So what did I do? I ran outside in -9* F. I honestly considered going to the gym, but it is just so much easier to leave from my house. I guess it seems like too much of a hassle to drive to the gym. But I also pay the consequences of my stomach getting so cold by the end that it was painful.
I can only muster up 9 minute miles these days. My legs just don’t move any faster.
Everyone was supposed to bring a dozen cookies to enjoy after the race was over this morning. I made my Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies, and I swear I followed the same recipe, but they turned out pancake-flat whereas last time they were nice a fluffy-looking. I don’t know what happened. But they still tasted delicious.
Oh, look. It warmed up two degrees.
Since I had no other plans for the morning, Craig and I decided to hit up our favorite coffee shop in town. It is always nice to hang out at the coffee shop on a cold weather day—although I never did truly warm up. 
This afternoon, I was busy getting a fresh coat of blonde highlights to brighten up my hair and try to combat the gray and darkness of winter. I usually go dark, dark in the winter, but I decided to stay blonde instead.
I’ll have to post a picture of how it turned out. I really like it! It is really blonde! 
My plans for tomorrow include: church, yoga, and hanging out with friends—along with finishing laundry and a cardio workout of some sort.
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Question
Do you change up your hair color for the different seasons?
For the runners out there: does your pace drop off during the winter months?
My pace dropped off a ton in the Fairbanks winters. too many layers to move fast. I also slowed a lot because of the black ice. It is funny you mention the cold stomach thing, because I never did find a cure to that. The only place that stayed cold no matter what I wore….almost a painful cold too. So weird.
Definitely a painful cold! I read once that fat doesn’t insulate itself, so I’m thinking that little pudge of fat I have on my belly just can’t stay warm because it is fat.
Yes, I change my hair color based on the season! I’m naturally a dark brunette. In the winter, I color it dark brownish-red. In the summer, I do lighter highlights. My pace has been faster in the past few months (temps 20-30 degrees F). When it is windy out, I hit the TM 🙁 My pace on the TM sucks! I’m hoping I get a neck/face gaiter for Christmas!! Maybe that will help me brave the wind! Happy Holidays!
I find it hard to fun fast on the treadmill too. My neck gaiter saves my life when it is this cold!
You are a hero, running outdoors in the cold! Of course pace drops when it is that cold, but if you can brave through these temperatures, you are ready for IronMan. Seriously! I am impressed!
Have a merry Christmas with your family and friends. Will you have time to train on Christmas day? I always kick-start the day with an early morning run at the dunes, dressed in red!
Oh, I will make time to train on Christmas! I actually just got back. 🙂 I didn’t wear red though. :/ I’ll have to remember that for next year.