11.14.2010

True Confessions

I survived conferences. Truly. They are never that bad, it is just a long haul to get through. By the end of the night, my tongue is swollen and I can hardly get a word out. It's pretty awesome.

E's birthday was great, and Minnesota experienced its first snow of the season. This white stuff and cold weather sort of gets to me. I decided to put on my big girl..you know... take it like a woman, and do something I've never done before.

That's right.

I ran outside. In the snow.

I know. It's kind of been my little dirty secret. You know, how does a person run for 4 years and NEVER run in the snowy winter weather? Well, they use a treadmill, silly! I have good, if not excellent reasons, for having never run outside in the winter before.

• I live in the sticks. Most of the roads around here are dirt, and I will get muddy.
• I live in the sticks. Folks 'round here hunt everything. I never know if I go for a run during hunting season whether my graceful stride will be mistaken for that of a deer, and BOOM! I'm shot dead.
• I live in the sticks. Someone could shoot at a deer, send the deer scurrying off, where it leaps out of the woods/ditches and hits me mid-stride. BAM!
• Most drivers around here are notthatbright and have a hard time moving over for a runner. I have had to jump in the ditch on several occasions. During harvest season? I have to hop in the ditches to let combines by. Road hogs. Add snow to the shoulders? Drivers are even worse.
• It's cold. Cold + Sara = There is no equal, we do not mesh.
• Wind is cold. Wind + Sara = I think you know what's coming.

Anyway? Today? I decided to bite the bullet and run outside. In true Sara fashion? I couldn't just plan a short jaunt, but decided 10 miles was my goal. I knew I would need an outfit that would distinguish me from deer, geese, and other things people shoot. I decided on this:
Needless to say? I made it. I won't say it was the best run ever, but it wasn't the worst either. I'm pretty sure I looked stylin' out there too. People seemed to wave a lot.
Now, if you have winter running clothing ideas? Help me out here? I may/may not go out on a limb and try this again sometime.

44 comments:

Kristina P. said...

You are a brave woman. I don't even want to run, even if unicorns were along side of me!

Anonymous said...

Girl you are HOT! You just need a pair of Yaktrax!! :)

Winter running is actually a fun challenge...as much as I bitch and moan about it by February, it's pretty fun in November! :)

More Than Words said...

I can imagine how exhausting it is to do the parent teacher conferences! I have much respect for teachers!!

And wow...10 miles in the snow??? You rock!!

Kirsten said...

So I haven't run in snow yet, but on my run Friday evening in the dark and breeze and cool 40-degree temps, I had on a few layers.

On my top I had a running tank, a tech tee, and a long-sleeved Nike running wintery pullover. Thermal Nike running hat (which was awesome at keeping my head warm even though I sweat like there's no tomorrow). On the bottom, I wore a pair of running pants and I wore my compression sleeves underneath.

Oh, yeah. I had lightweight running gloves on.

And I only have to run in town and change my route to ensure sidewalks the whole way. Running on roads where the deer and the antelope play (and the crazy hunters who chase them) sounds a little scary too!

Jamie said...

It took me awhile to get out and run in the snow. Now I almost like it ;) If you don't want wind/cold burn on the face try kiehl's all sport non-freeze face protector. You won't break out and your face will thank you after a cold run :)

Sarah said...

I hate, hate, hate running in the winter! But I have, and we get a lot of ice on the roads. I run in Yaktrax when it's slippery out and it really helps.

The Stiffs said...

Snow? I won't tell you the temp here this weekend. As someone who spent three+ years in Iceland, watch that black ice. Treadmills are much safer.

Kaci said...

Ugh snow already!! YUCK! Maybe reflector stuff too? Good luck girl! You look awesome! Yellow is my favorite.

Jen@Scrapingirl said...

I'd probably wave at a crazy looking person who's dressed like that, also. Ha! You are determined. I am a weenie. More power to ya. :)

Di said...

Running in the snow is not a problem down here in Florida. Then again neither is running at all since I avoid it like the plague. For now my excuse is pregnancy then when Jellybean comes out I plan on using him as my excuse. :)

Kmama said...

You are smokin' hot in those sexy threads. LOL

It's a fair statement to say that you'd never see me running in the cold/winter. For one, I don't run, and for another...well, me and cold don't mix so well either.

Jen said...

I think that I have seen some deer sporting those leg warmers might want to try a different color. ;)

Trish said...

shoo girl, I get old just looking at that snow. I thought about you this weekend when I saw the weather report....you are welcome to head here to NC :O)

Cool Gal said...

Bahaha...OMG, those socks! There's no way anyone will mistake you for a deer! That is so funny!

Happy Monday!

By the way, I can't stand the snow and cold either. Perhaps it's why I'm already planning our winter getaway. It could be a long one if this snow doesn't melt!

Jen said...

