I will miss you muggles but will be sure to report on the bunny slopes when I return. I’ve been trying to do a few ski-centric workouts, we’ll see how I handle. I keep playing Dumb & Dumber in my head…Asssspen!

I’ve been naked…Well my ears have.

Back in December I was tired of running to the same music and when I was home in Atlanta for Christmas I ran with my mom and ended up talking or running without my music out of convenience. Fast forward to today.

Running sans earbuds has been amazing. At first I missed having Kayne or Foster the People sing me up a hill, but then I realized how clear my thoughts had become and how focused I was on running well. Now I bolt out the door without panicking that I forgot my iPod.

During my workouts I don’t fumble to skip through a song and I’m more in-tune with myself. Are you getting enough of these puns?

You should give running with yourself a try. With spring around the corner there will be plenty of birds and bees buzzing to keep you entertained.

You with me or are you a more of a “please don’t stop the music” kind of workout enthusiast?

You’ve got what it takes to step out of your comfort zone and go for it. Experiment with a new routine or maybe try that food you’ve been thinking about. You have the confidence to do more than you think you’re capable of.

You don’t have to love it, and if you hate it you don’t have to worry about doing it again.

This week, set your sights and try.

What do you wish you had more time for today?

1. I’M LISTENING TO: Tracy Chapman, Fast Car. Yep, we hopped in the way back machine for this radio gem. This song reminds me of a certain fave person and every time I hear it I want to start jumping. It’s a great running song as well, I promise!

2. I’M READING: The truth? Sermon notes from a church back home. I won’t get all preachy on you, but I believe everyone should keep their foundation strong.

3. I’M LUSTING AFTER: TOMS Ballet Flats. Be still my heart. Does it get any more comfortable? Does cupid deliver?

4. I’M WISHING: That everyone would calm down about Paula Deen’s diabetes announcement and learn the facts. Educate yourself before your wreck yourself.

5. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER: Mini Cadbury Creme Eggs. Plus side, you don’t feel as guilty eating a few smaller eggs. Down side, you end up eating too mini many and you might as well should have gone for the whole egg.

What’s one of your favorite old school songs?

A) Be multifunctional. Sufficient for simply running errands and strong enough to hold up on a hike.
B) Be lightweight. No bulky jackets that are annoying to schlep around.
C) Be form fitting. I don’t want to look like the kid from “A Christmas Story.”

I’m not picky, wink wink.

I settled on the Patagonia Nano Puff® Jacket. It feels like a sleeping bag and weighs as much as a feather.

From Patagonia: Windproof and water-resistant, the full-zip Nano Puff® Jacket is made with warm, incredibly lightweight, highly compressible PrimaLoft® One insulation. Ideal as an insulating layer or outerwear in cold climates.

Wind AND water-resistant are a huge plus. I can put on a t-shirt under the jacket and be fine in 40+ degrees. Your body heats up quite nicely under the insulation. When I’m hiking and it’s a bit cooler, I throw on a simple base layer and I’m set. The jacket also folds up into itself, which is ideal for taking it with you wherever you go.

In truth, the hus actually found this jacket and went on and on about how warm and light it was, so naturally Santa got the hint. Yes, we have matching jackets. But they are different colors:)

What jacket do you bundle up in? Are you a fan of a hoody on a jackets or do you go sans hood?

“The 10 Biggest Fitness Myths” had me raising an eyebrow after just myth number 3.

Myth #1: Stretching prevents injuries and improves performance.
I’ve heard this before and I don’t do any major pre workout stretching. In ­experiments, static stretching temporarily decreased strength in the stretched muscle by as much as 30 percent, an effect that can last up to half an hour.

Myth #2: Running barefoot is better for the body.
I don’t hate barefoot runners, but I certainly am not a fan. Was that PC enough? You all have heard my rant before. Unless you were raised in the bush, you grew up wearing shoes, and as repeated biomechanical studies show, our bodies cling stubbornly to what they know

Myth #3: You need to focus on your core to become a better athlete.
I stopped in my tracks at this myth. I thought your core was the key? Core strength is important, but most people get what they need simply by practicing their sport. Common routines like squats, deadlifts, and kettlebell drills add plenty of core strength.

The article goes on to talk about ibuprofen, hydration, and other fun facts. It’s definitely worth a read.

Do you have a personal fitness myth that maybe you have debunked to share?

Write someone a postcard, send an email, make a phone call or give a shout out to a stranger that’s running by you today. Be a natural day brightener to someone today and let others be your inspiration.

Candice made my day last week with this little nugget of niceness, so here’s to making someone’s today.

Who are you giving a shout-out to today?

1. I’M LISTENING TO: Gotye. “Somebody That You Use To Know” has been on repeat in my head all frackin week. Warning, you’ll want to start screaming singing along to this track.

2. I’M READING: Bits from Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything. My hus picked it up so I am browsing whenever he doesn’t have his head in it. The book applies economic theory to diverse subjects not usually covered by “traditional” economist. Pop culture meets economy, now you have my attention. I’m learning all sorts of stuff about the sales of car seats, finances of a drug dealer, etc.

3. I’M LUSTING AFTER: All the new Lululemon gear for birds and dudes. The looks are fresh and we know Lululemon might be the most comfortable fitting gear on the market.

4. I’M WISHING: That my hair would get the memo and grow a little longer already. I have dreams of big buns and messy ponytails.

5. I’M (already) DROOLING OVER: All the deliciously adorbs Valentine recipes. I have a sudden desire to cook for a classroom of children or make pancakes for my man.

What’s something your drooling over?

Let’s take a moment for the little things:
Starbucks Coffee - um yes, I absofreakinglutely cannot get enough.

Fuzzy slippers – I like throwing these bad boys on and wearing comfy capris or shorts around the house. Winter meets spring.

Planet Dog - they make THE best dog toys. They are indestructible, and good thing because Dr Jones has a degree in plastic, squishy ball and plush toy destruction.

Yankz - I don’t think I’ve tied my shoes in a year. Hip hip!

Peanut butter – I think I’ve eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost every day since I was 4. I even carried a whole pound of peanut butter cookie mix home with me from Christmas.

What little thing is rocking your day?

Most people experience SAD during the fall and winter months when days are shorter and there is less light. via WebMD

How can you beat these winter blues? Here are a few tips to brighten your day:
- Let there be light. Assuming you can’t afford light therapy, the next best thing is to get out as often as possible. Many of you are leaving when the sun comes up and coming home when it’s already down again. Try to find rooms with windows or take a quick trip around the block every couple of hours. Fresh air and sunlight will do wonders for your health and esteem.
- Move it. Regular exercise has been found to reduce symptoms of moderate, nonseasonal depression. Yes, another reason to move that body of yours.
- Taste the rainbow. Be sure you are eating foods high in vitamins B6, B12 and D. Boost that low level of serotonin. You can also find these vitamins in fish, meat, chicken, cheese, milk, eggs and fortified cereals.

How do you brighten your mood?