Is running outside over winter do-able? I've run in minus 5 and snow but obviously Scottish winter is fairly lightweight compared to winnipeg... is it generally treadmill time until march?

In Vancouver yes, in Hay River, probably not.

I run in Calgary, minus 32 being the coldest I've run in. Not pretty but doable. Minus 15 is my cut off normally, just dress appropriately.

Well oddly enough....yes...the running trail goes past the bottom of our garden and they run all winter...I really could not believe it. Bods run and jog past at all hours in in ALL weathers....I Marcel Marceaued my way very gingerly down the path most days on pure ice but there would always be somebody running past. I got some sort of grippy spings for the bottom of my boots, but people seem to run without! Bloody amazing! We do get 'quite a lot' of snow here.

its not uncommon in the dead of winter January & February in Canada to have many minus 20 Celsius (-20'C) days. Shoveling the driveway to get out is bad enough, never mind running

"If you are an experience runner you'll likely know how to dress for the occasion and you can enjoy running during the cold winter season (likely not -20C).

The following is a list of things that can happen if you run in the cold without proper planning:

hypothermia
frostbite
dehydration
wind chill effects

These are all serious and, in some cases, potentially life-threatening conditions. However, if you take some extra time to get ready for your run in the cold, you'll be safe and comfortable.

Later on we'll talk about dressing for warmth, protecting your exposed skin and keeping hydrated. But first, let's talk about your route. You may not be able to run the same route in the winter as you do during the warmer months because it could be snow-covered or icy.

So map out an alternate route, if necessary. Keep your route closer to home and maybe even a bit shorter. If you're closer to home, you won't have far to run or walk if the weather gets ugly or if you take a spill on the ice.
And do remember that sometimes it's just too cold to run.

Medical professionals recommend you run for no more than 30 minutes in temperatures below minus 17.7 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit), and here's why:

You have a decreased ability to feel pain in sub-zero temperatures, meaning if you injure yourself, or if you have a previous injury that flares up, you may not feel it and can wind up exacerbating the problem."

I once got frost nip on finger tips out running during the winter. It cleared up eventually but when the temp drops I get the numb sensation coming back into my fingers. So definitely make sure you have decent warm kit before heading out

Thanks all - I generally layer up pretty well and have done a couple of 'extreme' runs (up cairngorm in january) but I wondered about the practicalities of running daily in the cold. I do five miles a day and couldn't stand being on a treadmill... Stupid question - can you use regular trainers or are spikes better to avoid the Marcel Marceau effect?

Id suggest no spikes but a good gripping trainer something like the Salomon fell cross 2. Castleberg outdoors (google them) have them in stock at the moment.Alternatively the Salomen fell raisers.

Cant stand treadmills myself

Don't forget frozen nostril hair.

I trim... and my nostril hair

Thanks Mikey for the trainer suggestions - didnt think the Asics would do the job!

Trail running shoes

and from a UK site on snow & ice running

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/...es/185831.html

I walk every day and my cut-off is about -20c. If the sun is shining it doesn't feel so bad. The wind chill can be annoying but I just put my head down and get on with it.
In February I do a hypothermic half-marathon and there are plenty of runners out then!
Dress properly and you'll be fine.

Our local arena has an indoor track that's free to use. I prefer outside but I'll likely head there if it's icy.

Minus 32? That sounds dangerous. Isn't there a risk of frozen lungs or something like that? How long was your run at -32?

I think you'd be surprised just how doable it is.

I ran through 2 winters in Calgary: Asics on my feet, full length running pants and usually 2 layers on top, gloves and a hat or balaclava on the really cold days.

Hard work on the legs after fresh snowfall and had to watch my footing if there was compacted / icy snow or there had been a thaw and freeze. I found I could comfortably run at -22/-23 isn, beyond that I'd move indoors.

There are a few indoor tracks around which are slightly less boring than the treadmill.

I think if you're still alive, it impossible for your lungs to freeze Frost nip is only a problem if you have exposed skin.

I found the winters there easier to run in than back in the UK - you just get used to it and know what you have to deal with.