There is always the general rule of thumb that if you are a bit cool at the start of your outdoor activity that you’ll be OK as your body temp will rise as you move. Throw in the fact that I’m always more cold on my arms than on my legs, and I am seriously confused.

Everyone’s bodies are different. To help us sort out the changing temps, I have a lovely “How To Dress For The Weather” cheat sheet for you to use as a guide:

Runner’s World has a handy tool on their site as well: What should I wear? – Find the right running clothes to wear for the current weather condition

Now if it could only match my outfits for me…

What are your tricks for mastering the temps?

Many of you might be preparing for Lent and have plans to give up certain types of luxuries or food. Even those that are not “religious” often take part. If you are going to be giving something up, may I offer some advice…

At the beginning of the month I gave myself a 29 Day Challenge to cut carbs, nix sugar, and get a jump on my morning workouts. I happily report that the carbs and morning workouts were not an issue, but the sugar certainly was. I’m OK with admitting I fell completely off the wagon. The wagon rolled right over me. Forgoing sweets sent my body into shock. I ended up going through an entire Cadbury candy bag quicker than you can say, “Woah, there Easter bunny!” I decided after my chocolate shame to go for more of an “in moderation” route, treating myself on the weekends, and this seems to be working out.

When giving up one thing you might replace it immediately with something else – be wise about the choices you make. Moderation is key in keeping Lent in perspective.

On what I might give up for Lent – give me back my chocolate – I could take a break from some of my social media habits. There’s something to rejoice about.

Are you going to partake in Lent? If so, what are you considering giving up?

There’s now a company that is making this possible. Earlier this year the adventure/travel-bargain website zozi.com expanded it’s portfolio with help from some pros. This San Francisco-based co. recently launched the zozi Guru Experiences Program, where professional athletes and personalities conduct unique adventures for small groups.

Running not your thing? Maybe hitting the slopes with Johnny Moseley is more your style.

Look forward to exclusive experiences with zozi Gurus that will take you backcountry cat skiing through the Sierra Nevadas mountains with Jonny Moseley, going for the trail run of a lifetime with ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes, embarking on an overnight safari with wildlife expert Mireya Mayor, and more.

“Adventure isn’t limited to just ripping down moguls, riding big waves, or scaling the world’s highest summits,” Moseley said in a press release. “It’s an attitude everyone can have – a mindset that begins with that first step into something unknown.”

Too bad the giving season has come and gone. The packages can run from $1,000 – $10K+ depending on your guru. Regardless of the sticker price it is great to have a company helping people live out their dream. The experience might only last a few hours, but what you are walking away with is a life lesson and a new respect for your passion.

Singing lessons from Justin Timberlake? Yoga with Jennifer Anniston? Who would be your celeb dream guru?

11 Things Blogging Game.
The Rules:
#1 You must post these rules.
#2 Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
#3 Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
Let’s do this!

11 Things About Moi
1. I listen to Christmas music when I’m stressed out. The sleigh bells and Bing sure know how to calm my nerves.
2. My bro worked at Disney so I’ve been going for frizzle since I was in high school. And I’m mildly obsessed with all theme parks, including Universal and Sea World. Ah, Harry Potter world!
3. I worked with celebrities for many years. Fortunately/unfortunately I’ve met the majority of them. I don’t name drop, but will if you ask nicely, mwhaha.
4. I love all sports. Seriously. Baseball, football, soccer, golf, racing, hockey…and basketball around March Madness.
5. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is among the top of my all-time favorite flicks.
6. I can whistle insanely loud (two fingers), it’s my party trick.
7. I wish I was a professional photographer.
8. I set at least 5 alarms to wake me up in the morning. Paranoid I’ll oversleep and I’m a firm believer that the Snooze button likes to be slapped around a little.
9. The three things in life I’ll splurge on include jeans, purses and workout gear.
10. I was in an NSync video. Yep, the crying girl holding the poster (which I worked on all night, thank you very much).
11. Our dog Indiana Jones is deaf but we talk to him all the time. In fact, I think it’s important to talk to him, I’m certain he can read lips.

