Last Wednesday I wrote Embracing The Weather where I talked about enjoying Virginia’s four distinct seasons.  The very next day I read Kristen’s post about winter running and her thoughts on some related questions on Run Away With Me.  Kristen had gotten the idea from Karen at Just Me & My Running Shoes; and well, I’ve never been one to miss a party, so I had to play along!

PosterSnowyMorningSunriseRun

Photo taken as Bill and I headed out for a run in several inches of fresh powder

It’s no secret to my friends that I like winter.  In fact, I’m often defending the season to the haters…  Don’t get me wrong, I can get in a funk as well as the next girl when we have long periods of cold, dreary, damp days with no snow or sun; however, just mention that snow is on its way and I’m as giddy as a kid in a candy store!

Reasons I like winter:
1.  SNOW
2.  SNOW
3.  SNOW
4.  Did I mention snow?
5.  Lower humidity
6.  Good hair days on the rare occasions that I don’t have it in a ponytail (see # 5)
7.  Some days it’s just down-right necessary to drink hot chocolate
8.  There’s very little chance of a 100 degree day
9.  Some days scream for comfort foods (with no apologies necessary)
10. There’s more time to curl up with a good book

What is your favorite thing about Winter?
It’s no secret that I love snow!  I grew up in a part of Virginia where we got a lot of snow, and in our early years of marriage, Bill and I lived in Utah and then Colorado.  Those would have been long winters for a non-snow-lover.

BillDebSkiingUtah

Standing on 800 inches of snow in Utah overlooking Bear Lake, Idaho

What is your least favorite thing about Winter?
I’m not a big fan of cold rain, especially running in it.   And when that cold rain turns to ice, this winter loving girl just might start daydreaming about spring.

What is your favorite piece of Winter running gear?
Because my hands get so cold when running, my Thinsulate gloves that I just found at Nordstrom Rack are quickly becoming a favorite.  I’m sure if I layer them under my running mittens my hands will stay toasty warm during our next cold snap!

What is your favorite way to fuel for long runs in the Winter time?
I don’t fuel any differently for my long runs during the winter.  My favorite long run go-to foods are half of a banana and half of a toasted bagel with just a tiny bit of peanut butter spread on it.

Favorite Winter drink?
I’m a big fan of hot chocolate and treat myself to it occasionally at Starbucks.  I’m also a fan of Toasted Almonds (Amaretto, Kahlua, and cream), but only drink them during the holidays.

Where do you prefer to run in the Winter? Indoors? Outdoors? Track? Treadmill?
The bottom line is that I love being outdoors, so I will almost always choose to run outside on the trails.  If there’s snow, I’ll strap on my YakTrax!

YakTraxSnowyRun

What is the current temperature where you are right now?
It’s 36 degrees with a very slight chance of snow overnight!

What are the first three things that remind you of Winter?
Getting dark earlier, cooler temperatures, and frosty mornings

What has been your favorite Winter run so far this year?
In mid-December I ran in the Run With Santa 5K, and it started snowing hard while we were waiting for the race to start.  It was perfect!

RunWithSantaDebRaceStart

What race/races are you currently training for this Winter season?
My next two races are Run Your Heart Out 5K in February and Reston Ten-Miler in early March.  I’m excited to get my 2014 racing season off the ground!

  • Questions:
  • What are your answers to some of the above questions?
  • Are you a winter lover?
  • What’s your next race?