I’m a Winter Warrior!!

I’m officially a winter warrior. First because I signed up for the Winter Warrior Half Marathon series. Second because I realized that I LOOOOVVVVEEEEE running in this nasty wintery Michigan weather. Seriously, I absolutely love it. I’m not sure if it’s the weird looks that I get, or the fact that when I pass someone running now I know that we’re both warriors.

BUT. I wanted to write a post telling you a few, weird, reasons why you should consider taking your run outside this winter.

1. Running through the snow can make your day. Seriously, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I’m more likely to go outside to run if it’s snowing versus not. Not to mention it’s just pretty when it’s snowing.

2. You’ll never think your house is cold again. Well, maybe when you wake up.. but once you get back from a run in 20 degrees weather you house is now an oven. You’ll thank me when you realize this.

3. Showers are never better than when you’re using it to thaw out your body. So, I’m not going to lie, it IS cold some days. Some days are colder than others, obviously, but it is cold. But that post run shower is heaven sent. I may or may not double my time in the shower if it’s post cold run.

4. You’ll master the snot rocket. Oh yea, you know that’s attractive.. But let’s be honest, every runner needs to know how to do it.. and now you’ll have to.. plus there aren’t that too many people around to get in your way.

4. The looks on peoples face is SOO worth the run. I’ve been running a lot of my runs in the dark, so I can’t be 100% sure. However, I always think that they look at me, then to the thermometer in their car, then back at me in awe/disgust/amazement.

5. You get to buy all sorts of new running gear. Don’t have running tights? Need them. Don’t have cold weather long sleeves? Need them. Don’t have a reflective vest? Need it. Don’t have winter/trail shoes? Ok, so these are optional.. but the non-runners don’t need to know that.. aka: NEED THEM!

What is on your MUST HAVE list for running outside in the winter?

As a reminder, please check to my post on Fight For Air Climb post, or donate here.

Fitness has taken over my Christmas List!!

So, what does a twenty-something ask for for Christmas? Well, I mean other than abs? ok, ok, I know, I know, I have to work for those! Well, let me tell you what I’m asking for for Christmas! Basically inspired by the fact that I registered for the Winter Warriors Half Marathon Series, and that I need to get my butt into gear and start training for summer triathlons.

1. Underwater Audio‘s waterproof iPod. Talk about having a great time in the pool with this!

2. The Original Buff. Need to keep that neck warm on those cold runs!

3. Allied Medal Display, medal hanger. It’s just too perfect.

4. Running gloves from Target. No need to get all fancy. (As will be with most of the clothes.)

5. Active Headband from Target.

6. Compression tights from Target.

7. Compression Long sleeves shirt from Target.

8. Some socks more ‘specific’ for running, from Target.

9. And JUST added this week, Saucony Women’s Guide 6 GTX. To help keep my toesies warm while running in the snow!

If it’s not obvious, my mom got a part-time job at Target this Holiday season.. SO it just made sense to try to find as much of the gear that I wanted at Target.. Saves money! =D

In no way am I expecting to get all of this stuff, but I just gave my parents a large list of ‘wants’ and am letting them choose what they want to get me.

 

Holiday Streak: Week One!

So I told you guys that I wanted to do the Runner’s World Holiday Streak, even though I was starting it late. Well guess what? I completed day EIGHT today! Let’s check out how I did really fast.

December 5th (day one): 2.25 miles on the treadmill.. It wasn’t until afterwards on the stair master that I decided it was going to be the start of my Holiday Streak!

December 6th (day two): 5.25 miles.. I love my 5mile route, only sucks is that it’s not lit well enough to be a good ‘night path’. =[

December 7th (day three): 3.25 miles.. Fit this one in at 4:30pm.. It gets dark here at 5pm.. Got it in JUST before it got dark.

December 8th (day four): 3.10 miles.. Also love THIS 5K route, but again, not good for running in the dark.

December 9th (day five): 1.00 miles.. My first ‘just squeeze it in’ run. My roommate and I had a TON of errands to run, so I just did my mile, scarfed down dinner, then we ran errands for almost two hours.

December 10th (day 6): 1.01 miles.. Another ‘just get it in’.. but this time it’s because I was in a bad mood and just needed a glass of wine.

December 11th (day 7): 3.13 miles. FINALLY mapped out a 5K route that would be good at night! I was excited, plus I love running into ‘downtowns’!!

December 12th (day 8): 1.01 miles. Sadly on the DREADmill this morning.. BUT, I’m hoping that when I get home I’ll have some time before going to get dinner with a friend to do my new 5K route again!

Well there you have it folks. 8 days and going strong!!