Sunday, December 11, 2016

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!



45 comments:

  1. I just gave up that Garmin--it was the gateway drug to more tech! Actually, it kind of died on me. I loved it tho...

    You look so cute in that skirt, but heels? Do you have to be even taller?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha ha.....I don't do heels very often, but I'm not afraid of them (much). Some outfits require heels, you know? ;-)

      Delete
  2. Love the winter running and holiday work outfits! But really, I always like your outfits! I need to accept reality that winter has finally hit us in Philly, and even though we're maybe in the 30's, the wind chill has had us in the teens and I'm not ready!

    I love running in the winter but my urge to run has died down considerably since the marathon, though I had 2 great runs in Savannah! I need to stock up on some tights and a nice running jacket...oh and buy gifts for other people too, LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have actually bought more for others than for myself...so far LOL

      Delete
  3. I was at my parent's in Maine this past week and did not come equipped to run in the cold. And it was cold. 17 degrees in the morning.... we don't get cold like that in Paris ! So I took my workouts Inside. Not doing much running. Giving myself a break until the new year, so only running twice a week.
    You rock for continuing the run streak in the winter weather.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, the run streak is kind of a no-brainer by now. I'm used to the winter weather, though the wind still takes my breath away at times...#bbbrrrr

      Delete
  4. Those zipper pulls are cool! What a great idea! I'd entertained the thought of a marathon charm bracelet but so far have done nothing about it. Yes, cold and snowy here. The usual.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oooh....I like the idea of a charm bracelet! Or even a necklace...these charms would be easy to adapt to either of those ideas!

      Delete
  5. Seriously, who doesn't shop for themselves? Winter is dumped right outside my door right now. :(

    We like to say we escaped the northeast for 17 years . . . but the sad fact is I've lived most of my life in these parts. I'm determined not to end it here, though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha ha ha ;-) We're wondering how our daughter's first winter in Pennsylvania will compare all of the Midwest winters.

      Delete
  6. It was a lovely fall, and perfect for running! I was a little sad to have to dig out the uber cold weather running gear this week. I love that fun bright plaid skirt! I wear scrubs to work so I don't buy very many fun dress up clothes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had our winter just dumped on us rather quickly...UGH. It would have been nice to have a few weeks of "mildly cold" before getting this artic-freeze stuff LOL

      Delete
  7. Looking gorgeous in your skirt and boots pic! We don't see you too much in real clothes. Winter came in so strong here too this week. Feels more like February. Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it feels more like January/February here, too. I never know if I'd rather have snow (since it's already cold) or if the snow just makes it seem even colder (??)

      Delete
  8. Love the skirt! And the booties! The teens are serious cold - it hasn't been that bad here yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's been in the 20's a lot, but the windchill has been in the teens (and colder)...YUCK! I can handle the cold, but the wind certainly can be a game-changer.

      Delete
  9. On Saturday I raced in chilly weather - maybe 35 degrees, and I felt okay in only a skirt and two shirts, but your temps sound painfully cold. I just don't know if I could run outside there. Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The temps seem bad (well, I guess they are kind of bad LOL), but one does acclimate to it. When spring starts to arrive, those 40-degree days feel tropical ;-)

      Delete
  10. Your so inspirational!! I should run in the cold, maybe I'll give it a try tonight! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go for it! It does take some time to acclimate to it, and you do have to breathe a little different....but it's invigorating!

      Delete
  11. I HATE that old man winter has arrived in the DC area. It was brutally cold by the end of last week. Its warming up a tad today, and I wish that it would stay that way!

    Btw I love your skirt. It looks great with the black sweater and boots.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks ;-) I love my funky colors ;-) The temps really took a nose-dive here as well...with not much warning...

