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Loving Lately January

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a loving lately post. While there is a lot not to like about January, I am finding there are also many things to love about January. Here are a few things I am loving lately this January.

loving lately January

Loving Lately January

Winter Running

I am loving winter running! Yes it’s cold and lately snowy but I am finding January running just invigorating. While I really have had trouble in the summer heat the last few years, the winter temps seem to really suit me. I find it so much easier to regulate my body temperature and remove layers as needed. I am buying hand warmers by the case though. Being outside everyday just makes me happy!

strong start | loving lately January

RunBet challenge

I found out about the RunBet challenge from Janice @ Salads for lunch. Basically, it’s a 4 week challenge that you “bet” on yourself to finish. My challenge has 4 30 minute runs per week. While I normally run 3 days a week, I am able to use a walk as one of my active days. My runs upload directly from Strava and Garmin so easy peasy. More on this after the challenge ends in a few weeks.

Loving lately January

[In case you missed it: Rope Assisted Stretches for Runners]

Walking on non running days

To keep up my streak for the runbet, I have also been walking on non-running days. Since I typically do my workouts (strength training and biking) in the mornings, I am kind of stationary in the afternoons. I have been doing 3-4 mile walks about 2 times a week in the afternoons and loving them. The walks don’t seem to tire out my legs, get me outside and give me points for the runbet. It’s a win win win!

January is not that bad! Turns out there is lots to love #Runchat #FridayFive

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Reading

A friend of mine suggested reading Roar by Stacy Sims. It came out about 2 years ago-better late than never! One of the few books that explains female physiology and nutrition and they impact women athletes. I am only about halfway through it so far but loving it. There is a lot of information about how your hormones and menopause effect performance. Will report back when I have finished.

January is not that bad after all! Have you read Roar? Ever done a step bet or run bet challenge? What are you loving lately?

Linking up with Fairytales and fitness

loving lately

Comments

  1. I’ve heard of Roar but not read it. I should! We’ve been so blessed here with a mild winter so far. Of course it isn’t always easy but it’s been such a gift for marathon training. I runfess I never tried a hand warmer before!

    • Our winter has been much more snowy than usual but so far, I am kind of enjoying it. My hands are the only thing that gets cold and the hand warmers are great for me. Maybe I need better gloves?

  3. Glad that you are enjoying RunBet so far! I haven’t tried that one yet but I may look into it when I start marathon training in the summer.

    I also love walking on my non-running days. I try to get in a 30 minute walk during my lunch break when my work schedule allows.

  4. I hate the snow but that picture of a snowy scene art the top of the post momentarily made me miss that landscape view from my window back home in CT. But then I got over it. LOL

  6. I love running in the winter! It helps that our winter has been pretty mild! But cold weather is my jam and I love walking, too! Sounds like the runbet has been a great way to start the year!

  9. I’ve been hearing a lot about that book! I’m not a big fan of January/February but I’m finding things that I like about them to make them easier for me. I’m pretty sure the biggest reason is that by this time I’m so sick of cold and snow that I just really want spring.

  12. I’ve heard about Roar but haven’t read it. So many books I want to read and not enough time. No on the bets. My problem is that I don’t sync any of my runs.
    I do need to walk on non-running days.

    I love the cold weather as long as there’s no snow or ice. That will change tomorrow 🙁

  14. I have read ROAR several times. There’s an awful lot of info in there!

    I am definitely no loving winter running — but you guys don’t usually get as cold as us. And shortly after the run, even if I have the heater blasting in the car, I am SO chilled and it takes me hours to warm up. There’s generally no where to change, so once I cool off those sweaty clothes (and socks!) do a number on me.

    I was loving no snow on the roads, but that’s already changed. But i’m loving that it held true through the middle of January for us!

  16. I loved the book Roar as it’s specific to female performance and needs as an athlete. It’s impressive that you do 3-4mi walks. Honestly I’d rather run than walk but my dog forces me to walk him dally.

  17. Today was great winter running conditions. I think Monday’s weather will be brutal, but it looks like Wednesday will be decent again.

  18. I agree re: adjusting to cold better than heat. It’s so true. And faster too to recover.
    Thanks for reminder re: RunBet, meant to look into it. I used to do DietBet but never got into StepBet since it wasn’t manageable.
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  19. Roar is also on my radar! I’m definitely going to try to read more this year – good to know you are enjoying it!

    I am not a fan of winter (snow and ice) running so I hope it skips us!!