Hello everyone!
This past week has been somewhat hectic. As some Twitter friends already know, I took my certification exam on Saturday. Honestly, I didn’t feel too confident about the test. I felt prepared but as I started the exam, I realized I wasn’t prepared enough. Some of the questions were very hard and over my head. If I don’t pass, it’s not the end of the world and I will take it again in March!
As most parts of the United States has been, Pittsburgh has been utterly cold this week. I will never complain about 30 degree weather again!
Last week, I attempted to run on the treadmill. Now, the treadmill and I used to be best friends. It helped me train for the Cherry Blossom and when I didn’t feel like running outside. However, a lot has changed since then. Now, I crave running outside and the treadmill just doesn’t do it for me. If I have to, I will use the treadmill, but only if there is 22 inches of snow on the ground or tons of ice.
So, I’ve been braving the cold weather. Yesterday, Julianne and I planned to run at 10:30 am. Considering it was about 5 degrees at the time, we changed our time to 12:30. So, but 12:30 it was HOT… ha… at 11 degrees. Whatever, we’re bad asses like that, right?
My running outfit consisted of running capris underneath warm running pants, my new Zensah long-sleeved compression shirt, another warm technical top over that, and I added new Under Armour running gloves, Smart Wool running socks, a Nike ear cover, my watch and my headphones.
After driving around for 5-minutes trying to find parking spots in the South Side area of Pittsburgh, we were ready. I told her that as soon as I left my car, I needed to start running immediately to warm up and she agreed. The run was nice but it was COLD. The first 5 minutes were the most cold and our toes were like ice. We ended up stopping to walk to focus on moving our toes around. It worked and we kept going. A few times, we had to stop to walk over ice or around the slush and sometimes we felt like it was a maze to get through the city streets on dry pavement!
The HIGHLIGHT of the run was the end. Julianne had the idea to stop at a coffee shop afterwards. I had green tea and she had a latte. It was so nice chatting and warming up! What’s also awesome is that this was the first time Julianne and I ran together. We have similar paces so it works out great! I can’t wait to run with her again!
Today, I’m going to run outside again about 3ish miles. I really love running in the cold weather because it’s rejuvenating and such a challenge! 
Do you like cold weather running? Are you active outside during the winter months?
Also, CONGRATS to those who ran the Disney Half and Full Marathons yesterday! I had a friend fly down from DC who ran the race. I’m SO proud of her! Check out these amazing race recaps:
The Inner Workings of a College Graduate
Have a fantastic rest of the day everyone!
Julie
Hi! My name is Julie. I am passionate about being happy and healthy, all while doing Bikram yoga and wearing mascara. Email me: wearingmascara {at} gmail {dot} com
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
That sounds like so much fun! I don’t think I’m brave enough to run outside when it’s that cold!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..monday inspiration =-.
Im sooo impressed you went in 11 degree weather! I had trouble going in 25 degree weather! Keep up the good work
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Puppy Needs a Home =-.
when i was still running, there was just noooooooooooooooooooo way i would run outside. if and when i pick running back up, i hope to begin the training outside so that i get accustom to it from the beginning. we’ll see if that works out.. haha
.-= deutlich´s last blog ..Clean Sweep =-.
Where I’m from it reaches FRIGID temperatures – it was -15F there this December and we thought that was WARM, so when it warmed up to -15 C (5 F) I knew I had to get a run in outside!! It was cold, but enjoyable. My legs were numb at the end
Good for you for doing your run, though!!
I dont think my lungs could handle it!
You’re amazing. Proud of you! xoox
.-= Preppy 101´s last blog ..Recycle? Reuse? Reduce? Cancel? =-.
Yayyy! It feels so good to get it done and once you start moving it’s really not so bad!
.-= Kristen´s last blog ..My name is Kristen and I have an addiction =-.
I can only imagine how great & awesome it feels after running/working out! I hate working out when it’s so cold outside because I don’t want to change out of my comfortable/warm clothes. Good thing I don’t have that problem here in Arizona.
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..Luxe Skinny =-.