When you are considering whether you should take a snorkel with you on a run, you know it's wet out there! Given that mud can be all but unavoidable on trail runs, we've put together some top tips to help you tackle the slippery brown stuff!

Having sufficient tread on your trail shoe (if you can keep it from getting clogged up) as well as the right grip type for the terrain is going to make a big difference. From massive lugs, to old school spikes and everything in between, trail shoes have many different treads, they are also made of different softness of rubber, grip patterns and depth of grip. Know which ones have the best grip for your terrain. For really slippery mud, deep lugs (around 1cm depth) plus a flexible sole will mean you are ready to tackle what lies ahead. The lug depth adds grip and the flexible sole allows the mud to shed on each footfall, as mud on mud equals zero grip!

Tricky one, depends on whether you are going to be consistently running through puddles or not. If so, don't bother with waterproof shoes as they are more likely to become waterlogged as the water struggles to get out. If you suffer from cold, wet feet try waterproof socks instead. Let's face it you're going to need hosing down in the garden after this run anyways! Once you've washed your shoes (ideally after each run) stuff them with newspaper and let them dry naturally.

Most of the time its best to just plough straight on through, keeping your stride and gait unchanged. That way you won’t risk a slip on the edge of the path which could see you not only land puddle bound but worse with a twisted an ankle. Plus a big splash in the middle of the puddle pushes the water away from your foot, just make sure you are quick to your next step to avoid the returning tidal wave of mud.

Leggings, or better still, a good coating of freshly dried mud will keep your legs warm so you can tackle all the mud and puddles on route with warm and reactive muscles.

As George Orwell once wrote... "4 legs are better than 2". Use poles to dance along the path and jump the puddles with added security. Possibly even stop and use them as a depth gauge. Keep your hands out of the straps if you are at risk of falling, broken wrists are worse than muddy legs.

Not that old chestnut again! Yes I like knowing where I am. It’s also true that paths that run east-west have more puddles on the southern aspect. Yes I am a nerd.

Less traffic means it's less likely to be muddy. Bridleways and byways are usually churned up more than footpaths, so picking routes avoiding them is a good idea when things are really bad!

You definitely don't want to ingest all that mud flying around, so try breathing more through your nose to avoid swallowing random detritus.

Let’s face it, it's not avoidable, so you might as well make the most of it! Get stuck in, and cover yourself in trail!