So Long, Sunshine
So Long, Sunshine

You know you’re a runner when you plan your week around when you’ll be able to get your runs in.

And yet, come winter, this planning can get a bit tricky thanks to the decline in daylight. Tricky, yet still doable—thank God! Seriously I’d be a mess if I had to take winters off from running. These next few months are always hard enough—what, with the cold temperatures, the pressure of the holidays and the general lack of sunshine. For those of us who use running as a way to help cope with life, it truly is a blessing, especially this time of year. Helps us find balance. Helps us be our better (if not our best) selves.

I don’t take a single run for granted. I’m filled with gratitude for both the ability and the desire to be at it each time I’m out there. It’s a gift. One I plan on enjoying for as long as I can. And while I get that it’s not for everyone, for those of us who do love it, it’s a part of who we are—a go-to stress reliever, a non-negotiable part of our routine, a time-out in the best way possible, and a fail-proof way to steer us back to ‘us’ whenever we’re in need of it.

There are all kinds of hobbies and habits to be had. Personally, I traded smoking for running a little over eight years ago. Figured I couldn’t do both and I was tired of feeling like a slave to cigarettes, so I poured myself into running. Was it hard in the beginning? Absolutely! But stick with it long enough and you get stronger. Can go farther. You find your rhythm. And, if you’re anything like me, somewhere along the way you fall in love with it.

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy it more when the weather’s more summer-y than winter-ish. But there is something to be said for that bad-ass feeling you get when you’re out there enduring the harsher elements. It builds character, by teaching you how to dig deep for the inspiration you need to persevere in circumstances that are less than desirable. And that carries over into way more than just your running.

So, yeah, you can bet I plan on hitting the trails this afternoon. During my two hour window of daylight between the time I get off work and the sun goes down. All layered up and with a big ‘ole smile.

*************
Reposted with permission from 1BeautifulJourney.com

 
 
Seen a lot of slim chicks posting their

workouts on here so I thought I'd join 

the fun
Warning : I will bully every one of you

into daily stretches, plyo drills, crazy 

intervals, lifting heavy weights and 

epic long runs
104 °F.....  As my Grandma says, 

"Marathon training ain't for p*ssies."



Crazy old lady is right.

New Featured eBibs

Guess who's coming to dinner?  With #100miles1month, that would  be me. Get your own dinner.
I want new shoes, too. Why should  the kids going back to school have  all the fun!
Sometimes, it isn't so bad to rack up  a lot of mileage during your life.
A little discomfort can be a great  positive in you life. This month I'm challenging myself to get moving, to  get uncomfortable, for the betterment  of my life.
Finally, a fitness challenge that can change your life for more than just  one month!
Finally, a bug that you want to catch! Catch the health and fitness bug and  join us for 50 or 100 miles this month!
Wondering what you'll do with yourself now that the kids are back in school but you're already awake? Why not  start a running habit!
"I want buns of steel but I want buns of cinnamon more.."
We all have that one skinny friend who eats more than an elephant.
I don't mean to brag but... I finished my 14-day diet in 3 hours and 26 minutes.
You might be a runner if your new best friend is someone you just met on the race course.
In bed by 8 pm on a Friday night is code for "there is a race tomorrow".
Pulling those tights back up was comparable to putting on a wet  swimming suit.
We don't do it for the medals. Said no runner ever.
Need to get home. Where the food is.
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