Santa came early....

And he was wearing a brown UPS suit. Apparently I've been a VERY good girl this year!

A few weeks back, I was contacted by the awesome people at backbone media, asking if I would be interested in testing out some winter running gear. I said I would love to. Of course never in my wildest dreams would I think that showing up on my doorstep would be the very things I've been coveting since I tried them on in VA Beach a few months ago....

NEWTONS!

I will have a whole different post later this week (because I need to do some more research myself first!) dedicated to explaining the exact science behind how these work. Basically, they promote midfoot/forefoot strike with these neat little "lugs" built into the sole. But like I said, more on that this week. (if you want to read more now, visit www.newtonrunning.com) For now, I'm just as giddy as a school girl in 1990 at a New Kids on the Block concert! WOOHOO!

Oh, and for anyone who played soccer with me in High School...check out those shoelaces! How fitting! (I always had neon green laces in my cleats, for those who missed out on those formidable years of my life)

Anyway. This 150 miles in December (and a few days in November) challenge has proven to be the motivation I need to get these weekly miles done. Today was a long day at school. Stats, history, 3 hours of work in the lab, and an ex phys lab final exam. Not to mention it was monsooning outside (I swear). I got completely drenched on a trek from the library to class, despite my pullover AND umbrella, and stayed drenched for the next 6 hours. I was cold and cranky. But when I arrived home, Rich told me they called him out of work (that lovely slow season here in a tourist town). Really the last thing I wanted to do was go back out in the the rainy cold, but I knew I can't fall too far behind on my own challenge.

So I laced up (not the newtons ...yet) and headed out. So, sometime in the last HOUR it had gone from rainy and cold to overcast, 81 degrees and 83% humidity...at 4:30 pm. HELLO December! This is not how I remember you!

The run...well I was dragging. Probably because I didn't eat enough throughout the day, and inhaled too many chemicals disinfecting the ergometers and treadmills at work. Haha, ok I'd guess it was really just the lack of calories. I wanted to quit and turn around, But I kept pushing forward thinking "must. not. fall. behind! 150 mile challenge!" It was only 3.6 miles, but it was better than nothing.

Maybe I should to this every month. Not even a looming marathon ever got me this motivated. Challenging a bunch of people that I've never met in real life (except for Christine who is thoroughly kicking mine and everyone else's booty)? I can't lace up fast enough!

OK truth is, I'm just feeling much stronger lately. These consistant 3-5 milers have felt great. And...I wasn't going to mention it because I think most of you will laugh, but I quit soda again (YES again.) It's been 7 days. And when the soda goes, the junk food disappears too. Soda is my gateway drug. Without it, I don't' crave nor eat the other stuff. Clean eating = feeling good! (hoping not to be the boy girl who cried wolf...again)

Finals next week. On top of that, I'm working on a super, amazing project involving fundraising for the Ulman Cancer Fund...and YOU guys. My blog readers. You aren't going to want to miss this one!! Alas, that's all I can reveal at the moment, but trust me. Stick around for the new year!

Happy Wednesday everyone! Run Strong!