it’s all about the feet

By | December 20, 2020

coming up on my fourth running anniversary (!!), I have a runfession… I was a fair weather runner.

I never really thought that because it wasn’t that I didn’t run if it was too hot/cold, but rather I escaped to the gym. This summer, that wasn’t an option and this winter I’m not ready to go back so the choice was run or not and… I’m running in all weather and it’s fine. You adapt, adjust. I think it’s because I just really want to run, would be different if I weren’t loving running right now.

Second runfession…I never understood the appeal of Smart Wool. Even before I was running, I was given a pair as a gift and they’re still in their packaging. I’m not a sweater wearer, and didn’t understand the appeal of them on my feet. I think you can see where this is going, especially if you saw my snow pics on Instagram.

My wonderful Elf gave me a pair of Balega Natural Fiber Performance and I opted to try those knowing Thursday would be a slush fest en route to the less-trafficked park and… many puddles later my feet were warm, dry and I ordered three more pairs. Yes, a chunk of my holiday shopping has been for me, myself and I, why do you ask… ;-D

It really is all about the clothes, not the weather.

 

now I just need to find my missing Yaktrax

Despite my comment about the Grinch last week, it kind of caught me by surprise that Christmas is less than a week away. Ooops. Like everything else this year it feels anticlimactic. Merry Christmas to those celebrating in whatever form it looks like this year.

Weekly Run Down with Kim and Deborah:

life is too short to be boring

  • planned missed Monday due to running Saturday and Sunday. Complete soaker of a day so the choice was a wise one. Some nice mail in hand-made masks I’d ordered arrived. Bottom right ended up accidentally on brand for the week.

seen on evening walk

well it’s 2020 so you never know!

  • Tuesday: late start, but I wanted to run because I knew I had another marathon day of meetings so I got in a quick southern loop. Wonder now if this tree still has any leaves. Schedule worked too to take a short walk after work to do some errands. Nice to see my neighborhood get in the spirit, and of course laugh at this PT sign. With so many of us in PT this year it was just fitting.

good morning world!

snow kissed

  • Wednesday: sleep? What’s sleep? had about two hours and took advantage of that for a sunrise walk before Winter Storm Gail arrived. My insomnia hasn’t been as bad as others of late, but when it’s there, it’s THERE. Luckily the day wasn’t too heavy and I was able to duck out after some meetings to take in the first snow.

5’2 meets Mr. Plow’s drifts

forever gorgeous

  • Thursday: SNOW DAY! Well, no, we’re working from home, but I’d already requested the day as PTO so it was a snow day for me. I waited for it to mostly stop snowing and then I went out to have some fun. A run? Sort of? Really just enjoyed every second of playing in the snow.  My feet weren’t an issue at all and wearing leggings, Cuddl Dudds base layer and my new Brooks ugly sweater (last year’s was more fun), I was fine. I really think the difference is getting out the door and running, v. standing around and waiting for a race to start. Yep, I still don’t particularly miss races. I briefly contemplated the NYRR Founders Run celebrating Ted Corbitt & Fred Lebow, but it’s in Brooklyn and I’m not yet taking subways. I still don’t see myself going out in a soaking rain, but we’ll see how the winter shakes out.

it’s christmas time… in my kitchen

  • Friday: off, errands and a book. Nothing exciting, exactly what I wanted in a day off.

spotted cross training for Christmas Eve

  • Saturday: after Thursday’s fun I was eager to get back out and play in the snow again. My route was all over the place as I ran on road (clear, boring), the bridle path (snowy, but not packed), reservoir (well packed, thanks skiiers!) and great lawn (mostly clear) taking in a gorgeous Saturday in the park. My quads were feeling it in the muscles required to stay upright, but I think my PT has paid off as I never really felt unsteady. I had no plan as I’m still not really training, but 6 ish felt good so 6 ish it was. Unlike last week I wasn’t willing to stay out after dark due to the ice.
  • Sunday: errands. Maybe a walk. Football.

29 thoughts on “it’s all about the feet

  1. Kim G

    I love the masks that you purchased! I have a few holiday ones from Old Navy that I have been using this month. If we have to wear the masks, we might as well make them fun.

    I also can’t believe that Christmas is less than a week away. I feel like this month went by quickly.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yep, I have that Old Navy one too. My favorite is the sloth although I -obviously-wish they had the penguin in adult size too. They’re missing a market! The second half of this year was gone in a blink!

      Reply
  2. Lisa @ Mile by Mile

    It’s kind of disappointing to not have snow days anymore now that we’re working from home (since I work for a school system it’s too bad for the kids too!). That was good timing to take the day off on Thursday.

    Reply
  3. Coco

    I love that sneaky shot of Santa! So funny! I also love that holiday mug.
    Hey, I LOVE my SmartWool gear — I have several pairs of socks and new gloves with a mitten wind shield. We had a few snow flakes accumulate on the grass, but no real snow.

    Reply
  4. Beckett @ Birchwood Pie

    In a “normal” year the treadmill is my only weekday option, and now that there’s enough light for a short run before work, I find myself being more and more flexible about the conditions that I will run in. I do have a hard stop at slippery surfaces and running in the dark, but the bottom line is that if someone is only running in fair weather, they are not going to be running a lot. Good socks are non-negotiable.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      The one upside to 2020 is the freedom to be a morning runner. While I could technically have gone to the gym before work, I almost never did. Optimistic I can figure out a way to still run in the mornings when we go back to “normal” at least when there is more light

      Reply
  5. Deborah Brooks

    I also love those Balega socks and they do keep my feet warm. I am not a sweater wearer either bc they make me hot or itchy. Gosh I am difficult huh? I do have a smart wool headband I love and also some base layer gear that I would wear to snow shoe in or something. Have you only been running for 4 years? wow!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yep. I actually thought it was only three years but then I realized a few other mile stones around it and wow, it’s four on January 6. Trying to figure out something to mark it, but not sure what yet. I had a smartwool headband, it was regifted as the itching drove me nuts. That was probably my sensitive ears though as some hats don’t work either.
      With WFH I’m barely wearing my long sleeve shirts even, especially since I moved my desk. It’s so wonderfully toasty

      Reply
  6. Chocolaterunsjudy

    Yes, just getting out & running can be a real game changer! I get bored with my neighborhood, but sometimes it’s better than driving somewhere, especially in Winter, of course I have that option to drive somewhere.

