to further fields/hills and avoid roads altogether. The first field is very rough so potential risk of ankle injury etc. Would trail shoes give significanty more grip/support than a road shoe with traction device such as Yaktrax in this scenario?

Pete