Halloween and Acclimating to Wisconsin Winter running

Halloween, my most favorite holiday. What costumes can we create that typically only our immediate family recognizes? I was Rosie the Riveter at school, and was asked to stop in to social studies classrooms, best $8.99 I ever spent. :)

My boys are big James Bond fans, and they were introduced to Jaws the shark this summer when we stayed in Bayfield, WI. After getting all snuggled into their pjs, after taking a jacuzzi bath, Jaws was the movie of the evening. They were not nearly as scared as I was when I saw it as a child. Anyway, in honor of Richard Kiel, famous "Jaws" from James Bond, and the To Serve Man Alien from The Twilight Zone, we wanted to dress the boys up as one of his characters. Maxim didn't agree (as is often the case) and Walter suggested they go as Jaws - Two Ways. I thought that was an excellent idea, and knew the shark costume would be an easy creation. I bought my first "grillz" online for Walter's metallic chompers and found some muted clothing and I think, other than his red shoes, we nailed it.

Walter loves dressing up & pretending, they both do. I took a few

photos prior to our Halloween night excursion, and these are some of those.Halloween is always crazy, running to grandparent's homes, aunts & uncles; Ryan & I were thankful it was on a Friday evening. Boys collected quite the haul & tried their darnedest to consume most of it Friday-Sunday. We aren't big candy people, well, I should say, I don't like to have it around, because it only beckons for me to eat it & I LOVE chocolate, so I don't like to have much junk in my house...except for my bittersweet chocolate pieces...shhhh...

So, to distract myself from the reeses, m&m's, and kit kats (I'm not saying I didn't have any at all, I DID), I went for a longer run on Saturday, despite the chilly temperatures. I figure, if my husband can sit out hunting in that cold, I can certainly run in it, and I better get started, its not going to get any easier the deeper we get into winter. I dug out the tights & under armour, and hit the pavement, at a nice clip to get my blood circulating and warming my core.

Saturday I took my 8 mile route, which for the most part is pretty decent, peaceful, etc. It is a hilly run, but the scenery is nice. The last 25% however, includes the daunting hill of South Maple. It is a hill, that deflates your spirits 1/3 of the way into it and then you see how much more hill you have to overtake. Mentally, I never want to keep running it, but I haven't ever stopped or even slowed to a walk. I keep going, though I slow down, I try to push as hard as I'm physically able to. Saturday it was more difficult than a summer day, the chill of the wind on my lungs I wasn't yet prepared for, I'm starting to become such a wuss the older I get. All reminding me thoroughly that I need to find all of my winter gear, maybe ask Santa for some smartwool socks, yaktraks, nicer mittens,  new tights...

Sunday was a complete game changer, I had shorts on, tall socks, and short sleeves. I was thankful for the warmer day though, it was nice to get out, enjoy the sunshine, amidst everything we have going on.

I got my new Boston shirt in the mail a couple weeks ago, though its still all surreal, I'm excited to say my training is beginning and continuing and like James Bond in Casino Royale, I'm ALL IN.