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Erin Shepherd is a Team Ordinary Athlete coached by Scott Riecke.  She has overcome a lot of obstacles and challenges, but lets nothing stand in her way.  She's a persistent and disciplined hard-worker, and as you'll see here... doesn't give up easily.

GRIT.  /grit/  noun  2. courage and resolve; strength of character.

On July 12, 2020, I raced the Summer Roundup Triathlon put on by Rufus Racing.  It was held on a small, private farm and lake in nearby Joplin, Missouri.  As it’s a summer race in the midwest, it’s known for being flat, fast, and hot!  True to the reputation, the race was certainly all of these things.  

There were questions surrounding the race and whether it should be held due to COVID.  Ruth Sawkins, the RD, did an amazing job of making everyone feel safe and comfortable in the surroundings. Masks were requested, health checks carried out and plans put in place.  The race is small and local, and she capped the numbers in order to give everyone ample space in transition and in lining up for the swim. I felt comfortable racing, and was ready to go.  I felt that under Coach Scott, I was well-prepared and well-trained for my first Olympic triathlon race.

Swim: The swim.  Wow.  The small lake was absolutely beautiful in the sunrise.  It was calm, nearly glasslike at its surface.  I looked out at the buoys and thought how far away they looked.  Of course, they weren’t as far out as my head imagined them to be.  Due to COVID and the fact that so many people hadn’t ample time to train for a swim, the swim was shortened to 1000 meters, and was done in two 500 meter loops.  This was so that the RD could put her eyes on each swimmer as they exited and entered the water to ensure safety.

I lined up with the 2:15/2:20 pace groups, and we stood in line for a little while.  I started out feeling okay, joking around and soaking up the race energy.  As the time moved on, and it was time for me to take out my hearing aids, I felt my anxiety ramp up.  My heart started racing and I had to tell myself to calm down. I got to the water, and was told to go, and I put in maybe 3 or 4 strokes before calling for the kayak.  Kayak came over and I said “I’m deaf, but I can talk, and I’m panicking”.  I asked him to stay close and tried another couple strokes, but my heart rate wouldn’t allow me to catch a breath.  I grabbed the kayak again and assessed my options. 

I knew Ruth is a believer in beginners, and is one of the most accommodating race directors I’ve ever met.  She does a “safety wave”, where triathletes can use their swim safety buoys as an extra layer of safety and confidence. I was close enough to shore to yell to Ruth, who understood what was happening.  She got Jake, my husband, and was able to toss me my safety buoy.  I strapped it around my waist and was able to start moving.  It still took me time to calm down and a lot of self-talk to push through the panic, but I did it.  I swam the first lap, got out and pushed on for the second lap.  

When I exited the water after my second lap, it was clear….I was the last one out.  The panic attack stole the time. 

Bike:  I ran into transition, and was able to get into my gear for the bike.  I spent an extra minute ensuring I had what was necessary, and took off to the mount line.  I realized as I hopped on, that I didn’t grab any of my nutrition and knew that my race plan was shot.  I was basically going to have to wing it at this point.  The bike course was 12.2 miles – two loops totaling 24.4 miles for the Olympic.  I set out hot, and told myself to back off a little, and save because I knew the backside was a little bit of a false flat and I needed to reserve energy for loop 2.

What was truly amazing about this bike is that I felt extremely confident.  This was a new development, and I ate it up.  On some portions of the course, I glanced at my watch to see I was riding at 18-19mph.  My normal average is 13, and I was excited by how it felt. I kept that momentum up, although I slowed on the false flats. I predicted that would happen, and was not deterred.  I was hungry after my first lap, and quickly understood the bad idea of going off race plan. There was nothing I could do at that point, so I flew into my second lap and decided to push hard.  My overall average ended up being 15.2, and that’s almost unheard of for me.  I was grateful for a good bike, or I may have quit the race then.  Into transition, which at this point was a ghost town since everyone else was either finished or still on the run. 

