an expensive hobby

i thought i was ready to face winter head-on. i mean, i had the running tights, and a heat-conducting, moisture-wicking, base layer. i had a north face hat and sweet-action underarmor running gloves. and mostly, i had a plethora of fleece jackets from which to choose. i was SO ready, i thought.

only, i wasn't.

i set off for a run friday afternoon and realized after about one mile that my fleece jacket was just absorbing my sweat and sticking to my hot pink base layer. it wasn't comfortable. and then, when i got home and took my hat off, my hair was covered in sweat and so was my hat. it didn't smell like roses either. but i didn't think that would be a problem. "i'll just wash it," i thought. only, to my dismay, the tag read, "dry clean only." great.

before i could head out for another winter run, i wanted a waterproof, wind-proof outerlayer. i wanted it to be moisture wicking and thermal. and if it had some nice reflective piping, i wasn't going to complain. so, i bought this. it's a nike sphere pro. and i am in love. i ran in it saturday morning and it kept me nice and warm while cool and dry - all at the same time. plus, i look like a biker chick when i wear it. i'm not sure if that's good or not, but at least i appear hardcore in one way or another.
so, i got the jacket, but that's not all i needed.

i also needed a new hat. one that was meant for running and sweat and washing machines. one that would help keep my head cool and comfortable while at the same time dry and warm. none other than this hot pink underarmor hat would do. and, to top it all off, it matches my hot pink thermal and the armband for my Nano. i also secretly think it helps define the fact that beneath all of my layers and running tights, i am, indeed, a woman.

now i'm ready old man winter. i'm ready to face you and to beat you and to train through you and with you. so, bring it.