Why go for run in the dark, cold and snow?

So while some of you were wrapped up warm in a cosy bed, muggings here had planned to go for an early morning run with two running pals. So when the text came through saying "look outside - still up for a run?" I had a moment of hesitation. A thin layer of snow was covering everything. Oh well, I could have a lie-in instead. I was up late last night writing copy for a deadline and a lie-in of half an hour would be good.

Who was I trying to fool? The kids were already up. Then my other running pal texted saying we could use our running crampons… Of course, I'd completely forgotten. We'd ordered a pair of Yaktrax Pro ice grippers. They were only £20 and are great for running and walking on ice. Could have done with them back in December. But was there enough snow to warrant wearing them? I was beginning to question myself. Why was I going for a run? What was driving me?

I asked Dave if he thought I was mad going running this morning. His reply was "no, going ice climbing in Scotland for a weekend is crazy." Dave's last trip up there was something of an epic. Maybe that's it! In comparison to his long drive, long walk-in carrying a huge backpack and then ice climbing up some sheer cliff, going for a short run in the snow in Bristol is kind of tame really. I've tried ice climbing - along time ago now - and believe me it is the most knackering, exhausting, frightening thing I have ever done! And that was without the long drive. No. Running out of my front door is just right for me.

So with a sense of adventure we strapped on the crampons and ventured out into the dark, cold and snow. Just round Victory Park and through the top fields and back. I wasn't really convinced that there was enough snow to wear the crampons but they did give that little bit of extra confidence. Walking to school was far more slippery when I decided not to wear them. That would be typical. Go for a run and then end of twisting my ankle walking to school!!

Anyway the run was lots of fun and a real stress buster. I overheard someone say that there was no snow in Bishopston. So sounds like it was just us South Bristol lot that got the snow. The kids were very happy. Anyway enough rambling on. Must get on with some work.