Powering through Winter: Spilling over tea/coffee February 2018

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

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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 . . .

Confessions of a Mother Runner

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!

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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.

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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?

 

What isn’t Skirtsports good for?

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?

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Today I am also  joining up with the  Friday Five 2.0  from Fairytales & Fitness and Rachel @ Running on Happy.

 

55 thoughts on “Powering through Winter: Spilling over tea/coffee February 2018”

    1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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      1. 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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      3. 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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    1. 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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  7. 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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    1. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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    1. 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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  11. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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    1. 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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  21. 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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    1. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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    1. 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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  24. 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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    1. 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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  25. 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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