Remember, your lungs have feelings too.

I was supposed to go running this morning with the girls but Brooke had a rough night and 3.5 hours of sleep was just not going to cut it.  I opted for more sleep and to go a little bit later in the day when my mom could watch The Brookers.  

As I was running I kept thinking that my lungs were going to absolutely, positively freeze and possibly explode from breathing in all of the cold air (it was 20 degrees).  I started thinking there must be something wrong with me but then remembered this happens EVERY. SINGLE. WINTER.  It takes time for our bodies to adjust to new elevations/temperatures/humidity/dryness/etc.  It doesn’t matter how many winters I have ran through in the past, at the beginning of every winter it just takes me a few weeks for my body to get used to running in the cold temps.  

I tried to take an artistic picture with the mountains in the background.  But like usual when you visit my blog… you get to see a picture where you ask yourself, ‘I wonder what she was trying to show us in this picture and why she is posting it?!’

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PS Your lungs aren’t going to be damaged from running in the cold:

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(source)

I am still not wearing a garmin (try it out sometime, it is pretty nice) and just wanted to go out for an hour.  I planned a new route in my head and started my stopwatch and put it in my jacket pocket.  

When I got home and pulled my phone out I was pretty much right on!  I’m pretty impressed by my planning;)

 

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My Run Happy Equilibrium Base LS (I used mine all winter long last year) kept my body beyond warm (if only they could make a shirt that makes my lungs warm too).  I don’t understand how this shirt with a million holes keeps me so warm but it does and I’m just not going to ask any questions.

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Also, we had a deep discussion about keeping our hands warm while running last week and this combo worked quite nicely.  Some running gloves from Costco topped by some Brooks mittens.  

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One of the best things (in my opinion) that can happen on a random Wednesday = your crockpot is full of goodness making your whole house smell delicious and the second you are hungry for dinner you just get to dig in.

Gotta love a big ol’ block of cream cheese hanging out on top:)  Making my favorite chili… I have changed it a tiny bit so I will post the full recipe in the next post.

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I have decided to branch out from my Salted Caramel Gu and to try some new flavors.  I have a feeling I am going to love the peanut butter ones. 

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And if you are looking for me… This is what I will be doing the rest of the day.  Gosh, this is a bad virus and she needs to get feeling better asap!

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How are you adjusting to the colder temps while running?  

What’s for dinner at your house tonight?

Anyone love any of the Gu flavors above that I am going to try out?

Where are you reading from right now?

-I’m writing this at my desk… aka my kitchen table that I call my desk sometimes so I can feel cool.

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78 comments

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Well I WAS adjusting really well, my body thrives in the cold and so does my running. But then today and tomorrow it’s gone from the 30’s and 40’s back up to the 60’s and 70’s. I want my Texas “cold” weather back!

I have the same gloves from Costco and I LOVE them! They fit my hands really well!

I almost tried the PB gu last weekend, but I was feeling so could that I decided not to take a third gel.

Dinner tonight is leftover bbq chicken pizza. NOM.

Reading from my desk at work! Shhh…

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Texas is ALL OVER THE PLACE!! Okay… bbq chicken is the absolute best. Enjoy every bite!

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I could tell that I was a little slower in the track, but I’m still bundling up and getting out there!
We’re eating out tonight. It’s been a full day.
Salted watermelon gu rocks!
I’m in my kitchen:)

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Can’t wait to try the watermelon one! Have so much fun at dinner tonight!

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Oh my gosh peanut butter Gu is the BEST! I had sworn off Gu and switched over to Clif Shot gel but once I tried peanut butter flavor Gu I had to come back. It seriously tastes just like PB. The texture is obviously off but it is semi-close.

I don’t like running in the cold but I despise treadmill running more, so outdoor running it is!

Dinner tonight: Kung Pao chicken from TJs with some brown rice and broccoli!

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I have the same shirt…in pink, blue, and grey! Agreed…I am amazed at how warm it is despite the holes!

Hope Brooke feels better soon.

Dinner for me was wolfing down some sushi quickly as I raced to a class (required for continuing education for my license). And animal crackers for dessert on the car ride to class. Hope this goes quickly!

