Festive Fitness Fashion Hacks

'Tis the season, and it's a festive time of year for many of us!

Despite the crazy ride 2020 has taken us on, many are in good spirits with the upcoming holidays. We still have our fitness vices, after all. Even if many of our regular holiday-themed races aren't happening in real life, many are promoting virtual options. 

Granted, for some, the virtual gig has lost its appeal. At the very least, though, we can lace up, get outside and pound out a few miles in our running shoes.

...but why stop there? Why not have some festive fun in the name of fitness? After all, a few bright colors and some funky patterns never hurt anyone.

Thankful, Grateful...and oh so Blessed

It was quite a week.

Although there's plenty to be grateful for on a daily basis, Thanksgiving Week is a perfect time to really zero-in on all that is good. Granted, there are many "bad" things that are out of our control. Ultimately, though, our attitude and perception of everything (good and bad) is all on us.

At least that's how I see things LOL.

Shall we 'fess up already?

Here we are...time to 'fess up and feel good about it.

Things have continued to stay on the crazy side "normal," but 2020 is winding down.  It's been a tough year, in so many capacities. It's also been a year of change, adjustment, and growth...none of which are bad. 

Alas, as November winds down, there are a few current things I'd like to bring to the 'fessional... 

Gratitude - I've Got Some

Gratitude. Tis the season.

This has been quite a year, for us all. So many changes, so many unknowns. Yet, so much to be thankful for.

I've written previous Thankful posts (in 2019, in 2018, 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 going to go with (mainly) what's been said before, but tweak some of it to make it more current.

Fall's Finale

It would appear Fall's Finale is upon us.

The temps are back to their "seasonal" range, the leaves are disappearing, and the daylight is quickly dwindling. In my little corner of the universe, though, it feels like the fall season was a near-miss.

After all, I spent the majority of the season off my feet. Well, I did some hobbling around (in an ugly orthotic boot), and I enjoyed many miles on the bike. But there wasn't any walking or running until recent weeks, so the opportunities to really see and experience Fall in all its glory were at the minimum.

I'm alright with that, though. I like Fall, but it signifies the end of Summer (which is my favorite season), and we all know what comes next. None the less, this week saw many great things happening in my fitness world and otherwise.

A Winter Running Refresher

It's crazy.

I've had to stray from my usual routine in recent months (you know, #stressfracture). Yet, here I am...feeling ready, and raring to get back at it. Only now, the weather is a tad bit colder than it was three months ago.

As much as I dread the cold weather, it's a reality in Iowa. That said, I don't have to love it to tolerate it. After all, my attitude is all on me. 

Here's a few cold weather reminders that'll assist me in facing the winter in my running shoes... 

My (current) Favorite Things

My favorite things. Sigh.

I don't know about you, but my favorite things are ever evolving. I'm not fickle, but my needs change...in terms of the current season or my state of fitness.

I'm also pretty open-minded, and am always on the lookout for new-to-me things to try.

Here's a few of my (current) favorite things. Don't worry, while I have linked the sites for these favorite items, none of them are affiliate links. They're simply must-have necessities that I use regularly and adore. 

And so it goes

And so it goes, and so it goes. So I shall go with the flow, too, I suppose.

Pardon my paraphrasing, Billy Joel, but it's been an interesting week in my little world. Nothing bad (thank goodness), nothing crazy (well, within reason LOL), and there certainly was plenty to appreciate.

Out & About with the Koala Clip

Question: Do you carry your phone with you when you head out for a run?

I sincerely hope your answer is YES!

Having your phone along, while out and about, is pretty much a given these days...isn't it? It's not only a security blanket (of sorts) should there be an emergency, but it's a vital source for workout apps, music/podcasts, and GPS assistance. And let's not forget all those pics and selfies just waiting to be documented.

Priorities, right?

A Week of Biking on the Fly

Can you say "biking on the fly!"

When I call myself a runner who bikes, I'm not just giving that claim lip service. This week was an all-out biking excursion, with a few runs mixed into the adventure. 

I have to give huge accolades to Momma N on this one. With the 2020 Fall season being an almost near-miss, and with Winter knocking on the door, optimal biking (in Iowa) is winding down. But, this past week, the weather gods shined most gloriously on my little biking streak, allowing for my biggest biking week...ever!

Currently...over coffee

Currently....over coffee, I might actually be drinking a cold beverage.

No, I don't mean an adult beverage either. We've had some unseasonably warm weather this week, so I've been downing the cold, flavored water like it's my job. Don't worry, I know this weather won't last, but I've been enjoying it on the daily (like that's my job as well).

None the less, it's that time of the month for gathering and gabbing. Imagine, if you will, a virtual coffee date with friends. What would you care to share?

Moving Ahead With Caution

Can you say BREAKTHROUGH!

Although my stress fracture rally-back has been going well, I still have had some fleeting moments of  fear and paranoia. After all, a stress fracture still is a broken bone...and that little itty bitty bone in my foot has to bear my full body weight.

I took one of my rally-back runs to the great outdoors, though, on Saturday, and whoa! It felt like I truly was back in my element.