    Obviously I love my Smartwool. 🙂 But not to run in. I get cold easily though!

    Some like to say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. Guess what? There is most definitely bad weather, but clothes can make a big difference!

    Reply
  7. Liz Dexter

    Ah yes, the old balancing muscles! I’ve loved seeing your snowy world this week and also who cares about doing Christmas things on time, right? (I had to convince the man in the post office yes, I knew, and it was OK).

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yep. As long as it’s before Easter, it’s on time. Especially this year it’s the thought that counts

      Reply
  8. Kimberly Hatting

    Well, I’m a huge SmartWool fan 😉 I wear them year-round, but have different thicknesses depending on the season. I have successfully gotten the hubby hooked on them, too LOL That pic of Santa! #busted Who would have ever thought any of us non-medical peeps would be flocking to find pretty (and functional) face masks. It’ll be an interesting time to reflect back on (in, like, 20 years).

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Yep, we definitely need several decades of hindsight… like the jeans and pumps of the 80s. Let’s just hope it’s a necessity that never comes back around though.
      Santa and his Elf were having fun I think. I guess if you need tobe warm, you might as well have fun. We’ll see if the Smart Wool makes it out of the packaging. Maybe if there are five snow day runs in one laundry cycle. But also I’m thinking they could be good for commute

      Reply
  9. Darlene S Cardillo

    I haven’t bought any gifts yet. My bad but just not in the mood.

    I love Smart Wool socks but I need to try the Balega ones I guess. I’ve realized after years of running that clothes make the run. I’ve been wearing less and enjoying the run more by not having all the bulk. D’uh.

    Keep those beautiful winter NYC photos coming.

    The snow is putting a damper in my running since my road is impossible and no time for runs until after work (and then it’s dark) UGH!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I’m going to try the river path again tomorrow since it’s hard to get to Central Park on a weekday morning. The Balega are really nice. Doesn’t hurt either that they’re pink/purple

      Reply
  10. Marcia

    Those Blister-Resist Balegas were my gateway into that brand and I never looked back. Everything else I tried eventually allowed some sort of blisters or irritation. So glad they are working their magic for you! Snow is a fast track to feeling like a kid again. Enjoy it and Christmas in this crazy year!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Gateway drug of the best kind. Can’t wait for my next three to arrive. And it’s helping me prune too because why keep inferior socks.

      Reply
  11. Zenaida Arroyo

    I love Smartwool socks! Definitely splurge on yourself. Why not? The knee highs are great too for wearing with boots.

    Happy Holidays to you and your family!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Good to know. I definitely need socks that my boots won’t chew through.
      To you as well!

      Reply
  12. Wendy

    Marcia gave me a coupon for Balegas and I have added some to my sock posse. I also love Swiftwick and SmartWool. Feetures are pretty nice too. They all wick and keep my feet dry. I can’t be loyal to just one!

    Have a nice Christmas, how ever you celebrate it. What a strange year!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Thank you!
      I’ll have to look into Swiftwick. I think I’ve seen them around once or twice

      Reply
  13. Shathiso

    I really love the Christmas Season but this year I’m not feeling the mood. I guess that’s to be expected given the year we’ve had. My 4th year running anniversary is also coming up! Can’t actually believe it’s been that long. I still think of myself as a new runner.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Oh me too, forever a newbie. I love that we’re running twins in so many ways

      Reply
  14. Debbie @ Deb Runs

    Congrats on your fourth running anniversary! It’s flown by, hasn’t it? I can’t remember, did you start your blog at the same time to track your running?

    I have a pair of Feetures merino wool socks that I’ve never worn. Despite my fingers freezing and needing mittens on top of gloves to stay warm, my feet never get cold when running. I’ve discovered that my feet do get cold when biking, so I need to pull those socks out!

    Reply
  15. Michelle D.

    I have a couple of Smartwool socks that I like but I’m also a big fan of Balega and Feetures. Quality socks make such a difference and my toes freeze easily (thanks Reynuads!)

    Fun collection of masks – might as well have a fun collection if we have to wear them right?

    Congrats on your 4-year run anniversary 🙂

    Reply
  16. Jenn

    I love snow in the city! It’s just so pretty!
    My toes get really cold, but I never really considered Smart Wool. Maybe I need to give it a shot? It might help with my Raynaud’s.
    We are going to have a fun Christmas, no matter what! Presents! Drinks! Food! The new Wonder Woman movie on the couch! Done! (And hufflepuff is getting a special present from Santa, too!)

    Reply
  17. Jessie

    Great masks! I’ll be wearing a mask past the pandemic i think, especially when in crowds. I’ve become too much of a germa phobe!

    The snow is so pretty!

    I love Santa cross training 🙂

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      There was an anecdotal thread on twitter the other day about fewer colds. It’s kind of amazing what positive mask side effects there are.
      I also want hand sanitizing stations to stay around. Subway, etc. dirty!

      Reply
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