Depending on where you are in the world, running on snow is sometimes inevitable! - there are some obvious challenges to trying to keep your training going when the weather is bad. Snow presents a particular challenge. You don't quite know whats under the snow ( ice?) so its important to keep your focused and make a judgement call... Remember safety first. The last thing you should do is risk an injury.

For the purposes of this article lets assume that the snow is quite fresh and presents little in the way of a health risk! - the first thing is not to be put off! - the snow will do two things, one, it should make you slow and shorten your pace, which is great, very few runners take time to slow down and perhaps work a bit more on technique. The second thing is awareness and focus, when the conditions are that different one tends to really concentrate and look a little further ahead of your run, picking the right route and selecting the best course.

Runners that I have spoken to who have enjoyed running in the snow have always been surprised at how much they have enjoyed it, this is mostly down to the fact that they have less of an expectation of the run, and without exception they have all commented on how they have ended up running further and longer.

If you do face the prospect of taking a run in the snow consider some important elements;

clothing: its snowing! - which means its cold! - so wrap up warm. Running pants / jogging trousers and/or running tights are essential. You can try running in shorts if that is your thing, but I would advise against it. Light frostbite on your legs isn't very nice at all. Wear a thermal top and make sure you have a hat! - something in the region of 80% of your body heat will escape from your head! Stop this from happening by wearing a hat.

Safety: tell someone where you are going ( your route) and roughly how long you might be. This should raise alarm bells if you aren't back. Where possible ensure that you run with someone. Get your Jogging Buddy involved, its a lot of fun if you both run together. If you go on your own, take your mobile with you! - the last thing you want is to be stranded somewhere without being able to get help.

Water: you don't just need water when its hot out there. Make sure you take a drink with you. Id suggest some kind of cordial mix to give you a little sugar burst as you go round. If you train with a sports drink then use that, stick with what you are used to.

If you are fortunate enough to have some countryside at easy access for your run then that seems like a nice option to take, its great to experience the view and run on untouched snow for a bit of cushioning.

Don't let snow get in the way! - a few precautions are all you need to keen on with your running! - good luck!