How to Survive Winter Running

There are a million and one posts on this topic floating around the internet, but after toughing it out through the snow and wind on my run yesterday, I decided I wanted to share my own tips for winter running.

Source

1. Find a beautiful place with clear paths to run
The biggest thing that helped me transition from a fair-weather runner to an all-weather runner was finding a place where I could run year-round.  Before, once snow covered my favorite trails and bike paths leaving me with only the slushy street to run on, it was tough to find the motivation to get outside.  Last winter I joined a local arboretum where the quiet roads are kept clear.  Between the amazing scenery and the opportunity to run on a clear road with minimal cars, I'm much more pumped to get out there!

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2. Invest in some good shoes and yak trax

Last year I got my first pair of YakTrax and immediately wondered what had took me so long to buy them!  They're a lifesaver on icy winter roads.

Check out my YakTrax!  #lifesaver

This winter, though, I bought a pair of trail shoes.  Oh my gosh, another awesome investment!  They are perfect for days when it's slushy or icy out, but there isn't enough snow for yaktrax.  I also love how much drier my feet stay in these compared to my regular running shoes.

Absolutely love my Brooks Pure Grits.  Perfect trail shoes for anyone who likes a lightweight feel but is still looking for serious traction.

3. Get a few high quality pieces of winter running apparel
Here's what you need: Warm fleece-lined tights, thick socks (love the Smart Wool pair I got this winter), warm base layer turtleneck, light jacket, something to keep your neck warm, and gloves or mittens.

I bought this lululemon neck warmer last winter--it's great for keeping my face warm on windy days!

4. Protect your skin
I ALWAYS carry chapstick or carmex when running in the winter because my lips get so dry.  Also, moisturizer/sunscreen is a must.  Wind can do a number on your skin in winter, and the sun can still be fierce, especially when it reflects off the snow.  On super cold/windy days, though, I go one step further--coat my face with a little bit of Vaseline.  My skin was so chapped last winter that this was the only thing that saved it!

5.  Find some all-weather running buddies!
Nothing is quiet as motivating on a cold, snowy day than knowing your friends are meeting you for your miles. :)

Training Tuesday: Two Weeks til Race Day + Tommie Copper Review

Another week of tri training is on the books!  It's hard to believe that there are less than two weeks until Esprit de She and less than a month until Pleasant Prairie!  I actually feel pretty great about both races though--there is more work to be done (especially for Pleasant Prairie), sure, but I'm gettin' it done!  This week I got in an easy run, a bike/run brick, a 27-mile ride in the most beautiful weather ever, and two great swims.

Almost had my first clipless pedals wipe out Saturday when I didn't unclip soon enough at an intersection...Luckily I was fine and, equally as importantly, no one was around to witness my shame...

Sunday I even swam 2,000 yds straight with no breaks!  That was a huge milestone for me.  I have only made it that distance a couple of times before, and always with at least 1 break thrown in there.  I felt truly unstoppable in the pool during that swim!  What an amazing feeling!  This is why I love taking on new challenges and distances every year--without fail, I discover I am capable of things I'd never thought.  I remember when I swam a half mile for the first time!  Crazy.  I am actually looking forward to going for my first open water swim next week!

This week I got to try out a new piece of gear that I totally loved--Tommie Copper Compression Socks.  (Read my past Tommie Copper reviews here, here, and here.)  I was pumped to have a chance to try out another Tommie Copper item, since I have really liked everything else I've tried by them.  Like all TC items, these socks are made with copper infused yarn to help speed recovery.  I wore these babies on a short 3-mile run Thursday night, and I loved them!  They have a great level of compression, and the height of the socks is perfect for me--not too tall, not too short.  Also, they were a good thickness--sometimes compression socks are too thin, and I feel like my feet are sliding around in my shoes in them.  I will definitely be wearing these on future runs!  (Though definitely not for my tris...imagine putting on compression socks in transition!!)  Highly recommend this product.  Thanks Tommie Copper for letting me try them out!

The return of stretchy laces...Must be tri season!

Speaking of gear, stretchy laces have made a return in my running shoes!  I put a pair of Lock Laces in the shoes I'm planning to wear for my tris.  I love stretchy laces for transitions.  Last year I used Yankz, and they were kind of annoying to adjust.  I am already a bigger fan of lock laces.  Easy to adjust and so far they seem to stay put!

I'm also starting to think about my race day clothing.  Tri clothes are so much trickier for me than running clothes.  When it comes to running races, I have so many items of clothing that I absolutely love, so it's never hard to plan a race day outfit.  Triathlon is another story though!  I bought a new pair of tri shorts from Pearl Izumi that I have taken on a bike and run, and I think I will probably end up wearing those.  While I liked them, my Skirt Short tri shorts that I wore for the past two seasons have definitely seen better days.  I'm trying to figure out which top to go with, however.  I have worn the lavender Athleta top below for my past two tris that I like, but don't love.  I have Pearl Izumi tri top (below, purple) that is decent, but it's a little short.  I HATE HATE HATE short tops.  I also bought a Pearl Izumi cycle tank (below, blue) that I might be able to get away with in a tri, but I will have to swim in it first I think to see how fast it dries.  #triathleteprobz.  

Training goals for this week include setting a new bike PDR, getting in a solid bike/run brick, and maybe even nailing a 3-sport brick...we'll see about that one tho!

How is your training going?

Disclaimer: I was sent a pair of Tommie Copper socks in exchange for sharing a review on my blog.  I was not compensated in any other way or encouraged to express a particular opinion.

Haiku Sprint Duffle Review + Giveaway!

I'm SO excited to have the chance to tell you about my beautiful new workout bag.  The Haiku Sprint Duffle is hands-down the best workout bag I've had to date.

Source: Haiku

I've had my fair share of workout bags, but none of them holds a candle to this bag.  I'd recently been longing for a new bag--I have no shortage of them, that's for sure, but each time I'd go to pack up my gear, my bags either always seemed too big or too small.  (Goldilocks I may be...)  I was browsing online one day when I stumbled across the Haiku Sprint Duffle, and I totally fell in love. 

 One of my coworkers introduced me to Haiku bags awhile ago, and I love their company background.  On their website, Haiku lists their values as: Quality, Understanding and compassion, Empowering women and community, Environmental ethics, Natural and soulful beauty with a sense of humor and adventure.  Love it.  Many of their bags are made partially from recycled materials, which my tree-hugger heart loves.

Source: Haiku

But anyways, back to the duffle.  I was thrilled when the folks at Haiku agreed to let me test it out AND give one away to a reader.  Here's why I love it:

First, the size.  This bag is the PERFECT size for me.  I'd been switching off between a big Champion duffle bag and a little shoulder bag for the gym, with neither being just the right size.  This bag is perfect for a workout or an overnight.  It easily holds my shoes, clothes, shower stuff for the gym, and gear.  Also, one of my favorite parts is that the bag has an adjustable strap across the top to hold your yoga mat or jacket.  This was a huge draw to the bag for me.  I love being able to stick my mat on top and not worry about it.  I also used the bag for gear check at a recent race, and used the strap to hold my jacket to the bag without having to cram it in.

Second, pockets, pockets, pockets!  Haiku definitely knows what they're doing when it comes to organization.  I seriously was discovering new pockets for days after getting the bag.  There are a few outer pockets, including a zipper one, which are perfect for sticking hair ties, CLIF bars, and your gym id.  Inside, there are two elastic trim pockets which are great for keeping miscellaneous accessories--my garmin, my road ID, my pouch of headbands and hair ties.  I also love the ventilated shoe compartment--no need to worry about my shoes smelling up dirtying up my clothes!

Last, it's not only beautiful, but functional too.  I love the color of the Sea Glass bag--it's just plain beautiful, and the embroidered details are so unique.  But not only that, the straps make this bag way more comfortable for carrying than my old bags.  It's also easy to clean--days after busting out the bag for the first time, it had an unfortunate encounter with some muddy spring grass at gear check.  I was able to clean all of the mud off with just a damp cloth.  WIN!

All ready for my after school yoga time!

Clearly I'm obsessed with my Haiku bag, and I'm SO EXCITED to get to give one away to one of you wonderful readers!  I know you will love this bag as much as I do for the gym, races, overnights--it even looks like the perfect size for an under-seat carry on.  Haiku has generously offered to give away one Sprint Duffle in the color of your choosing to a reader.

Here's how to win--Be sure to leave a separate comment below for each entry!

• Follow Juice Boxes + Crayolas via Bloglovin', Google Friend Connect, via email (see sidebar), or via any other blog reading platform.  Leave a comment below letting me know how you follow! (1 entry)
• "Like" Juice Boxes + Crayolas on Facebook (1 entry)
• "Like" Haiku on Facebook (1 entry)
• Visit the Haiku website and leave a comment letting me know which color bag you would choose (1 entry)
• Share this giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter (1 entry for each)

That's 7 possible entries!  This giveaway will end at midnight on Tuesday, May 6th.

Disclaimer: I was given one Haiku bag free of charge in exchange for writing this review.  I was not compensated in any other way or encouraged to express a particular opinion.  All thoughts are my own.

Swirlgear Ladies Night

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to enter to win my Caramel CLICK protein powder giveaway!

Last Thursday evening I met Alyssa at the Barrington Running Company for a ladies night sponsored by Swirlgear, an awesome new-ish Chicago based company that makes women's running clothes.  I bought two tops from them when I joined their brand ambassador program last fall, and I love the both.  In fact, I wore both for my half marathon Sunday.  I have been dying to check out their new line in person since it can be so hard to get a sense of the fit of running clothes online.  

 Alyssa and had a great time catching up, comparing notes about tri training and bemoaning our boring bike trainers, and of course trying on the Swirlgear.  Guys, this stuff rocks.  Not only are the colors and prints fun, but the quality is amazing.

It was great to meet Marisa from Swirlgear too!  I was dying to check out the allover spray dyed capris--I'll admit, I have been stalking these babies on the Swirlgear website since they first previewed the new line a month or two ago.  These things are so amazing-looking.  Alyssa rocked them!

One item I tried that I originally hadn't been interested in based on the website pics was the new tank with back ruching, but after trying it on I LOVE IT.  It is everything I love in a running tank--long, loose, flowy.  The back ruching is adorable, and there is even a side pocket.   

Just a note--you probably don't want to pair the tie dyed capris and the tie dye tank...Ladies, that is just more tie dye than any one girl can handle...

Whoa. So much tie dye.

Not that I needed more running clothes, but you better believe I came home and ordered three pieces from the new line...I'm in denial that my running top drawer won't close and definitely won't hold another top!  (I have a separate drawer for bottoms...)  

I have a sickness...

To purge the running shirts drawer...or buy a third dresser...decisions, decisions.

What makes an item the perfect piece of running clothing for you?  For me, tops need to be long and loose.

Tommie Copper Review + Giveaway!

I recently had the opportunity to try out a few new products from Tommie Copper.  You might remember my posts about Tommie Copper calf compression sleeves and compression shorts in the past couple years.  I looooove compression wear, and I have really liked everything I've tried by Tommie Copper so far, so I was pumped to have the opportunity to try out a few of their new products.

First, Tommie Copper sent me a pair of their compression capris.  They are officially my new favorite capris.  I have never had compression capris before, and these are great--the perfect amount of compression while not being so crazy tight that you can't move.  I have worn them for yoga and around the house, and they are super comfy.  I love the wide waist band, the mid-calf length, and best of all the feel of them--super smooth technical fabric.  Definitely a win.

Second, I got to try a tank top from Tommie Copper's new active fit line.  These items aren't compression wear, but still include TC's signature copper-infused fabric.

Yay for selfies in the kitchen!

I am kind of particular about the fit of my running shirts, and I refuse to wear anything tight.  I ended up needing a large in this top (I am a size 4, and wore a size small in the capris, so this was a little surprising), as the medium I was originally sent was much more fitted than I prefer.  Now that I have the proper size, I can happily report that this tank passed my picky workout top inspection.  I like the suuuper lightweight feel of the material as well as the long length (a non-negotiable IMHO).  I wore it on a treadmill run the other day, and the feel was nice and light.  The only thing I would change would be to give it a racerback, but now we're just getting persnickety.  ;)  (Of course another downside is that clearly this top runs SMALL, so its sizing options may not be able to accommodate everyone.)

Awful self-timer pic...but you get the idea :)

Now, the giveaway!  Tommie Copper has generously offered to give one lucky reader their choice of either a pair of compression capris or an active fit tank from Tommie Copper!  Here's how to enter:

• Leave a comment below sharing your favorite fitness activities (oh, and it'd be awesome if you'd become a follower of my blog too...;)  (+1 entry)
• Visit the Tommie Copper website and let me know which of their items you'd most like to try (+1 entry)
• Like Tommie Copper on facebook (+1 entry)
• Share this post on your blog, facebook, or twitter (+1 entry each)

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry :)

This giveaway will end Wednesday, January 22nd at midnight.

Disclaimer: I was provided with these items in exchange for writing this review.  I received no additional compensation, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. :)

Swirlgear Review + Discount Code

I recently had the opportunity to become a brand ambassador for Swirlgear, a new-ish company that makes running clothes for women.  I was interested in Swirlgear for a couple of reasons.  First, the company was founded by a woman runner, and it is run by women which I love.  I also love that they're based out of Chicago--I was born in the city and have lived in the suburbs my whole life, so I love supporting a home-grown business!  Check out their current product line here.

I ordered the yellow cap sleeved shirt and pink hoodie.  Based on the sizing chart, I would be a size small.  However, I HATE tight clothes, especially running clothes, so I usually end up going with a medium any time an item is designed to be more fitted.  I emailed the company to ask their opinion on sizing, and they suggested I stick with small since the items run a little big.  When I received the tops, I was disappointed--they fit, but they were a little snug, definitely tighter than I prefer.  The good news is, I contacted the company and they made the return a SNAP for me--I had my new clothes in a couple days.  I am much happier with the mediums.  The cap sleeve shirt is pretty loose on me in the medium (I must be a small+...), but like I said, I appreciate a long, loose fit for running clothes.  If you like your clothing more fitted and are between two sizes, you will definitely be safe with the smaller size.

The Sunny Yellow Cap Sleeve was PERFECT for my 20-miler last Sunday!

As I said, these shirts are cut long--even in the smaller size, I was still happy with the length.  I cannot for the life of me understand the appeal of running in a short shirt.  A long length is not only flattering IMHO, but it just makes things easier if you're wearing a fuel belt or a SPI belt--hate when your shirt rides up around those things!  The cap sleeve is also super lightweight and breathable with flat-lock seams.  Perfect for long hot, sweaty runs.  Oh, and they're tagless--like all running clothes SHOULD be!

The hoodie fit PERFECTLY in a medium.  I bought it to wear as a second layer, so if that's your plan too, definitely don't size down.  I like the weight of the hoodie a lot--I have a few thin long sleeves and a few that are fleecy inside that I wear for winter running, but this top is a happy medium.  It has super long sleeves that are actually long enough to pull your fists inside, and it has thumbholes.  My favorite part, though, is that there is a hole in the hood for your ponytail!  My mom thought that was super weird when I told her, but anytime I want to run with a hood in cold weather, I either have to put my long hair in braids or bunch it in back of my hood.  Hate that!  (I'm beginning to think I have some serious issues with picky-ness as I sit here writing my post...hey, I know what I like!)

The downside to Swirlgear is that they don't have a ton of styles and prints--yet.  They are a new baby company, and they are working on expanding.  I wasn't in love with all of their prints, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they come out with next.  The other issue for me is cost.  While they are not higher priced than many other popular brands, their items averaged more than I normally spend on my running clothes.  The quality is definitely there, though, so if that's the most important thing to you, it would for sure justify the expense.  (I'm trying SO HARD to budget recently, so I'm looking a bit more closely at price tags these days!)

Here's the good news though!  As a brand ambassador, I can offer you guys free shipping on any Swirlgear purchase using the discount code swirlon at checkout.

What qualities make something a PERFECT running top for you?
For me, it's a long length, loose fit, and soft, wicking material.

Disclaimer: I was provided a 50% discount on these items as part of the Swirlgear Brand Ambassador program.  They were purchased with my own money, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Training Tuesday: 12 Miles = One hungry runner!

7 weeks of marathon training down, $2,203 raised for Autism Speaks, and many miles run!  Woo!  This week I actually managed to get all my weekday runs in!  I have always run three days a week in the past, but this training plan calls for four days a week.  I was initially nervous my lame ass legs wouldn't be able to handle the extra day, but it's been going great!  You know you're training for a marathon when you're in bed, in running clothes, with taped up IT bands at 9:30pm Friday night...

Yep, I sleep in my running clothes.  And I tape those ITBs the night before--it helps the tape stick waaaay better.  Oh, and you know you're a TEACHER marathoner when you're in bed at 9:30 reading a children's book!  

My little pace group joked about how we think we should get a medal for every distance we run from now on because, honestly, come on, we've earned it. And who doesn't love a good medal? :)  This week we made it through a long run of 12 miles together.  I woke up Saturday morning pre-run to sub-60 degree weather--WHAT?!?  Shut the front door, crazy Chicago weather!  I even busted out my arm warmers and word them for the first few chilly miles!  This run went really well, although I am having some issues with the arch on my left foot--tight tight tight!  I think it is just that I have been running in a new pair of shoes--same make and model as my old ones, but I think they really feel best after they have at least 50 miles on them.  Today I tried out a new pair of running shorts: 

These are Nike Pro shorts that I bought to wear under my Team Sparkle skirt at next week's half marathon.  I am a loyal Nike Tempo shorts girl, so I was a little reluctant to try these guys--I was worried the elastic waist would give me some muffin top action and that the legs would ride up.  However, I was pleasantly surprised!  The waistband was SUPER comfy and the shorts didn't move around at all.  I still think the Tempo shorts are more comfortable--love the free and liberating feeling :).  But, I will definitely run in these guys from time to time. 

After the long run, I hit up, you guessed it, Jimmy Johns.  Cannot get enough veggie subs and salt and vinegar chips these days!  The great thing about running longer on Saturdays is that I no longer have to wait for Jimmy Johns to open after I finish running--it's already after 10 by the time I'm home!  Woohoo! 

(Oh, and don't worry, I also proceeded to eat an entire box of macaroni and cheese later that day all by my hungry self...glad I am able to cancel out every calorie burned during training with food. consumed post-run.. :)

How is your summer training going?

Three Things Thursday

ONE
This time next week I will be heading off to Boston, one of my absolute favorite cities, to visit my wonderful friend and fellow runner Michelle:

Us after the 2012 Kentucky Derby Half Marathon

Among other things, we will be running the Triple Threat Half Marathon in Cape Ann, Massachusetts. This course is going to be beautiful!  I have always wanted to race near the ocean!

I am super excited about this race, but after looking at the elevation...

((That might not seem like much to some of you, but I'm a Prairie State girl, born and raised!  

Hills are not my friend...))

...And realizing that the race starts at 10:15am, meaning we'll be finishing right at the hottest part of the day, we quickly realized this will NOT be a PR or a speedy race for either of us.  Instead, we decided to have a little fun with it.  When Michelle sent me the link to the Team Sparkle website, I didn't hesitate before jumping on board the sparkle skirt bandwagon!  These skirts were EVERYWHERE at the Disney Princess Half this year, and I was obsessed with them.  My awesome skirt arrived yesterday!

