See the snow coming down in this picture? I took it on Monday, December 31...while I was out for my LAST run of 2012!! It was a killer run. . .not because of the snow, but because I hadn't been out running for 16 days. I could feel what the the lack of exercising and the the addition of Holiday Poundage did to my legs as I closed out the year.
New Year's Resolutions were swirling in my head.
The snow was beautiful and it felt so neat to be running in it! However, as time went by, it started to accumulate on the streets, so I stopped at 2 1/4 miles and called it the end to a very interesting running year.
I stopped to chat with a neighbor on her porch as I was heading to our house. . .and didn't realize, until I got home, and removed my visor, that it had snow piled on it! :) I wore it beneath a stocking cap to keep the snow off my glasses. . .it worked like a charm!
A motivational approach I'm going to use this year is called: my "workout tips" jar. I saw the idea on line and decided it might help to keep me motivated to exercise. . .especially the core part. I really do not like doing those workouts, but, as I found out this year. .. not doing them consistently really hurt my running. It's all connected.
So, I am going to pay myself $1.00 for every workout or run. As of tonight, I now have three dollars in my jar. Yesterday, I exercised with the fitness channel on our cable. . . concentrating on core work. I earned $1.00 for that. Late this afternoon, I ran 3 1/2 miles. . .and it was soooooo cold I wanted to quit several times. But, because I hung in there, I gave myself $2.00. :)
Since last summer (after I tripped on an uneven sidewalk.. .while running . . .and broke a bone in my left hand) I have been very aware of what the street/sidewalk I'm on looks like. . . trying to avoid hazzards that could, once again, cause me great pain . I try not to run with my head down , but rather to look ahead of me. However, while increasing my awareness of the pavement, I also increased my awareness of objects in the street that could end up in one of my tires.
As you can see, 2012 not only helped avoid a few flats, but also made me a little extra money, too! Another reason to get out there and walk or run! :)
THE STONE RABBIT has decided to start a little running hopping group with some of his local concrete yard buddies. He also wants to use the "workout tips" jar for himself! I love it when I come up with a plan that motivates him. . . because he's usually the one who motivates me!
Happy New Year ! I hope 2013 will be one filled with good health and happiness for you!
Please visit Beverly's blog, HOW SWEET THE SOUND, for a long list of bloggers who also have New Year's or PINKS to share with you this week!
Beverly, thank you so much for making 2012 an outstanding Pink Saturday year for us!
DANA
Happy Pink Saturday, Dana and TSR. The two of you are an inspiration. You will be purchasing a wonderful surprise before you know it.
Posted by: | January 04, 2013 at 07:49 AM
Happy New Year to you and The Stone Rabbit! I'm not a runner but plan to cruise around town on my beach cruiser for more exercise this year. I hope none of the little gems from your jar make it into my bicycle tires! I'm hoping my reward will be getting off the weight I gained while laid up with a broken foot this past year!
Robin
Posted by: RobinfromCA | January 04, 2013 at 12:35 PM
Money is a big incentive for doing a lot of things. Keep at it. I used to walk four miles a day, but no more. I am going to start when it gets a little warmer.
Posted by: LaVoice | January 04, 2013 at 01:27 PM
Hello...This is my first visit to your blog. I found you through Beverly's Pink Saturday. I really enjoyed this post. I am not a runner (shudders)--I love to walk, and I think it's very creative that you keep a jar of things you find on your runs.
Happy New Year to you. :)
Posted by: Becky (A Touch Of Femininity) | January 04, 2013 at 03:04 PM
Wishing you a healthy 2013. I
Luv the rabbit's sweat band
Posted by: Gail | January 04, 2013 at 05:38 PM
What a fun idea to have the jars, both for your reward and the things you find. I would only have given myself a dollar so far, but, hey, it's only the 4th!
Posted by: Lulu | January 04, 2013 at 06:18 PM
So fun! I keep missing the snow due to travel needs. I'm praying for plenty this year (but not toooo much) to kill all the bugs and allergens that so plagued my grandkids AND my senior mom. Have a lovely New Year as well! :)
Posted by: Kaye Swain | January 04, 2013 at 07:46 PM
Hi Dana, My word, what a bunch of stuff you found running. I too am a ground watcher so I can avoid falling hopefully. Love that snow. Just enough to make your run more fun.
I also love the tip yourself plan for running or exercising. I'm on it!!! A great plan to start 2013. It is so nice that you have inspired the Stone Rabbit. Smile.
I am looking forward to doing some valentines. I have never made them before but I'm going to try to be creative. I like a challenge.
This week I am going to visit more for PS. It is sort of my New Years resolution. I enjoy visiting and I have not been very good this past year.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Love, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne, backyard neighbor | January 04, 2013 at 07:58 PM
I still can't believe you can run like you do - you should be rich by the end of the year. The snow looks so beautiful - I used to love to go outside at night for a walk in the snow...well the first snowfall anyway. I'd like to at least be able to walk but it's like a leaky pipe - fix one thing and another thing springs a leak. It actually snowed in Central Texas today but not at our house. Rainy, a little sleet and cold - pretty cozy actually! Better get to bed... I'm going to a craft class tomorrow with or in place of Barbara. Did you start your pages yet. I love having these things to work on while watching t.v.
Watch those icy streets when you're running! xo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | January 04, 2013 at 10:20 PM
The jar with the things you've found is pretty funny. Could be an interesting accumulation over the course of a year.
Stone Rabbit has his sweat band on and ready to GO !!
Actually, I don't know if I even KNOW...if stone rabbit is a BOY or a Girl??
Posted by: wendy | January 05, 2013 at 03:18 PM
hahhhaa...I love your two jars...and think it's neat to tip yourself. :)
Now, I am wanting to know what WENDY wants to know...Is Stony a boy or girl..?
Posted by: bj | January 06, 2013 at 04:12 AM
Oh my, Dana, you're collecting money from the streets--um, that sounds a bit . . . [LOL]
I do hope that Stone Rabbit watches where he hops!
I walk with my eyes down because I have neuropathy and cannot feel much below my knees. However, I'm not finding goodies like you did.
Posted by: Sally | January 07, 2013 at 02:28 PM