First, Let Me Runfess

Well, it's that time of the of the month again.

The Runfessions are flowing...and, it's my turn to join the conversation.

For the most part, things haven't been too unstable or stress-inducing. That's all good, right? Even so, there still are a few things I'll runfess with y'all...

Winter...a tricky test of a runner's tolerance

Ugh. I'm just not a fan of Winter.

Granted, I can tolerate it, and I do try to get most of my runs done outside.

I also try to make it  outside everyday for a walk if the conditions aren't too frigid. But Winter definitely is my least-favorite season because it's so tricky and temperamental, especially in terms of running.

A Winter "Wonder" Land

Ever wonder, really wonder, exactly what season is happening outside?

Well, this was such a week. It was cold. It was windy. There was fog. And rain. And more snow. But, there was sunshine. And it got warm.

Talk about your "wonder"land.

10 Special Keepsakes from 10 Significant Races

Ahhhh, so many races, so many memories, so much swag.

Sure, the finisher medals are nice. An occasional age group award is pretty sweet as well. Often times, though, there’s other swag that’s just as special.

Care to take a peak at my current Top 10?

FreezeFest 5K 2020 race recap

That which doesn't kill us...

We're much stronger for the fight, right?

So what if there's a 20mph wind (the air temps were almost 60F warmer than the windchill two days prior). A runny nose (meh, it IS possible to breathe through one's mouth). And, a weird "out-of-joint" thing going on with the hip (well, that's just one body part...all others were fully functioning). Glass half full, after all.

Care to hear more about the 2020 FreezeFest 5K?

Can You Say Daylight?

Can you say Daylight?

Somehow, over the course of the past couple weeks, it seems like the daylight has tripled in extended hours. And I'm not complaining.

Now, if only the temps would have a similar exponential increase...

All is well, though. Winter 2020 has been on the tame side, for the most part. It did get a little tricky this past week, though, even with the extra daylight.

Running & Racing; Then & Now

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Well, not exactly...at least in terms of my experience as a runner.

A lot has happened since my first-ever race. Physically, I have definitely gotten faster, stronger and more consistent. Emotionally, it's been a bit of a roller coaster (but in a fun, adventurous way).

Shall we take a jog down Memory Lane?

Outside Is Alright

Winter outside? It's alright with me...at least it was this week.

It was a cold week, no doubt. At times, the wind was crazy. We also got snow (again) on Friday (it was our fifth consecutive Friday with the white stuff coming down in some capacity).

More importantly, it was my third consecutive week of winter running exclusively outside (Sorry, not sorry, Milly). In my book, that's a victory.

5 Fitness Hacks, Courtesy of the Stairs

The stairs have it and they’re waiting for you.

What’s that, you say? The stairs?

I’m always looking for new or creative ways to work-out at home. I’ve come to realize a stairway is a pretty decent “fitness hack,” all on its own.

Care to hear why?

Not a setback, but a lesson in Gratitude

Have you ever been sidelined?

As runners, and athletes in general, I'd wager most of us have claimed "sidelined status" at least once.

Myself? I'm no exception. In fact, I was sidelined for three months, a few summers ago. THREE MONTHS! During the SUMMER, my favorite season for all things running and fitness. Not only did I live to tell about it, I am grateful for all that I learned about myself (and others) while on my running sabbatical.

Winter: We got this!

And, so it begins.

Another month, that is. It's hard to believe we're already a full month (and two days) into 2020.

Although February is pretty much a repeat of January, in terms of cold weather, it doesn't usually seem as painful. Granted, it's a shorter month, but it's also that much closer to Spring and warmer days ahead...eventually.