The First Act

Take a bow, Chicago. You're doing a fine job on winter. Seriously, you've been nailing it, unlike last year when you half-assed your way from December through March. In fact, why don't you take a bit of an intermission - maybe rest up for an even better second act. I would've be surprised if that is your plan. But know your residents are going to toughen up and stay shoulder-to-shoulder with you until we see that toasty finish line in May (or June, possibly July). Then we'll spring ahead and claim our victory (for one or two short days until you decide it's time to perform "summer" and we melt into the heat and humidity..).

Honestly, it's cold. But I'm hoping it's a snap. Last week I was lucky and ran a wonderful seven miler on Thursday, when the day was what I call "perfect winter." Cold, (not too cold) and still and sunny. My dad came with me on his bike, which was really fun. He is unstoppable. I think I averaged sub-nines, which felt great. Saturday was our fun family run to and from Northerly Island. I was glad I got that run in because I was a bit under the weather that night and Sunday turned into a forced rest day. Luckily, I recovered quickly and Monday I was ready to go. Monday was probably our coldest day yet - but I couldn't help treating it as a sort of dare. I wanted to run in it..just to see. So I did. I set out around 1pm in my warmest layers (my arctic look) and took on winter. I couldn't help but notice I was the only runner out there. Perhaps the real die hards had gone in the morning, when temps were even lower? I'll never know. But six miles later, with a semi-frozen face, I finished the run with a smile. Then I quickly whipped up some hot chocolate and warmed myself in our sunny living room. It can be done - as long as there isn't ice on the ground..and there isn't (yet).

Yesterday was another fantastic pilates class. I'm now a regular - once a week workouts with some of my favorite mama friends. Sometimes I don't know what I'd do without them. And the workout is fab!

Today I had VERY minimal time to squeeze in a morning run, so instead of wasting time bundling up, I did my run on the treadmill. It was a tempo-ish run of 3.5 miles and over before I knew it. I'm not about to take Baby out on a run in single digits, so this may be my best option on cold, busy days. I'm not complaining.

One of the best things about running is the flexibility - the number of miles, the pace of the miles, the time spent logging the miles, the intensity, who you run with, where you run, when you run - it can all be adjusted, and on a moment's notice. I'm watching my weather apps and tweaking my plans if I have to. If my mileage takes a hit during a cold snap, so be it. I can handle that too.