Questions from the ladies:
1. What was the first concert that you ever went to? NSync. And it was AMAZING. The event people spotted us in the top of the venue soaking wet due to the rain we were sitting through and moved us right up front!
2. Which actress would you like to star as you if you had a movie made about your life? Elizabeth Shue. Old school “Adventures in Babysitting.”
3. If you could open any type of business what would it be? Outdoor shop. It’s fun to think about taking a hike in the morning before going to work at our own shop someday.
4. When did you first feel like a runner? When I ran my first half-marathon not really understanding what I was getting into. I finished in under 2 hours and thought I could actually be good at running.
5. Night owl or early bird? People think I’m an early bird because I workout in the AM, but I still don’t talk to anyone until after 9am.
6. What is one thing that you wished you would have learned to do? Speak another language. Although – there is still time! Ciao!
7. Dog or cat person? Dog. I secretly don’t trust cat people, but I did have a cat as a child.
8. What is your favorite season and why? Fall. The season smells like apples and candles. You are gearing up for the holidays and there’s a certain romance in the air.
9. What is the longest run/race/workout you have ever done? That’d be the marathon. 26.2 miles in just over 3 ½ hours. BAM.
10. Do you prefer Facebook over Twitter or vis versa? I’m over them both about now, unfortunately. It’s a status update, not a diary.
11. What motivated you to start blogging? I’ve been blogging since I first moved from Atlanta and was living in Michigan as a way for my mom (Norak) to keep up with what I was doing. It turned into multiple blogs soon after. Too much to say I guess!

My Turn:
1. Name three things on your bucket list.
2. If you could medal at any Olympic sport what would it be?
3. Favorite superhero.
4. Who was your first kiss?
5. Milk chocolate or white chocolate?
6. Biggest pet peeve?
7. Describe your dream job.
8. First thing you’d buy after winning the lottery?
9. Favorite place to be outdoors.
10. Favorite book that was turned into a movie?
11. Favorite motivational quote?

Whew! OK, I think a lot of you have been tagged, but if not….Second City Randomness,Where’s The Beach, FitChick, Dietitian On The Run.

Feel free to answer one of the questions in the comments!

Here’s the top 10 reasons why I love running:
1. Learning to love my body and strengthening myself both mentally and physically.
2. Eating peanut butter by the spoonful to fuel for a long run.
3. The gear. I can have umpteen pairs of shoes, shorts, tights, etc. because I end up wearing my gear more than my work clothes.
4. Feeling like a true athlete and inspiration to others.
5. The pure joy and satisfaction that comes from beating your personal best during a race or running a mile faster than you have before.
6. Catching the sunrise a few miles in to a run and knowing that people are still sleeping in their warm beds.
7. Letting go of time and being able to get lost on a run and simply go until you feel like stopping.
8. Making new friends in the running community.
9. Unplugging, getting outside and away from everything.
10. Watching people’s faces when they find out I’m a runner, and a marathoner.

Chef, teacher, etc. why do you love doing what you do?

I’d like to celebrate this day of love by declaring my passion for something very close to my heart.

Dear Running,
It seems like we’ve known each other our whole lives. When we first met we had an instant chemistry, but it took me awhile to really open up to you. You know my deepest thoughts and you let me tell you anything that’s on my mind. You listen without judgment. You take away the negative noise that whirls around me and help me stay focused and driven.

You challenge me to be better on my worst days and give my all on my best days. You’ve shown me I can go farther than I think.

Our relationship has inspired others and I couldn’t be more proud of how we continue to grow more in love as time goes by.

Your love is a drug.

Here’s to many more years of being grossly in love!
Nic

How are you showing your love to someone today?

To show your workout some love, here’s to sweet, sweet music.

Valentine’s Workout Playlist — DJ Cupid’s Remix:
- A-Ha: Take On Me. Who doesn’t love an 80s love song?

- Chris Brown: Forever. Just thinking about the wedding video that went viral from this song makes me cry.

- Enrique Iglesias – Tonight (I’m Loving You). Can’t be all chocolates and roses, right?

- Hall & Oats: You Make My Dreams Come True. 500 Days of Summer, Hans Solo…all I’m saying.

- David Guetta ft. Usher: Without You. This will get your heart pumping.

What’s your favorite anti-love song that tells Cupid to stuff it? Kayne West’s “Heartless” is a good hit.