Run:  This is the quickest transition for me, and was pretty easy.  I had pre-loaded my liquid nutrition, Infinit Run Blend, into my water bottle.  At least I’d have a small amount of calories and electrolytes, though I was aware it wasn’t going to be enough.  The plan for the race was to run the first mile, no matter how slowly.  But once I was on the course, going up a small hill with the sun bearing down, I knew that wasn’t going to work.  I trashed my legs on the bike and since I didn’t take in calories while biking, I hit the wall early on.  I started out and saw several friends/teammates who were in the last lap of their run and they were very encouraging!  I made it to the aid station for the first lap, and was able to get some ice down my kit and legs sprayed with a super soaker to cool off. 

Back down the course and back up for the second lap. By the time I got halfway through the second lap, I was the only human left on the road.  I made it to the aid station and laughed, declaring I was the last.  A couple volunteers asked how I knew I was last, and I made a sweeping motion.  It’s just me!!   At that point, I was basically running for a minute, and walking for 45 seconds.  I tried to keep the walk under 45 seconds and run when I could. The run portion definitely goes down as my slowest 10K!  A kind volunteer did the run/walk with me for the last mile and a half, and called the finish line to make sure everything was still up.  We chatted, we ran, we walked and I was able to get to the finish. 3 hours and 50 minutes later, I had finished my first Olympic triathlon.

So, why did I give the definition of grit at the beginning?  I’m not particularly brave or courageous.  I don’t like to be considered “inspirational” because I’m a deaf athlete.  Instead, I use grit to explain why I was able to finish this race. I could have taken the DNF at the swim.  I considered it.  I asked for help.  I assessed my options and asked for help so I can complete this race and check off this goal.  Now, am I aware that IRONMAN isn’t going to give me the same considerations as this race?  Of course I’m aware.  But let’s consider what I’ve also come to understand.  I am a strong athlete, but I have vision and hearing disabilities that limit my balance on the bike.  That means I need to continue researching a bike guide for my safety and the safety of those around me.  I’m a strong runner, but I will push myself to injury and sometimes, even quit.  That means I need to listen to my qualified coach and make sure I’m following best practices. Finally, I have clinical anxiety and ADHD. This means I need to practice my coping tools, and do the things that scare me, even if I have to ask for help.  

Grit isn’t always pushing and pushing and running more and being the best.  Sometimes, grit is the fight for each tiny step, for the call for help, and for finishing what you’ve started, even if it means coming in dead effin’ last.   

This week’s guest blog is written by #TeamOrdinary Athlete T’Sean Laws. This article is also featured at T’Sean’s blog – BigHomieOnTheMove. A number of TeamOrdinary athletes will be running the Philadelphia Marathon, Half-Marathon in 2020 (and in some cases, both), so please consider joining the team and meet us in Philly 2020!

Philadelphia Half Prep

The race is at the end of the week. Right now I am not worried. I put in the work most of the year and a have to get myself prepared mentally to go the distance. I have ran 13.1 miles in one training session at least once every month this year since I started on this journey. Just nothing standing between me and my goal, which is just to do it.

How Did I Get Myself Into This

I often think back on when I decided to go for this half marathon. I remember finishing my first Broad Street, when Joe said to me in the car, “You should do a half.” I still laugh at myself for doing that. Then sometime later, after some more thought, I really fell into a funk because I reached my “goal” race and did not know else to shoot for. 

Then I just thought, I want to run Broad Street again (because I had so much fun.) After thinking and talking to some friends, of course Joe once again suggested that if I wanted to consider participating in the Philadelphia Marathon weekend. There were a few slots still open for people to also run the Broad Street Run. Like a selfish fool, I took the bait and yet started 2019 with my new goal race: The Dietz and Watson Philadelphia Half Marathon!

Putting My Feet To Work

I am a darn fool in having my goal race being near the end of the year. However, sometimes you gotta give yourself some time to prepare. And even though I already ran a 10-miler, I thought it was best to give myself plenty of time to train. I even doubled-down on this crazy idea of stretching my longest distance to 13.1 miles by putting it out there in the universe when talking about my goal in Ordinary Marathoner podcast. I was honored to be a guest and going into it, I felt like, if I said it out load publicly I must hold myself accountable. This way, I would attempt to get outta my running blues between races and stay focused on the end goal.

