Spoiler Alert - winter is here!

I've lived all of my life in the Midwest. Other than a 7-year stint in central Michigan, I've been in Iowa. I know cold, snowy, and windy weather (believe me, I know it well). I do appreciate a transition to the frigid temps, though, and Momma N was not so kind to oblige this year.



We had a very mild fall, and an especially warm November. But December arrived, avenging all that comfort.

Bring it, Momma N! You don't scare me!

Thankfully, the acclimation (to the winter wonderland) happened rather quickly (out of necessity). All is good, and I'm ready for another 3+ months of cold temps. (I think)

So, here's the latest from this past week.

First off, my streak is going well. Did you know I'm doing the Runner's World Winter Streak? This is my fourth time doing the winter streak (more details HERE and HERE). When Tuesday arrives, I'll already be past the half way mark! So far, I've done every run outside.

I'm very fortunate for my situation. I live in a neighborhood that allows me to run very early in the morning or after work (both of which are in the dark) and there's never a safety concern. Also, sometimes I'm given an extended lunch "hour" (depending on my work load), and that allows me to do some of my runs during the daylight hours.

One morning, as I was finishing my run, I met up with the husband and Max. I grabbed the leash and Max ran the final stretch with me (about the length of a city block). He was so excited!

Anyone who knows me will validate that I seldom ever wear things that are too "matchy-matchy" (because I think that's too "boring-boring" LOL). One day, though, I rocked the boat and dressed almost all in blue....

too much blue?

Speaking of wardrobe, it's kind of a given that I'm not afraid of color or pattern. My workplace has a pretty casual dress code, but every now and then I have Christmas luncheons to attend....what do you think? Too bright? (one of my favorite hash tags is #gobrightorstayhome, don't forget).

...because tall girls can wear heels, too (they just have to be careful walking through doorways)

Recently, while at the Route 66 Marathon expo, I had a gait analysis done, courtesy of Brooks. They confirmed my Adrenalines were perfect for me, but another model to consider was the Ravenna. Wouldn't you know it? The Ravennas were on sale (via the Brooks website) for a killer price. Add the free shipping and 90-day guarantee, and they were mine. They arrived this week, and I've done two runs in them. So far, they feel great. Stay tuned...I will slowly be adding more mileage in the weeks to come...I'm hoping they will continue to be a great addition to my repertoire.

We had our first snowfall last weekend, but most of it disappeared (believe it or not, it did get above freezing for a couple days in the daylight hours). Alas, a bunch of snow returned Saturday. It started snowing (lightly) during my morning run and continued for several hours.

Can you see them? The tiny streaks are snow flakes...

The snow continued to fall off and on during Sunday. With no holiday run on my roster this year, I decided to dress the part anyways for my streak run amidst the falling snow. I went out and came back a drenched mess...let's just say the festive red headband was a fail (and so was my hair). Oh well.

I should have worn the red hat instead...

As we all know, it's the season for shopping and gift giving, and I am just about done! Of course, I have picked up a few little goodies for myself thus far....

This pretty little shirt (by 73 Threads) was featured on the Route 66 expo's Facebook event page. Unfortunately, it sold out during the first day. When I found their booth (on day two), it was gone...but they let me place a special order and it arrived this past week. It's the perfect keepsake from my weekend of running in Tulsa.

#Fridayfashion

Always in search of the perfect keepsake from my "big" races, these little trinkets caught my eye. They are from Charmed Running (not an affiliate link), and I eagerly ordered them when I saw the zipper pulls were a new item. How perfect! They're gonna go on one of my race gear bags.

Clockwise from top: Route 66, Grandma's marathon, Christmas in July 12-hour, Des Moines Marathon, Quad Cities Marathon, Christmas in July 6-hour

And, last but not least, I can finally call myself a Garmin gal. My Timex Ironman kind of bit the dust after the Quad Cities Marathon weekend (but just this week came back to life...go figure). I acquired this little gem for a steal of a price...so Merry Christmas to me! Now, bear with me as I navigate my way through the nuts-and-bolts of operating it (#techchallenged).

So how about YOU? How was your week? Cold weather yet? Holiday shopping done? Do you take the liberty to shop for yourself (as well as others) this time of year?

As usual, I'm linking with the awesome Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Do head over and check out their blogs, and take notice of all the many linked blogs as well. Happy Reading!