Hi gang!  I am creating a short series on Winter Running Tips!   So many people tend to hibernate in the winter and a lot of people complain about the cold and how they cannot exercise in it.

I’m calling BS on you! Lovingly, of course!  But I’m still looking at you!   You can run in the winter just like you can any other time of the year.  The key is to prepare yourself for it!  Yes, it’s cold.  And, yes, sometimes it’s really cold, but you can totally do this thing.

When I decided to create this short series, I contacted two of my fave girls who are winter running bad-asses.  There are few of us out there and we need to up our numbers!  So we are sharing some of our Winter Running Tips with you to help you get out there and beat the cold into submission!

I know some of you Canadians will have even more tips since you battle some serious cold, so feel free to share your tips!  Or you can email me and I’ll add them to the series.  Let’s help each other get out there and make winter run for cover!

Part I of this series are some tips brought to you by Winter Running Badass Whitney from I Run, I Sweat.

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Hey out there!  I’m Whitney and I write over at I Run I Sweat.  I’m so happy to have an opportunity to post for Andrea—she writes one of my favorite blogs.  Can’t beat the humor of this woman, seriously.

Andrea asked me to post a few winter running tips and I couldn’t be happier!  I hope you all are able to get out and enjoy running all the time, even in the winter!!  I hail from fabulous Pittsburgh, PA.  I often blog about the hills, and now I am blogging about the cold.  Pittsburgh is no stranger to cold, icy, snowy winters, and with the following tips, I hope you get out and enjoy the snow!

(That’s me with frozen eyelashes )

I can’t run in the cold/snow/ice/winter, help!

First of all, figure out what it is that is keeping you from running in the winter.  Are your fingers frozen?  Is your nose running?  Your legs feel like blocks of ice?

The best response I have is to first identify your obstacle to running outside.  For me, it was frozen toes.  It was painful to run in the winter because my toes would be the first “to go”.  I remedy this situation with Toe Warmers.  They are probably the best invention, ever.  Little strips of adhesive keep them in place.  I should also mention that I wear Smart Wool socks.  So that’s it.  Wool socks, toe warmers.  I don’t “switch” running shoes in the winter though some do but I prefer to keep it consistent.

Not everyone shovels their snow!

I agree, and sometimes curse those people that are too lazy to shovel their snow.  There are two options, though.

You can invest in YakTrax, if you wish, but I really have only worn mine once this whole winter.  Why?  I often find that I can run on the “main road” vs. sidewalks in the winter.  I am able to avoid slipping, and I also am not fighting the snow. I have both YakTrax but sometimes skip those and hit the road (instead of sidewalks)

I don’t know what to wear!

The ever-talked about debate.  I like to think I have my “winter running apparel” down pat.  In fact, I have less winter apparel than I do summer apparel…

(Obliviously fear less / chicken legs haha)

I tend to think of winter running temps (and subsequently apparel) in two categories:  (1) Below 25 degrees; and (2) 25+ degrees.

Let’s start with Category 2.  In the picture above, my apparel is simple: I wear running tights.  They are Under Armour and I’ve had them for five years.  I also have a knock-off Under Armour top that I have had for five years.  On the top is a Brooks windbreaker that I love.  Depending on how I feel, I either wear a fleece headband or a hat.  Gloves and kleenex (stuff in the pocket) complete the outfit.  In this weather, you still get hot, so you want to have to shred the least amount of layers as possible.  Oh, and if you didn’t know, I sweat when I run.

Category 1 gets a little more complicated.  This is the bitter cold that Pittsburgh often produces.  This is the time when most people say no to running.  I argue for getting out there and celebrating the victory…

I still wear my tights, but I add another pair of pants.  These can be any pants, but I prefer some that are wicking (if its snowing) yet thermal.  I really think you need two pairs of thermal pants when it gets to be that cold.

I still wear my knock-off UA shirt, but I add a nice thermal hoodie/coat.  This coat is old old old, too.  I love it because it’s got thumb holes, and a fitted hood.  I wear the hood with the fleece headband so that when I get hot, I still have something to cover my ears.

