It's only weather...but be careful

We're definitely in winter now.  This week we've seen snow and flooding which creates a few other hurdles we need to take care of.
It's not so much the snow but it's how it is underfoot when you decide to run.  When I was clearing the driveway the soft snow was lovely but the time taken meant I had to delay my run till the evening.  Unfortunately living high up in the countryside meant that while most surrounding, lower, areas were clear of snow but back home the frozen slush and ice meant the pavements were dangerous to run on, especially in the dark.  One fall could put you out for months so I put my sensible head on and switched to a turbo session on the bike.
On Saturday I was looking forward to our Chatelherault run but there had been a lot of rain and of course there was the melting snow.  As a result it was very wet underfoot and at the lowest part in the run it was completely flooded which meant we were up to our knees in water trying not to fall off the path, which you couldn't see, into deeper water.  The water was baltic but if you're wearing the right shoes and socks, withing a few minutes your feet warm up.  
It's been a busy week with hard training sessions and on Friday I'd done 25 x 1 minute efforts on the bike with 1 min recovery in between.  But that took it's toll towards the end of my run when my legs felt like led and my lungs were working to capacity.  In the end a great run and it was good to be out with my pals - this is the only training session where we meet up physically, with another two occasions virtually on the bike but there's no banter.
Winter means we have to be aware of the elements and take care.  We can't afford to be out in the wilds without proper clothing and fuel to keep us going.  Be careful if out on your own because one ankle twist and you could be in serious trouble.  If I'm out on my own I always have a foil blanket with me and fully charged mobile, just in case.  Take care out there and enjoy the change of season.