Opting Outside!

Maybe it's been cold outside, but at least this past week it has been dry.

How's that for a glass half full outlook?

At the risk of whining (yet again) about the Iowa weather (that I cannot change), let me just remind you that it has been colder than usual this early in the season. It's kind of a crock that the official start of winter is a couple weeks away when it's felt like a full-blown winter (minus the snow) for the past several weeks. It is what it is, and it definitely could be much worse. For example, we should have had several inches of snow, but the two big storms that whizzed through Iowa recently missed my immediate area. First world probs, am I right?

Jingle Bell Run 5K - 2018

Don't you just love a holiday-inspired racing event? I do!

There's just something festive about getting dressed in bright colors and/or festive costumes and pinning on a race bib.

The Jingle Bell Run 5K is actually a national event with numerous local venues across the United States. Affiliated with the Arthritis Foundation, all proceeds from the various events benefit those afflicted with arthritis as well as provide funds to enhance research efforts. This particular event took place on Saturday, December 1st, in Des Moines, Iowa (an hour from my hometown of Grinnell). For more information, you can check out the Arthritis Foundation website HERE to find a race near you or to make a donation.

You may remember that I ran this race last year (recap HERE). This year's race day experience was nothing like last year's (except for the fact that  it was on the same course). Last year, it was a new event for me, run on a beautiful day with oodles of sunshine and pleasant temps. This year, Momma N turned on us...and decided she wasn't gonna play nice.

A Cold Streak

The weather has been most frightful this week, at least in terms of temps.

Although the calendar indicates December, technically we still have three--count 'em, THREE-- weeks remaining of autumn. But, who's counting?

All of my running has been happening outside, none the less, in all kinds of cold weather. I'm kind of stubborn in that regards.

Runfessions...Can We Talk?

Don't you just love this time of the month?

A chance to bare your soles (see what I did there?) and chat about all things running (and otherwise) over coffee with friends. So what if we're not all seated together, around the same table in the same coffee bar, we still got each other's company. We all have our beverages of choice, and we all probably have plenty to say.

Winter Running...are you Vested?

Are YOU a vested runner?

Anyone who has ever seen a semblance of me in colder-than-summer weather has probably seen me in a puffer vest.

Hands-down, a cozy puffer vest is my first choice in winter running wardrobe must-haves.

Well Rested; Quite Thankful

What a busy week, full of all things family, food, and (some) fitness.

Thankfully, I'm feeling so much better than a week ago. It pays off, with huge dividends, when you scale back on the activity and take time to not only rest and recover, but to also enjoy the finer things.

In addition to the low-key (on the rebound) fitness, our house was full of family fun. The Pennsylvania daughter (and her dog and boyfriend), the UofI son and the Indian Hills CC daughter were here for most of the week as well. Let me just say, my heart was full and my smiles were nonstop.

Ever. So. Incredibly.Thankful. 2018

 Being a runner has had a pretty significant impact on my life.

There is SO much to be grateful for...and not just this time of season, but year-round.

I've written previous Thankful posts (in 2017, in 2016, in 2015 and in 2014), and I honestly don't know if I could say it any better. Bear with me, I'm gonna go with (mainly) what's been said before, but tweak some of it to make it more current.