About Me

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Five things I'm currently Loving


Not to sound the least bit boastful, but there's been a lot of things I'm loving recently.

It's been an interesting "season" of running (aka, my annual off-season). There's been all kinds of bright and pretty colors happening. And, there's a lot of great stuff to look forward to....

Here's a sampling...



First of all, as many of you know, I have been streaking. This is my sixth consecutive winter run streak, and it's my third consecutive year where I have done all of my runs outdoors. Yes, there have been a few bitterly cold days, but ((knock wood)) I have not had any ice, sub-ZERO temps (though there have been a few single-digit days), nor heavy snow. And, I'm already closing in on the homestretch....New Year's Day isn't too far off! I have kept my mileage low, and that has been a key component to the streak working well for me. My cranky hammies/tendons are feeling not so cranky anymore, and I've been increasing the distance of some of my runs. Come January, the streak will end...but for the remaining 11 days, I plan to continue rocking the (daily) runs.


Another thing I have been loving is all the seasonal color. It's no secret that I LOVE color, and green and red are definitely in the top five of Kim's Favorite Colors. Just this week, I think I have worn red or green (often times both) every day.


Would you believe I got to run  in shorts this week? Not just once, but twice??? Let me remind you, I live in Iowa and this is December. When Momma N surprises me with bright sunshine and unseasonably warm temps, you better believe I am gonna take advantage!


I'm also loving my 2019 racing calendar thus far! I have three new (to me) events happening, and that's exciting!  I have the Freeze Fest 5K on February 16th (Marion, IA), the Chocoholic Frolic 10K on March 30 (Iowa City, IA) and the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile on April 7 (Washingtion, DC). Usually, I have so many favorites that I return to every year, so it's really gonna be fun checking out some new courses.


And, finally, I'm really glad the winter solstice is here! Although it's the shortest day of the year, and it signifies the official start of winter, it also means the days will be progressively getting longer. WOOT!!!! And, with the increased daylight, we'll be that much closer to summer. Now, that's truly something to love.

That's a quick look at what's been making me smile lately. Winter definitely is not my favorite season, but it's not all gloom and cold and doom.

How about you? Anything you're loving as of late? Are you as excited as me for the solstice?

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up. 

By the way, are you following me on social media?
Let's connect Facebook Instagram  Pinterest Twitter

22 comments:

  1. Winter is not my favorite season either, but starting today, the days will begin getting longer again. I get to run in shorts this morning. Looking forward to it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really, it's the little things, right? A few years ago, I had the revelation that if I can make it through the winter solstice, there's nothing but brighter days ahead (often times, quite literally).

      Delete
  2. Shorts? Wow, it must have been really warm by you! I am hoping that the mild temperatures stick around!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was in the upper 40's/low 50's earlier this week. Not a heat wave, but very warm in comparison to what it had been just a few days prior.

      Delete
  3. you always have the best colorful outfits!!

    I am truly happy that it's the shortest day so the longer days can start! here in the Netherlands it can be soooo dark so early (and late - this morning I slept in until 8:30 and it was still kind of dark). I am much happier when there is a bit more sun throughout the course of the day. I will not be running in shorts anytime soon though! ha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree....I don't have SAD, but I really crave sunshine and warm temps.

      Delete
  4. I am glad to see the winter solace as well! Nice job on the streak so far. Looks like the next few days are going to be warmer. Even on dreary days, I always feel better to get outside and do my runs or walks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're probably getting the mini heat wave we had this week. You're welcome ;-)

      Delete
  5. That's crazy you've been able to run in shorts in December! We've got weather in the 60s here today too and I'm definitely going to take advantage of it later with a run :) But I am so excited that we should start getting more light now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A lot of people dread the shorter days, but those short days bring us closer to the solstice, which leads towards brighter days ;-)

      Delete
  6. I am totally with you on the Solstice.

    Today is gonna be unseasonably warm -- unfortunately, it's also supposed to rain all day. And tomorrow will be back to normal (cold) temps so no shorts for me (not that I ever run in them anyway!).

    Your racing calendar looks great. I wish I had one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My calendar just kind of started filling up in recent weeks.....it definitely gives me something to look forward to after my Streak ends ;-)

      Delete
  7. I love your outlook on winter and have adopted those same thoughts last year, we are no closer to Summer...lol

    I'm loving all your festive outfits! Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!! Instead of dwelling on the coldness so much, I try to remember the plus side of the solstice -->moving towards summer!

      Delete
  8. I get excited for the solstice as well! Longer days are always good. I went to the gym this am but I totally could have run in shorts. In central PA, it's 55 degrees today!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's crazy to have temps like that this time of year! I knew I'd regret NOT running outside in my shorts LOL

      Delete
  9. Running in shorts in December?! A win for sure! And, amen for the days starting to get longer from here! Good job with your streak - just a few more days to go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You've been doing well with your streak, too! I am SOOOO excited for the days getting longer...making it to the solstice is such a conquest for my mental health LOL

      Delete
  10. I'm loving the NO SNOW here, too, it was sooooo icy this time last year and snow on snow on snow.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love all the colors too! You have the best running outfits, I always enjoy seeing what you are wearing on your Instagram posts :-) Merry Christmas my friend!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Merry Christmas and wishing you peace, joy and happiness in the new year.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congrats on your outdoor streak! I give you major props!
    Love all the beautiful colorful outfits :)
    Looks like a great lineup of races so far!
    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete