The hardest thing about winter running is figuring out layers. Because, I've found when I'm layered right, when I'm not running I'm fairly cold. Not freezing, but uncomfortably cold. Once I start running though, I'm fine. So if I'm comfy to start with, I'm way over-layered.

Getting myself to accept this when it's pitch black out and 20F, though... is another story. I end up over-layered much of the time simply because I can't for the life of me make myself suffer that early in the morning! I'm weak-willed I guess.

And here's something for any other newish runners out there. I figured out why everyone talks about the 10% rule. They're right. I decided it would be ok to increase my mileage from 10-12/week to.. oh, 24 last week. I don't know why I thought it was a good idea. It seemed ok at the time. Now my inner hip is nagging me and I had to ice it last night after climbing. My left shin is aching and I've got a race on Sunday. I feel like I'm falling apart.

And the sad thing is, i did it to myself. Here's to hoping if I rest it the rest of the week that the aches and pains will subside in time for the race!

K.