Summer and winter training

Was thinking about the differences between winter and summer marathon/fitness training yesterday.  Here are my pros and cons!

Summer
Pros: Never get frozen fingers that hurt instead of go numb.  No need to worry about snow and ice on the ground.  More triathlon races!  Warm weather means more motivation to get trainers on and head outside.  Light, warm evenings mean you can go out running later in the even so there are more hours available.  Can also take routes that aren't along the main/lit roads such as cycle tracks, off road, bridle ways etc as they are much safer when light.  Easier to combine running with cross training such as hiking, walking, cycling, out door swimming.  Even if it rains, it's not cold but cooling and refreshing.  Summer gear generally cheaper than winter thermals.

Cons:  Soooo hot and sweaty!  Heat of the sun can be unbearable in the middle of the summer!  Need to get up and stupid times such as 4am as soon as it starts to get light, so that it's still cool enough.  Means that shops, public loos and places where there are water fountains are not yet open!  If it's not warm, it's probably humid.  Or need to wait until late evening until cool enough, which means either running after dinner, or having very late dinner.  Heat means need to drink more water which you either have to carry or keep stopping at water fountains to fill up bottle.

Winter
Pros: More half marathon races in Feb/March time as people build up to the marathons.  More people out training for the marathon so lots of motivation.  Cool, crisp blue skies and a light breeze are my favourite days to run.  Never getting too hot or dripping with sweat.  I prefer wearing tights to shorts and these are more suited to winter running.  Usually a nice temperature to run during the daytime so easy to do lunchtime runs or just after work without it being too hot.  Plus, can have a lie in on the day of the long run as no need to do it first thing it the morning - best to wait til it warms up a little!  The shops etc will also be open during the middle of the day.  

Cons:  Cold, wet, dark!!  Snow and ice on the ground for weeks makes running difficult!  Dark evenings are not very fun for running, and not safe to go off road or down the old railway lines so means sticking to well lit, main roads in town.  More faffing around with gear as it's cold one minute then you warm up and end up carrying gloves and hat and tying jacket round waist.  End up spending loads of money on expensive running jackets and tights!!

My favourite times for running are September - November and the end of March - April.  Preferably clear skies, light wind and temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees C.  But i prefer cycling in the middle of summer.  Have you got a favourite time?