No longer is there time after work to run in the light; running in the dark probably dictates a change of route; dressing for a run takes more thought than simply which t-shirt to wear; and even our commitment gets tested. Let’s look at each of those challenges in turn…

Of course, if you can run during the day, that’s fine. Some lucky office workers with showers can run at lunchtime, though this takes discipline and for no emergencies or unforeseen deadlines to crop up in the morning.

You can run first thing, when you get up, though this requires more motivation and organisation, and is generally harder physically at first.

But you do feel energised – and self-righteous! – for the rest of the day.

If you have to run after work, then my tip would be to get in, change and go straight out: if you stop, even to read a few emails, you can get dragged into all that other stuff, and lose the impetus to get out there.

And, when running in the dark, please do take sensible precautions about your route and clothing…

If you’re in a town, there will probably be enough well-lit roads with pavements for you to get in the distance that you need.

If you’re out in the country, you could consider driving somewhere safer to run – a town, a track or a park with floodlights – or you’ll have to plan your route very carefully to avoid things like faster roads and blind bends.

And, of course, you’ll need to make sure that you can see, and even more importantly, that motorists can see you – and that means reflective clothing, and quite probably a head-torch.

You should expect to feel a bit chilly for the first few minutes. If in doubt, dress in layers that can easily be tied around your waist as you warm up.

And, as I said above, don’t forget the safety role that your clothing plays.

Many tops, leggings and shoes now have reflective strips or panels, which are very effective in showing you up (much more so than just wearing light colours.) Don’t forget hats and gloves in very cold weather.

If it is icy, you may have to think twice about running. The pavements may be too slick to be safe, but, if you can find some soft ground to run round, that should be fine.

Some shoes have more grip than others, but few work well on ice, whereas you can run on snow because you naturally ‘dig in’ on landing – though watch out for the odd icy patch.

it may not be as easy to start your run as on those balmy summer evenings, but the enjoyment should be just as great, if not greater, when you do get going – and certainly afterwards.

Whereas, in the warmer months, your runs are seldom solo, winter drives more people indoors and leaves the roads and trails to you and me, the committed hardcore!!

Why not enjoy being the first to plant footprints in the frost or the snow? Relish being warm while others are struggling to remain so.

Be proud of the fact that the weather has not stopped you.