Hardcore!

Actually, when it comes to weather and running, I'm kind of a pansy.  I hate the extremes and probably am more of a fair-weather runner.  I HATE to be hot; I HATE to get soaked; I HATE to be cold.  In fact I know I am a pansy with my running compared to most of you living where you have snow and ice and humidity.  I just can't do it.  My mother lived all over the world as a young child and young adult with her family.  But when they came home to finally put down roots it was NorCal weather that brought them back.  You can often hear my mamma say, "we live in paradise."  It's true, most of the time the weather is perfect, we are actually quite spoiled.  Yes, earthquakes are always on our mind, especially in the wake of the devastation in Haiti.  But there are drawbacks to every "perfect" situation :)

Yesterday I just couldn't bear running on the treadmill again.  Two days of it and I was DONE!  But on my drive home from work yesterday with all the wind and rain there was a TORNADO warning!  WTH?  A tornado in South San Jose?  Are you kidding me?  When I think of tornados I think of Kansas and the mid-west, not the paradise I live in.  But I just couldn't brave the dreadmill and decided to bundle up and head out.  The hubbs bought me a new running vest on Monday and I was dying to try it out!  I have been playing with the layers to wear when it's cold and wet and hadn't found the right combo yet.  Well peeps, let me tell you, I am in love with my new running vest!

It's by Pearl iZumi and it kept me dry and the perfect temp!

I just wore a long sleeve shirt underneath and my running tights.  And yes, it was strong winds and rain and even at one point for about 10 mins I was being hit by hail!  But I didn't sweat, I wasn't cold and the vest kept me dry and comfy.  Plus the hubbs bought it at an outlet store - on sale!  Could it get any better?!  I didn't go out to make any records, just get the miles in and it was my slowest run in months.  But I felt HARDCORE as the cars passed me and I pushed on!

6 miles  49:36 - 8:16/mi   I really just went out and enjoyed the run.  No music and I hardly ever looked at my Garmin - only to check my distance.

Me and my vest - my new BFF :)

When I got home yesterday the lovely Jill had sent me a really nice birthday package.

The card, new running socks and a fun running magnet!

The awesome socks I wore on yesterday's run - felt great!  I think I am going to have to buy more!  Thanks again Jill!

This week has been just about maintaining some miles since the weather has been out of control!  I went to the gym on Tuesday (I have 30 days left) and did a great hill workout and even managed to lift some weights.  I forgot how much I enjoy it and I also realized I have really let it go.  I used to be able to lift a lot more over the summer but my arms have become soft :(  It's great motivation though and made the hubbs work into high gear to start looking at which weight set/system we're gonna buy.  I can't wait until it's in our house I can do it in the privacy of my own home and my only audience is Lilly :)

The weather should be clearing up here between today and the weekend so I am super excited.  I have a long run scheduled for the weekend that I am dying to get out and do on some different routes.  And, I should be receiving my new trail shoes in the mail today!  I have a trail run on the 30th of this month and knew I really needed shoes with more traction.  Last time I ran a trail course I was slipping and slidding all over in my regular running shoes.  Now I can get excited about the race.

It's almost Friday and I am looking forward to the weekend.  We're off to Napa on Saturday for wine tasting with my Bro, SIL and the same friends we celebrated New Year's with.  Should be a great time, we're celebrating my b-day and my SIL's.  I'll upload some pics and video tomorrow of the crazy surprise party.  And yes, I really do look as sweaty and messy as I thought I did :)

Happy Thursday and Happy Running peeps!