How To Keep Warm Running In Cold Weather

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Coco

Today’s Tuesdays on the Run topic is coming just in time–it was in the low 40s for my last few runs! Last year’s polar vortex taught me a lot about how to keep warm running in cold weather, but I wouldn’t mind a few more weeks of fall weather before winter settles in. 

running in cold weather
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In some ways I am a fair weather runner–I won’t run if the wind is whipping or it’s pouring down rain–but I don’t mind bundling up to go out in the cold. The D.C. area weather can change dramatically from day to day–it’s not unusual to have 20 degree temperature swings–so every morning I have to check the weather to see what I need to wear for my run. Continue reading →

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Sunrise Running In Chicago

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Coco

Two weekends ago I was in Chicago for our annual firm retreat. While it was great to see my colleagues from other offices, learn about the unique psychological traits of lawyers (seriously!), and brainstorm about different ways we could increase our collaboration across practices, the highlight for me was running in Chicago along the lakefront. 

ChicagoSkyline
On the first morning, we met at 5:30 to squeeze in 8 miles, showers and coffee before the 8:00 am opening sessions. We were staying at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers which is only a few blocks from the Navy Pier, so we ran down E. Illinois Street to the Navy Pier and headed north.  

I’ve stayed at that hotel many times, and run along the lakefront many times, but I’ve always headed south, towards the planetarium, so running north was a bit of an adventure. One of the women with us only wanted to run 6 miles, so we turned around at the south end North Avenue Beach, ran her back to the hotel (since it was still dark) and did a lap around the Navy Pier to hit our 8 mile goal.

Chicago - North Avenue Beach

The second morning was the “fun run relay,” an optional activity complete with t-shirts, prizes, and donuts from Glazed and Infused. Each relay leg was only 2 miles, so I decided to check out the course and do a 2 mile warm-up.

Every time I’ve stayed at this hotel and run along the lake, I’ve gone out the front door of the hotel and taken E. Illinois Street to the Navy Pier, going through a few intersections and crossing under North Lakeshore Drive. I had a d’oh! moment when I learned that I could go around to the back of the hotel, cross over the Chicago River, and pick up the Chicago Riverwalk which would take me to the lakefront with no traffic to dodge! 

Chicago Running PathAnd it even was well-lit!

The sunrise over Lake Michigan never disappoints! 

Chicago Harbour

 

Chicago Harbour

As for the “fun run,” I learned that “fun” has a different meaning when a bunch of lawyers is involved. šŸ˜‰ I was the last runner of my team, and saw that others were pushing hard and running fast. (The psychologist did say that we generally are a competitive bunch.) I put in a good effort, and ran my leg at an 8:00 min/mile pace. I did have fun, and I did enjoy the donuts!

[Tweet “Sunrise Running in Chicago”]

Do you have a favorite city you like to visit?

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November Virtual Coffee Date

Posted on November 1, 2014 by Coco

Thanks for stopping by for our monthly virtual coffee date! There has been so much going on lately, I am glad for this chance to slow down an catch up. 

Virtual Coffee Date

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that I am getting ready for what I think (hope?) will be my last business trip of the year, and it’s a doozy! I’ll be gone for a full week, attending a conference in Phoenix, a conference in Dallas, and a meeting in New York City. I’m already dreading packing for all the business meetings and networking events! 

Will you be travelling anywhere before the end of the year?

If we were having coffee, I would tell you that life has been stressful lately. Work always has its ups and downs, but my son has been having health issues and my daughter has been having heartache issues, and I can’t “fix” things for either of them.

How is your family doing?

If we were having coffee, I would remind you that my birthday is in November. šŸ˜€ As usual, I am having a hard time thinking of anything fun I want for a birthday present, but I am eyeing the Garmin VivoSmart personal activity tracker. (Do you need my address, Garmin?) 

Are there any cool fitness gadgets you think I should check out? 

If we were having coffee, I would remind you that we change our clocks back an hour tonight. I’ll be glad for the extra light in the morning, but it will be so depressing getting home after dark this week! 

Do you like it when we “fall back”?

[Tweet “Catching Up Over Our Virtual Coffee Date”]

Thanks again for stopping by!

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Five Things To Love About Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Coco

It’s no surprise that theme for today’s Friday Five link up hosted by Eat Pray Run DC, Mar on the Run and You Signed Up for What?! is all about Halloween. When I was a kid, I loved Halloween because I loved Halloween candy, but these days there are other things that make Halloween a favorite holiday.

Love Halloween

[Tweet “Five Things To Love About #Halloween”] Continue reading →

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Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe With Apples

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Coco

This time of year it’s all about pumpkin and pumpkin spice. This baked pumpkin oatmeal recipe includes both of those and another fall favorite–apples! The ingredients are nutritious and the flavors are delicious, so make sure you try it soon.

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
I usually make a baked oatmeal based onĀ this Baked Apple Cinnamon OatmealĀ recipe from Madeline at Food, Fitness & Family, but I was craving pumpkin so I hunted around the internet for a recipe that uses pumpkin. I found this recipe for Pumpkin Baked OatmealĀ from Amanda at The Wholesome Dish, and decided to use that as the starting point for my own recipe.

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal With Apples

With oatmeal, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spices and apple, this baked oatmeal makes a great breakfast or snack on a brisk autumn day.

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
2 eggs large
2 tsp vanilla
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp mace
1/2 tsp salt
1 apple (diced)

Instructions

Preheat over to 325F.
Prepare 9 X 11 glass baking dish with cooking spray.
Combine wet ingredients in medium bowl, and blend well with a rubber spatula.
Combine dry ingredients except apple in large bowl and mix to distribute ingredients evenly.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until evenly blended.
Add apple and stir until evenly distributed.
Spoon into baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until oatmeal is set and top is lightly browned.

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

It smelled so good, I enjoyed it as a snack straight out of the oven!

Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
To have it for breakfast the rest of the week. I warmed it in the microwave and topped it with a dollop of plain, vanilla, coconut or pumpkin ChobaniĀ®. Yum!

Do you have a favorite pumpkin recipe?

Have you carved a pumpkin yet?

Posted in Food | Tagged , , | 6 Comments