I did smart this year with the races I signed up for. The purpose was:

1) keep myself building up throughout the year

2) not feel rushed near the end of year to get myself ready for the distance

3) physically recover after finishing and not feel like I have to be in bed for several days after the race

I ran the Hot Chocolate 15K (and probably had too run much fun in the process); Broad Street Run 10-Miler (I became a duck in the process); Dairy Air 10k; Philadelphia Mayors Cup [10k]; Race for Blue [5 miler]; and the Rock and Roll Half Marathon. I did have a race in October, but had to cancel due to family commitments.  Each one I used as stepping stone and it kept me motivated.

I was proud of my progress throughout the year. Even had several good training runs. The late August 10k turned into 10 miles because I was enjoying the run so much, I ran further than intended. Still happy that I had taken some cash so I could get bottled water at the gas station on my way back. Vacation running is funny that way. 

How Many Halves

With the use of Strava I tracked my attempts to run a half every month. The virtual challenges are really helpful. I thought if I became comfortable with the distance, I should be able to complete the race at the end of year and get a time that would make me happy.  I started it off in January with the Star Wars Virtual Half. Using this virtual race as a challenge I thought if I could run the full distance, it would start me on the right track. On my first run, I got the distance! I strung together several more runs throughout the month to earn the virtual half. From March through May, I made a few more attempts to run a half but came up a little short. However, I did have some good training runs in between, plus I also trained for the Broad Street Run and participated in the Ordinary Marathon during that stretch.

When June arrived, I was determined to get back on top. And by the end of the month I made it back to the Half mountain top. It was a good. I felt better than I did in January. Then, before I knew it, September came and it was time for the Rock n Roll Half. I used this as my baseline into going into November. The course is mostly flat and is similar to the Philadelphia Half. In October and into the first week of November I was able to run some tough 10-milers considering I ran the hills in my neighborhood and ran an alternate route on the trail.

So, in total I guess I ran the half-marathon distance 3 times in one single run this year. Could have swore I did it 2 more times at least. Oh well. I have plenty of 10’s and some 11’s to look back on. In most training programs they even suggest that the individual not run the full distance of their race until race day. So I may have been following that advice, too, throughout the year.

Philadelphia Half-Marathon

The race is finally here! For most of the week, I was fairly calm about the whole thing. But now I’m excited! I have been paying attention to the weather report most of the week that said it will be dry and cold during my race day. Temps expected to be in the mid-40’s. I thought that was cool, until Friday. I get hit by Keith who forwards me the weather report for Sunday and the prediction of cold rain the whole day. At first I thought the weather report was for Saturday and I was none too happy. So yeah, I freaked for a bit. Then eventually the smarter part of my brain stepped up and I checked the local weather again. Saturday’s report was still the same. Thanks local meteorologists for getting it right. I looked back at what I was sent, at realized it was Sunday’s weather. I sent Keith the local weather report and corrected him. 

Friday afternoon and evening I was like a duck on water leading up to the race. Normally I hit a calm with no problem leading up to my races. I just tell myself, I am going to get up tomorrow, put on my gear and run with a few of my friends. However, because it was my goal race, I was a little more nervous than usual. I calmed down eventually and got a good night’s rest. 

Race day I wake up and go through my normal routine. I get cleaned up, dressed, make coffee to-go, and eat some warm cereal due to the cool temperatures.  My dad used to say to me when I was young, “You need to have something warm in your belly if you are going to be outside all morning.” I actually follow this advice as an adult. Thanks Dad. Then I pack myself a PB sandwich and triple check I have my gear bag (which I half-packed the night before) and the rest of my gear, which is next to the front door. Then I’m off. On my way down, I make a quick stop to grab a couple bananas and some bottled-waters. I normally keep one bottle of water and banana for the car ride home after races. This helps me from cramping after the longer distances. Also with being in the back of the pack, I don’t start at the gun time and want to make sure I am hydrated before the start of the race. I am used to an extra 20 – 30 minutes before my corral gets started.

I met up with Black Men Run Philadelphia prior to the start of the race after checking in my gear.  It’s always a great time getting together and chatting it up. I wanted to meet up with my fellow Team Ordinary  teammate Ben and some more friends running at the race, but I was not able to arrange that in time. 