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It was about 20 when I ran today and I agree it takes a few times to adjust, even though I do love winter running. I was sure I was underdressed and wouldn’t warm up, but of course around mile 4 I was perfect and feeling great. When it gets so cold though it seems impossible at first to be out for long periods of time, but, running somehow works out once you adjust.

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I used to be obsessed with Salted Caramel Gu… Until I found Salted Watermelon- life changing :)

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Chocolate Peanut Butter = the best. Except I took it once without water and ended up horizontal on the trail a few minutes later.

Feel better Brookers!

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Aw, I hope Brooke feels better soon!

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I am home sick today, so I am reading while wrapped in a blanket on my couch. My husband is cooking me chicken noodle soup for dinner. I hope Brooke feels better soon.

I really like the Salted Watermelon GU. It reminds me of sucking on a watermelon Jolly Rancher. The salted caramel is my favorite, so I can understand why you are addicted to it. ☺

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Salted caramel gu is amazing! I just ordered my husband another case of that and the new caramel macchiato :)

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I SO wish I could do Gu, but it kills my stomach! Clif shot blox for me!

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I have to say that your route planning for 1 hour is pretty incredible!

The Mandarin Orange Gu is my favorite flavor. I mix it up with Strawberry Banana every once in a while, but then always go back to Orange.

I am reading this post on a desktop computer that is on my husband’s desk.

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mandarin orange is a classic. though i must admit — salted caramel is pretty tough to beat!

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Reading from my couch, per usual.

Dorito casserole leftovers! I tried to health-ify it, but let’s be real. Its a cheat meal :)

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I hope Brooke feels better soon!

I’m adjusting fairly well to the colder temperatures (it’s been in the teens and 20s here) but my legs feel so cold on a run, even when I’m wearing my running tights! Charlie my puggle is not adjusting well to the cold and wants to run through the entirety of our walks.

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I have been adjusting to the cold as best I can by wearing my Lulu neckwarmer which pulls over my mouth. That usually helps for the first mile so that I can gradually breathe my way to comfort. I hope Brooke is starting to feel better, the nights are the worst when they are up not feeling well.

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Oh man, that face! Hope she feels better soon.

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I’m having (leftover) home made crock pot chili too!
I actually ran at the gym yesterday. I wasn’t ready for the real feel temp of 12 degrees.
But I always wear a buff around my neck that I can pull above to cover my nose and breathe through for the first mile or two. :)
Oh big well wishes to your baby girl. I hate to hear she is still so zapped from this virus. :(

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I don’t run anyway, but I definitely cannot run in the cold. It burns my lungs and chest, so props to you for doing it anyway! I DO like walking in the cold as long as I’m bundled up :)

I’m reading this from my desk at work. AKA, trying to pass these last 15 minutes so I can go home from the longest day EVER and hit the gym. #indoorcardioforthewin

I hope Brooke feels better :(

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My desk is my kitchen counter. #CityLivingProblems

Dinner tonight is spaghetti squash and turkey meatballs, to be enjoyed after I teach a double-header of classes. Happy Wednesday. I hope your little one feels better soon:)

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Poor little britches. Praying she feels better soon!

Lungs hurt. :( They’ll get over it. I think.

PB GU is yummy!

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Adjusting pretty well. I noticed that my right hand gets cold and lefty stays warm….but I also make a fist with my right hand when I am out running. So now I focus on relaxing that hand and it seems to be doing better.

Dinner: homemade lobster stew with salad and bread.

Gu: never tried it. I do have some…kind of afraid to try it. It’s not real food.

On the couch.

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It’s funny, I just got back from a run and was thinking “wow it got really cold and unenjoyable” LOL Anyways, I’m glad you were able to get in your run but can completely relate. I’m not about this polar vortex. At least we are lucky unlike Buffalo area though.

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The woman who designs the new GU flavors was interviewed live on a running messageboard I read :) She was talking about the salted watermelon, and everyone was saying it’s awesome…but I’m scared!

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The past two days when I have gone outside to run I feel like Ive been smacked in the face by wind. Its definitely been hard adjusting to the cold, especially so suddenly!
I hope that Brooke feels better soon!

