Dear winter, I’m not really ready for you yet. I love your sparkly flurries, your rush of cool air, and yes, I even love your fierce and bold personality. But…I’m just not ready for you yet.
It was only about 10 months ago, when I was out running 11 miles in the middle of a blizzard. My face felt numb. My feet felt like…well…they actually felt like nothing at the time. And I had a smile plastered on my face, as if I had just been botoxed. And, I truly loved every second of the experience.
Now, fast forward 10 months to the present: December 8, 2010.
The moment I stepped my sleepy self outside and onto the front porch, I wanted to run back and hide under my warm, dreamy blankets. Into my dark, cozy room. For just a few more moments. *Sigh.*
It was 16 degrees out this morning with a blustery wind that immediately burned my cheeks. But I wasn’t out running 11 miles. There was no snow on the ground. I could feel my feet. Life wasn’t really that bad after all.
And so I kept on trudging. One foot in front of the other until I began feeling warm again. This happened on the last stretch home as I covered a nice gentle 3 mile run. Sometimes getting out of bed and facing the cold is a major challenge for me, but it’s always so well worth it in the end. 😀
Overnight Oatmeal
If you plan on working out in the morning, it’s important to not give yourself any available excuse for getting out of it. Especially in the winter, when we need all the motivation that we can possibly get. 😉
This preparation method saves you the trouble (and time) of putting things together in the morning. A quick pop in the microwave, and your breakfast is ready. And finally, after fueling yourself with a warm bowl of hot oats, head out and get your workout in. You’ll be glad you did. 😀
- 1/2 c. uncooked oatmeal
- 1 banana, sliced
- cinnamon and nutmeg
- 1 T. flax
- 1 c. milk + 1/4 c. water
- toppings: about 2 T. peanut butter
- Combine all of the ingredients together except for the peanut butter. Place in a high topped (to avoid boiling over) microwaveable dish and put in fridge overnight.
- The next morning, place dish in microwave for 2-3 minutes. Stir. Heat another 1-2 minutes and top with peanut butter.
- ENJOY! 😀
Question: Are you ready for winter this year? What are some of your favorite activities in the winter months?
Running To Slow Things Down 
I am NOT ready for winter either! It was 21 this morning when I woke up and I wanted to cry 😦
I love the holiday season, but am definitely not ready for winter. Too bad they always insist on happening together! The oatmeal looks great!
Looks like a great pre-run breakfast.
I am definitely not brave enough to run outside in the winter months – good for you for getting out there! I HAVE been treadmillin’ it up, though.
Favourite winter activity would have to be downhill skiing, but I also enjoy skating, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing 🙂 And taking hikes in the woods, of course!
yea, it was -7 degrees Celcius, so i dont think ill ever be ready for that! good for you for getting out there in the cold! my fave winter activites? xmas shopping and pre xmas sales shopping of course! 🙂
It feels like winter snuck up on us this year. I don’t feel ready at all. It is sort-of exciting though…like a surprise! I just wish the surprise came with free winter clotehs! Lol.
I can’t believe that you run in this weather! When it dips below 5 degree F, it’s just not fun for me anymore. I’ve been sticking to cardio and strength training indoors. When it gets too hot I open up the windows.. which is just enough chilly wind for me 🙂
The oats do look dreamy though. I would have never guess that they were heated in the microwave!
I love this idea! I don’t really have a lot of time in the morning to make breakfast and usually take a banana to go. This seems really easy and looks great.
Cute, creative post. 🙂 I’m SO not ready for winter! I can’t believe you’re running in this! Nate and I are complaining that we’ll have to walk from the parking lot to the gym and about how cold that will be. Ha ha. Yes, we’re cold wimps. I’ll admit it. 🙂
I’m SO NOT ready for winter! But I guess it’s too late since we already have snow in CLE….. 🙂
Those oats look great – so creamy!
I love that it feels like Christmas…but I do not like this cold whatsoever.
And I love warm oatmeal on a cold morning – I need to try overnight oats – the warm way.
Wow, I give you so much credit! I ran in the mid-30s today and was freezing!
I got to go out for a walk this afternoon as it warmed up to 40 degrees and there was no wind. 😉 I’ve been sticking to workouts and exercise indoors at the gym though. I got a new dance DVD by Julianne Hough I really like to do. Or just dancing around my apartment. Fun!
I AM NEVER READY FOR WINTER! hahaha. hot oats make it better tho 🙂
The past two years we’ve gotten big snow storms the first week of October but this year it waited till the middle of Novemeber. To finally have a real fall felt good so you wont hear me complain that winter is in full force now. Maybe in May when it’s still cold and snowy, then I’ll have somethin’ to say 😉
You might want to check this out 😉
http://thekitchenofarunner.com/2010/12/tropical-traditions-giveaway-winner-2/
i’ve finally decided that after post after post of them, i simply cannot not make your rosemary scones. they look sooooooo good. and since i am making soup this weekend, i have a feeling they are going to make the perfect accompaniment.
your blog is so warm, homey and inviting.
i loved catching up on all your posts 🙂
I’m in love with Winter 🙂 Me and Summer…we are not friends!
Delicious oats!!! PB on oats is pretty mandatory in my book!
Jen