These Icebug Hero carbide studded trail running shoes have been absolutely essential for me to train all winter long, especially with the crazy snow-rain-freeze-like-a-mother storm cycles we have been having here in the Maritimes and Maine.  Icebug is a Swedish trail running shoe company that has been making studded trail shoes for over a decade and just like everything else Swedish that we see over here in North America, they make a fine product.  I even have the fruity and well made gaiters for when the snow and slush are deep and manky.
       The 15 to 19 studs per shoe blow any other "winter" shoe off the ice.  They also make a range of models from traditional, beefmo running shoes to minimalist floppers.  Most models are available with or without studs for your trail running pleasure.  Some models come in standard rubber, sticky rubber or "Outdry" waterproof, breathable membrane for where ever you go.
    The Swedes and the rest of Scandinavia are all such active cultures as well.  They have a passion for the outdoors and breathing heavily at all times of the year.
They are definitely worth checking out, and no I am not sponsored by them. . . . . .yet.
      I put this post in two categories; "Rambles" because I ramble about in them, and "Injuries and Prevention" because they help you to stay on your feet.  For me, I would rather feel safe on ice and run a regular stride than do the penguin run and have hip flexors that go all winter with out reaching their full range of motion. 
     You can get them on Shoebuy.com.  I hope to see you out there this winter!

Active Isolated Stretching has helped me out in big ways.   I have been running competitively for 30+ years and have never been able to stand, bend over and touch my toes. after 3 days of 2 AIS routines/day, I was able to touch my knuckles to the ground.  Big changes.    It is a different kind of "stretching" than the typical, static stretch and does so much more.

Here is a link to a Running Times (the best serious runners mag out there) article on Phil Wharton, who has been treating professional athletes for a while now with this method: Phil Wharton, Peace Through Strength.
enjoy.

Here is his Website where you can learn all about his methods and stretching routines:  whartonperformance.com
Strengthening is a big part of his program as well and should not be overlooked.
There are videos galore and I highly recommend them.