Random Discoveries & Observations

1. I think that it is a law of running that as soon as one body part stops hurting, another one will start.
2. On this past weekend's long run (15 miles, longest since the marathon, boo-yah), running buddy Will offered up a Salted Caramel Flavored Gu to try. As a rule, I do not like Gu, but if the words "salted caramel" are included in any description of a consumable item, I feel compelled to try it. The verdict? Salted Caramel Gu is freaking amazing  and I want to just eat it while sitting at my desk or at my couch. Also, I guess it will be a good fuel option. /shrug
3. Never thought I would say this, but I actually prefer sweating my butt off during the summer to freezing it off during the winter when it comes to long runs. This morning it was 23 degrees, felt like 15 with the breeze. Despite wearing so many layers of clothing that I felt like the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man, the fronts of my thighs were bright red for two hours post run, I couldn't feel my face, and my gloves are (once again) covered with snot. Awesome, right? 
4. When it comes to race courses, I've decided that not knowing what's coming is the better way to go. I decided that after  I looked at the elevation chart for the Raleigh Rock 'n Roll Marathon and had a minor panic attack.
5. To continue on the running in the cold topic, ladies, I highly recommend Athleta's Toasty Buns Short. I purchased a pair out of desperation (my butt goes completely numb during cold runs). Although they don't keep it as toasty as I'd like, they do cut down on the wind and are especially helpful in keeping my hips warm, which helps with the SI issues. The only downside is that you look kind of ridiculous and they remind me a little bit of a diaper. Ah well. Runners are ridiculous by default, so whatever.
6. One of my favorite places to eavesdrop is the ladies' locker room. You never know what kind of crazy conversations you are going to overhear when you walk into that place.
7. Unplugging from Facebook has been really good for me and helped drastically with my ADD. Also, not being in constant contact with all of my running buddies means that we more conversations topics to explore during long runs. 
8. Does anyone have experience with or thoughts on the Portland Rock 'n Roll Half? I have been procrastinating on my registration and would love feed back on the course if anyone has any. It would be about 1 month after my Raleigh marathon and I'm feeling reluctant about tackling a challenging half so soon after that.
9. I find it quite amusing that last year, the big movement in running shoes was minimalism and now people are running around with what looks like giant pillows strapped to their feet (I'm looking at you, Hoka). Just sayin'.
10. It's supposed to snow 8-10" overnight tomorrow (Wednesday) night. I need to run 12 miles on Saturday. Have I mentioned that I'm over winter now?

Winter Chill

As I sit down to write this entry, it is a whopping 22 degrees in RVA, feels like 7 with the insane wind chill, and the northeastern US is getting completely slammed by a blizzard.

Yay winter, right?

I am actually a big fan of winter weather - especially snow. Nothing better than a snow run, if you ask me. But this winter, I'm finding that my enthusiasm for the cold has been dampened somewhat. In the past, I always ran after work, during the "warmest" part of the day. Over the summer, I became a morning runner and while that works great during the other three seasons, it isn't so awesome come winter. Winter mornings can be brutal - dark, cold, and windy.

I pretty quickly realized that I didn't have the right gear for winter mornings. Generally, I run hot and don't need anything more than a long sleeved tech top and tights, sometimes throwing on a hat. That stuff wasn't going to cut it for the upcoming training cycle (yes, I still have delusions that I'll recover from my current infirmity and run a marathon in April), so I've been gearing up.

Here are few pieces that have helped cut the cold.*

Under Armour Women's UA Cozy Tight

I'm becoming a big fan of UA, especially their

cole weather gear. These have a thin layer of 

brushed fleece inside and I also really like the 

space dye pattern - not just boring black here.

Under Armour Women's UA Coldgear Cozy 1/2 Zip

This also has the brushed fleece interior. The thing I love 

about it is the zip, so that if I get warm I can lower

the zipper and cool off a bit.

Under Armour Women's Coldgear Fitted Long Sleeve Mock

I have two of these from last year (purchased on clearance). 

Also with brushed fleece interior, these are incredibly toasty thanks

to the mock neck. I only wear them on the coldest days.

Nike Women's Pro Hyperwarm

Hybrid Training Long Sleeve Shirt

This was a Christmas gift that I haven't used yet.

The funnel neck is what sold me on it - I'm reserving

it for cold cold runs.

Athleta Polartec Power Stretch Visor Beanie

I had a Lululemon winter beanie from last year, but I'm not

a big fan of how I look in it. Not having a visor is not a good look for me.

When I came across this I was overjoyed. It looks cute

and keeps my ears warm. 

Road Runner Sports

Women's R-Gear Set the Tone Printed Neck Warmer

This I'm still trying to figure out. So far the neck warmer

is smarter than me and I can't quite get it to sit the way that I want.

Nathan Light Spur

It's dark out there in the mornings, and when you are 

running in the streets you need to be visible.

Reflective vests aren't my thing, so when I saw these

cool light spurs, I was all abotu it. It easy wraps around

the back of your shoe and off you go.

Even with this proper gear, I am still struggling with getting out of my warm bed in the morning to face the cold and dark. Hopefully I find my groove again soon... marathons don't run themselves.

*This is all gear that I have purchased on my own and I'm not getting any kind of kick back for mentioning it here.