HELP- need advice from runners

I do not live in slippery conditions so I am not sure about the shoes but when it gets cold, I wear layers so that once I get going, I can take off stuff if I get hot. I wear gloves and a headband around my ears and to prevent that burning chest feeling, a scarf or bandana around my nose and mouth. Once you get going and your body warms up, you can take the scarf or bandana off. It is just that initial cold air and breathing that causes the burn. Wool socks are good and a fast drying base layer under your normal running clothes. If outside it too hazardous, try a "fun" program on the treadmill where you vary speeds and inclines to keep yourself guessing. You could also try aerobics or any at home workout (plenty of videos on youtube).

I live in northern Iowa, so I'm preparing for the cold weather. You will want to get better traction shoes and warm weather gear....dress in layers because as you run you'll get too warm and as you cool down you'll catch a chill. You may want a muffler for over your face. Main thing is to slow down and you'll need to acclimatize yourself to the cold.
I hate treadmills, but there are times where it is too cold and too slippery to run, so I do use a treadmill then. I'll watch television while running and I can NOT get off while my show is running. Remember to up your incline a bit (1 degree or so) to mimic running outside better.
Use the treadmill to begin training yourself to run at a certain pace....do speed intervals ... one minute at just about as fast as you can run, one minute at 2.5 miles per hour or so....15 minutes of that will kick your butt and you'll start running faster overall.

Good luck. Don't give up! I managed to maintain throughout last winter with my best friend and she and I ran a half marathon together in March.

I am the same way with you about the treadmill, but sometimes if I want to run, that is the only choice. I find if I distract myself it's not so boring, like listening to ipod, watching tv, trying to run 5 min, 10 min, 30 min without stopping. Nothing beats a nice run outside, but if you find someway to mix it up on the treadmill its not so bad! Good luck!

i am in Ontario too, i run rain or shine, i have to say, today was one of the worst days i have had in a long time!

You can purchase ice cleats that go on your existing running shoes. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the weather conditions can be pretty slick at times and these do the trick for me. Here's a link to provide you with more information: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-323--12421-0,00.html

As far as dressing for cold weather running goes, you should wear wick-dry running clothes that will keep you warm while allowing your body to breath, and keeping your clothing relatively dry from sweat so you don't freeze. Once you run in the cold more your lungs will get used to it, although I still cough for a bit after a cold weather run. Hope this was helpful!

I live in Texas, so I know our weather is much more mild than yours, but I went for a run the other night in slippery, cold (45 degrees) weather. I had new shoes with a good grip and I had on a North Face fleece jacket that zips up in front, compression running pants, and a long sleeved shirt. After the 1st mile, I got pretty used to the cold air and after about mile 2, I took off the jacket and it was perfect! Start out with some solid running shoes and layer to see what feels good to you - maybe you want 2 long sleeved shirts and a jacket and then you can peel it off as you warm up (and put it back on afterward).

I think I'm also going to invest in some other gear - some fleece gloves and maybe an ear warmer too.

Good luck!