It’s a good thing February is the shortest month of the year, because it is often the worst month of winter. I know this, because my birthday is in February. In fact, that’s the first thing I’d tell you this month over a nice cuppa green tea. Or maybe some ginger tumeric. Or hisbiscus . . .
Pull up chair and mug with Coco and Deborah and me for the ultimate coffee tea date.
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you that people keep saying that the worst of winter is over. I get it — the days are getting longer, so it feels that way. But it’s a trap. Because having been born in February, in a snowstorm, by the way, almost in the car — I know that we usually get hard hit during February. And sometimes March, too.
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you how can it be that I’m not working, I’m not training for anything — in fact, my first longer race isn’t until July, for God’s sake. And yet I’m busy! All those retired people that join groups because they’re bored at home? I don’t understand. Maybe I need to send them Bandit. And Gizmo. There aren’t enough hours in the day — still!
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you I absolutely recommend Laura @ Mommyrunfast’s Fit & Fueled Nutrition course. I learned a lot and have a lot of new ideas to play around with when it comes to running and nutrition.
If you’ve ever wondered how to eat before or after (or during a run), how much sugar to eat, whether or not you should be running fasted . . . Laura will give you the lowdown on that and so much more. The next course will start in March.
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell you that I finally decided to do something I’ve been thinking about for years: go further. No, not a marathon. This week I signed up for the 1812 Challenge — an 18.12 mile race.
Of course it’s scary. It’s new. Anything new is scary. There’s a time limit and it’s summer — I don’t play well with heat and humidity but I managed a PR in NOLA where it was definitely quite hot and humid. I’m not looking to make any records here; I just want to finish within the time limit. And of course it’s an automatic PR anyway. Plus I have Coach Rachel @ Runningonhappy to guide me so I don’t have to worry too much.
I’ve wondered for so long what it’s like to run more than 13.1, but on my own? Just ain’t gonna happen. So why not (hopefully) earn a little bling too?
If we were enjoying high tea . . .
I’d tell I am proud and excited to be representing Skirtsports as an #skirtsportsambassador again this year. Hiking, running, traveling, eating . . . there’s a skirt for that. Or shorts or tights or capris, if that’s your thing.
But Skirtsports is so much more than cute activewear. It’s a company that gives back with its Running Start program and empowers women of all shapes and sizes with its #realwomenmove campaign.
And yes, the skirts are awesome too!
Use Code 522CRJ for 15% off regularly priced items
Tea? Iced Tea? Coffee? Decaf? Green smoothie?
Do you think about longer races?
Have you ever considered a nutrition course or consulting with a dietitian?
Are you looking forward to Spring or enjoying Winter?
Today I am also joining up with the Friday Five 2.0 from Fairytales & Fitness and Rachel @ Running on Happy.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
You are so right about February—or even March. I wouldn’t mind a serious snow day. So far we’ve had nothing shovel-worthy this year. Woohoo on the 18.12!
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Bite your tongue about the snow day. The largest storm we had so far was 8″. They did a rundown on the news yesterday, but I was only half listening, sounding like we’re actually normal for the winter — but that’s averaging the brutally cold and unseasonably warm temps we’ve been having! MN is bipolar.
We have definitely had to shovel, though. multiple times. And there was the week after the ice storm when it stayed so cold you couldn’t get the ice off the driveway. Tons of fun.
Thankfully, while there are chances for snow n the forecast, nothing major. Right now.
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I am with you on the month of February but I keep reminding myself spring will be here in 46 days. It below zero here in Wisconsin. I decided I wanted to try to go further too. I signed up for my first 1/2 marathon this year. I began running in 2015 @ 52 & it seemed a 5k was out of reach. Maybe some day I will feel able to sign up for a 18.12 race too. I did see a dietitian last year. We did the 21 Day Elimination Diet. Since I eat fairly well I did not feel much difference.
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I don’t think I’d like living in WI. It’s cold here, but not that cold. Thank goodness!
I began running roughly 10 years ago, so you never know where running will take you.
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Yes I’m sick of the layers and the icy paths.
And no I still find 13.1 challenging to run and train for.
I only ran one summer half and I almost passed out at the finish. So no thanks.
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But you’ve also done a lot of extremely hot halfs (and Palio multiple times). Just sayin’.
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The only one I remember is that July one lol. Palio is at the end of Sept and the Fla ones are usually chilly.