After meeting up, we went to our respected corrals. Temperatures are in the low-30’s, and I am wearing my warm gear, hat and gloves. I only start to feel more of the cold when I take my gloves off to look at my phone. Why couldn’t I find my touch gloves!?!? While doing some stretching I look over and see Ann. She is so full of energy and excitement.  I was digging her CP3O inspired outfit for the run.  We talk and wish each other luck. I let her and her friends get back to preparing themselves, and quietly start shaking out some butterflies to calm myself.

As I was settling in, I talked with some of the other runners around me. For the most part they were all saying the same thing – not looking forward to the incline near mile 10. Personally I try not to think about the inclines too much. Besides that, no one seems to be worried – just focus on finishing the race. I was in the company of those whom this was their first half and those who haven’t ran more than 5 races in this distance.  The corrals are started in waves with a minute between each one. As my corral finally get started I was on the left side. It was split in half while crossing the start line to get everyone to use the full parkway at the start of the race. Due to the amount of people competing, I really understand. I totally wish I was on the right side because Des Linden and Meb Keflezighi were giving high fives. It was really a powerful sight. Smiles all around.

The race starts down the parkway,  and head down towards City Hall. From City Hall, you head to Independence Hall where Betsy Ross and Benjamin Franklin were out cheering the racers on. Ben give me a high five and shouted he wants to see Ben Simmons get more aggressive down the stretch. Ben is a big 76ers fan, just like me. (Now only if he could get Dr. J and A.I. to take a picture with me…) Then we headed past the US Mint onto Race Street. I really wish I took some pictures while we ran on Race Street with the Ben Franklin Bridge on our left hand side towards the waterfront area. In a city that is always bustling, it was calm and surreal. Hitting Columbus Boulevard during the first 5k, I saw a little girl on the steps of the newer condos cheering us on and running it place. It was a really cute sight.

After running around Gloria Del-Old Swedes Church Historic Site, we hit the first water station. Conveniently, we were right across the street from John’s Roast Pork. It’s almost the story of my life lately. Every time I get near this awesome eatery, I am either too early or I am too pressed for time to wait in line. At least the air was crisp and did not smell like food, just race success. Traveling up Front Street hitting mile-marker 4, there was the Mile 4 Cheer Party. Music, games, signs, fanfare galore. The incline was slight from being at water level just moments before. Hard to notice. Then I headed north on South Street. I remember all the time in my younger days visiting the various spots on South Street. But I don’t remember ever being there as the sun was rising. I found this really cool owning the street for the first time in a very, very long time.

Passing Starr Garden Park and the fire station, we turned onto Lombard Street. I remembered that my friends old apartment was nearby. As a matter of fact, I ran right past it! I took a walk break and sent a quick voice text to him and kept it going. Reminiscing waits for no one.  From miles 5 through 6.5 I must of zoned out a little and just enjoyed myself. (I took a quick potty break after 10k into the race. Stay hydrated people.) We continued to head up Lombard and made a few turns. When I hit mile 7.25 my right calf cramped a little, but I was able to work it out.

I was in my own happy place running across the Walnut Street Bridge over the Schuykill River. Getting to the end of the bridge and seeing the FMC Building on the right, and Penn Park on left is a really good view. Getting to about 8.33 miles into the race my thighs started to tighten. The next water station was just in front of me, so some needed hydration, a drop in elevation, and I was back in the game.

Continuing up Walnut through the UPenn campus and turning onto 33rd Street, the next thing I knew we were running past Drexel. University City is really nice day or night. Mile 9 we passed Powelton Village and headed toward the Philadelphia Zoo and the dreaded inclines.  I stuck with my plan for miles 9 and 10, and took my walk-breaks when needed. I tried my best to keep pace. After passing the Zoo and running across the Girade Avenue Bridge, I looked at the city skyline one more time, taking it all in. I look at the nice person next to me who had been with with me most of the way up to this point and said, “That view of the city never gets old.” She agreed and we all continued on.

Finally hitting the mile-10 marker getting into Fairmount Park, my tracking app had me two minutes slower than my average time at this distance. I was not really happy with myself as I hit the next hydration station. I changed my music, hoping that this would help my cadence for the final 5k. I was strong until 11.5 miles where even though it was mostly downhill, I really could have used another hydration station. Getting back onto Kelly Drive and heading for the finish, I felt like I was starting to hit a wall. At this point through 12.5 miles my calves decided to play the cramp and tired game. Left calf, then right calf. I had to back down a bit until the last hydration station. With about half-mile left, I knew I was close but yet it felt so far away.

