Coping with the Cold...over coffee

Did you hear?

There was a major dose of  freezing cold weather this week, courtesy of Momma N. It's been called many things (#arcticblast2019 and #polarvortex2019, to name a couple) and it brought record-breaking, sub-ZERO temps throughout much of the Midwest. Fun, frigid times, right?

Anyways, as much as I long for the heat (and humidity) of summer, this crazy and extreme winter has been bearable. Yes, even this summer-loving runner chick has been coping with the less-than-desirable outdoor temps.  Honestly, what good would it do to cower under a thick blanket and wish it away?

Take that, Winter!

Take that, Winter!

I may not be a fan of the sub-ZERO temps (and snow, ice and wind) you've been throwing my way, but I refuse to be all gloom and doom about it. After all, I believe if I can find humor and gratitude in my circumstances, there will always be something to make me smile.

None the less, Let me Runfess...

How is it possible we are approaching the second month of 2019... already???

Winter has been here (according to the calendar) for 35ish days, but we didn't feel the full blast of it until recently. Holy Frozen Buttocks, Batman! The temps plummeted, the wind picked up and the snow arrived (and stayed).

Despite the frigid cold, we have had a fair amount of sunshine, though. My (running) off-season has been going well. Knock wood, I've stayed healthy. The family is doing well. Life has been pretty decent. None the less, there are a few things to Runfess....

Switching Gears...Say Hello to Ellie

One thing I have learned is that running isn't everything.

Even if it's my sport of choice, I have become an even better runner by doing other things. For example, I'm a huge advocate for stair-climbing. I also enjoy an invigorating power walk, any time of the day. Strength-training has also been a longtime supplement to my training.

Recently, though, I added a new friend to my fitness family. I'd like you to meet Ellie. She's my elliptical trainer.

Hello Winter!

Apparently, it was high time winter officially arrived.

I've said it before...if it's gonna be cold, we might as well have some snow to show for it.  Maybe I should be a little more careful what I wish for.

In all seriousness, though, it really was quite a winter wonderland of a week. Even though I'm a die-hard-all-things-summer-gal, I had a pretty amazing week in said wonderland. And, dare I say, I actually LOVED the experience.

Winter Running - Tips, Tricks & Safety

Inside hibernator or opt-outside warrior?

If you're a runner and have ever debated about staying in (on the treadmill) or heading out (in the snow), what option would you choose?

Running - The Gift That Keeps Giving

Running has been pretty good to me.

It got me in shape (13.5 years ago). It toned up my (somewhat) soft body. It built my endurance. After a life of not considering myself an athlete, it proved otherwise.

And, it continues to keep giving to me....