12 DEGREES ON A SNOW-ICE DAY

TO RUN OR NOT TO RUN?

Seems that's always the question when the weather drops to freezing  and below.  I've always been amazed by folks who would spend lots to go on a vacation spree to find snow and then refuse to go out in it when it is in their own environment.

Seems it didn't matter much to my parents if it was ice or snow; we were bundled up with hats, heavy coats, gloves, and boots and instructed to, "Go out and play."  And, we did. Guess that's why when Mother Nature gives me ice and snow - even a little rain (without lightening, please), I still grouse about some then get on the gear and get outside. 

These days I have to set my own vegetable soup to cooking (just like Mama used to do); though everything else in pretty much the same. These  days I don't move quite as fast and when Mama was doing the cooking; though everything else is pretty much the same.

And, out I went this morning...."crunch, crunch, crunch," I went enjoying the sound of my feet in the snow.

ICE OUT IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE!

U

UHG!  BE WARNED!  NOT A GOOD RUNNING OUTSIDE DAY! 

Huh, and I considered wind and rain were the worst running days. NOT SO!  Ice and rain AND wind have now replaced that thought.  So to the mall to do concentric circles.  Oh, NO! That may not be a good idea either.  The streets are also ice slides - especially in hilly McMinnville.

oh, what to do? what to do?

I know.  I'LL MAKE SOUP!  

INTRODUCING, VICKI SULLIVAN'S SALAD BOWL RESTAURANT 

GREEN PEA AND SPINACH SOUP

The Beginnings:  Always start with an excellent, seasoned chicken broth.  This was frozen from Thanksgiving dressing fixings.  Today is just the day to bring it out.

 

NEXT: Add the peas, spinach, and fresh onion.

be right back ... cooking!

Food processing ......results in YUM!  "GREEN PEA AND SPINACH SOUP"

Sprinkle of fresh parsley,a little sour cream, dollops of feta cheese and !!!! Drum roll!

FEBRUARY - I PREDICT

I PREDICT WARM WEATHER WILL RETURN - That's a really safe prediction given it's February.


NO FEAR!  RUN ON! 

BROOK'S - NOT TO BE UPSTAGED BY COMSOS FLOWERS - THESE COLORS ARE SUN SHINE NIGHT OR DAY!

JANUARY 19 - HIGHLAND RIM RUNNING ON THE UPPER CUMBERLAND PLATEAU

MOTIVATION

BROOK'S still topping the BEST RUNNING SHOE list!

2015 IS ON THE MAP! SHOW YOUR LOVE! RUN IT!

BR-R-R-R-R-r-r-r-r!!! The cold front arrived this morning in McMinnville, TN.   photo credit@vicki l. sullivan/landscape "Middle English gorgeouse, from Middle French gorgias elegant, perhaps from gorgias wimple, from gorge throat First Known Use: 15th century" Gorgeous, (recommended reading: Georgias) sunny day but arriving in at about 21 degrees means COLD.  And, it's going to stay around a few days; or so they say.  Run, walk, exercise on! Start the NEW YEAR off right by focusing on goals set and goals achieved.  Run, sprint, jog, or walk...it's beautiful out there and the exercise and fresh air will enliven, and energize your mind, body, and spirit. There are tons of new information being provided by the latest research on fitness and health to encourage a healthy lifestyle.  One interesting to me is that certain foods do promote muscle building and fat loss. For example, fat and carbs are said to work against one another when consumed in the same meal.  I'm not so sure about all the new research.  I am sure about how the body informs an individual on what it needs to feel good and have strength to complete the day without being exhausted. We all know sugar can be very dangerous and make us feel really bad. While a balanced diet and exercise help to bring about sustained energy and good health.  So today, after a three mile jog I began with grapefruit and 2 hard boiled eggs.  And, feeling pretty good. Hope your day goes well and your NEW YEAR a bonus year! BTW: Anything you buy from Amazon, I can sell to you!  Here's the link to my site, Vicki's BooksAndMore and the search feature will find your choice.

AND NOW - ON TO THE NEW YEAR! 2015 BECKONS

Runner's Eitquette - FYI

CHRISTMAS 2014 has been a blast - the exercise blast that is!  Health is abounding across the USA as health minded individuals bring to every community an awareness of the importance of getting fit and staying that way to enjoy life and to show an appreciation for the great gift of life!

The sun was up bright and glorious this morning - cold overnight freeze but warmed up quickly into the 40's and I got in a 3 mile jog to top off a fabulous Christmas supper with family.  And, thanks Rachel for the big Hershey bar with almonds. It boosted my jog quite well for the miles out there on the road. 

MY IDEA OF A RUNNER'S PRAYER


EXCERPT FROM: "ON A HIGH PART OF THE COAST OF CUMBERLAND"

"Whate'er the path these mortal feet may trace,
          Breathe through my soul the blessing of thy grace,
          Glad, through a perfect love, a faith sincere
          Drawn from the wisdom that begins with fear,
          Glad to expand; and, for a season, free
          From finite cares, to rest absorbed in Thee!"
           ...Wm. Wordsworth: Easter Sunday, 1883

GEARING UP FOR REINDEER RUNS? YES, IT'S DECEMBER ALREADY!

The fun starts now!  TENNESSEE DECEMBER RUNNING EVENTS.

Did you know we're celebrating Rudolph's first feature length film Christmas Special 50th birthday this year?  Yep, it premiered December, 1964.  WOW! How time flies.  And runner's especially love to celebrate the season with A FABULOUS CHRISTMAS designer race.

Be it a Reindeer Run or a ride on Santa's Sleigh, most everybody loves December,  excepting Scrooge, that is.  The weather's on the plateau been truly great these past 2 weeks with fairly low humidity and temperatures in the 50's or higher during the daylight hours.  Just right for long slow runs!

Slow runner?  I'm certainly qualified for that title.  These days it's difficult to believe I once won my age division in a Fast 5K race because I've now slowed so slow my family describes me as a walker not a runner.   Therewith, I have begun to seriously consider how to best remedy my seemingly ever slowing pace.  Here's one look at slow -   Just the facts, please!  International Association of  Women's Runners. 

So get out there and get going!  Looks like the weather is going to hold throughout the month before winter finally sets in in January. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  

Vicki