Holiday Chatter & Whatnot

Could anyone else go for a hot, soothing beverage? How about some lively chatter among friends?

Myself? I'm a big fan of combing the two. After all, is there anything better than gathering with friends, over coffee (or any beverage of ones choosing)?

What say we rally the troops, and exchange some banter... 

Allow me to begin...

If we were having some holiday chatter, I'd start by sharing my November stats. It was an active month, but not a crazy intensive one. After October's two races, I was ready to regroup and scale things back (a bit) in prepping for the upcoming Runner's World Winter Run Streak. The running was decent, but the walking took a big hit (due to the suddenly cold temps towards the end of the month). Biking was alright, but it's pretty obvious I much prefer to be on the hybrid (or mountain bike) outdoors. 

Speaking of the Streak, if we were having some holiday chatter, I'd give you an update. As this post goes live (on Friday, December 1), we're already 10 days in. Counting the 1-mile run (due to take place over Friday's lunch hour), I'll be at 25 miles. Not bad, considering four of those runs are 1-milers. It's hard to believe I'm 1/4 of the way through the Streak. Time flies.

If we were having some holiday chatter, I'd boast about already having both of my Christmas trees up, one of which is a 9-footer that has to be assembled the old-fashioned way, row-by-row! No, they're not fully decorated (yet), but both have all the lights, ribbons and bows in place. With Thanksgiving being early this year, some may see it as an opportunity to take their time in getting the holiday decorations displayed. I see it as getting an extra week (or thereabouts) to enjoy all the glitz and glamour of the season, LOL. I set a goal of having the trees at least in place before last weekend ended. Mission accomplished by Saturday evening.

Another thing I'd mention, if we were having some holiday chatter, is how crazy cold it got this week! We're talking January feels-like temps (and wind!), thank you very much. I think my body was forced to acclimate overnight (quite literally), because the mid-week above-freezing temps felt rather balmy. I mean, it felt like the spring thaw; I didn't even wear my coat going to/from work on Wednesday or Thursday. Yes, me, the gal who detests the cold weather.

Finally, if we were having some holiday chatter, I'd tell you about our full moon run (Monday night). Even though the temps were cold, the wind was pretty mild. Ironically, it was actually the warmest part of the entire day! The moon played a tricky game of Hide & Seek, but we did manage to grab a quick selfie with it. You know, priorities.

Anyways, November was an oddly warm month, at least in the Midwest. It was nice while it lasted (very nice!), but when the real seasonal weather finally made an appearance it was a nasty shock to the system. It was bound to happen sooner or later, but Brrr! 

Well, I guess I've talked enough, LOL. Maybe I ought to step aside and let someone else have the floor.

If we were having some holiday chatter, what would you care to share? How did your November play out? Are you ready for the cold weather, or the busy holiday season? Any decorating on the roster (or are you done)? 

 Since it' s the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date.

I'm also linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.

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