What's my limit?

Most of you know that this past year, I lost a lot of weight. But what most of you don't know is how I did it. It's mostly been eating better and exercise but.. I have become something that I never in my wildest dream would ever come up with. I'm a RUNNER now. Well, I guess maybe it'd be more like a jogger but runner just sounds better. I took a few weeks off in Dec./Jan. because of the cold and snow but quickly learned that I feel so sluggish if I don't get to go out and run at least 3 times a week. On average, I run 3 miles, yes! 3 miles. And I'm horribly slow but I go the whole time, no stopping for me unless there's traffic issues, or occasionally a shoe untied. So then this morning, I gear up to go and right before I leave, Phil turns on the tv and politely informs me that it's currently -1 degree's (did you catch the negative sign there?). But, the woman I am, I went anyways, knowing I was geared well. So, what's my limit? I really don't know because believe it or not, the run didn't go to bad. I stayed warm except for my cheeks; and the only other complaint is that my glasses kept fogging up. Looking back on my running career, I'm amazed at all the "gear" that Phil and I have bought. (Phil is a running too but he's much faster and goes a lot further distance than me).

Anyways, here is the gear that we/I have purchased:
1. glasses strap: because I usually go right away in the morning and don't want to put my contacts in yet. I didn't think I'd ever get used to wearing my glasses when working out but it has worked out well.
2. supportive undergarment: I have purchased 3 different kinds and finally found exactly what works for me. Although it cost $40, it was well worth it.
3. shoes: we didn't think this was necessary at first but quickly found it was a good idea to buy "good" shoes. We bargained at FFwear and got a pair and the other 1/2 off, so we both got new shoes. A good deal!
4. tank top for me/sleeveless shirt for Phil (for summer time): I used to never wear tank tops but found one that (at the time) was a good breathable one made with the "breathable" mesh. I highly recommend anything that is declared "breathable".
5. shorts: so you wouldn't think much of shorts but you have to have a pair that won't ride up and for me, I actually wanted them kind of tight. Wow, not me at all! But these also had to be breathable/mesh.

So this equipment got us through this past summer and fall but then it started to get a little cold... now what? More gear.

6. leggings: these are more like long biker shorts but are designed to keep you warm. Phil and I each bought a pair. We wear this under our sweatpants.
7. thermal shirts: so I lucked out and had an old one I could use but Phil had to buy a new one. He actually found one that is very thin, but still thermal, and not itching like mine (I might have to buy one next year).
8. hooded sweatshirts: you would think a normal sweatshirt would work but we both prefer hooded, not zip sweatshirts. The hood is for the wind, and of course the rest keeps you warm. Phil bought an orange one so that he'd stand out a little more in the dark. I just wear grey or black since it's usually daylight when I go.
9. spikes: so we didn't actually purchase this, a co-worker gave them to Phil, but if we'd know there were such things, we'd have purchased it after the first snow/ice. The spikes are like a cover over your shoe with metal "spikes" that come out... it kind of looks like a mechanical pencil tip. They aren't really spikes but just little mental pieces. They work wonders on ice! I run with no doubt of slips or falls. Running with these makes me feel like a pro, I hear the click click when I run and it remind me of the days of track (I never RAN in track, I threw shot put (and was terrible at it), but heard the other runners with the spikes).
10. ski mask: this has been our most recent purchase. It's black (hope we don't look like robbers) and has one hole for your eyes/face. It's the same thin mesh/breathable material as our other items but manages to keep us warm. I wore it for the first time today and it made my glasses fog up. Hmmm.. not sure what to do about that problem.

Well, I think that is about it. We did buy a used weight bench set this past summer that I used to use but gave up on. Phil has started to use it regularly though so it was well worth the money.

And I have one more thing to buy here soon and that is a maternity belt. They are designed to help support the baby while running. Yes, I hope to keep running even with the pregnancy. I know a few other people that did it so that inspires me to keep going.

Even though there is a lot of money invested in our running, it has been well worth it. I feel better and it helps me to be healthy. Something I think God would be very proud of as he expects us to care for this one body that he gave us.

So, even if you didn't care one bit about my running. I thought it would be fun to share as it's an important aspect of my life. Hope you enjoyed... maybe I'll even take a picture of my goofy self all bundled up getting ready for a "run". Stay warm! -10 here I come!