I t crept up quite innocently. That sneaking urge to hop a stile and disappear into the hills, leaving the pavement behind. I was ripe for it: my marathon was a month in the past, maintenance runs were turning into repetitive blurs of street lights and drizzle, a half-read copy of Feet in the Clouds was glaring at me from my bookshelf, and there was the persistent thought of: "What's next?". The final, undeniable nudge was an email from my younger brother: "December 30th. Josh and Tom confirmed. There was no getting around it – my ill-advised foray into fell running was about to begin. The Yorkshire Three Peaks comprise Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, covering 24.5 miles and 5,200ft of ascent. Perhaps our biggest problem, though, was that we chose to run it in winter. When we set off, it was cold, dark and raining. When you're running, rain presents you with a choice: you can be drenched by the torrents coming through your ultra-light, breathable jacket, or you can be drenched in your own sweat thanks to your seriously waterproof, not-very-breathable jacket.

We all opted for the latter. At the top of Pen-y-Ghent we found our second stumbling block, or rather, many tiny stumbling blocks blowing out of the sky, made of frozen water. Running tights, it turns out, do not offer very good protection against hail. Still, it turned to snow after a while, so that was some relief. On the way down came the acceptance that any off-road runner must come to in winter: our feet weren't staying dry. We were running downhill across a surface that was basically a stream posing as grassy hillside. It was OK, though, the one part of the run that I can say, without qualification, was fun. What followed was the most dreary part of the trek, an eight-mile section of bog. Running through a bog is soul-crushing, demoralising and energy-sapping work. Losing one of my trail shoes and its funky elastic lacing "system" to it (three times) is about as miserable a waste of time as I can imagine. Worse than the time loss, however, was the feeling that I couldn't trust my footwear over the tough terrain.

The peak of Whernside presented another fresh challenge. By the time we reached the top the wind had really picked up, to the point where even my 200lb of meat were under threat of being whipped away, the cold just a point of painful acceptance. I was dying to pass out in our support vehicle by the time we got to the last peak, but (un)fortunately the fuel of choice for this run was bravado, and quitting wasn't an option. And so, like sad Hobbits we trudged along the murky path up and over Ingleborough, finally stumbling back to the car to change into our dry clothes by the roadside. All in just under six-and-a-half hours. I don't honestly think that I was physically more beaten up than I had been at the end of my marathon, when I could barely form words, but the pounding that the fells gave my frail human psyche was on another level. Fell-running is tough, of course, but there's understanding that fact with your head, and there's understanding it in a way that puts the knowledge in your bones.

Mark E Johnson is a runner, a nerd and a writer. He tweets @Spinface . Even if you feel sharp during your run, it’s as if the trail is just waiting for you to trip over a root or pop an ankle in that divet. And that’s why what you have on your feet is so important — the right shoes can protect the soles of your feet from sharp rocks, support your heels from downhill shock, and provide comfort even when your muscles scream and your feet ache.buy walking shoes online australiaYes, you need more trail-specific technology than road running shoes have, so here are 10 of the best (and newest) trail runners, ranging from minimalist shoes you’ll hardly notice to tough kicks that'll take you through wet, winter training.nike basketball shoes coming out Weighing in at just 11.5 ounces, the Saucony Outlaw is for the extreme trail runner who still wants a minimalist feel. cheap nike shoes australia shipping

With its ¾ cut, it helps secure ankles on the toughest root-infested mountain runs, and its water-resistant membrane will protect your feet from the elements. Other cool features: Anti-lacebite pads that guard your feet against blisters, an anti-odor insole to prevent stinky feet, a high-traction rubber outsole to stop slippage on a rainy day, and an external bedrock plate to safeguard against hard rocks and sharp surfaces that could harm your soles. best shoe brands wiki Pearl Izumi’s Peak II is lightweight and durable with maximum traction and protection (it has a toe cap and a forefoot plate to ensure no roots or rocks puncture you), but stays true to its minimalist feel with a seamless upper and a comfortable sock liner. the best type of running shoe for flat feetAnd with 360-degree lacing, you can get the tightest, glove-like feel so that your shoes will stay tailored to your foot throughout the entire run — no slippage or re-tying here. ladies golf shoes size 5

The New Balance Winter 110 encompasses all the top qualities of a trail runner — sticky outsole, cushioning lining and a natural-running, minimalist feel—but also offers the protection of a non-clunky winter boot, using a waterproof layer that wraps around the shoes and a ripstop upper membrane to keep you warm and dry. Bonus: A stability shank in the midsole helps with arch support and a smoother gait. If you’re new to the barefoot movement, try Merrell's Mix Master 2. Its thinner midsole will keep your foot low to the ground but won’t compromise on the valuable stability you're used to from normally structured shoes. What's more: There's extra cushion in the heel, added forefoot shock absorption pads for running on varied terrain, a mesh upper that lets the heat and stank out, and a bellows tongue to keep rocks from slipping into your shoes. The Vibram Spyridon cocoons your foot in a multi-directional sole that protects against sharp objects, and its breathable upper section will keep your feet ultra-cool.

And best of all, its rubber outsole has an aggressive tread design for maximum grip, so you'll stay slip-free—even on your clumsiest days. The easy-on, easy-off Salomon XT Wings 3 will allow you to amp up the intensity of your workout. They have a strategically-placed seamless mesh upper that provides maximum support, and the outsole has been pumped up for ultra-cushioning against the elements of the trail. And the Quicklace, one-pull system has a tongue cover, so no pebbles will fall in and throw off your pace. The La Sportiva Raptor GTX, waterproofed with a Gore-Tex liner, is ideal for running in wet and muddy conditions. La Sportiva uses the sticky, rubber traction technology of its climbing shoes to guard against slippage, and the shoe's wrap-around toe bumper protects against rocks and roots. Bonus: The Raptor’s lacing harness stays strong even in the coldest temperatures—though we can't say the same for your muscles. At just 11.4 ounces, the Mizuno Wave Ascend 7 is lightweight, and it has full-length, mesh ventilation to keep your feet fresh.