It inevitably comes 4 times per year - the changing of the seasons. The most dramatic of those changes in my opinion is the switch from summer to winter. I know I am a bit ahead of schedule on this change, but up here in Calgary, Alberta we need to be ready for anything at this time of year. The snow can come at any time - mind you it usually doesn’t stick around but it can fall nonetheless. I was doing some thinking about the changing of seasons and the impacts it has on my own training program. I came up with 5 things that I need to consider:

1. Obviously, the running clothes need to change. Away go the shorts and out come the running tights or pants. Head gear is also an important consideration.
2. You need to be more diligent in telling your spouse where it is you are going to run to - with colder weather come a higher risk of injury and you don’t want to be stranded in the cold with a wrecked knee.
3. Your route needs to be considered more carefully - some routes don’t lend themselves to winter running due to ice or snow pack. It is no longer just a go out the door and run wherever your heart point you to.
4. It will take longer to warm up because of the cooler temperatures, so more caution is required during the initial stages of the run.
5. The change of scenery and environment will be a welcome change - I love to watch the seasons change as it can feel like you are running in a new environment!

I am sure there are tonnes of other things to consider, but this is what I came up with. Let me hear your considerations. Please use the comments to chime in.