Friday, February 12, 2016

Food for the Runner's Sole

February is a tough month for most of us. Let's face it, unless you live in California or Florida, by February, we've all had enough of winter. Of course, if you are running the LA Marathon this weekend, you might not be happy about the predicted 90 degree temps. So there's that. But for most of us, getting out for a run this time of year is challenging. I'm ready to ditch the layers. Sadly, here in the Midwest, we're hitting the coldest temperatures of the winter this week. How fair is that?

No one ever said life is fair. Mother Nature doesn't always play nice, does she?

I needed a little pick me up this week, and for today's post, I decided to focus on the things that are making me happy. A little sole food, if you will... (see what I did there...)

Food for the Runner's Sole

One thing I've noticed this week is that the days are noticeably longer. I woke up at 6 this morning and the sky was already light. That makes me happy. And what really makes me happy is a sunny day. We've had a lot of sunny days this winter, and that makes me happy, even though it is bitterly cold outside. Somehow, with the sun shining, it doesn't feel quite so cold. In fact, I was brave crazy enough to quickly do a yoga pose on my way home from class. Because, the sun.

king dancer pose
It was 16 degrees. But the sun is shining!
Shopping for running clothes always makes me happy, and especially when they are on sale. Two of my favorite stores, Athleta and Title Nine have had sales lately. Yesterday morning I woke up to an email from Title Nine that everything in the sale section is an additional 30% off. And this morning, Athleta posts a 20% code (EXTRA20) for all their sale items. No running clothes for me, but a skirt I had been eyeballing for quite some time was at a decent price point. Nothing says lovin' like clicking on the "buy now" button.


Friends are awesome. Running friends are better. But running blogging friends are the best. I had lunch with Marcia today, and somehow we managed to kill two hours talking about what? I couldn't even tell you. Marcia thinks we should do a podcast. Can you even imagine? I love this lady, and what's great is she gets me. Still laughing...Did I tell you all we met through her blog? Isn't that just the best?
Running friends are the best friends. Running friends who blog are even better.
Matching thermoballs. #solesisters
I love to read. You all know I host a monthly book club on the blog (or maybe you didn't but you know now), and nothing makes me happier than reading books about running. Interestingly, the next two books I've chosen aren't about running! But both of them are very inspiring. Next Friday is the monthly link up--I hope you've read the book of the month, It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell. If you haven't, it isn't too late! This is a book about a young woman's struggle with her weight and body image. I'm working on my review, and I found it to be a very good read. Next month is Diana Nyad's autobiography, which I can't wait to read. Meanwhile, I'm reading The Lake House, and the main character runs! Gotta love that.

Taking the Long Way Home book club

I do love winter comfort food. But after gorging on Super Bowl food, this week I was dying for something a little on the light side. Whole Foods had Atlantic cod on sale, and I found a fabulous recipe for Panko Crusted Cod with lemon dill sauce. And since it was broiled, it was healthy. Don't you think anything with panko is good? I love the crunch. I didn't take pictures, and I'm sorry about that. But it was sole food. And my runner's soul was happy.


Oh, I guess I have 6 things to be happy about! I was selected to be a Venus de Miles Ambassador this year! Do you know about this amazing organization? There's a bike ride--25 miles or 62 miles--or a 5k run/walk. The ride--it's not a race--is to support the Greenhouse Scholars. I did this event last year and it was an amazing experience. You can read all about it here.  I'll be sharing more about this wonderful event in weeks to come. I'm honored to support this organization. Today through February 15 take $14 off the registration fee using the code LONGWAY. I hope to ride with a lot of you!



What's making your runner's sole happy? What do you do to keep yourself motivated in the winter?

I'm linking up with the DC Trifecta--Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia-- for the Friday Five! This week's theme is food.












I'm also linking up with Angela at Happy Fit Mama for High Five Friday! So much positivity going on!

79 comments :

  1. Fun twist on the Friday Five theme! Shouldn't you have fixed some filet of sole? ;-) Congrats on the ambassadorship!

    ReplyDelete
  2. As usual, I can start the day smiling with my daily dose of Wendy ;-) Question about the Venus de Miles.....is there a way for an out-of-stater (like myself) to potentially do this (even if I don't have a proper road bike)? Is there a place affiliated with the event that rents bikes (and such)? Food for thought (did YOU see what I did there?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep! I totally thought about you...you could stay with me! And you don't need a proper road bike. It's a ride, not a race, and it's really fun. Let me know if you want to do it. And if you want me to look for a bike rental place... <3

      Delete
    2. "...a dose of Wendy."
      I hear you. Love it.

      Delete
  3. I hear ya - winter is hard on runners! And this winter hasn't even been too bad weather wise. But, I have been feeling burned out, so I substituted a spinning day for a running day (I do triathlons) and switched up some of my cross training classes.

    And - I've heard great things about Diana Nyad's bio/memoir and The Lake House!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been cycling as part of my marathon training, and I'm really enjoying the variety!

