So many things to talk about!

Last year at this time I was eagerly awaiting jetting off to Phoenix where a few of us were going to run the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon! Wow, time flies...

This year, well, nothing as exciting (yet), I am however, running a 5K to kick off the season at the Richmond Road Race and then the Hypothermic Half Marathon on January 25th. Yes, I have started back running albeit slowly, so no personal bests in store and really who runs that fast in the dead of winter anyway?

On Friday night I woke up at 3am and was totally stressing out about everything...running, going back to work, winter, just everything....so I lay there and stressed, but luckily there are always a ton of books on my nightstand so I grabbed one at random and began reading. The author (whom I can't recall at the moment) was discussing the trials and tribulations he was experiencing as an older runner, talk about a light bulb moment. Everything he was describing was happening with me....I don't need to run "fast", I just need to run for fun and if speed happens, then WOW. As you know I was struggling with getting my butt out the door and I truly believe that most of that was the fear of not being as fast as when I ran in September. Who cares? Certainly not me...so Saturday morning I headed out and had a tough struggle at the beginning, it was only 5K, but worked it out....Sunday, I headed out and ran a fun, stress free 7K....I'm finding my Mojo!!!

If you have been reading my sidebar, you'll have noticed a link for "The Shirt That Races"...well, I'm so very excited to tell you, I'm NEXT!!! The shirt started with Vickie and is travelling across North America! It will be arriving from Nikki in time for my Half Marathon!! How great is that? Thanks to Nikemom, for getting this started and allowing our running community get to know one another!!!

Also, (I know you're thinking, "will she ever shut up"), well no, because I received an email from my good friend Tom over at The Runners' Lounge asking if I'd try out some laundry products called "Get the Stink Out" for my running clothes. He emphatically declared that it wasn't because he thought I smelled stinky or anything. Well, that's what he told me.............so, I'm looking forward to receiving some of the products and I'll be posting my opinion after I've used them...stay tuned. Also, I'd like to thank Tom for the fantastic Runners' Lounge shirt I received before Christmas. Thank you so very much and thank you too Xenia, for "pumping me up" over at the Lounge.

One more item to let you know about is, Tom and Amy are putting together running stories in a Book About Running. Check it out and certainly send them any of your input about your running experiences. They would love to hear from you!!

Well, I've robbed enough company time, so I'll head off to get a coffee now....

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

Trying to stay (get) motivated

MONDAY


SUNNY, WIND WEST AT 20 KM PER HOUR


BECOMING LIGHT IN THE MORNING.


HIGH MINUS 13 DEGREES CELSIUS (8.6F)


WIND CHILL MINUS 30 (-22F) IN THE MORNING.



(OUCH!)


Trust me, I am NOT winter person! Just listening to the wind howl yesterday in blizzard like conditions in the morning, there really wasn't even a fleeting chance that I'd be going into town to run...let alone run at home.

Nope, no way, can't make me, don't wanna, nada...I'm not running!



Saturday was the 5K Santa Shuffle which a few of the hardier Wooo Hooo's ran, but nope, I opted not to run as I had my other business partying happening on Saturday afternoon. How fantastic to find out that I'd be amongst over seven marathoner's, a couple of triathlete's and a young lady who is just starting to run...yes, those were just some of the ladies at the home party, now that was amazing.

Sunday dawned to bear witness to absolute whiteouts and cold, cold winds. Have I mentioned how much I hate winter?

Well, I'm going to have to get some motivation soon, I have a 10K run on New Year's Eve, which will be followed right afterwards by a Murder Mystery Pot Luck Dinner....too much fun! I already know my character....yes, Tiffany the Flight Attendant...gah, now I have to dig around to find my Wings and carry on luggage (yes, I still have most of it!).... but trust me, the original uniform is looonnnggg gone!

Following the New Year's Eve race, I have a quick (I hope) 5K Richmond Road Race, it is usually fffffffreezing that day, but we always get together afterwards to warm up with some adult BEvERages and food....then the Hypothermic Half Marathon....(have I mentioned I hate winter?)...

Marathon training starts shortly afterwards...so suck it up Chickie, you have to get your sorry ass out the door and get acclimatised to this gawd awful weather!

It's a mad house at work lately, as I always say, I'm trying to fit 20 pounds of shiz into a 5 pound bag...so, I'd better get back to work.

Thanks to those who sent me the thoughtful emails, checking to make sure I'm okay...yes, I am, I'm fine, and I do truly appreciate your concern.

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

What is required is....

... a good kick in the pants!

Where, oh where, has my motivation gone?

My mind seems to have its own time frame and if I don't get a chance to get my run or swim in at a particular "time", well then, it just doesn't want to do it.

Maybe it is the onslaught of fall, darker mornings, darker earlier in the evening...maybe it is my reptilian brain, or maybe I'm a reincarnated hibernating bear.

I'm not too sure, but this certainly needs addressing and SOON.

Work has been very busy and my NEW business, has just taken OFF!!

Ladies, sorry, only my Canadian ladies, I'm sooo excited about this but I'm not allowed to link from my blog, but you can always track me down by email...I just know you will love, love, love the product!!!

This weekend the weather is suppose to be gorgeous again, so no matter what, I'm strapping on the kicks and getting out to enjoy this wonder full fall weather! I may even take Ruby Red out for one last spin!!!

Good luck to all of you who are running, racing, cycling and tri-ing....Good luck Vickie, Jan and Chia!!! Kick some Michigan butt!!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily