Advice for winter training

Generally the risk in the winter is in trying to run fast with cold muscles, so traditionally people keep away from very fast track work. Hills can take the place of this over the winter because you're moving less quickly for the same effort compared to the flat. No need to 'taper down' the amount of running you're doing, in fact you may even increase your mileage at this time of year since the intensity will be decreased.

Just be careful when it's icey etc... The treadmill or stationary bike are useful tools if you can bear the boredom.

I'd also recommend running an XC session if it's possible for you, with a 16:XX 5k you'd be pretty competitive at a lot of regional leagues in the UK. Not sure what the scene is like in Scotland specifically though.

Thanks for the response

This was my fear that the colder and harsher weather may increase the chance of injury.

I wish I could enjoy the treadmill but 10 minutes of it and I need out. Something I will need to overcome I suppose

Get a head torch. The UK is pitch black in the winter starting at 3 PM. It is why I had to get out of there.

I attempt to train as consistently as possible through the winter.

Pay attention to the forecast. If possible, switch workout days with easy if the forecast looks bleak.

Covering your face on windy days makes a HUGE difference. It took me several years to learn, but now I wrap a neck gaiter -- Buffs work well -- around my head and face, and wear a hat over the gaiter. Protecting your face from the wind chill makes winter running so much more tolerable. On extremely harsh windy days I sometimes wear an anti fog ski mask as well.

When running primarily on pavement, I've found that Saucony Peregrine Ice+ and Nike Pegasus Shield grip fairly well in icy/slippery conditions. Both shoes have saved me from many whipeouts on black ice, especially at dusk when the melted snow starts to freeze. Yaktrax run traction works ok in thicker snow, but I don't think it works well on ice or on concrete/asphalt.

It's fairly commonsensical, but don't expect drivers to be operating safely in bad conditions. Stay alert and always give vehicles an extremely wide berth in poor conditions.

Training through winter is a good idea but it's wise to adapt to the conditions. You might want to get some trail shoes which can improve the traction quite a bit. Avoid running in icy conditions especially at night when you can't see much.

I always enjoyed running in winter, it's a nice change of pace.

^^^^ Don't be a wimp. Running is simple, do it.

Are you made of sugar? Get out and train!