Beating those Winter Blues

With winter approaching and shorter days with less sunlight on the horizon, a lot of us have to find ways to combat those old blues (or is it the "mean reds?"). Whole Living has a great article about easy ways we can increase our feel-good hormones and boost our outlook on life.

My favorite from the list is to get out and do something active. I was working with one of my Pilates clients yesterday who has a ton of stress in her life from her job, her family, everything you deal with I'm sure as well! She kept saying how glad she was to be there, just moving her body and how good it makes her feel during that hour we're working and then for the rest of the day. I'm beginning to train for my (first!) full marathon, and I can't tell you the benefit I felt yesterday just from my little three-mile run on the treadmill. So get out there and get moving! Your body and your mind will definitely be grateful.

[Photo Credits: Runner, Yoga]

You Run Like a Girl

If you run (or even if you don't!), you might have noticed a rise in popularity of running skirts as you hit the trails or the gym (or even on women around town at the grocery or wherever). I was first introduced to the concept of running in a skirt a couple years ago through a Runner's World article.


This style first gained its recent recognition when Nicole DeBoom won the 2004 Ironman Wisconsin triathlon in a skirt she had designed and made herself (wow -- athletic + crafty!). Since then, she has started a company called SkirtSports where you can find attractive, comfortable apparel to run in. I love the concept -- looking girly while you kick butt!


She has also started something called the Skirtchaser 5k series. The first race was female only, but after its huge success Nicole incorporated men into the race: women get a three minute headstart, and then the men take off to see who can make it to the finish line first. Cute idea.


There are three races posted on her website (Vancouver, WA; Denver, CO; and Minneapolis, MN), so if they are close to you, check it out. I wish one was close to me! My husband got me a running skirt last year, and I love wearing it. It is bright orange and made by New Balance, and it really is so comfortable! I definitely recommend them. Have you ever tried wearing one? What are your thoughts?

xo, Alicia


[Photo credits: 1, 2, 3]