REALLY - IT IS SPRING - SUNNY - 39 DEGREES AND CLIMBING TO 48 DEGREES

Really, it is spring. At least that's what we're told,  right?  Nevermind it's 39 degrees at 9:28 a.m. and predicted to be 27 degrees tonight.  Cover those bedding plants; there's a freeze warning for the valley.  Nevertheless, look in the picture I just took, there you can see for yourself; the Bradford Pears are blooming and the Redbud trees are budding. 

As I write this blog posting my 3rd daughter and her BFF running buddy are about to arrive at the bottom of a 2mile  uphill run. That's  running 2 miles straight up and then, of course, the 2 miles down.  Beautiful day to run and a beautiful area to run through - FLOWERING  nursery stock with blooming this and that all over.  GLORIOUS!

In the springtime, runners runs are spendor heightened by passing scenes of new life bursting all around. But, a 2mile uphill grade of at about a 35 degree angle  - Hey, It's marathoners training.  Did I say, "I don't do marathons?" My 3 hills this morning were considerably shorter and not near so high.

I admit to thinking about a half marathon this summer though...Hmmmmm...maybe i will try it.


Happy Running!

A GLIMPSE OF SPRING AND INTRO TO THE MAGNIFICENT HOKA ONEONE

YEA! Weather is proving true to predictions of Spring!  And, actually in some places the snow is melting.  Anyone who has read this blog is aware of my preference for Brook's running gear.  I make no apology for being partial to Brook's.  The company focuses on their product! HOWEVER...

Ok, running lovers, there is HOKA! HOKA  made an entrance in my running life when this past week I convinced my daughter she needed new running shoes.  Here's my daughter -  

 

Christian Taylor

 Christian recently went through back surgery and needed a shoe with excellent support, cushioning, and balance.  Then off to find them, the shoes,  at the local Naperville Running Co.   Christian explained her situation and her Mom's concerns to the excellent running staff assisting her. She tried on several pair. And, yes Brook's were included. Then the HOKA's appeared on the scene and the look on her face told it all.  SHEER COMFORT!  The look of relief and comfort appearing in her face as she stood and walked about would have melted all the snow in Boston. 


Read all about HOKA ONEONE - 
HOKA SOURCE -

THE HOKA'S  

 

To be honest, I've seen the shoes advertised but seriously doubted they might do any good other than be bouncy. And, honestly, bouncy running shoes do not appeal to my sense of safety.  I mean, in my way of thinking,  Tigger  bounces and runners run.    I have no desire to go bounding about the roadside like a Tigger.  Nor do I have any desire to see my daughters do so.

To my amazement as we did several (like 16 rounds), on the Wheaton Sports Center  track, they were as stable as any snuggly, centered cushioned shoe could be.  They didn't rock ' n roll, OR bounce at all.  New Brook's do the same though the cushion isn't as high.  I'm wondering how and/or if Brook's will produce one of these? 

In fact, they did a great job in helping her retain her balance and keep walking without pain.  We did 2 miles with no problem.  

The shoes, with Christian in them, did just as well outside.  I'm all for them.  Thank you, HOKA!

 

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.