Now I remember …VCM. But I ran that sooo slow that it didn’t affect me.
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Yes, VCM. And Pailio – end of Sept can be hot, too. Almost any time (except winter) can be hot.
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That is true but more likely in August. For your sake, I hope it is not a hot summer so you can train properly but hot enough for me to go boating & swimming.
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I completely agree with you, winter is far from over. February is the worst, and even March we usually get at least one more big snow storm. Yay for being a skirt sports ambassador, me too!
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Welcome, skirt sister!
Yup, March can be bad. I was just telling this story this weekend — how I could have had my Bat Mitzvah on my actual birthday, which I thought was cool, but my parents made me have it in March so the weather wouldn’t be so bad.
It sleeted.
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Wow! Good luck on 18.12. That is fantastic news.
I look forward to following your pursuit of this dream.
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I’m not sure if it’s fantastic or masochistic, but I’m willing to find out. 🙂
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February is usually the most wintery month here as well but January was so cold and sucky that Feb has to be better. Looking forward to another year of skirt sports with you! 18 miles is more than I have ever run too-happy training!
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The whole training thing should definitely be interesting. Since I don’t have anyone else to train with. Lots of solo miles ahead of me, but we’re not thinking about that yet. 🙂
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I’ve heard great things about the Fit and Fueled Nutrition Nutrition course . I hope that I can sign up for it the next time it’s offered.
That 18.12 race sounds awesome! I wish that I had long distance races like that in my area. We just half half and full marathons but nothing in between, lol
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Well, it’s about a 3 hour drive from here, maybe a bit more. So not exactly conducive to just a day trip — at least, not for me!
I’ve heard really good things about the race, though, and the distance seems just about right. Doable (I hope) without being mind-blowingly scary. 🙂
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Congrats on another year with Sports skirts!
Oh, winter… I think January is my least favorite month. At least that is over.
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After spending years in Boston, I know that we’re not any where near to spring yet. Even in Colorado, our snowiest season is spring. I’m waiting for the one whopper. My mom’s birthday is Monday, and since it’s usually on Super Bowl Sunday, we can do fun things because everyone’s getting ready for the game. I’m not.
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Nope, not getting ready for the game here, either!
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Ohhhhh, that 18.12 challenge sounds interesting!! I think you have the extra 5 miles in you to make it from 13.1 to 18.12!! Congrats on SkirtSports!! I need to get me one of those skirts, it have said it for months so I just need to get it done. Do the legs have the gripper tape on them?? I’ve had a few where the shorts like to creep. I have been enjoying Starbucks Citrus Defense Tea this week after being sick last week. I has honey and steamed lemonade in it!!
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I’m sure with proper training I can go 18+ miles (although depends on weather). Whether or not I can do it within the time limit . . . . I’m gonna trust Rachel. 🙂
The shorter skirts have grippers, because without them the shorts will ride up. That’s Lioness & Jette and a few others. Gym Girl & Happy Girl don’t have grippers. And they don’t creep. Although of course every body is different!
Just let me know if you have any other questions. I have worn a lot (but not all) of the skirts. 🙂
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Well done on challenging yourself to do an 18.12 mile race! That’s awesome! I did a nutrition course last year, although I must admit I haven’t made much effort to follow a lot of the useful things I learned. I really need to make a better effort, because I should be eating a whole lot healthier.
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I eat fairly healthy, but there’s always room for improvement, for sure.
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I think that 18.12 race sounds fascinating! What a unique distance! And, it’s an automatic PR (for those who want one LOL).
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I just don’t want to get swept. 🙂
I’ve heard really good things about it, but they changed the course this year — no idea if it’s for the better or worse.
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Congrats on another year with SS! You represent them so well, they’d be crazy not to keep you.
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Thanks, Wendy. It’s simply that I’ve always loved them, even before I knew the story behind the scenes.
You certainly rep Inknburn well!
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I think about longer races often…in fact I started training for a 38k trail race last year. But last year was not my year for races. But I have done a 25k…so a bit longer than a half marathon….and that was much harder than expected, so maybe I’m better off not going any longer!
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I expect it to be hard — so maybe that’s a good thing?
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A new challenge! I’m sure that you can do it judy! You strike me as being the kind of determined person who will do what they set out to come he’ll it high water! I look forwards to hearing about your training
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I’m always coming up with new challenges. 🙂 Yes, I’m pretty determined, but the body has its own thoughts about these things — it’s always scary.