I still wear my wool socks, toe warmers, two pairs of gloves (though one pair of mittens would work well too).   The other thing I like to do is slide my fleece headband over my mouth/nose to help breathe in warmer air.  This is just me, though.

I don’t know what to drink, how to pace, how to fuel!

Some think everything needs to change when it’s winter.  That’s not true!

Ahh.  Well, some people drink hot water before they run.  If your pre-run regime is coffee-less then I’d suggest warm water with a bit of lemon.  It helps warm you from the inside.

I, however, prefer coffee.  Extra hot = extra warm.  I think it’s a good idea to have something warm inside you.  You know, in case your organs start to freeze.

As far as pace goes, I tend to run faster in the winter.  Then again, my pace in general is slow compared to most bloggers because I run hills.  It just all depends.  Some days the cold and wind are going to slow you down, but not drastically.  I think it will take some adjustments, but I also think that once you allow your body to warm-up, you really can’t tell you’re in the cold.

Don’t worry about fueling.  I think if you normally take along water, you should continue to do so (bonus: the water will be cold!).

I’ve tried everything you said, and I still hate it!

Running in the cold is not for the faint of heart.  Here are a few closing remarks.

If you’ve tried everything, and you still hate it, or still have problems, reassess the roadblocks.  I think running is purely mental (I’m one of those).  I think running in the winter is really mental.  Maybe introduce it slowly…  Go for a 1 mile run then build up.  I bet, though, once you get 1 mile in, you will be too far to just “turn around”.

Thanks for letting me post Andrea! I had a ton of fun doing this post!

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Amazing tips from Whitney!  She provides tips on layering and planning for the weather.  I also find that I have certain outfits for certain temperatures.  Once you start running in the cold, you gain more experience and can figure out what types of gear you need for what temperatures.  Plus you challenge and push yourself even more by facing the elements and just doing it.  It’s easy to shrug it off and hit the treadmill, by why?  Just because it’s cold?  Get out there, grab the cold by the balls, and OWN IT!

Next week, Part II of cold weather running tips!

Hi gang!  It’s just a little over a week before Christmas and there is still plenty of time to shop!  I know this because I’m still considering shopping. :p  Last year I did a gift and stocking stuffer ideas for the Geek and the Athlete and it turned out to be a huge hit.  It’s one of my top viewed posts!  So I decided to kick it into gear and do another one for this year.

Let’s get this party started!  I’m starting with Athletes because well, I just feel like it.

Gift and Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Athlete:

When you’re a non-athlete and you have athletes in your life, sometimes it can be hard to find gifts for them.  While gift cards to Dick’s are always appreciated, sometimes your athlete would like something a little more personal.  A little more from the heart showing that you care and pay attention to their talks of strength moves and time splits.  Here are a few things for the female athlete in your life.

If you have a hiker or distance runner in your life, chances are they look for different ways to stay hydrated.  Mention the name Camelbak and your athlete will instantly know what you are talking about.  Camelbak makes awesome bags (I know, I’ve got one) and they come in a variety of styles and colors.  However, this Camelbak is the prettiest and coolest one I have seen yet!

Last year I mentioned Sigg water bottles as a nice durable bottle that one can take to the gym or anywhere really.  Well, Sigg has been under scrutiny lately because of forgetting to mention that their water bottles actually contained BPA.  Oh Sigg.  For a durable BPA free bottle that has always been 100% BPA free, I now recommend looking at Klean Kanteen.  Plus they are currently offering free shipping!  I wouldn’t mind having a nice water bottle myself to take to martial arts classes.  I’m just saying.

Whether your athlete is out walking, hiking, or riding, having information on you is always important.  I will always recommend and stand by RoadID.   They have great products, shipping is affordable, and the packages arrive quickly.  Plus staying safe is the number one priority!  The shoe pouch is big with plenty of room for keys, or an ID+credit card+money.  It has a reflective strip that works great and the pouch is durable and a lot more reasonably priced than competitors.  The wristband Sport Road ID is lightweight yet carries all the important information you should have on you in the event of an emergency.

