Mother nature must be a Libra

Apparently mother nature is a Libra like me. One of the characteristics of a libra being “indecisive and changeable.” this weather this winter has been all over the map. Freezing rain one day, sunny and 60 he next, snowing and cold after that and so on. The variations in weather this winter have actually made this an
excellent training year. This has allowed for a lot of running, a lot of Nordic skiing, and time for making snowmen, sledding and also splashing around in rain puddles with the kids.

Snow today, Spring tomorrow! (Sustainable Athlete at Bretton Woods Nordic Center)

As they say in New England, “If you don’t like the weather wait a minute.

The fluctuating weather makes it extra hard (being a libra) to figure out what to wear pre-workout. I often end up frozen like a Popsicle or sweating like a pig.

BRRRRRR!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

But getting outside is essential for the Vitamin D and the Fresh air even if it means going for a run in a snowsuit (ha!).

2 things to remember when running in New England to deal with the weather:

1. Dress like an onion-Layer, layer, layer!

Layers for changing temps

2. KISS layering (used by hikers) which is a 4 layer system

KISS to stay warm or cool as needed

The other day we received a gift from Mother Nature, an amazing 60 degree, sunny, cloudless sky-filled day. I didn’t have a long workout planned however who can resist going outside for hours on a day like that. Plus in New Hampshire after the cold dark winter 60 feels hot and incredible!

I ended up running a fast 9.4 mile loop with my friends Jenny (and baby T in the Chariot) and Jenny in beautiful Franconia, NH.

Since I am currently following a specific training plan from my coach Denise I felt as though I might get in trouble for adding the extra miles. But, I just couldn’t help myself. Is this a true sign of a running addict?

I just had to . . . It was t-shirt and running skirt weather. Wouldn’t you???

First skirt run of the season! (March 8, 2012)

I mean just look at this day!

Perfect New Hampshire Day

Running LOVE

Running LOVE

What do LOVE and RUNNING have in common? Do YOU chase the rush of endorphins and the burst of adrenaline that comes along with exercise? The energy felt after an amazing run or race often comes close to matching the euphoric feeling of new love, lustful love, lasting love, lifetime love, endless love, sweetheart love, first crush love. Your heart is racing. You feel giddy. Your serotonin level is given a boost resulting in an increased feeling of happiness.  I have a life full of love and running adds additional feelings of happiness and well-being into my life.

elevated serotonin levels from exercise =happiness and love

What are the top ten reasons why I LOVE running? Let me count the ways . . .

10. Did I ever mention my love of SPANDEX-somehow I always end up choosing sports that require wearing spandex of some kind-it started with ice skating (perhaps the origin of my love of the running skirt-my favorite being a pair of bright pink spandex and a matching swirly skirt), and then horseback riding (not quite so fashion forward), then rowing (I had a flourescent cantaloupe colored uni-suit, no kidding), and now running (long spandex in the winter and now an addiction to running skirts in all sorts of bright colors and patterns)

My orange unisuit did not have a hood . . .but you get the picture

9. Just another excuse to purchase more shoes (because you can never have too many shoes). Now there are running shoes that are not only engineered for performance but that come with a bit of style too.

I love shoes and a new pair of running shoes is the perfect pair to add to the pile

8. Increased stamina for chasing my 3.5 year old and my 18 month old.

Catch us if you can Mommy!

7.  Stress release. Stress Release. Stress Release. Need I say more????

6.Vitamin D-especially during the S.A.D.  months in Northern NH. Soaking up the sun has amazing health benefits including feelings of increased energy.

Soak up that Vitamin D on your runs!

5.  The great outdoors-whether it be running on a trail, up a mountain or on the road.  I love running in the fresh air of New Hampshire even if it is only 5 degrees outside (as long as you are dressed in layers and looking like the “Michelin Man” you are all set).

No really . . .this is me. HA! HA!

4. Running with my best friends. This always provides he endless distraction of conversation during a hard run or a long training run which is always welcome. The topics range anywhere from talking about family to talking about the ridiculous and ending up in hysterical laughter along the way. Plus a great running friend is always ready to push you through your difficult moments.

Love my "original" chicks!

Invite my amazing running friend Bridget (ultra runner) if you need the distraction. She will talk all the entire way up a giant hill without even getting winded.

Ultra runner pace-100 words per minute

3.  Running peace-the ability to let go and just experience the quiet of your mind and the nevironment.

2. Training, and racing with inspirational athletes.

1.  Just putting on my shoes and heading out the door.

Why do you love to run? I’d love to hear your top ten reasons!

Related articles

• The 10 Things I Love about Running (maygarcia.com)
• http://therunchat.com/2012/02/spread-your-love-giveaway-gu-roadid/