I'm Not a Runner

 Kansas is pretty even when it's freezing and snowy!
My running path on Monday - it has since snowed two more inches.

I read a lot of news and while skimming for beef related articles, I come across a lot of health related news as well. And as someone who has initiated a lifestyle change, it's hard not to be drawn to these kinds of articles:
- 7 Things Runners Do On Long Runs (But Probably Won't Admit)
- 10 Running Goals You Should Make for 2015
- Do you give things up during #Lent? As #runners, here are some things we should never sacrifice
- 5 Core Workouts for Runners 

These pieces all have great tips for runners.

Keyword: runners.

Key note: I don't really consider myself a runner.

I feel very cocky when I utter the words "I'm a runner" and I feel super awkward when someone calls me one. This doesn't mean that I think those folks who say, "I'm a runner" are cocky, I'm just describing how I feel.



Cold? Run anyway.

The thing is that I feel like throwing the word "runner" around indicates that I do this for a living. Similar to people who say that they're writers, engineers or teachers. I feel like saying "I'm a runner" elevates me to a new level of professionalism and I definitely don't feel like a professional. Especially when I'm not breaking any speed barriers or winning half-marathons.

However, in the course of a week (2/15-2/21) I will have ran five times for a total of 20 miles and all of it in below-freezing weather. So maybe I am a runner after all, because a big part of running, training and racing is just getting out there and DOING IT. Nike is right, just doing it is a big accomplishment. There is no shortage of runners in the spring, summer and fall when the temperatures are warmer (although I despise hot weather more than freezing) but there are not near as many folks pounding the pavement/gravel when the ground is covered in snow and the wind is howling. So I guess Just Doing It is the qualifier for being a runner.

Just the thoughts of a "runner" who is FREEZING out here on the Kansas tundra prairie and really wishing for the temperature to get above 40°F for several days in a row.

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

* If you are wanting to train for a half-marathon and are looking for a training schedule, check out the Hal Higdon's programs. This is the one I'm using for my next race.

Drought Happens in the Winter, Too

I know it's commonplace to associate drought with summer time. July and August are generally known for low precipitation and high temperatures. Yuck. I am not a fan of summer.

However, drought happens year round. While my home state of Kansas and the Ninja's home state of Ohio are faring well in terms of moisture through the cold months (I'm still waiting on snow to melt from January and NW Ohio has had a near record-breaking winter), farmers and ranchers in California are desperate for moisture. Any moisture.

California rancher Meg Brown of The Beef Jar has been blogging about the difficulties her family's ranch is facing with such an extreme drought.

Meg is not alone. As you can see, there are numerous states that are struggling with a lack of moisture right now.

image credit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration

 

So while there are many people [including myself] who are tired of snow, we should all keep those drought affected regions in our thoughts. Furthermore, that big purple portion of the map is responsible for A LOT of fruit and vegetable production in the USA and without water, it's going to be hard to get decent yields.

 

Just some food for thought!

 

Until next time,

~ Buzzard ~

Wordless Wednesday: Cold in Black & White

Do you ever notice how winter photos that are black & white make you feel colder than those in color? Or is it just me?

I'm cold just looking at our woodpile

I run on this gravel road - except when it's covered in snow

So this one isn't black & white but look how that blue door and
 red brick silo pop against an almost monochromatic landscape!

Caring for Our Animals in the Polar Vortex and Arctic Temperatures

Ok - so it's not quite arctic out there but the polar vortex has knocked the temperature/wind chill down to -7 and I qualify that as pretty damn cold. In the wind and snow, it's important for the Ninja and I to make sure our animals are well-cared for and as comfortable as possible.

In extreme cold [ahem, polar vortex], all of our horses are blanketed during the day and night. We also have shelter for them to get out of the wind and snow (although I have seen them stand in a snowstorm several times instead of the barn).

My handsome compadre, Doc.

What I wasn't expecting when I went out to blanket and feed horses yesterday morning was for Rooster (the dog) to chase Rooster (the horse) and another horse through a fence. Resetting and wiring panels was not on my agenda, nor was trudging after two horses through drifted snow with a feed bucket [that's a great workout, for anyone interested]. 

Buzzard = not impressed. Check out Friday and Rooster enjoying their [temporary] freedom.
It didn't last long. They are both fine, no injuries after a romp through the fence, btw.

Rooster looking quite dapper in his winter gear

We increase their hay ration during really cold snaps because hay helps produce body heat. Most of the time during the winter, our horses have several hours access to a large round bale of brome hay. However, right now, we're feeding square bales since I can't get the truck and trailer out of a drift - wishing I had 4WD right about now!


See? Rooster could be in the barn but chooses to stand behind a bush to get a windblock!

In addition to blanketing, providing shelter and extra hay for the horses, we also have to make sure they have plenty of water. Because horses prefer warm water in the winter, we have a water tank with a heating element in the bottom. If we give cold water, in addition to an increased amount of hay, we could end up with colicking horses - which is no bueno - so the heating element keeps the water warm to the touch and keeps the horses drinking as much as they want. I tried to take a picture of the steam coming off it but my iPhone photography skills must not be up to snuff.

Our watertank with the heating element - there was steam coming out of the tank!

Hopefully, those two don't tear up my horse blankets!

When it's this cold, we let the dogs sleep inside at night. And we I spoil the crap out of them with fluffy dog beds, lots of treats and playtime. Look at my adorable, fluffy companions - how can I tell them no?

Rooster and Cricket - frenemies for life. Seriously, Rooster is not digging the fact that Cricket keeps attacking him during his naps and has taken up residence on his dog bed.

How are you keeping your animals warm during this super cold winter and the polar vortex? Let's hope this is the last occurrence [although I highly doubt it].

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~