Does your athlete like to workout to music?  Are they funky types who like to be different from everyone else?  If so, then check out Skullcandy headsets.  They have lots of different styles, shapes, colors, and designs.  Kiss sterile white earbuds goodbye and say hello to funky fabulous.

Speaking of music, if your athlete has an iPod Touch or an iPhone, take a look at Tuneband.  This armband has a large velcro strap allowing it to fit any arm size.  It extends for those that have some pipes and can double up for the more dainty of athletes.  Plenty of colors to choose from and a silicone case that easily slips over the device.

Recovery is important!  If you’ve got a distance runner in your life or even someone who hikes a good bit, check into recovery socks.  These look like knee-high socks but work wonders.  Or so I’m told, I don’t have a pair yet.   Some are full socks and some are like sleeves for the legs.  I think the sound amazing! And everyone I’ve talked to who uses them loves them.  Double duty bonus points too because they can be worn during flights to help aid with leg circulation.  Get her (or him!) a pair of these and you’ll look like a rockstar.  There’s a bunch out there so be sure to do some research first!

Gift and Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Geek:

I have yet to meet any geek who doesn’t also dig on the medieval stuffs.  I’m sure they are out there, but I don’t know about them.  This chess set is full of knights and armor and awesomeness.  It’s also pretty so it can be used as table art as well!

Know someone who likes loves Star Trek?  This is one of the best themed bottle openers I have seen.  Most themed bottle openers look awkward, are unbalanced, and heavy.  Not this Star Trek opener.  It would make a great stocking stuffer for the Trekky in your life!

Gamers in your life?  Don’t hate, participate! Okay, if you’re not going to game with them, you can show your support by giving them cool gifts.  A Gears of War messenger bag?  YES PLEASE!  Or maybe just a really cool looking keychain!

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of gamer action for just about all games.  Halo has lots of love.  Speaking as someone who covets her very own Marcus Fenix action figure, I can assure you that gamer gifts are well received and appreciated!  Still looking for that “Marcus Fenix is my hero” tee-shirt though. Want something clever and fun?  Check out Etsy for some more gamer options.

Got a comic lover in the house?  Look into some like Marvel Chronicle which documents all the Marvel characters and discusses their history and background.  Book is huge and full of images and tons of information!

And if they are looking for some graphic novel material for some light reading, perhaps introduce them to the Walking Dead series! Everyone loves zombies.  Mmmm brains!

Zombies can great fun!

Zombie humor is also always funny.

And well for some reason, bacon has exploded and become an extremely popular item lately.  Lots of bacon to choose from here!

For the techy, programming and coding humor you can never go wrong with.

Old school gamer?  Done and done.

Hopefully you’ve found a new gift or my suggestions sparked some ideas of your own!  Now off you go to shop for that special athlete or geek (or both! ahem.) in your life!  Happy Holidays!

Hi gang!  Guess what?  It’s December!  And not only is it December 1st, but it also just happens to fall on a Tuesday, which means I can do an official Holiday Tuesday Tip!

Tis the season for some spiked nog, mistletoe, naughty elves, and holiday gatherings.  Not necessarily in that order but feel free to use that list for some of your holiday plans if you wish.

Holiday gatherings can be fun, festive times!  But when you’re eating healthy and clean, sometimes holiday parties can turn a bit stressful.  I am here to tell you that they don’t have to be!  There is no reason to stress over a holiday party, its platters of food, and tables of indulgences.  Honestly, parties are easy peasy and you can beat the stress!

The biggest mistake we make when attending a party is that we show up hungry.  We expect to be fed and we arrive at the party hungry ready to grab a plate and glide down the buffet.  This is exactly what gets us in trouble.  Not the food at the party, but ourselves.  Showing up hungry is not in our best option nor in our best interest.  Sort of like how one should never do grocery shopping on an empty stomach or during a red alert PMS situation?  Same rules apply for holiday parties.  And this includes sit down dinners!