1. I’M WATCHING: Senna. It’s a remarkable documentary about a Brazilian Formula One driver. The film is produced in a truly unique way, and the film will put you through every emotion from happiness to anger. You don’t have to be a racing fan to appreciate the story of a true competitor.

2. I’M READING: I’ve been browsing news and sports websites following the drama surrounding cycling pro Alberto Contador. Since officials stripped Contador of his 2010 Tour De France title the entire cycling world is upside down again with accusations around athlete doping. An individual is at fault, but as a whole this does not help the cycling sport gain popularity or respect. As spectators, we want to see strong competition and rivalry but only when all athletes are playing fair and on the same level. Beat me at my best.

3. I’M LUSTING AFTER: Patagonia Capilene baselayers. I cannot get enough of my Patagonia baselayer. Breathable, light and soft. These are perfect for the spring mix of temperatures where you aren’t sure how hot or cold you’re going to be.

4. I’M LISTENING TO: Maverick Sabre,’No One.‘ You have to listen to understand the sound. Groovy, funky, chill, and killer vocals.

5. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER: Well it’s not chocolate this week, but it’s close. Have you heard about the NEW Multi Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios!? Dear Dietitians, don’t ruin this for me.

What flavor Cheerios would you make?

I wish Alfred had been with me this week.

I debated sharing this rather embarrassing experience, but I think it’s worth telling my story in hopes that others pay more attention.

I’ve been a runner for some years and have experienced all sorts of courses and weather — trail runs, half-marathons in the pouring rain, marathon training in snowy conditions.

It was a cool morning, below freezing, and the roads looked slicked but I noticed nothing treacherous. I was no more than 100 ft out of my front door down the path by my house when WHAM. I landed knees-first, followed by my face and the rest of my flailing body. I slipped on a slick blind spot. My first reaction was, “What the f*$!@?” Followed by trying to regroup and act natural as an onlooker asked about my condition. Clearly, it was a nasty tumble. I might have been a contendor on America’s Funniest Home Videos.

I managed to shake it off and limp up slowly, and somehow continued to finish my run. My body was in shock. Obviously not my best run — very slow and steady. When I arrived home, I realized I more beat-up than I first thought. I removed my running tights to see the damage to my knees and thighs.

Good news – It could have been worse and I’m not badly hurt. My Nike Full-Length Running Tights held through the fall with no rips. If not for my tights I would have seriously messed up my legs.

Bad news – My ego is bruised. I’ll be the spokesperson for Neosporin this week.

What’s the moral of this story?
- Falls happen to the best of us. I told a few friends about my run-in with the pavement and many others have had similar experiences, even in perfect running conditions.
- Be careful if you run in sleeves with cuffins (those sleeve pockets that keep your hands warm). I was fortunate enough to have my Nike running gloves on and they helped me protect my hands and brace me during the fall. Had my hands been tied-up in my cuffins it would have been worse.
- Get up and keep going. Maybe not the same day, but don’t be scared. You have to shake off your nerves and get back at it again. Running timid will only end up hurting your body further.
- Stay alert. Almost goes without saying, but pay attention to your surroundings.

And may I send a big thank you Nike. The gloves and the tights saved me.

Sound off — have you ever taken a spill?

We all have our excuses to validate missing a workout. When you do miss a session you might be surprised to discover that what trips you up is more mental strength than physical. Runner’s World “Get Over It – Too tired, stressed, or hungry to run? Here’s how to overcome these common obstacles.”

A few snippets from the article:
Adjust your running clock: during dark winter months, try getting dressed in a bright room instead of fumbling around for your clothes in the dark. “When light hits your eyes, it signals your pineal gland to stop producing melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy.”

Late-day roadblock: blood sugar dip combined with mental fatigue can leave you feeling anything but peppy. “Don’t confuse mental fatigue with physical fatigue…it’s your mind—not your body—that craves downtime. And running is the perfect antidote.”

Listen up evening runners: if you’ve recently switched to the morning because of other commitments, give the transition some time and know that you might not have your best runs at first. “Switching your workout routine may make you feel like you’re recovering from jet lag on a run. But your body will adapt to the new schedule.”

This article was written for me:) This week I’m going to stay focused on fighting the late-day roadblock. Build a bridge and get over it. You can read the full article from Runner’s World here.

How do you get over those late afternoon roadblocks?