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True, you can never take your body for granted!
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Nooooo, hahaha. I don’t want it to be a trap! 😥 I miss warm weather and have been ready for spring since 1 month ago, haha.
Congrats on your ambassadorship and good luck on your 18.12(?!) run!!
I’m with you on the high tea too! I don’t generally drink coffee, but I’m all about the tea!
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Unfortunately, it really is a trap, most of the time. I would most definitely be happy to be proven wrong.
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I agree… even down here February is usually the worst month of winter. That sounds like an interesting race… 18.12, good middle ground distance to go over that half mark. Good luck, looking foward to reading about your experience training and running it. Congrats on the ambassadorship!
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Exactly — far enough to be a challenge, not so far so that it’ll take over my life. I think, anyway.
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Oh man, I sure hope your Winter gets a little better there! I can’t imagine having a super brutal Winter season. In Arkansas we get cold but nothing like other places for sure!
Good luck with your race!!! You’re going to rock it!! 🙂 I’ve never heard of an 18.12 race before!
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I live in upstate NY, so it is what it is, and so far, knock on wood, it’s definitely not one of our worst winters. But we still have a good couple of months to go!
I do think it’s a unique distance. 🙂
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How exciting that you are challenging yourself with the 18.12 race and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Good for you!
Trader Joe’s ginger and turmeric tea is one of my favorites. Yum!
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I love that ginger turmeric tea! So nice & warming & nice that it’s caffeine free, too, so I can drink it any time of day.
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I want spring now!!!! haha
That 18.12 race sounds fun!! I’m so excited for you!!
I’ve also learned so much from Laura’s course. I’ve been applying it and my runs are feeling good!
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Well, won’t it be a nice surprise when spring does show up? 😉
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I so love SkirtSports and you are a fabulous representative!!
This 1812 challenge sounds awesome!! Why didn’t I find this before I decided to do a full???? It’s a great ‘stepping stone’ to the 26.2 distance you know! 🙂 Come on Judy, I know that if I can do it …you can do it!!
I’m with you on the crazy busy days. It seems like since I’m now unemployed, my days seem to be so much more full!! What’s up with that???
Sounds like I should’ve signed up for Laura’s course BEFORE my marathon because fueling was a total guesstimate! But apparently it worked! Lol
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Well, yes, it is a nice way to dip my toe into a longer race. Of course it’s not anywhere near you, that’s why you didn’t know about it. But those oddball length races are out there.
I’d say your fueling absolutely worked. And frankly, I’m really in awe of you. Crossing that finish line with a smile after almost 26.2 miles of rain — and no complaints, either!
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You are too kind!!! I have to admit …there were a few complaints mumbled under my breath along the way! Lol
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I probably wouldn’t have mumbled. 🙂
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While I look forward to spring, I’m also lamenting the fact that we haven’t gotten much snow this year. Yes, there’s still plenty of time. I do not entertain longer races. 26.2 is plenty for me. All the best with 18.12!
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I would be super happy to have a winter without snow, but the odds are definitely not in my favor here!
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An 18.12 mile race…that’s a new distance. Never heard of a race like that before. Sounds interesting for sure! And, what a great way to increase your distance after running 13.1? Maybe after, you will want to do 26.2? 🙂
Weather here in Florida isn’t a real bad winter, but it’s been funky. We have a cold day, then all of a sudden the temps are back up. Florida is weird.
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We’ve had a lot of weather whiplash from back & forth temps, too. Just a little colder. 🙂
I haven’t shut the door on a marathon, but I’m not planning one any time soon. Definitely not this year.
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I may need to check out Laura’s course in March…sounds like you learned some great stuff!
Yeah, I know January is over but February is always a wild card and I just know it’s going to be another cold month. Perfect time for marathon training right? Haha!
The 18.12 race sounds great, I can’t wait to follow you along in your training! 🙂
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Yup, you sure picked a great year for winter marathon training — NOT! But good for you for gutting it out (especially with the wedding planning!).
Hey, anyone is welcome to run 18.12 with me. We’re actually trying to make it a girls’ weekend. Not sure yet, but I think that might actually make Mr. Judy happy.
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I hate when I start hearing how winter is almost over in February! I feel like February is the worst! It can be really cold and snowing. I feel like you can start telling me winter is almost over in April!
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Exactly — February often is the worst month. My husband used to go a conference the end of February for years and we always got slammed by a monster storm while he was away.
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