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I love running in the cold!! Too bad Texas is mostly hot… I really miss the 40 degree weather during the daytime. Today was up to 65, which is nice, but I still miss the cold (and the fires that go with it)!

I really should make this pork in the fridge – I make a Texas version of Schnitzel that is ah-maz-ing!! :D

I’m winding down from a hard day at work by reading your always fun blog from my desk at work :)

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I have that same thermal top and I love it! I don’t know how it works so well either, but it totally does!

I went through a stage where the garmen feedback would make or break how I felt about a run, regardless of the purpose or feel of the run. I only run with a garmin every once and awhile and it’s awesome to see how I’m progressing even without the constant feedback. (I’m not as fast as I was when I was garmin crazed, but I burned myself out and I’m working back, but in a healthier and happier way)

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I loved the tri-berry GU flavour until I chose to only use that when running my ultra last month…let’s just say after the fourth tri-berry GU, you reallllly start craving something different! Lesson learned! :)

Hope Brooke feels better!!

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Chicken sandwiches at my house! Chili with cream cheese?!?! Sounds excellent! Looking forward to the recipe.

My legs need to adjust to running through snow. This morning my legs were burning because they aren’t very prompt about snowplowing the roads here. It’s like cardio and lower body strength training all in one!

I’m reading “Enough” by Will Davis Jr. Great read so far!

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The coldest it’s been in So Cal yet is about 50. No adjusting needed!

Leftover lasagna for dinner.

I tried peanut butter Hammer Gel and didn’t care for it. It was as thick as regular pb, so I had a really hard time getting it down.

Reading from my desk.

Hugs to Brooke – she looks miserable.

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I’m handling the cold by running in the afternoon when my husband is home or else going in the morning on my treadmill.
Dinner is baked spaghetti.
I’m reading from my phone on the couch – nice and comfy after a dentist visit this afternoon!
Hope Brooke feels better soon – sometimes I think its harder on us poor mommies watching our babies and not being able to heal them instantly. :( so sad.

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Crockpot meals are the best! They’re so easy and they always smell good, like you say. Tonight we’re having chicken.

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Kids just don’t fake being sick….when they are 2 that is!! She looks exhausted. Hope she is feeling better soon.

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Sorry to hear about your little girl being under the weather :( No fun for either of you and I hope she feels better soon.

I so appreciate these tips for running in cold weather. I have really needed them. I miss my outdoor runs and am trying to adjust to life on a treadmill again. Appreciate this post!

Also, your hair looks phenomenal!

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Best wishes to The Brookers!!!

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So far I haven’t run in anything below 35. At this point, I can get by with a long sleeve shirt and running tights. Any colder and I’ll have to add gloves and my alpaca headband. I’m kind of scared it will get colder (although I know obviously it will) because I have NO winter running gear and I’m cheap and don’t want to buy new stuff.

Dinner tonight is going to be roasted winter veggies and roasted chicken drizzled with butter & maple syrup.

I LOVE the chocolate PB Gu. I was obsessed with salted caramel too until I tried it.

I’m reading/writing from my couch which is also my desk and in front of the TV.

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I just got those gloves from Costco they’re AMAZING!!! and I had chili for lunch……… something must be in the air lol
Tonight I go to half-price night which is every Wednesday (because who doesn’t like half price food? that’s almost cheaper than me cooking and I don’t have to do dishes) but tonight we’re celebrating with my family and friends since my bday was yesterday :)
I’m reading from WORK (don’t tell) but I’m here late so there’s that ;)

Feel better soon Brooke!

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I hope Brooke feels better soon! I live in the midwest- cold temps (in the teens) and high winds have set in this week. My runs have been on the treadmill this week but hope to get outside again soon. I was running outside last week when temps were in the 20s and I felt good; a little burning in my lungs initially but it went away when I warmed up.

Tonight I am having my current favorite salad- spring mix, grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, almonds, dried cherries, blue cheese and home made balsamic vinaigrette. It is SO good! I know you are a blue cheese lover too so I recommend it :-)

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Get well fast Brooke! Great your getting out for a run and making time for yourself too. I never really minded running in the cold it meant I didn’t feel so dehydrated during the day like when it’s hot.

