{brrrrr.....}

i think winter is here...dang... i guess it does have it's upsides.....

getting all cozy with a good book--My problem, is that when i get into a book i really like, it's all consuming! and then i read it so fast, that i am sad when i finish. i never learn although---it's a vicious cycle. I am sort of excited about the list of books i have to read~

i know i mentioned that i really liked the book Matched, well the sequel Crossed just came out. I am about 6 chapters in, and getting back in with Ky & Cassia. Good stuff.

You know Winter = shopping--it's sort of a love/hate thing. I hate all the crowds and crap like that during the holidays--but i sure do love the fun atmosphere... and shopping...i am thrilled that H&M and Crate and Barrel are opening for our shopping pleasure--11/11 is the date peeps. I don't know that i will hit them just yet--since it will be insane in the membrane busy, but the possibility of going sometime soon is grand.

speaking of shopping, i found some great OPI nail polish that i am really digging. I seem to paint my nails more in the colder months,..not sure why....

my favorite is called chop-sticking to my story-It's a rich, orangey, carmel brown--so pretty.

No, i didn't take picts of my painted nails--grabbed these off OPI:)

and these two lovelies--the first is-Over the Taupe, and then the second- You don't know jacques-a pretty warm grey

and then there is Winter Running...

{here}

what in the world? no! i don't do winter running like these crazy heads--no strollers involved, and clothing is a must....

A couple of you asked about winter running. I do train in the winter, and hit the pavement as much as possible. But, I am on the treadmill more in the winter, and will do speed work, and intervals on the treadmill...so i don't go insane...:) What helps me to get out the door for a winter run---besides friends... is layers...and the promise of hot chocolate and bagels afterwards.

Keeping the cold at bay! You want to be warm without sweating so much you get a chill." The rule of thumb is to dress as if it is 20 degrees warmer." Ya--i am not so good at this---i wear a ton of layers just to get me out of the door, and without fail always end up dropping crap a few miles in..:) Do what works best for you, and gets you going. For the top half {depending on the temp} 1 to 2 layers is great. The layers trap the heat, but be sure you are sporting technical fabrics that wicks away the moisture and keeps you dry--it should be DryFit, Thinsulate, Thermax,Coolmax, or polypropylene---avoid cotton; it holds moisture and will eventually start to chill you. The layer closest to the body should be fitted--that second layer is looser and can be more insulating. You can then top it off with a good jacket that has some ventilation, with zippers at the neck and pit area to vent air as you heat up. It is always good if it is also waterproof, and blocks the wind. On the Bottom--just running tights or pants-- the legs are working hard and keep warm. They have some great running tights at nike, and also they have a good line of compression workout apparel at ON

A Headlamp or light and reflective clothing is always a good idea for safety in the darker hours~

Be sure to change clothes quickly post run--you will get chilled in no time flat---well, if you sweat profusely like me. I like bring a change of clothes if we are grabbing some breakfast or something after a long run---

old navy compression tights, nike long sleeve shirt, and Nike Rip Stop running Jacket. PS-I tend to find a lot of Nike, Brooks, and Ascics running gear at TJ Maxx-for killer prices-so be sure to check it out.

Ya, it sucks rocks to get out of your warm bed and go out into the cold, but after a mile or so--it is actually pretty great~ I love running on a fresh blanket of snow--it is so tranquil--and beautiful.Winter running definitely has it's charm~Heading out when it just starting to snow, and it is so quiet you can hear the snow fall--fantastical. Anyhoo-- Just try it, and you will know what i mean. Is this where i am supposed to say--Just do it??

{ps--going to start doing some running posts on things y'all asked--speed and interval training next}