(Almost) As Good As Running

Happy Holidays!
I haven’t posted in three weeks! Betcha thought I’d given up, huh? No? Well, I’ll tell ya about it anyway. It was cold, I had the capital F flu, and it was still cold. There, that’s it. Wasn’t so bad, was it?

I had my first day back running on Christmas. And it was awesome. I was afraid it’d be painful, but it wasn’t. My usual terrain seemed fresh and new. My lungs didn’t burn and my quads and calves aokay. Unbelievable! I guess a bit of break was just what I needed to reset my body.

I love riding, but have taken the last few years off. These pics are from today’s hike and ride! We’re in the middle of a big dump, so far we’ve gotten 12″ to 14″ of the fresh stuff. Riding felt like spending time with an old friend I missed terribly. I wondered if I’d still know what to do. It really is like riding a bike. And hubby finally got to give it a shot. We laughed and sweated and had a hilarious time. Wowza! So grateful.
I may cross country ski this weekend, so I may put running on hold for few more days. The snow is too good not to take advantage of. More pictures to come of that particular brand of hilarity. Stay tuned…

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I <3 Winter

I have yet to love running in the cold. Friday topped out at a balmy 24 degrees. I needed out, though, so instead of a run, a hike was in order.
Most of the above photos are from Lye Brook Falls, here in southern VT. The falls itself is around 140 feet. It’s about a five mile round trip and pretty easy going. Aside from the flat light, it was a beautiful walk with hubs and a happy Aggie dog.
Hiking at new spots is okay. Can you tell I struggled with an adjective? I want to be grateful for having the ability to get out and go. I am. But, hiking is not running. And (more griping) running on the treadmill is not trail running. If given a choice, I’d pick hiking. Treadmill running is about as fun as dental work.
I’ve been to the gym twice in the last ten days to run indoors. It was really a blast to be back there, but the most I could last on the treadmill was 40 minutes. The real highlight was watching my reflection in the glass. For the entire 40 minutes. Ugh.
I can’t believe I miss the humidity and bugs of summer. I miss getting up with the early sun of July to run before the heat of late morning. Maybe if there was snow on the trails…
So I wait for cross country skiing. My shins are healing. My IT band rarely bothers me. I’m focusing on LOTS of stretching and portion control. I’m still running outside, but only two days a week. I gave up tracking mileage (for now). The plan is to get back into spinning and try some cross fit and Zumba. Anything to keep up cardio and stay off the TM of doom. Any ideas? I’d be grateful for feedback of what you do to keep fit through the winter.
Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving.
Thanks for reading,
Astrid