This is how I approach holiday parties and parties in general:

I never show up at the party hungry.  Ever.  Showing up hungry to a party makes for a bad situation.  Either I’ll end up eating a bunch of stuff I don’t want or like just to make the hunger go away.  Or I’ll spend the entire evening trying to cover up a rumbling stomach because there’s not much available that I would like to eat.  Neither situation is fun and neither situation leaves me feeling happy and content.

I eat before I go to the party and I make sure that during the day of the party, I get in plenty of servings of fruits and veggies just on the off chance there is no fresh fruit or veggies available at the party.  I do not consider Auntie Em’s homemade apple pie to be a fresh fruit choice even if those apples came from her tree out back.  By fresh fruit and veggies,  I mean something like a crudités plate or a baked/roast veggie dish that doesn’t contain a lot of butter and cheese from a can.

Because I eat before the party and because I’ve gotten in my servings of veggies and fruit for the day, this allows me to enjoy the party no matter what kind of food is served.  I can focus on the evening and the company instead of having debates with myself about what to eat and how to quickly quiet an empty stomach.

Not arriving to the party hungry gives me a chance to snack at my leisure and enjoy foods.  I can take small bites of things or I can hover around the cheese plate enjoying some nibbles without feeling like I’m sacrificing anything.  Or if there isn’t anything at the party I care to eat, then I don’t feel forced to eat something just because I’m hungry and have to eat something.

When I go to parties I have no expectations.  I do not expect or assume it’s the host’s job to feed me.  I’m a responsible adult, I can feed myself.  When I go to a party, I just want to have fun.  If there’s food there that I can nibble on, that’s just a bonus!

This holiday season, look at holiday parties with a different perspective and try a new approach.  You just might realize that they don’t have to be stressful at all.

Happy Holidays from OHC!

One of the situations that pops up around the holidays when we’re navigating parties and functions that involve food, is encountering items we don’t want to eat.  I’m not talking about coming across a food item that you’re allergic to and therefore can’t eat.  I’m talking about food items we don’t like or have no desire to eat.

Auntie Andie is here to tell you that if you don’t want to eat it, don’t eat it.  Period. Full stop.  Sometimes we worry about how the person who made the dish is going to react and are they going to be offended if we don’t eat something.

I’ve been defending my eating habits my entire life.  No, seriously.  There are lots of things I don’t eat, but one thing that seems to baffle people the most is my dislike of sweets.  For instance, I don’t eat cake.  If you want me to be completely honest, I hate cake.  I think it’s gross.  It’s dry and then to cover up that dryness, an overly sugary thick layer of icing is put on top and sometimes in the middle for layer cakes.  I may have just gagged a little bit even typing that out.  My entire life I have never liked cake.  I will eat a cupcake because they tend to be a little bit more moist and it’s easier for me to scrape off the icing.  Growing up my mom made me cupcakes for my birthday.  At other kids’ parties, I just ate some ice cream.  The day the ice cream cake was invented and became common at Dairy Queen there was much rejoicing on my end.  A cake that is all ice cream?  I am totally all over that!  But my point, try explaining to someone you don’t like cake.

Exactly.

Most people don’t believe me.

To take it a step further, I also don’t like pie. Cooked fruit is something I’m very picky about and only like in certain situations.  Cooked fruit in pie that is sitting in some sort of very sugary and gelatinous substance? I will pass on that, thank you.  Again, I find that gross.

Cookies, pastries, and other sweets I will pass up as well.  Unless I know where they came from, how they were made, and how much sugar is in them, I won’t eat it.  Maybe that’s snobby?  But I know what I like and most sweets do not fit the bill.  Therefore I don’t eat them.

Most times people really push the sweets and when I don’t take it, I get questioned.  When trying to explain that sweets aren’t really my thing, I usually get dismissed.  Oh people are polite but you can tell that they think perhaps I’m trying to “stick to my diet” or “showing great moderation”.  Sorry peeps, I for real have no desire for sweets.

