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!
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.
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!
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!
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?
800 inches of snow! I love hot chocolate too and see some company-funded Starbucks on an upcoming business trip. Whipped cream, please! I’ve never heard of a Toasted Almonds cocktail but it sounds delicious. Put that on the corporate card too!
I first tried a Toasted Almond at a bartending class I took in Blacksburg at The Inn of the Clock. It was a bar on South Main where Bill and I went on our first date!
The only winter races I’m doing are the one I did last Sunday (Resolution 5K Beach/Trail race), then in February I’m doing the Old Fashioned 5K and I have the St. Pat’s 5K in March. Beyond that I have nothing registered until May. But I doubt that will last long! 😉
I love snow…when I don’t have to shovel it. Or if I have to shovel it, I prefer it light and fluffy!
Sounds like you need to find an April race!
I’m with you on cold rain…not a fan! The Santa 5K sounds absolutely magical!! Love that it started snowing! :0) Thanks for playing along…loved your answers!
Thanks; I love linking up to great blogs!
I love winter, too! But I only really LOVE it if there’s snow…otherwise it’s just cold with no point and I would prefer it to be fall/spring cold. But I do love me some snow! I’m digging your super awesome snowsuit in that photo, by the way! You make it look good!
I love hot chocolate. When I lived in Prague, there was this little coffee shop across from my school and they had hazelnut hot chocolate and it was super thick and they would sprinkle chopped up hazelnuts on top. It was divine. I still think about it frequently.
I was rocking those snow-bibs as only one could in the early 80’s!
You would need a lot of rulers to measure all that snow in Utah! I love Winter, but I am also not a big fan of cold rain or ice. I would much rather the temperature just drop a few more degrees so we can have snow instead. I still haven’t invested in YakTrax, but I definitely plan to if we head back to Mountain Lake before everything thaws. I am hoping to head to Pandapas Pond tomorrow morning, and they are forecasting snow overnight, so we will see how that goes!
The snow coming down heavy during your Santa 5K in December was such perfect timing! We had freezing rain during our holiday 5K (Jingle Bell Run). Not nearly as much fun.
I’ll let you in on a little secret… YakTrax has generously agreed to donate a pair to one of my readers! I plan to start the contest on Monday!
I love that photo of you and Bill from back in the day! And I love that you love winter and defend the season!
I always try to defend it, too. It drives me bananas when people here gripe about it all season long. We live in Edmonton; we have long, cold winters! People should find activities to embrace it!
I am also a fan of winter comfort food!
I believe in making the most out of things, so I’m going to enjoy whatever season I’m in. It doesn’t hurt that I love snow!!!
You are so cute in your orange snow pants! Love it!
The Toasted Almond cocktail sounds delish. 🙂
I love the winter, but especially love living so close to Phoenix that we can escape it whenever we need a warm day!
I was rocking those bibs!
How about if I make you a Toasted Almond at the “juice bar” after our workout in the new gym? 😉