It is so cute and so light; I can't wait to run in it!

TWO
I did it.  Visited the teacher's store, that is!  Back to school shopping has officially begun.  I am sticking with the same turquoise, black, and polka dot decor as last year, so I shouldn't have to buy too much (hopefully!), but of course I needed a few new things!  Between a stop there and a trip to Target, I have some of the basics covered.  Last year I spent a ton of money on new things for the classroom, so this year I am trying to restrain myself!

THREE
Remember the heat wave I talked about last week?  Well, I was SO pumped to wake up yesterday to some nice and cool weather!  In fact, I was able to have a super lazy morning and head out for my run after 11 thanks to the cooler temps!

67 degrees at 11:05???  AMAZING!

I drove a little ways to a gorgeous trail that I discovered during half-marathon training in May.  I hadn't run there since then because my midweek runs I usually just run in my neighborhood and since I've been running my long runs with my training group.  Today called for 5-6 miles though, and this trail has a beautiful 5.5 mi unpaved loop, so I figured it was perect.

Beautiful!!!  And wonderful to finish a run in the middle of the day and not be so hot I thought I would pass out!  LOVE!

Do you run close to home or do you ever drive to running spots? 

Have you bought anything awesome for your classroom yet?

Training Tuesday: Gear I Cannot Live Without

Don't forget to enter my Cheribundi tart cherry juice Giveaway!

Over the past few years, I have tried a ton of different running clothes, shoes, and gear.  Here are some of the things I cannot live without!

Brooks Pure Cadence Shoes
I have had the worst trouble in the past finding running shoes that fit my feet, but last year I fell IN LOVE with these shoes.  They are super lightweight and just feel great running.  The awesome colors don't hurt either!  After running in these, my old regular running shoes feel super clunky.  They're definitely not a minimalist shoe, but a great option for someone looking for a lightweight shoe.

Nike Tempo Shorts
Absolute favorite running shorts, hands down.  I've tried running in compression shorts, skirts, etc., but these babies beat them all for me.  Plus who can resist the adorable colors and prints!

Rock Tape

This stuff has saved my running, f'real.  I have tried a million things to combat IT Band Syndrome over the last 2+ years--stretches, strengthening exercises, form changes, shoe changes, physical therapy, rest (turns out rest actually made my ITBs tighter...), but eventually I just needed to get on with my running life.  Enter Rock Tape!  I know, I know, this stuff is just a bandaid covering the symptoms of my ITBS, but it keeps me running!  I have tried KT tape too, but I way prefer Rock Tape.  I like that I can cut the strips myself, and it stays on WAY better than KT tape in my opinion.

Check out my pink rocktape! :)

Yur Buds

I love these little guys.  They actually stay in my ears--it's a miracle! They're not perfect and need some adjustments on really sweaty runs, but they are definitely the best ear buds I've tried.

Garmin 405

I had the bulkier, calculator-watch-resembling Garmin 205 for a few years before upgrading to the 405.  Before I bought this watch, I read a lot of reviews online including many negative ones.  It seems like people's biggest complaint was the bezel, but I have never had a problem with it.  In fact, I love it!  Fits my wrist so much more comfortably than the 205.

Yay for ((rarely)) finishing runs before 5am!

The Stick

We all know the importance of foam rolling, but I'm not going to lie--sometimes I get lazy with rolling!  The Stick does a great job at breaking up those knots just like rolling, but it's easy to use sitting on the couch watching TV.  It's also so portable--I throw it in the car when I'm driving to the forest preserve for long runs so that I can roll out before and after.  I also bring it to races sometimes to use at the finish line.  Who wants to lay down on the sidewalk or in a parking lot with a foam roller?  It also works great for travel.

Rollin' Out after the Chicago Spring Half

Road ID Slim
While this baby isn't exactly going to call the police if I get attacked on the run, at least it's better than nothing!  Seriously though, if I'm running alone, I'm wearing this thing.  100% of the time.  It lets my mom rest easy if nothing else.  I like that it comes in little sizes too--nothing worse than worrying about something sliding around on your wrist or falling off when you're out running!