I have loads of other examples but this is already a bit lengthy.   What I have learned over my several years of having to explain myself, is that the people who get offended, it’s all on them.  That’s a feeling that they own and it’s their problem, not mine.  And this is what I’m passing on to you.

If you don’t want to eat something this holiday season, DON’T EAT IT.  Be true to yourself and what you like, those that matter won’t care.  Those who get upset, remember that is their issue, not yours.

Have a happy holiday season this year and don’t stress the parties.   If you need to chat, I’ll be the one standing by the cheese plate while everyone else is over at the cake.

Due to still being stuck in bed, I did not get a chance to post this week’s Tuesday Tip!  So here it is in all its glory a day late.

When I first started making Thanksgiving dinner for Scott and I, I had the silly notion that everything must be made that day.

It would be fresher tasting!

That’s what everyone else does!

Isn’t that how Thanksgiving is done?!

Eventually I came to my senses and realized that most of the side dishes could be prepped the day before.  Saving me lots of time in the kitchen the day of and also my sanity.  We discussed last year how veggies can be chopped ahead of time.  Now let’s talk side dishes.

Green bean casserole, whether retro Campbell’s Soup style or all out homemade style, can be made the day before.  Then all you have to do is store it in the dish you will bake it in, covered of course.  When it comes time to heat it up, remove from the fridge a few minutes before so you are not putting a very cold dish into a very hot oven.  When the dish isn’t quite so cold, heat it and serve.

The same goes with sweet potato casserole.

I have not tried making stuffing ahead of schedule, only because I usually have time for that the day of, however I don’t see why it couldn’t be prepped early.  Try it!

Pumpkin pies?  Totally can be made before hand.

Breads, rolls, and other assorted pastries?  Can be made the day before or even earlier!

Take a look at your Thanksgiving meal list, I bet there’s things on there that you can make ahead that will save you time in the kitchen so that you will have more time for family and friends.  Give it a shot!

It’s the second installment of this year’s Thanksgiving Tuesday Tips!  This is one of my favorite tips (do I say this for all my tips? I hope not but I love all my little gems) that I discovered watching the Food Network a few years back.  It was during one of Tyler’s shows which proves that I can find something interesting even on the shows I don’t like.  Just between you and me, I think Tyler comes across as stuck up and pretentious, but don’t tell him I told you.

For those that like to make mashed potatoes with tons ‘O flavah, you can add in some extra punch by also seasoning up the cream that you use.  In the case of vegans/vegetarians, you can do the same with soymilk (or nondairy liquid of your choosing).  When making mashed potatoes I like having the milk at room temperature, but if I am making them extra special, I will slowly heat the milk up in a pan on the stove with some flavorings.

The most common thing I use is garlic cloves, about 3 of them because I like things extra garlicky.  Blame my Polish side on that quirk.  I will peel and then cut the garlic cloves in half and toss them in the milk.  I heat the milk very gently and keep it warm.  This is not something you want to boil or simmer, just a very gentle heat is all that is needed.  I heat it for about 5 minutes then I turn the heat off and let it hang out until I need it for the potatoes.  I remove the garlic (although you can totally keep it and mix it in) before adding it to the potatoes.  By this point the milk is nice and garlicky, giving the potatoes an extra boost of flavor.

Want spicy?  Add in some peppers!  Just wash, cut in half and toss in.

You can also do this with fresh herbs as well, rosemary being an extremely popular choice.  Same directions, let steep and then remove them before adding the milk to the potatoes.   There’s no reason why one couldn’t use tarragon or some other herb that strikes your fancy at the time.  If you use herbs, don’t forget to reserve some for garnishing the dish later.

In the event you don’t use a creamy base (no milk or soymilk for you) but you use a broth base, either animal based or a veggie broth, this technique still applies.  A broth can also have its flavor bumped up no problem.

Try something new this year with your mashed potatoes and give them some extra flavor!