Seeing the corner of the Art Museum and people gathering near the Rocky Statue I knew it was time to start digging deep. No more walk breaks. I was only about 3 blocks away from the finish line. Could hear the crowd and people cheering us. People shouting, “You got this!”, “The finish is right there!”, “Go big man!” I know I heard someone shout my name, probably from reading my bib. I kept digging trying to shift into 6th gear, but only could manage to get into 4th.  I cruised into finishing the Philadelphia Half Marathon and finished my goal race! It felt great to get across all the timing pads. I also stopped my watch after a few seconds. I laughed a little to myself like I just broke some kind of record and needed my own watch to verify it. I shuffled over and moved out the way while my heart was still pounding from all the excitement. I finally did it. Ring da bell! They are all not glamorous, however, when you put in the work, it does pay off. Half Marathon is now done.

After the race I grabbed my gear and met up with David and Bryant of BMR. They talked me into hanging out in the warming tent for a bit. And I can tell you I needed that in the worst way. My muscles started seizing up from the cold temperatures and not moving around as much. Warming tents are just what the doctor ordered on this day. While we grabbed a table and put down our refreshments and snacks, I picked a spot to stretch. This helped a lot. Here is a little advice, recovery starts when you get done. Don’t be pig-headed. Take the time you need to cool and stretch-out properly so you do not turn yourself into a statue.

This weeks journey is done. Until the next running journey. #bighomieonthemove

 

Today’s Guest Blog authored by the Official Dietitian of #TeamOrdinary, Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD of Anew Well Nutrition. Helpful reference for this article: The Everyday Athlete Pantry List

Being an athlete means sticking to schedules and training plans while having a keen awareness for how the food on your plate impacts your performance. But just because you know it’s important doesn’t make it any less intimidating. Athletes aren’t immune to the stress that comes with grocery shopping. Take the confusion out of your next shopping trip with these tips and pantry list for the everyday athlete.

Produce

Think of this group as playing a primary role in helping you perform at your best. Fruits and vegetables provide a variety of essential nutrients that play a role in recovery and immune support. Plus, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can contribute to optimal hydration with up to 20 percent of total water intake coming from plants. Plants are also a source of potassium which is necessary for fluid balance and blood pressure management. Shop seasonal to increase variety while also saving cash. Aim for a combination of vegetables and fruits, but lean heavy on the vegetable side. And don’t be afraid to try something new. Make it a goal to pick up a new fruit or vegetable every time you shop.

Choose these, but know you can’t go wrong with any type of produce:

• Berries and Cherries
• Stone fruits, apples, pears,
• Citrus
• Dark leafy greens
• Starchy vegetables(i.e. potatoes, parsnips, sweet potato)
• Root vegetables (i.e. beets, carrots, radish, rutabaga, turnips)
• Garlic, leeks, onion

Grains

This group provides a significant source of carbohydrates and offers both high fiber and low fiber options. Higher fiber for the majority of your diet and lower fiber for those carbohydrate boosts before or even during a workout/race. Focus mostly on whole grains and aim for a minimum of 50 percent of the grains to be whole grains.

Choose these:

• Whole grain bread – look for a minimum of 3g of fiber per slice of bread and opt for the variety with the lowest sodium and added sugar. Whole grains should be the first ingredient in the ingredients list.
• Pasta – If you enjoy traditional pasta, plan to get your whole grains in the other forms of grain you eat throughout the day. Otherwise, opt for whole grain pasta where possible.
• Rice and other whole grains – Brown rice is a standard, but you can swap out for other types of whole grains like quinoa, kamut, amaranth, barley, or farro. Look for quick-cooking whole grains if you’re in a rush, but be sure to choose the type with no added sodium.

Beans and Legumes

Like whole grains, this group is a significant source of carbohydrate and fiber, but with the added benefit of having protein. Beans are an ideal pantry staple and can act as both a carbohydrate and a source of protein on the plate. Beans and legumes are also a source of folate and other B vitamins as well as potassium. Choose canned for quick cooking or dry if you have extra time and/or are trying to cut back.

