Newest Purchase

Ever since I took my first snowshoe class in Keystone, Colorado two years ago, I've been hooked. So I finally broke down and ordered my first pair of snowshoes. I did a lot of research - yes, I call it research...YOU might call it wasting time on Google. Tomayto, tomahto, Whatever...it will result in a brown box being delivered to my doorstep and a subsequent tromp in the snow-laden northern ohio trails. I can't wait! And besides, it will keep running fun and interesting being out! And I know my black lab will love bouncing in the snow - bonus!

Trail Running with My Dog

Nice easy 3-mile trail run on Sunday with my dog. I have a moderate difficulty trail near me (moderately technical for me, super duper easy for the lab). I felt like such a kid. Climbing a steep hill. Running over rocks and roots like little hurdles. And enjoying seeing how happy my dog is to just be in the woods. Awesome afternoon and made me realize just how cool running can be when you're not training for anything!

Now if I could just have a break from all this rain...I'm not a duck...!

Cold Weather Mileage

Another run with puppy during this very cold, snow-laden winter. The picture above was along the bridle trails, which I found funny. Look closely - the sign says No Bikes. It's kind of funny considering I could barely run in the snow since it was like running in sand. At one point I seriously felt like I was running sideways or at a slope. After struggling for 2 miles (which is not like me), and logging in a 16-minute mile, I gave up and hit the all-purpose trails. Not a great deal better, but I'll take it!

The warmer temps were at least better in comparison with last weekend's run at -3 degrees. It hovered around 20 degrees during my run today which was just fine by me.

One week till the trail run. I'm thinking about just going the half marathon distance, maybe even adding on the 5-mile look for 18 miles. Depends on just how cold it gets...and whether Staci and Clinton from What Not to Wear ambush me mid-trail for my abysmal running gear selections!

Fall in Love with Autumn

Love love love autumn. Saturday, we all worked in the yard raking leaves and cleaning up the flower beds. What a mess! Afterwards, we all loaded up in the car and went to Pettiti's to get harvest decorations and mums. They had this wonderful "front porch special" which consisted of 2 pumpkins, 2 medium size mums, 1 large mum, a bale of hay and a nice gathering of cornstalks for $30. How great to take the guesswork out of decorating. Our house now has fantastic fall curb appeal.

Today puppy and I went for a marvelous 7 mile trail run. I don't know who was happier - him or me! I'm not 100% back to my old fitness self, but I'm getting darn close. Seriously, is there any better sound to hear while running than crunching or rustling through leaves? Love this season!

Happy Autumn to all!