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Dinner was pizza at a restaurant as we were waiting for my daughter’s violin lessons to start after school–
I am writing this at my desk–I sound so professional!

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I am not used to running with so many layers on! The cold is tough, for sure, I’m just glad it’s not icy here yet.

Dinner tonight is called Egg Roll in a Bowl. I found a recipe online, so we’ll see how it goes.

Salted watermelon GU is really good. I tried it and then I bought a box of them. Really tasty.

I am on my couch, where I spend a disturbing amount of my time.

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I’m I.pressed that you ran so long on just 3.5 hours of sleep. I like that you didn’t let it stop you from getting in a good run, but hopefully today you will get more sleep. I seriously encourage you to, as your body needs much time to recover.

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I am not adjusting one bit at all!!! I am soooo sad!! I can’t deal. It’s so cold.

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It’s freezing here (ok – 30’s and 40’s) and my heater is broken, so I made spicy sausage, kale, carrot, and potato soup to keep us warm. I have a feeling I’d do better climbing all the way into the pot rather than eating the stuff.

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Aww poor Brooke :( Hopefully she gets to feeling better soon! I ran 5 200’s today outside (around 35 degrees or so) and felt like my lungs were going to explode…that and my big pregnant belly didn’t appreciate being jostled about. But I’m definitely not quite ready yet for these cold temps!

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Hoping Brooke feels better soon. Such a sad face.
I don’t mind the cold (it was in the 20’s today) but the snow and ice will force me to the indoor track (like it did all last week). I use the hand warmers inside my gloves all winter long.
I am reading from my couch after our dinner of pork chops & rice. And now for a chocolate shake which I eat for dessert all year long (even if it makes me freezing). So yum!

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My lungs always burn in the cold of winter… so I run indoors ;) Yes, I know, I’m a wimp ha! Poor Brooke! I hope she gets feeling better soon! Oh and I am excited or the chili recipe!

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Poor sick kiddo! And poor Mama, having a sick Kiddo just hurts your heart.
I think we’re having steak and Brussels sprouts. My meal plan got all mixed up and I’m hoping the steak is still good.

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Is that hand-foot-and-mouth disease? I actually had that a couple of years ago…I think my son is a carrier for it and I got it. It was miserable. If that’s what it is, man it wiped my energy. I never got the blisters in my mouth, but I got them all over my hands and feet. Horrible blisters. And I was just exhausted. Sleep and staying warm are the two things that made me feel better. I heard kids get the blisters in the mouth and adults get them on the appendages…whatever it is, I hope Brooke feels better and you are enjoying the cuddles.

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Can we talk about how fast the weather went from pleasant running temps to wearing two layers of mittens?! It’s crazy!

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I seriously just BURST out laughing at your comment about your first pic. Please never change your photography skills and random shots ;) xx

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Poor Brooke! She is so sweet! I hope she feels better soon! I loved the video from earlier today!

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Omg your poor little baby!!! I am sending a quick prayer that she heals super fast. Poor Brooke. Glad your getting your sweat on even with lack of sleep. Sometimes a run is better at recharging your system than a nap is ;)

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I bought some new-to-me Chocolate Peanut Butter and Root Beer GU to try at my 50K on Saturday. Wish I could find salted watermelon. I’d like to try that!

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Ugh, sounds like Brooke has hand foot and mouth! My daughter had it last winter and it was one awful week, I hope she feels better soon! The only good thing about that virus is that I was told that, like chicken pox, you can only get it once.
My lungs were killing me last weekend when I ran in the cold. I’ve been mostly running indoors lately. For dinner, my sister made me the most delicious black bean soup. Aren’t sisters the best? I’m reading this while sitting on the floor nursing my five month old.

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I just got a dining room table, and I use it to do pretty much everything now. I feel like such an adult!

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My favorite are the vanilla flavored Clif Shots. They taste like cupcakes! YUM!

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Poor Brooke! Her little face is so sad. I hope she gets better quickly.
Having sick little ones is so hard but the cuddles are super nice.
Her little video was so cute in the last post.
I can’t wait for your updated chili recipe. I’m going to try it as soon as u post it.

