Today marks my first run of 2015, my first run in 17 days and most importantly my first run of my training for the New Jersey Marathon in less than 16 weeks. Woot Woot! Plus, it was 20 degrees with a “Real Feel” temp of 3.

Cold

BRRRRR!!!!

Nike Women's Aeroloft Running Vest

Cold enough to test out the new Nike running vest

I finally got to try out the Nike Aeroloft Running Vest that Mr. SOTSS got me for Christmas. I.LOVE.IT!!!! Really, really love it! I can pretty much guarantee I’ll get tons of use out of it. And it’s quite flattering too.

Nike Women's Aeroloft Vest

Nike Women’s Aeroloft Vest

The vest is constructed with 800 fill goose down but it’s so light. And there are thee laser perforated details that allow heat to escape so I never got sweaty underneath. That’s HUGE for me. It blocked the wind from my core pretty well too. And if I did start to overheat I could fold it into the back pocket and strap it to my wrist for easy portability. The only thing it doesn’t have is pockets in the front. Not the end of the world.

I covered 4 easy miles.

watchThe best part of this run is that I really felt happy running! I wish I could say I felt no discomfort at all but my left hammy is still tight….Heck, it’s been tight for years really so I guess I’m going to have to work really hard at fixing that. And the knee held up ok until literally the last 5 minutes of the run. My fault. I should have only run 3 today. I am limited on time today so I ran the neighborhood which does have hills and that might have been too much for this bum patella. I’m DEFINITELY going to do my next run at the beach this weekend where it’s pancake flat and loose gravel. Anyway, I’ve gotta dart. I need to do my strengthening and stretching this minute. And then I’m headed into the city to meet some of my gal pals for drinks and eats. We were supposed to get together last week but then Duncan got sick. So they rescheduled for me. =)

Hope you’ve been having a good week.

What’s the one piece of running gear you get the most out of? Is it Arctic temps where you are? Or balmy? I’d love to hear about balmy….

 

 

I don’t even know how to tell you all about my merry little Christmas without this post becoming a novel. So I’ll save you all the details and just tell you some of the highlights.

1. I have spent the last 14 Christmas Eve’s with my dear friend Sue and her Italian family celebrating Christmas Eve the way the Italians do with a Seven Fishes dinner. (well this year was 6 but who’s counting?)

7 fishes

Tilapia and shrimp oregonata

7 fishes

Pasta with white clam sauce and calamari

7 fishes

“baccala” codfish salad

Sue’s mom, who is 91 years old and currently undergoing chemo for pancreatic cancer, and her 89 year old aunt, remarked at the dinner table about how they forgot to have fun these last 30 years! That really struck a chord with me. I live my days to their fullest and don’t EVER want to forget to have fun.

Somewhere in between the fish dishes and the conversation we watched some classic I Love Lucy episodes and Duncan and his girlfriend Lucy got matching Santa toys.

Duncan and Lucy with their matching toys

Duncan and Lucy with their matching toys

Duncan and his new santa toy

Duncan and his new santa toy

I love lucy

I love Lucy!

I don’t know if next Christmas Eve will be the same but I know that this one will remain so meaningful to me. My prayers and thoughts will be with Susan’s mom as she continues to work at living…..even at 91. She isn’t ready to go yet! God bless her.

a warm candle light, a fragrant holiday wreath and festive flowers really decorated our evening.

a warm candle light, a fragrant holiday wreath and festive flowers really decorated our evening.

2. I don’t want to get all mushy gushy about the boy here, but let’s just say I spent some quality time with him and I am JUST.SO.HAPPY!! This awesome running vest was one of many sweet, thoughtful gifts he gave me.

Nike Aeroloft 800 Running Vest

Nike Aeroloft 800 Running Vest

Little does he know I didn’t need anything for Christmas. He sure is my gift. The vest packs into the back pocket and has a hand strap so you can easily run with it if you decide you’re getting too warm. I can’t wait to try it out. But I’m trying to stick to my plan and not run for a couple weeks. #SoHARDToDo. He also got me this awesome tripod for my iPhone.

photo 3-1

Joby GripTight GorillaPod Stand

Joby GripTight stand

Joby GripTight stand

I love that I can wrap it around things like tree branches vs a traditional tripod that can only be placed on a flat surface. Here’s to some new running pose pics for my blog for 2015!

3. This sunset.

Sunset 12/26

Sunset 12/26

After spending 3 days away from home visiting with friends, family and the boy I got to see this beautiful sunset just before arriving back home last night.

Today is all about cleaning and enjoying the unseasonably warm temps later with a nice long walk with Duncan. You know, quality time…..because Duncan hardly gets that. LOL!

And the winner of the Luna Bar giveaway is:

Luna Bar Giveaway winner!

Luna Bar Giveaway winner!

LeeAnn I am sending you an email requesting your mailing address so we can get that box of bars to ya. Congrats!

QUESTION: How was everyone’s holiday? Any meaningful moments for you? Any great gifts? Running gifts? Favorite gift?