I only hope the dear mother nature will spare the 40,000 enthusiasts for next weekends Chicago Marathon. But the weather doesn't deter the hard core athlete and we plod on, yes? That's right, Winter be damned! I  actually have a lot of fun training in the winter to tell you the truth. Alone and in groups. There is nothing like the puzzled look of a colleague when you tell him or her that you were out running in sub zero wind chills. In the summer its just a regular 5 mile flat out and back course, oh hum, but in the dead of January its down right extreme. Totally x-games baby! I only wish the Dew was a warm drink. I do miss summer already but I am looking forward to running my morning training groups for Run Chicago. The people are great and that's what makes it fun. Plus I'll be doing my own training for the Goofy's challenge (half and full mary) at the Disney Marathon weekend in January.

On a product note: Anyone every try Cola flavored Clif Shots? Oy! They are pretty bad. Word on the street from Interbike is that the Cola Shots are going away and that several new flavors of Bloks are coming out including Margarita and, get this, Cola. Although it was bad as a shot they tweaked the formula for the blok. Its supposed to taste far better. The jury is out. When I get it in store I will be conducting a food dare, I mean food test and will let you know. 

Got back from Orlando on Sunday late afternoon. Loved the heat and humidity. I'm serious about that too. Nothing like getting up in the am and not having to think about how cold it is or what to wear. Shorts and sleeveless and shoes. Was able to get in some swimming as well. One of the pools on the Dis Resort property where we were staying was approximately 20 to 25 yards at its greatest width. Got my swim in while the rest of the vacationing public did the fluff and roll. Jschmitchicago and I had a great time. Now its back to the real world and on with the coaching and the PTing. I start some winter morning groups at the end of this month and am really looking forward to it.

Big shout out to all of you tapering down for Chicago - remember rest is a good thing. Oh and don't freak out about the weather. Sure its going to snow this week but we could have record highs the 22nd. Gotta love the midwest.