Every year, I try to go running the day after Christmas. And I say I try because since I moved to Minnesota three years ago, it seems the day after Christmas is just brutal... even when I follow my own advise on properly dressing for the elements. And this year is no exception. With temperatures of -5F that feel like -21F running outdoors is basically impossible, unless you are a superhero. That or crazy. This past week was beautiful and Friday was the last time I ran. It was still brutal and I knew I'd be covered in frost the minute I starting heading home.
The thing about running in the harsh winter weather is that, at least for me, it seems my muscle have a heck of a time warming up. Ugh, it was just hard and a few times I had to walk because my legs weren't working. I love winter running but at at 12F, that is when I knew it was time to head back home. The entire way back was like seeing the world through sparkly lenses, thanks to the frost in my lashes (always a freaky experience).
When I got home, I quickly took a hot shower and then relaxed in front of the fire, before finalizing some of the gift wrapping for Christmas. While defrosting in front of the fire, I thought about my running goals for 2017 and how they basically went to shit (excuse my french). My weird stomach illness from April until October, followed by the flu, just ate my year. It is really crappy that it happened but such is life. And for 2018 my main goal is simple: race the half marathon in Tromson, Norway. The main focus will be staying healthy and injury free. It really is a shame that so much time was wasted but thee body is feeling better and I am looking forward to 2018.
The one thing that 2017 showed me was the fun of virtual runs. This year I did the Rock n' Roll virtual races this year and it was so much fun! It allowed me to shift my focus from how sick I was feeling to just going out there an having fun in four separate 5Ks. And let me tell you, the medals were awesome! I love them!
Now, one thing that was so fun this year was participating in Fairytales and Fitness' Holiday Card Swap! It was my first time and was so much fun! Each participant was paired with another blogger to swap cards (and a goodie was encouraged). I was so happy when I received the cutest card from Heather at 3 Black Cat Co. and she was so gracious in sending a Target gift card (which, I am a total Target girl). I definitely need to do more of these in the future.
My card swap buddy that I sent a card to was Katrina from My Pineapple Ponderings. I am excited to have found her blog because she is training for the Boston Marathon and I have a lot of respect for people who are committed to a goal like this. The 10K is the longest distance I have run so this half marathon I am doing in the summer is way outside my comfort zone. So when a person is so dedicated to run 26.2 miles, they have my utmost respect. So, run girl run!
How was your holiday? Were you in the naughty or nice list?
Joining these awesome link-ups: Week In Review / Sunday Fitness & Food / Fit Fashionable Friday / Friday Five 2.0 / Tuesdays on the Run/ Wild Workout Wednesday / Weekly Wrap/