Choose these:

• Canned or dried beans (i.e. black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans)
• Lentils (dry or pre-cooked; 1 cup cooked has 18g protein)
• Peas (easy for stir-fries, casseroles and soups)
• Edamame (considered a complete protein; 1 cup cooked has 17g protein)

Protein (meats or meat alternatives)

Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or omnivore, protein is an essential nutrient that plays a role in muscle growth and repair. However, choosing your protein source looks much different depending on the diet you follow. For omnivores, choosing meats that are lower in saturated fat and unprocessed the majority of the time is important for long-term health. For vegetarians and vegans, be sure to pick up a variety of plant-based sources of protein to ensure that you’re getting all of the essential amino acids. This means eating a mix of plant-based sources of protein throughout the day.

Choose these:

• Low-saturated meats like chicken, turkey, fish, and lean beef. Limit or avoid processed meats like bacon, sausage, and cured deli meats.
• Tofu/Tempeh/Seitan: many of the meat alternatives have a long shelf-life if kept in the fridge which makes them a great pantry staple for quick meals. Be sure to check the ingredient label and avoid the varieties that are higher in sodium.
• Plant-based burgers/brats/nuggets: Check the saturated fat and sodium. Choose an entrée meat alternative with at least 10 grams of protein and/or plan to get the protein elsewhere in the meal.

Dairy and Non-Dairy Milks, Yogurt, Cheese

Like meats and meat alternatives, this group has something for every dietary choice or restriction, however the nutrient content varies widely. If you’re buying dairy milk, yogurt, or cheese, opt for the lower saturated fat varieties if you also have saturated fat from other sources. Think of saturated fat as a bank account – you decide where you want to spend it! (Note: most people should aim for no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat or about 22g per day if eating a 2000 calorie per day diet.) For non-dairy alternatives, check the protein, calcium, and vitamin D as it can be significantly different from dairy milk. Non-dairy milks can also contain saturated fat (read: coconut milk), so be sure to take that into consideration as well.

Choose these:

• Yogurts: greek, skyr, kiefer
• Milks: dairy or non-dairy of choice (avoid varieties with added sugar)
• Cheese

Oils / Fats

Dietary fats include unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats. Saturated fats are mostly found in animal products like butter, cream, cheese, and high fat meats. They’re also in tropical plant oils including coconut and palm oil. Unsaturated fats are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and the majority of plant oils. Fat is used for energy, nutrient transport, and for protecting organs. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats where possible and avoid replacing dietary fat with refined carbohydrates.

Choose these:

• Plant oils (i.e. olive oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, flaxseed oil)
• Nuts and seeds (i.e. pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, sunflower seeds, peanuts, ground flaxseed, chia seeds)
• Spreads (i.e. almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, pumpkin seed butter)

Guest Blog By Melissa Griffin of Run, Heifer, Run! This article is a reprint of an earlier blogpost.

You know the saying, “Baby it’s cold outside!” Well, that may be true, but just because the local grizzlies have gone into hibernation doesn’t mean it’s time to build a pillow fort and spend the next few months in a Snuggie.

Whether you’re stuck in the Canadian tundra or frozen in fear by the cool breeze that is tormenting Tucson, I feel your pain: When it’s cold outside, even simple tasks like getting out of bed can leave you hurting. Your car locks are frozen shut and you are so cranky, you’ve decided to wait for spring before you dust off your running shoes again so you can get back to the outdoor activities you love.

Unless you’ve already arranged for a timeshare in Cabo, you need to face the facts of life. No need to drown your sorrows in winter Saki. There are plenty of fun winter sports and activities that can keep you active—not to mention, sane—during this time of year. Let’s have a look at four fun things you might not have considered:

1. Snowy Escapades That Make Your Forget That You’re Exercising

If you live in a snowy climate and you find yourself snowed in more often than not, why not make the most of it and turn it into some quality family time? Grab the kids, the hubby, and even the dog, and head outside. Spend an afternoon making snowmen (or snow “people”… come on, it’s 2016!) and challenging your teens to a proper snowball fight (seriously: Google “Japan’s epic snowball fight” and get pumped!). Or, you can keep the peace by turning it into a team effort by strapping on some snowshoes or cross-country skis and racing your kids down to the library and back. Bonus for anyone who will sing with you: “Dashing through the snow…” Make it a spontaneous outing, or a weekly tradition. Either way, it’s exercise disguised as fun. And you’ll end up spending time with your loved ones, which is the goal anyway.