      Delete
  4. What is making my runner's sole happy RUNNNNINNNG!!! Even if it was at 65% of my bodyweight. It really was everything. I also just got a package of new clothes that I don't need (and certainly can't afford right now, but they are non-returnable and I bought them before I was laid off). So suck it up and enjoy, right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is really the most amazing feeling isn't it? Coming back from injury! Take it easy, tho!

      Delete
  5. It's funny you mentioned your book club because I wanted to check out that book you talked about last time about the reporter but I could not remember the name and came here to look for it!
    It's gonna be cold this weekend here too so I'm glad I'm not training for anything that I have to make sure I'm getting runs in every day! I'll be enjoying the day from inside my warm house..lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm going to have to suck it up this weekend! Doing 12 on the treadmill? The bitter cold? It's a tough call, either way!

      Delete
  6. Congrats on your ambassadorship! This is one of my favorite posts of yours. Because yes, running friends are the best! And also, I am SO OVER WINTER! You'd think we would all learn by now. We should book a huge running/blogging retreat in Florida or the Bahamas for next February. All the running bloggers who live in cold states can attend. Sun, warmth, running, blogging... what's not to love about that?!

    Have a great weekend, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Buying running clothes definitely makes me happy. I got gift cards for my birthday this year and had so much fun buying stuff. Then it was fun all over again when the running gear arrived and I got to test it out.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have a five mile race in the morning (Saturday) and the weather looks brutal. -10 with gusty winds brutal! But hey! Memories are made during adversity and I could place if nobody else shows up. Right? lol Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just think you get extra badass points for running in the cold.

      Delete
  9. Congrats on the ambassadorship! And I agree about the slightly longer days and sunshine. Seeing the sun definitely helps to combat some of the winter blues.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After my long run in the dark earlier this week, I'm very happy to see the sun. I can't imagine running in the dark all the time! The cold is bad enough...

      Delete
  10. I love that its getting lighter earlier now! I usually have to drive to work with my lights on (usually leave my house around 6:30). We are also getting our coldest temperatures of the winter this weekend. Tomorrow night will feel like -25 - hooray, lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't remind me about those weekend temps...I have a 12 miler on Sunday...

      Delete
  11. Congrats on the ambassadorship! I'm ready for the winter rain to end here - even though it's not cold here, some weeks it feels like there's just a constant drizzle and wind. The prospect of finally finding a new brand of shoes to try after my favorites were discontinued is making my running sole happy. Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ok I just spit my coffee. I swear I did not read this post before writing mine. I listened to another (part of a) podcast yesterday after I saw you. They're all way too serious for me! Haha!

    ReplyDelete
  13. How are you wearing capris in 16 degrees, you crazy woman?? ;) And YES, I would definitely listen to you and Marcia if you guys did a podcast! COngrats on your ambassadorship and happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We figured we just set up the recorder and talk like we normally do. OMG. Can you even imagine?

      Delete
  14. I have to agree - I can deal with a cold winter if I have sun. It was a feels like of 13 on my run today, but it was sunny, so I actually ended up too warm.

    And you and Marcia need to come to Wisconsin this summer - we can go to New Glarus for beer. ;o)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Friends are definitely the best way I know to feed my runner's sole. No way I would still be out there without friends to keep me on track, whine to, and celebrate with! So glad that I found your site through the linkup - I am always looking for new books!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found me too! I'll head over to your site after work (my work blocks all blogs but mine--don't ask me why!)

      Delete
  16. Congrats on your ambassadorship, sounds awesome! I do enjoy that the days are longer now, which is helpful when I have to go for a run after work. I could never wear running capris in 16-degree weather, brrr!

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are so right about the sun. Even single digits are tolerable is the sun is blazing above. And no wind. Of course.

    I arise when it's still dark out, but the sun it starting to come up when my better half leaves for work at 6:30 a.m. and I can see him as I wave out the kitchen window. THAT makes me happy.

    And my runner's soul/sole(s) is/are happy because I got word this morning that I will run again. Diagnosis not complete (an MRI is in my near future) all possibilities include a return to the road before too long. Doing the happy dance, with care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad you got somewhat good news! At least you get to run again. That makes me smile!!!

      Delete
  18. Congrats on your ambassadorship!!

    It is tough getting out to run in the cold. It's supposed to -40 with the wind chill this weekend & I cannot do it. But if it is above 10 degree I do run. I sign up for races and that motivates me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This weekend I have to do 12 and I'm dreading it! Ninja face mask is coming out...

      Delete
  19. You forgot those of us who live in Hawaii ;) We had a cold front last week and really struggled with temps in the low 60s. I'm pretty sure I would die if I had to live anywhere that got snow. California girl transplanted to Hawaii winter is prime training time for me, no motivation necessary!