Oh and to answer your question (kinda) it’s about 69 degrees here in so cal. Sorry, not that cold yet.
And I’m reading on my phone, sitting on the couch. I just finished is he’d watching the goldbergs. That show is hilarious! Even more so to me because I crap up at all the 80’s references.
Have a great night. I hope u both sleep better tonight too.

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Crack up not crap up. Stupid auto correct. :-D

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Poor little girl, hope she feels better soon!

I’m layering clothes to deal with the cold. Your gloves inside your mitts is an excellent idea! Sometimes I just wear thick mittens with handwarmers in them.

They were handing out Salted Watermellon GU at the Las Vegas marathon and they were delicious!

I’m reading from my bed, my cat is under the covers at my feet.

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I have the same crockpot as you! I noticed that yours in in the locked position. I used to lock mine down all the time (cause I thought i was supposed to) but then a friend of mine told me that keeps ALL the moisture in a meal. Its made all the difference in the world when i cook meat in there, its perfect now, when it used to be too watery!

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BEST TIP EVER!! Thank you so much for sharing that because that totally happens to me. Thank you!

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You are so welcome!

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I actually love running in the cold, but I don’t love the first few cold weather runs where I can’t breathe! Thanks for posting that info, I often feel like I’m doing damage. Good to know I’m not,

I’m reading this from my phone in bed, AKA my office

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The Roctane Strawberry-Kiwi is the BEST! The lemonade is pretty good too – a nice lemon flavor. Whatever you do, don’t try the Vanilla Orange Roctane. I repeat DON”T try it! That one is SO gross! I was thinking…”hmm orange-sicle, yay I’m sold this will be delicious” then I took one little taste and a little part of me died it was THAT bad. I tried the salted watermelon during my half and its not bad, I’m just not a watermelon person. The Strawberry-Kiwi Roctane and Salted Carmel are my go to for sure :-)

Unlike others I am a warm weather person and runner. My ideal temp is 60 degrees. I can still wear shorts and a tank top, my muscles and body feel “warmed up” and don’t protest. BUT, since I am unwilling to NOT run for 3-4 months, I suffer through the cold. My challenge now is finding fleece lined tights that fit me well. I hate the “droopy crotch” dilemma and the “sagging waist” dilemma.

Dinner tonight – turkey burgers! and I am reading from my work computer :)

Have a great day Janae and many prayers for your lil Brooke. Oh and readers, any running tight recommendations?

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The chocolate Peanut Butter Gu is SOOOO good. Like dessert!!

I also prefer running in the cold. Maybe it is because I started running in college, when I lived in Colorado? Not sure. But I feel way more in my groove when I am not super hot.

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I have ran in through winter since 2010!! But back at it this year! We’ll see how it goes with the jogging stroller in the snow!! Any recommendations for what to wear when it’s below freezing on your legs?! That’s where I’m most cold, but all I find are running tights? Do I just double them up?

I have some Chicken Chili in the freezer that I think I need to thaw out now!!

Hope lil Brooke feels better soon!

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I live in So Cali, so our low right now is around 50. I have nothing to complain about. But it does freeze here, typically not until Dec or Jan and I make sure and layer and wear gloves.

Dinner is butternut squash pasta :)

Peanut Butter and Salted Caramel are my fav. Vanilla is doable, but not as yummy as the other two.

Where are you reading from right now?

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Poor Brooke! She looks so miserable! Hope she feels better!

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I hope Brooke is back to 100% soon!

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TRi-Berry Gus are pretty delicious. Weather here is in the mid 30s.. kinda cold for DC, but good running weather.

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I love the salted watermelon and the root beer!

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Aww, poor Brooke looks miserable :( I hope she feels better! In VA it gets cold more gradually, so luckily adjusting hasn’t been too much of an issue. I haven’t tried any GU, but the salted caramel sounds so good! Microwave lentils and rice from TJ’s were for dinner because I’m lazy and wanted to maximize couch time before my night class :)

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I wear a wool wrap covering my mouth (Buff Wool Buff) when running in cold temps and it works great!

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The only Gu flavors I can swallow are salted caramel and chocolate outrage………..the fruity ones are so gross!

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Few days behind in my reading. Hope Brooke is feeling better. That last pic is so sad. :/ Hate it when littles are sick.

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