Winter Running, Part Deux!

Yay -- another snow day!

Snow day = delayed school start = a little extra sleep and a morning run without rushing about.  Except for the head wind that literally stopped me in my tracks going up Somersett, I got a fun little run in.  Love getting the day off to a good start!
 

Welcome Back, Winter!

Snow, snow and more snow!  While I'm appreciative of the mild winter we have had so far (it has allowed me to get in many more trail runs than expected), I really do enjoy running in the snow.  It is so peaceful and pretty.  This morning was an epic snow run.  No matter which direction we were running in, it was snowing right in our faces!   I didn't have a visor on, so my eyebrows felt like Bert's -- from Sesame Street.  A big icy unibrow!  The thick snow made it a little more slow-going than usual since our feet felt heavy, but it was still a great run!  It was so bright out, and the trees looked so cool.  I wore my trail shoes for more traction, but also because I need to break them in a little more before Way Too Cool.  It was an added bonus to get them cleaned off!  I look forward to a few more snowy runs.  I will try to remember to wear a visor, though!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Up a few hills. And through more & more woods! 

Today a bunch of us went out to Cool, CA for the Way Too Cool training run.  It was great!  It's nice that we now know exactly where to go on race day.  It was also helpful to preview the course.  A little muddy today, but a super fun course!  I could do without remembering Goat Hill, though.  That's got to be one of the toughest climbs I've ever experienced!

There was an awesome potluck afterwards, too.  The ultra crowd is very generous, laid-back and fun to hang around.  I wonder what kind of distances I'll start doing if I hang out with them a little more ...

My ultra adventure is to be continued!

Go Winter Warriors!

Old Man Winter finally found his way to Reno!  This morning's long run was quite the icy adventure.  Gusty, sideways wind blowing hail into our faces for the first couple of miles.  Then another 16 miles of slush, mud and puddles.  Gotta love it!  Except for wet feet a couple of times, I actually felt really comfortable and enjoyed being out there with my NSET buddies!  Go Winter Warriors!  This one's for you.  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=167JQDwm_XM&feature=related

So Long, Hawaii!

Back to reality!  It's a bittersweet feeling.  While I already miss the fabulous ocean views and the no schedule days, I am glad to be back running regular routes with my running buddies.

I've also come up with more specific goals for 2012.  It's all about the numbers this year!  The key will be keeping track really well.  Wish me luck!

Here's to a fast & fun 2012!

Welcome 2012!

I love New Year's Day!  It's fun to make new goals (or resolutions) and start with a clean slate.  It can be hard to think of different goals each year, though.  I think lose 10 lbs. wins for the longest time running!  Anyway -- since I am so task-oriented, I want the resolutions to be just right.  So, I am still trying to think of specific, measureable goals and new challenges for 2012.  Should I aim for a certain time?  Or go a certain distance?  Or try a running streak?  Or all of the above? 

So far, this about covers what I want to accomplish this year ... 

Since I'm still on vacation (Aloha! ), I feel like I have some time to figure out the details and come up with perfect new goals and challenges.  So for now, I am going to just keep running.  That way I'll be on track for whatever I decide to do -- especially if I go with the running streak!

Happy New Year! 

I hope 2012 brings nothing but the best!

P.S.  These links have some good ideas if anyone is still in need of new goals for 2012.  Happy Reading & Happy Running!

Running Resolutions

Effective New Year's Resolutions

Goals and Resolutions