A run around the pond

Yesterday I was in Asheville for a job interview and to see a friend, so I wasn't able to get a workout in. PLUS it was 19 degrees with a 15 mph breeze all day-- HOLY *&#@ IT WAS SO COLD. I had imagined frolicking around down town in the Christmas-y winter wonderland (and I did), but outdoor frolicking was kept to a minimum. What I enjoyed most was exploring the aisles of Malaprop's (famous) bookstore with a delicious, warming mug of rainforest yerba maté. Also, I got an amazing cup of dal and a papadum plate from Chai Panis and read. Papadum's my favorite...I should learn to make it.

Today, to celebrate the fact that its still "warm" enough to run around outside down in the low country of North Carolina, I went for a 4 mile run in my lovely running tights and beanie with snowflakes on it. It was about 35 degrees out but the air was still and the late-afternoon light filtering through the tree branches and down on to the straw-colored fields was gorgeous. I ran around the cross country course, stopping every mile to do 15 to-the-ground push ups. The pond was frozen and motionless. I found a heavy stick and tossed it out onto the surface hoping to disrupt the calmness of the icy surface; Alas, the ice was too thick.

When I got near home I found a handrail to do pull ups on and did some sprints near the apartment complex too. I was quite warm throughout most of the run, but I won't lie, the post-run hot shower felt heavenly.