Santa Baby

Hello Dear Reader,

It feels like Christmas! Santa decided to overlook a few things this year (thanks for that) and bring my gifts for 2011 a little early:

Sure it looks like the watch you had in 6th grade in 1986, but this watch is the business. It's the Garmin Forerunner 110! Not only will this watch keep track of my running distance and pace, but will also monitor my heart rate, provide a summary of my run(s), calories burned, and is equipped with a high-sensitiity GPS function that will chart my path! Now go and tell that to your friends!

Since my Nike + iPod combo was a bust (the Nike+ function anyway), I will now be able to keep track of all the aforementioned information and use that data to increase/improve my performance.

Not only did Santa bring me the sexy running bling, he also helped me put a little pep in my step by giving me these:

Saucony Progrid Guide 4

The nice guys at Fleet Feet in Chicago watched me run up and down a track to test them out. Let's just say that they me glide across the floor like butter on a hot skillet. Basically, we should all expect good things from my running life after marathon 1.o! But wait, the story gets better. Dear Saint Nick thought his gift was so nice, he gave it twice!

One of the lessons learned from my training is that, when you find a shoe you like, get it twice. Little did I know that the Nike shoes I started training with, and subsequently ran my marathon in, were/are the jam! How nice it would have been to have two pair. Well, fret none mon cherie...this time around, I'll be well prepared!

...and I'll be participating in Fleet Feet's "Chick's Night":

What better way to release energy and manage stress than a night out with the girls. Fleet Feet Sports Chick's Night Fun Runs celebrate women in running at 6:30pm every Tuesday at Piper's Alley and Wednesday at Lincoln Square.

Our "Chick's Night" is comprised of a fun group of women who love to run, are inspired to be fit, healthy and enjoy the camaraderie and empowerment that exists amongst each other. Before the run, feel free to change into your running gear at Fleet Feet Sports and leave your bags with us while you head out. Runners and walkers go anywhere from 3 to 6 miles, and we welcome all paces and skill levels.

After the run log your miles to keep track of progress, stay motivated, and earn great gear! Here are the items you earn when you participate in the Chick's Night Fun Run & Walk.

In addition to our weekly Chick's Night runs, Fleet Feet Sports is proud to offer informative and interactive seminars just for you on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of every month. We will always head out for our run first at 6:30pm and the seminar will begin at 7:30pm. Hang out post run, enjoy refreshments and enter our monthly raffle.

Grown and sexy, right?! Hopefully my kankles will be nice enough to hold up during the short run! Wish me luck!

Well....you know the deal...it's time to love you and leave you...so until next time...one foot in front of the other and.....

KEEP IT MOVIN'!!!

Your in (writing a 'thank you letter' to Santa) training,

Dani