I ran all last winter outside through anything...well except ice because I am a super klutz. I usually wear nearly what you have on. I have Asics Thermopolis cold running tights, which I love for warmth but I don't really like the zipper on the ankle, sweat pants over those when it gets below 15, nice wool socks pulled up high, tee, long sleeve tee, fleece, and another coat if needed. Gosh sometimes it took me just as long to get dressed as it did for an actual run. I can understand not running outside if you live in the sticks...there are several roads here that don't have shoulders and I avoid those because running in the ditch totally sucks.

Amber Page Writes said...

You are my hero. I hate running outside in the cold. I should not be sweating and wearing gloves at the same time.

Also, snow? Already? Remind me never to move to Minnesota.

Lindsay said...

Oh my gosh it looks freezing where you are. Its 75 here! Can we come visit? :)

Anonymous said...

little dirty secrets... you have these?

I dont think i know you any more... omg you ahve never run in snowy winter weather? *sighs*

I mean i understand the graceful stride thing... sometimes hunters can be so dumb... why chance it.

omg girl you wore that? They might have shot for for that fashion statement... get a outfit in orange....*hehe*

Mrs. M said...

Good for you Sara!! I always worry that I will slip and fall when I run in winter weather (cause it happens even when I'm just walking). LOVE the outfit. :)

Nicole said...

That is an awesome running outfit! Love it! especially the yellow stockings, honestly I'd wear those with a cute skirt and boots on a regular day:) Great job running in the snow! You always inspire me to go for a run! thank you!

Barbaloot said...

Well, first I would say, don't run in the snow. It's cold and unpleasant. But if you choose not to listen to me, then I would say wear hunter orange. No one can miss that:)

Missy said...

I also live in the Sticks!
My son is one of those who hunts everything!
I love to look at Snow, but I do not like to come in physical contact with...
Love the Running Clothes!

King J's Queen said...

Blaze orange...you need some blaze orange. Maybe a vest. Those socks are the coolest, though.

Kameron said...

Nice outfit! I am pretty sure there are no deer that look like that! lol

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

I hate running in the snow too.

Foursons said...

Love the socks. I'm thinking you should get one of those orange reflector vests though. You know, just in case.

Sarah Jane said...

Sara, I run year round. A friend told me these rules...
Except when it's below 0 and/or 25 mph wind...
so that's what I've followed and I've survived thus far!:)
I wear this scary, fleece face mask from REI when it's really cold. And lots of layers of long underwear and fleece.
Watch out! You may become a convert!:)

Lady Mama said...

I'm impressed you went out in the snow at all. As for what to wear? Maybe hot pink leg warmers... That should set you apart from the deer.

Laura Marchant said...

Wow, you are definitely either dedicated or crazy, lol. I hate going to the mailbox in the cold.

Meghan said...

I actually love running in the snow, but then again, I live in a big city so at least everything is plowed and shoveled. As for outfits, I typically put together a hodge-podge of clothing, so I am no help there:)

Anonymous said...

I think you live in the wrong state if you don't like cold and snow!

Teachinfourth said...

I could never pull that off...

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

You're a trooper lady. I am such a wuss when it comes to exercising outside when it's cold!

honeypiehorse said...

Brave girl. I hate winter.

Roxy said...

running in the snow isn't too bad...it's the ICE that's scary!!
JUST get lots of BREATHABLE layers...UNDER ARMOR was my friend...also a few Kleenex in the pocket
Gloves, Sock hot, and layers around the core.... sports tank, underarmor shirt, and fleece....sometimes more.
WInter running pants (underarmor) worked for me...LIKE the leg warmer look too!
keep up the good work

Michelle said...

I can't say I have run in the cold but lots of people around here do. Layering is key. A lot of people seem to like Mizuno Breath Thermo stuff, it heats up as you run.

Amy said...

way to go my friend.. I love the yellow legs.. I hope to get into running some day.. Or walking. I love walking..

Brynn said...

i mean, there are no words. you look amazing. go get some dang underarmour (or however it's spelled because i don't run unless i'm being chased by a combine)!

Unknown said...

Did you know? There are NO fashion guidlines for winter running! NONE! Because, the fact of the matter is that NO ONE should give you crap for looking good or not while running in the snow.

YOU LOOK FAB!

Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too said...

I can't stop laughing at your outfit! That's great!
Me+running in the cold=isn't going to happen.

Miller Racing Family said...

Oh girl you are so good. I would stick to the treadmill. I hate the cold weather and refuse to get out in it unless I have to. Love the outfit.
Have a great day!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Wow, I am impressed. Thank you stopping over today. Your boys are adorable.

amanda said...

LOVE the outfit. :) i so need to start doing *something* anything. you've inspired me to think harder about it. which is a step actually.

Sarah MP said...

I am dumb...but what is the cord having out for your pants?