Source

Nike Featherlight Running Cap

I LOVE headbands--active bands, bondi bands, you name it--but on a super hot day, only a hat can keep my thick, frizzy hair under control.  I also love these hats in the rain to keep water out of my eyes.  Light, comfortable, and awesome!

Gu Peanut Butter
Gu is my fuel of choice for long runs--easy to choke down, easy on the tummy.  PB is the only flavor lately that not only doesn't nauseate me, but that I actually love the taste of!

Beautiful Niece playing with a PB Gu--that's my girl!

Compression Sleeves, Socks, & Shorts
I have totally drunk the compression wear kool-aide.  Reason why?  IT WORKS.  Period.  I usually wear compression sleeves on long runs and socks/shorts for recovery.  I swear I can tell a difference in how my muscles feel after wearing them!  For sleeves I like Zensah and CEP, my favorite socks are Recovery Socks and Pro Compression socks, and I have shorts from both Asperis and Tommie Copper.

Rocking compression socks (and three other things from this post!) after the Disney Princess half!

What running gear can you not live without?

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post--I just love this stuff and wanted to share it with you!  

Four on Friday

1. This first week of summer has been a whole lotta lazy.  Well a whole lotta lazy combined with some triathlon training--race day is 2 days away!  I have been relishing in the slow-start mornings I've been able to enjoy most days this week.  Case in point this morning:

Blog & Oatmeal :)

Wednesday morning a friend called around 9:30am and asked what I was up to.  I told her I was laying in bed reading, and that my one complaint at the moment was that my book was so long that it was too heavy to hold up for hours and my arms were getting tired.  #firstworldproblems

2. So I'm really starting to freak about Sunday's tri--Tuesday I talked about how ill-prepared I am for the bike leg, but I've put my feet to pedals like crazy this week and am feeling better about that.  I actually took a wrong turn at the forest preserve Wednesday and my ride suddenly became 23 freaking miles.  Yikes.

 Anyways, I am no longer worried about the bike leg, but after I found out the other day that the current water temps are 68 degrees, I have a whole new set of worries.  Did I mention I had not been planning on wearing a wetsuit for this race?  The swim is in a small lake/pool/quarry, and last year the water was like bath water.  That may be an exaggeration, but it was warm.  No one wore wetsuits.  

I know I could still find/borrow/rent/buy a wetsuit if I really tried, but I'm already an anxious swimmer, and I think swimming in one for the first time on race day would be a big mistake.  I will just be cold and hopefully swim fast, I guess!  I may include a light jacket in my transition area just in case I need to throw that on to warm up on the bike...yikes.

3. Have you ever tried Yankz or other stretchy laces?  I used them in one of my tris last summer and loved them for quick transitions.  The shoes they were were getting pretty high in mileage and ready to retire, so I decided to swap them out and put them in another pair of shoes for Sunday's race.  Easier said than done.  I probably should have just thrown them away and started from scratch with a new pair, because after lacing your shoes you are supposed to cut off the excess ends.  Ever tried to lace shoes with frayed elastic?  I don't recommend it.  My shoes currently look like this:

And yes, I ran with them like that yesterday.  Hopefully I get around to lacing the other one before Sunday...

4. Did you know McDonald's ice cream cones are just 49 cents right now??  Be still my heart.  McDonald's cones are one of my favorite treats.  If I'm driving home late at night or going on a long drive and pass a McDonald's, you can bet I'm driving through for a cone.  I couldn't resist stopping for one on my way home from lunch with a friend this afternoon.  I decided I better not take a picture because eating a cone and driving is probably already enough distractions...

Yum.

Happy Friday!  What do you have planned this weekend?  I have packet pickup + expo for my tri tomorrow (aka buying random tri clothes I don't need), then pasta, watching the blackhawks, and praying for good weather for Sunday!