2. Homebody Ventures That Keep You Fit Indoors

If you can’t bear the brutality of the great outdoors, why not opt for something active inside your own home? Thanks to Al Gore and his famous Interweb, we now have an entire repository of workout videos available to us at the click of a finger. The dreary winter months are an excellent time to follow along with those restorative yoga videos you’ve been thinking about.

There are truly an endless number of workout series that can keep you active—and on the road to bikini-ready—by the time summer rolls around. One of my favorite home workouts is the Ten Minute Trainer Workout from Tony Horton, creator of the popular P90X series. It’s not free, but it’s well worth the investment, in this heifer’s opinion. You want results? This workout delivers. Not to mention, it’s manageable. You can do anything for ten minutes. And you’ll all but forget about the winter blues because you can do it from the comfort of your home. Score!

3. Kitchen Capers to Keep It Healthy

Winter cooking takes on a whole new meaning when you decide to eat healthy. Why not take this time to familiarize yourself with some new recipes that utilize traditional winter veggies?

From kale to squash and back again, you can go from line cook to head chef in no time at all, given the many months you have to perfect your new skills. And if you don’t know a paring knife from a cleaver, consider joining a cooking class or club to learn the basics. You’re likely to meet some new health-conscious friends, and you’ll have a blast gaining a culinary education.

You might even consider growing your own herb garden, which is easily done indoors, or your own kitchen windowsills. Come springtime, you can transplant your herbs into your garden outside and show off your snazzy new habit by the time summer rolls around. Who doesn’t love fresh basil in their salad? What about fresh rosemary in their rosemary lemon chicken? Even your kids will be impressed when you drop a sprig of fresh mint in a pitcher of lemonade after soccer practice. Whether or not you’re working out at your regular tempo during the winter months, eating healthy is critical for your maintaining your sanity and ensuring your future success.

4. Gym Feats to Get You On Your Feet  

You might be a trail runner in the warmer months, but find yourself unmotivated and moody during the winter. Why not join a gym for a few months and beat the winter blues by trying something new? Signing up for spin class could curb your boredom and push you further along to your goals: That’s the magic of cross training. If you’re still thinking of that spring race, many gyms and recreation centers have indoor tracks that will keep you from falling asleep on the “dread-mill.” Of course, most gyms also have new class offerings that will keep you on your toes: You might find a local Tabata class or Pound, the drumming fitness classes. Don’t be afraid to venture out. Put yourself out there now, and you’re more likely to put yourself out there when it’s pool time. Plus, let’s be honest: Your friends are going to ask you why you’re carrying drumsticks in your purse. You know you can’t wait to tell them.

Bottom line: Winter doesn’t have to be bleak and blah. If you’re willing to shake things up a bit, you’re sure to reap the benefits, whether that means getting a head start on spring training, or just keeping up so you’re not falling behind. Freezing your butt off and sticking your head in the snow is not a good strategy. Keep your muscles warm by staying active and staying committed to your long-term goals. And have fun while you’re at it: win-win!

They don’t call it “win”-ter for nothing.

On Tuesday, October 8, we officially launched Team Ordinary. It was a wildly successful (and busy) day! We thank all of the athletes who came to the page to be a part of this burgeoning team. Don’t forget to use the Coupon Code LAUNCH to get $10 off of registration! This group keeps on surprising me more an more every day! Thank you for keeping me busy!

Please remember… once you pay for your registration, the fun has just begun! We will send your welcome packet as soon as we can. But don’t forget to fill out your Athlete Profile (send us a picture, too), and place your races on our race calendar!

Congratulations to Ron Boos for crushing the Super-Villain 10k, Katy Mayo for getting oh-so-close to her goal time at the Wicked Half-Marathon, and to Nick Deault for edging out his ex by 1-second at the Montreal Half-Marathon! Great week for Team Ordinary!