    ReplyDelete
  20. ooh you too should do a podcast together! How fun! Yes for longer days but I tell you this weather is freaking cold!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Reading this post made me happy! Love that the sun in shining earlier, running clothes and blogging friends rock! Congrats on the ambassadorship, that is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This winter has been absolutely wacky. I think we've had at least 3 seasons in the past month. And now the frigid cold is coming for the weekend. Followed by 45 degrees and rain. WTF?!?!?! You and Marcia are too cute. A podcast would be perfect! Thanks for linking up to High 5 Friday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought we were going to dodge the polar vortex but looks like it's here...

      Delete
  23. Sun? What's that? We don't get a lot of sun in general.

    But I did get out for my long run today -- about 10 or so when I started, but not insanely windy like yesterday, so really not too bad.

    This weekend, OTOH . . . OMG, the running club already canceled their winter marathon because of the temps.

    I'll do a short run sunday, but it's be on the mill. I thought about that for today, but I really couldn't face 7 1/2 miles on it (and yes, I threw that last 1/2 mile in just for fun!) -- in the back of my mind it was a backup, but I didn't need it (thanks to you & my thermoball!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I may need to do the mill tomorrow for my 6, but I'll have to suck it up and head out into the cold Sunday for my 12.

      Delete
  24. I just try to keep as warm as I can outside and realize I burn more calories trying to keep warm!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Way to do a yoga pose in the cold! So cold, but it does seem warmer when the sun is out. Congrats on the ambassadorship! Running and fitness gear makes my runner's sole happy! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was in that pose for like 10 seconds! Then I ran back to my warm car.

      Delete
  26. This weather is for the birds, man. Love that you had such a fun lunch w/Marcia. Also - kudos on your sumome popups - I like sumome!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a sweet post! Congratulations on Venus de Miles (love that name!). Looks like your lunch was just what you needed - I would totally be in for your podcast.

    Sunrise is still after 7 for us. I can't wait for the daylight to extend a bit.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I didn't know you hosted a book club. I haven't been able to participate in my local book club at all in months and I really miss it. I may join yours, if that's ok!! I'll read that blog post about it to see what I do to join. Yay!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P.S. I just started reading My Year of Running Dangerously by Tim Foreman and I love it! It could be a suggestion for April :)

      Delete
    2. I've considered that book for the book club. I'll check it out!

      Delete
  29. I was wondering where you shop for all the cool workout gear you wear on all your photos. Had to check out both sites for their sales. I am almost done with Andie Mitchell's book and truly enjoying it. I love her writing style.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I definitely need to join your book club! I love reading new books. I'm off to check that out!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Cute picture of you and Marcia! I thought you too had been friends for years! Congrats on the ambassador program, sounds perfect for you :) Remember us Florida runners are freezing when it drops below 50 here! LOL! I would not mind if we hit 60 in Sarasota! :) See you soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I tried talking her into Sarasota, but she couldn't swing it. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!

      Delete
  32. Love the picture of you & Marcia. So interesting that you met through blogging ! I have connected with several French women who will be running the marathon in April and we are planning to meet up before the race. I am immediately going to check out Athleta... we don't have it in France but I can still buy on line !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've met quite a few friends through blogging! When I run Big Sur in April, I'm meeting up with another friend. I love it.

      Delete
  33. well, well, well, quite the impressive list going on here. But most importantly, my library has a copy of next month's book and I just requested it!! Fingers crossed I get it with plenty of time to read and that I read it in time to participate! I've missed your book club. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hey I am going to join you in the book club next month! Thanks for posting the discount codes. I love sale items. Lately I've been buying too many yoga clothes. (So addictive!). Right now my motivation is kicking my ex-boyfriend's butt in a race this season. lol I know that's crazy :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not crazy at all. In fact, I find that motivation very healthy...

      Delete
  35. I am all about the sales. I love Athleta . I have never tried Title Nine. I love reading too, but I haven't found any good books to read lately. I feel like blogging has taken up most of my time

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear you. I've cut back to 3 posts/week. I love blogging but I needed to make sure I'm putting out quality posts. And I needed more time to do other things. Like train...

      Delete
  36. I've definitely been hitting the treadmill much more than I'd like but winter is tough. I used to like running outside in the cold and snow, but I'm a little more fair weather this season.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Having just gotten back from a cold 12, I can say that I feel you! I don't think I'll ever be warm again!

      Delete
  37. Congrats on being a Venus de Miles Ambassador!! So cool that you and Marcia hit it off so much!! It's so cool to meet people from the blogging community! I'm with you about the longer days! I'm noticing it staying lighter so much longer and I can NOT wait for spring and sipping white wine on my deck!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love this picture of you two! Yup Running blogging buddies are simply the best! Congratulation on becoming a Venus de Miles Ambassador! I really would enjoy doing more biking, course I may have to trade in my mountain bike I ride around the campground on..... But I'd be willing to do that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This ride is non-competitive, so there are all kinds of bikes on the course. I just love the charity that benefits from the event.

      Delete