Where webs of snow are drifting

Depending on where in the world you reside, the groundhog predicted an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Either way, a cool free hat will keep your noggin warm – but not too warm – through three chilly seasons a year.

Ever I saw your face

For those of us in northern climates, winter has arrived. The wind is blowing from the Arctic and runners are bundling up. On runs my cheeks freeze and I lose the ability to make certain sounds – which is fun in that it results in amusing conversations. I’m pretty tough. I’ve never run in a balaclava. I arouse enough suspicion in my ninja gear.

Never, never do it again, not until the next time

It will come as no surprise to many of you that I’m a sucker for new year’s resolutions. I actually go through this goal setting process three times a year – in January along with the calendared masses, Labour Day Monday because I spent way too many years in school, and my own new year’s start on my birthday.

You are probably hungover and in no shape to think of your own resolutions, so helpfully listed are a few resolutions ready-made for any runner. You won’t find uninspired classics like run more, run faster, or run something new* on this list. This list is made up of practical resolutions for the everyrunner, just pick and choose as you desire or require.

When afternoon came it was freezin’ rain

I usually check the weather before heading out on a run, just to make sure I’m properly clothed for the conditions. Yesterday I saw a forecast I’ve never seen before:

In the clearing stands a boxer

I ran my last race of the year yesterday. The Boxing Day 10-miler. It helpfully started at noon, giving a few extra hours for the turkey coma and hangover to subside. This was my first time running the race and I went into it blankly.  I knew two things: it’s an old race (this was the 91st year) and it attracts great local runners. I heard rumours it was a challenging course. I didn’t look at the route or elevation, heck ten minutes before the start I had to ask the location of the start line.

Walk on eggshells on my old stomping ground

I can now boast that I’ve run the beer mile, twice.  I can also say with confidence that I will never, ever run this mile:

Mix Tape Volume 21

Around this time last year I started the mix tape.  The original goal was to post a new mix weekly, but sporadically seems to suit me better. I can’t be confined by a calendar.  This week is the best yet.  (Like every good reality TV show, I’m going to make this promise every week).

Send a smile and show you care

Everyone else is doing it so I’m doing it too. Yes mom, cliff jumping does sound exciting.

Last time I posted my own personal wish list. I’m not ashamed to say I like gifts. This time I’m sharing my Awesome Gift Ideas for Runners Who Have Everything.* Runners like me. Coincidentally.

This is a throwdown, a showdown, hell no I can’t slow down

I don’t usually have a race nemesis (or any kind of nemesis; I’m just not that interesting).  I’m not fast enough to care about other people.  I run against myself and the clock, okay and the odd costumed or shirtless runner, but not usually against targeted individuals.  But in my last race I had not one, but two race nemesises.

Cold turkey has got me on the run

If my twitter feed is accurate, it is Thanksgiving weekend in the US.  I suspect I follow a biased sample, but US Thanksgiving weekend, it seems, would not be complete without running a turkey-themed race.  

Atanarjuat, The Fast Runner

This weekend I kicked off my Movie Motivation Month, for no reason other than I like alliterations.  Atanarjuat, The Fast Runner was the feature presentation.  

On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow

I just spent a couple of days camping/hiking/trail running in Algonquin Park.  Our 3 season tent and 3 season sleeping bags pitted against the last gasp of Autumn and total darkness by 5.30pm*. 

Lifetimes are catching up with me

I am hobbling around like an old lady in need of a walker.  My legs, which appear to be on strike, are no longer responding to commands from my brain.

Me, if I had glasses, a perm, and a walker. In other words, future me.

Women seem wicked when you’re unwanted

On Halloween I dressed as a slutty sexy runner* and went for a run.  My sexy runner costume and come-hither “catch us if you can” t-shirt was accessorized by the four men that surrounded me. 

Who do you think you are?

Last minute Halloween costume ideas for runners who want to dress up as other runners: