Change of seasons

I think we're lucky to live in a country where we have a definite change in seasons.  I remember over 40 years ago living in Greece and didn't see rain for 3 months, just blue skies and sunshine.  You'd think you'd love that but you can get bored of the same thing every day.  The first time it rained I danced in the street but my pal Seumas who had come over to visit me wasn't so pleased as it was his first day on holiday!
You also find, living in Scotland that if we get the weather we all want, we start complaining it's too hot!  So I welcome the cold weather that has arrived and today I saw my first snow of the season!
What I find more difficult is the lack of daylight.  My early morning runs are now all with a head torch and this morning I delayed it to allow the ground to clear of the snow and ice.  My point is it's now 5pm and it's pitch black outside so I try and adopt when I am training so that it's not always in the dark.  But as long as it's dry, there's nothing like a crisp cold evening run with your pals.  Even better if you take it off road into the forests where long shadows are cast and every so often you see eyes staring back at you from the bushes - normally wild life but I never hang around to check it out.
The secret is what you wear.  I've adopted gloves and a hat this week.  Still in shorts but 3 layers on top as we're down around 2 degrees.  As long as your extremities are covered you're normally ok but I don't think it will be long before the running tights are out.  I also need to get some gloves for the gym because the cold bars really do chill my hands to the extent they hurt.
If the roads get very icy I'll start using the treadmill but I need to make a bigger effort to travel to Tollcross and get on the Stairmaster which will be so beneficial for next season.  The hard work in the gym is essential so while the running miles are down, the gym work is essential.  If you can find a training partner I think that helps as you can do sets together or have a virtual partner where you check up on each others progress and motivate each other to push yourself hard.  Being held accountable for your training always yields better results.
Embrace the change in season, wear the right gear to suit the conditions and remember the shortest day of the year is only 24 days away and then the daylight will increase!!!