      Delete
  12. I'm all for bright clothes, too! At my old office in New York, most people wore black (typical New Yorkers), so I stood out in turquoise and neons haha. I love the santa socks you have, too! I have to say, I don't miss the snow! It's in the 60s today in Austin :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha ha ha....I have a lot of black, but I always "funk" it up with color and accessories. I refuse to dress like a small-town Iowa gal LOL

      Delete
  13. Watch twins :D You know me--I like a mix and match style. Yesterday I was wearing all the patterns. Someone told me I looked like outer space.
    I can run with that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Outer space? I sometimes look (and feel) like the an astronaut in a space suit with my puffer vests lOL

      Delete
  14. I understand we are all different and what works for one doesn't work for another. But, Ravennas were recommended for me after an analysis about 7 years ago. They caused serious problems -- mostly because I trusted the "professionals" and kept running in them for months. Live and learn. Turns out I needed more lift in the heel. I adore your Santa socks! I won a shirt from 78 threads that I love. It's so soft. And, Hooray for Garmins! It won't be hard to operate. Make sure you put the app on your phone and sync to it. That's where all the good info resides. I've had a couple of runs in the upper 20s now. That's about as cold as it gets here. I'd be a wimp in your cold winter! Thanks for linking, Kim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am proceeding with the utmost caution with these new shoes.....so far, they have felt great (but I have only done a few 1-2 milers in them). Too soon to tell if they will be a hit or a miss, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed ;-) I'll have to look for that app on my phone...thanks for the tip!

      Delete
  15. Oh gosh...the sun makes a huge difference, not just with the temps, but my mental state as well! There's nothing more beautiful than seeing the snow sparkle on an especially cold day as the sun hits it ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. It definitely got colder here but its supposed to get even colder on Thursday! Im almost done with my shopping...just a few more things to order then I just need to get everything wrapped!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My shopping has plateaued....oops!My baking needs another fire lit under it, too LOL

      Delete
  17. You always look adorable! Love that plaid skirt!

    So, it's been cold in Florida. When I was in Ragnar, the temps dipped into the low 40s. But then bounced back to the 80s. Obviously nothing like what you are having, but cold for us. It would be nice not to have to wear shorts on Christmas, but I guess that's just the downfall of the area in which we live.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually wore shorts for a Santa run last year...it was in the upper 50's I think, which is near tropical for Iowa in December LOL (NOT happening this year however)

      Delete
  18. I have that Garmin and I love it. I hope it treats you well!

    Where did you get those adorable Santa Socks? Now that I think I might do our elf run again next year I think those socks will be perfect.

    You are pretty tough to run in that cold temperature. I think one year I ran when it was in the 20's but that will be my threshold. Happy Winter!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I just could not tolerate those temps! You Northerners are some hardy peeps, I tell ya! I probably would gain 50 pounds every winter because I would never want to leave the house! :)

    I always enjoy your outfits, both running and your Friday Fashion! For me, 25% of the fun in running is wearing cute clothes ...I'm somewhat of a fashion diva myself!

    Happy Running and stay warm!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am SOOO in agreement on the fun clothes, running and otherwise. Why limit oneself to black and boring? Nope, no way, not this gal. I got to have color!

      Delete
  20. Oy, those temperatures. I grew up in Pennsylvania, but now I live in Charleston, South Carolina. I freeze if it's below 60. I can't imagine getting out in those temps! I love those little charms. So cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. IT's amazing how easy it is to acclimate to the cold temps (at least it was for me 10+ years ago when I boycotted the 'mill and took it outside). As they say,"it's only cold when you're standing still" LOL

      Delete
  21. You are very lucky to have a great neighborhood to run in. I hardly ever feel unsafe but the roads are not ideal and even less safe for my pets that seem to want to join me. I do take my Aussie with me when I run other places and he loves to go!! It wouldn't be you if it wasn't loud and in your face colors right? How tall are you anyway?
    Ummm I sure do buy gifts for myself, wrap them an all. There is at least one gift from the hubs that he knows nothing about every year. No one knows how to shop for me better than I do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha ha...that's great that you're able to shop for the hubby (and wrap it, too!)

      And, YES to color!!! #blackisboring

      Delete
  22. You are most definitely in winter! No one can rock a hat like you can! #jealous I live in a great neighborhood too and can pretty much run whenever I want- I am very grateful for that :) Great shopping finds, I do buy myself some greats things this time of year too- why not? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The husband hates shopping, so he is usually relieved when I tell him "I found a little something..."

      Delete
  23. It is getting cold indeed. I have to start half marathon training outside and just bought new fleece leggings. What else do you wear when it's below 30s?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My favorite winter-running must-have is a puffer vest (no specific brand). It's warm without the bulk of a full jacket....usually that with a thermal base layer and a dense fleece jacket is enough for me.

      Delete