How do you deal with winter as a runner? Well there’s a few options. You could man-up and pretend it isn’t happening. You must have seen those crazy dudes (and they usually are dudes) that run in shorts and a vest all year round. They’re mostly found at races called things like ‘New Year’s Icebreaker’. That’s one coping strategy, I suppose, but not one I’ve ever been tempted by.

If you don’t fancy frostbite, you will need to get the right kit. There’s a few key pieces that you might want to invest in. Namely a hat, some gloves, some more gloves and a ridiculously bright jacket that makes you look like you’re going to a rave being held about 20 years ago – or that you’re from Hoxton. But it will help you be seen and could save your life.

Whether you choose to man-up or wrap-up, running throughout winter isn’t as scary as you might think. I ran through the coldest winter in 30 years while training for my first marathon and I’m no hero. I’m usually the first to turn the heating on. There’s a few more helpful tips that I learnt along the way here.

If, even with five pairs of gloves and two hoodies on, you still don’t want to venture outside, you could resort to the treadmill in the comfort of a gym. Treadmills are incredibly boring so go prepared with a strategy – speed intervals, one of the pre-programmed hill or speed workouts or take a friend.

And if all that fails, maybe flee to somewhere that it’s a little warmer. Did I mention it’s a gazilion degrees down here in Australia? Feel free to throw things at me.