It’s fall time and if you are anything like me, you’ll use basically any excuse you can find to add pumpkin to something.  Last fall I discovered that my love for pumpkin runs deep.  Pumpkin can be made sweet or it can be made savory.  It really is pretty much a blank canvas waiting for you to decide which direction it’s going to take.

I am constantly experimenting with pumpkin and finding new ways that I can use it in dishes.  I have learned that pumpkin can be pretty much added to anything to change the taste or texture.  Most recipes, even ones where you are baking something, are very forgiving and have plenty of room to play around and experiment.

I have also learned that pumpkin puree is very thick and will cause whatever you are adding it to, to thicken up as a result.

This means that you might have to add a bit more liquid to the mixture to get the consistency you are looking for.  For example, when I make oats in the morning, I normally use 3/4C of soymilk, but when I add pumpkin to create pumpkin oats, I have to bump the liquid up to 1C or just a touch more.

I have to do the same thing when making pumpkin pancakes or waffles.  Just yesterday I experimented with some pumpkin cornbread, and needed just a touch more liquid to that as well.

For those just starting the pumpkin journey and experimenting with it more, keep this in mind and don’t freak out if something ends up being too thick.  You can easily thin it out slowly by adding a little more of whatever liquid you are using in the recipe.  If I’m making like a sauce (think, pumpkin penne) I’ll slowly add the liquid in a 1/4C at a time.  If I’m baking something (muffins, pancakes), I will add in the liquid 1TBSP at a time.

Just remember to add it in slowly in small amounts until you acheive the desired consistency you’re looking for, then make a note in the recipe how much liquid you ended up using so you will have it available for next time!

Hi gang!  I hope you aren’t sick of seeing my shoes on display.  It makes for a nice picture when I’m talking about outdoor activities.

If you are a frequent flier here at OHC then you know that I run.  A lot.  And I walk my dog, all around my neighborhood.  I’m usually out in the morning running my little hiney off as people are heading off to work or just getting up to start their day.

The thing about routines is that you tend to see other people doing their routines as well.  When you do it often, seeing your neighbor walk his mail out and passing that lady who power walks with her dog becomes familiar.  Almost expected.

Then you get to a point where perhaps you acknowledge each other with a wave or “Good Morning!”  I am here to tell you that this is an excellent step in the right direction.

My tip to you is to take that even farther and introduce yourself to those that you see every time you are out doing your routine.  Why?

Self-protection.

If you know anything about me, you will know that self-defense is a huge part of my life.  I live it, breathe it, and believe in it.  But self-defense isn’t only knowing how to throw out a judo chop or a nice kick to the shin.

It’s about being aware of your surroundings as well.  When you speak to someone or acknowledge them, you are making a connection.  No it’s not a deep or meaningful friendship for life kind of thing.  It’s just a, basic “Oh hey, yeah that’s Jan and she walks her dog right about now.  Hey girl!”

Acknowledging people helps you become more aware of your surroundings and who’s out doing what.  And this goes for everywhere you frequent.  Maybe you don’t run/walk around your neighborhood but on a trail.  No matter, you are going to start seeing familiar faces.  Take a second and introduce yourself.

For example:

“Hi!  We see each other everyday, so I thought I would just introduce myself.  I’m Andrea.”

To provide another perspective, the more you talk and acknowledge others while you are out doing your thing, the less appealing you are as a target.

A “target” is someone who is viewed as being an easy mark.  Example:  someone walking down the street chatting on their phone and the next thing they know they are being mugged.  Talking on the phone is a distraction that makes them an easy target because they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings.

People who are frequently interacting with others around them are a less desirable target. Why?  Because they know people and people know them.  You become too much of a risk because either there is the chance that someone you know will walk up on you or someone will be missing you if you don’t run/walk/whatever by them by a certain time.

The truth of the matter is, in this day and age we really can’t be too careful.  Take an extra minute during your routines to introduce yourself and make a connection with someone.  You will not only be protecting yourself, but also extending that to the people around you.