Wow: household remedy for swelling

Since incorporating a 4pm-ish tea time to my daily activities, 

green tea is one of my go-tos, so this is awesome news!

Date night: Quidam!

Last week, NYC was graced with another Cirque du Soliel show, Quidam. Being the cirque fans we are, as soon as I heard about it, I got us tickets.

When I saw that the show description was about a child's escape into imagination, I interpreted that as a light and fun show for a Sunday Date. Clearly, I missed the key word being escape and that should have been good enough foreshadowing for the show. Cirque concepts can be abstract and this one definitely got away from me. Before B explained to me what was going on at intermission, it felt extremely depressive; not the light entertainment I pictured. Once she told me what was going on, it made sense, but it was not what I was expecting.

My misinterpretation of the concept does not cross over to the performances. Those were as always as stunning and beautiful as ever. The interaction of the stage and performers was again impressive in it's own way. Sadly, there was a huge gap between the stage and the seats, which made it feel less intimate than previous Cirque shows I've seen. I am also bias to the tours that are in cirque tents as apposed to the ones in theaters, though.

I can say I do have a new found respect for the silk performers after attempting areal yoga. I always knew it required a ton of skills, but I don't think you fully gasp how much, until you actually try something like it. Many stories in the air for a 10 minute routine? I could barely handle a few moments before I was motion sick for over 2 hours. Kudos to yall! 

It was also our first time at the new Barclay's Center in Brooklyn. Personally, I'm a total fan of their popcorn selection. Not as amazing as gourmet, but it was still exciting to experience! The food selections were kind of awesome. I was honestly shocked when I saw caesar salad was on one menu. If only more arenas had selections like this! I was also impressed with the way they used the architecture as advertisement. The only thing I wished for was more of a food selection closer to the arena. There is a ton of shopping but not so much food. This also might be me being bias.

The verdict? Although, it was beautiful and a cirque show- how could you go wrong?- it wasn't my favorite but I'm definitely glad I saw it. 

Have you ever misinterpreted what a show was supposed to be about?

NYRR Long Training Run

Saturday, I ended up doing 11 miles, to make up for the 11 miler I didn't complete after last week's Queens 10k. Originally, I was just going to tack the 5 extra miles to the 4 I was supposed to do, but I wanted to get the mental strength of an 11 miler under my belt. 

Lucky for me, NYRR was having a Long Training Run. This was a non-timed/scored training run that had course support. You could run anywhere from 6 to 20 miles. They had a map for how to get all of your miles in- 1 full loop (6), 2 middle and lowers (5 each) and 1 middle (4). I decided to rock the first 2, which would get me my 11 miles. 

The run started by 102nd St. on the east side. The transverse was used as a regrouping area after each loop, complete with port-a-potties, water, gatorade and energy gels to grab on your way out for your next loop. There was also a med tent, where I saw a lot of iced knees. They had water stations along the course as well as sprinklers. Pace leaders were provided by the New York Flyers running group in case you wanted to run with a group, too. They were every 30 seconds up to 11 minute miles. I was a little nervous being a lot slower than that, but there were people in the back with me doing their own thing, too.

Can they please do this more than twice a year during NYCM training? It was really nice to have an organized relaxed run in the park. The weather could not have been better for July; it ended up being a beautiful day for a run (that's what a 7 day heatwave will do to you!). I'm glad I had something structured to make me get out of bed early and be there for. As much as I like getting a long run done before 10AM, getting out of bed before 4AM can be quite brutal.

I believe the next training run is actually a full 18Mile Tune-Up. It is scored and timed, so to get the full credit, you have to finish (or at least, cross the finish line.) I did that one last year and I can say, I totally prefer the non-scored version. It's a lot less pressure especially if it's supposed to be a training run.

Dumbo Training week 13

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Chick-boxing and 2M

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 2.5M

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 11M

Sunday: Rest

So, I finally gave in and paid the $10 for a new gym card, only to find out they cancelled my PiYo classes for the summer. What?!  It's the only one they cancelled, too. Which makes sense because PiYo replaced the "yoga" class and they'd cancel that one for the summers as well. Someone please explain that logic to me! Are people more mentally sound in the summer time?! Blah! That's super annoying. So in light of finding that out, I decided to try out chick boxing because I didn't want to just run on the treadmill. It was fun! I had no idea what half the terminology was, but I continued to punch the air and pretend. It's definitely a class I'd like to take if I can get out of work early enough on Tuesdays.

Thursday, I got to the gym and realized I had forgotten the one vital thing: A sports bra. Awesome. No Zumba or running for me. I almost left, but I decided I'd walk on the treadmill at an incline to get a workout in sans sports bra (and sans holding on to the treadmill, btw! The point of walking on an incline is so you pull your own weight. It's literally weight lifting. Holding on to the treadmill means you're not doing that and you look like you're on a Sunday stroll. sorry, it annoys me.) I need to incorporate hills in my training, anyway, right? I should probably start thinking about that, right? It's getting close! 

Saturday's long run was a really good mental boost, too. I can't believe Dumbo is 5 weeks away! It seemed so far back when we registered, now I'm getting a little overwhelmed with thinking about what to do! It's been about 7 years since I've been and I want to get in as much as I can. Who knows when I'll get the chance to go back?! I've decided making a list of must-dos is a good idea, but I have to keep it under control because I feel like we're still a tad too far out to get Disney-brain ;)

How was your training week? What are your must-dos in Disneyland?

(3 things) race photos, date night and Banana splits!

First off, I give you this fabulous picture from last weekend's Queens 10k. It seriously cracked me up for 5 minutes. I think this is what I looked like when I realized we weren't getting medals. 

You're totally welcome.

I'm super excited about date night this week. I get an entire day (conflicting schedules can be such a bummer) AND it involves a Cirque show. After Totem was here in April, I was sure we were going to have to wait another year or so for one to come our way again, but Nope! Quidam is coming! This will be our first time visiting the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn AND it gives me an excuse to go to Target. Wins all around! Can't wait to tell you all about it. 

And if you haven't registered for the running partner and my Banana's Splits virtual race benefiting LLS, you should :) We are looking to place our medal order by the end of the month, so definitely get registered soon if you want to get your own Banana split medal and help an amazing cause! 

WoW: Alternatives

Substitute soccer/flag football/ ultimate frisbee with a cardio class at my gym and you have one of my secret weapons. It usually does the trick and most of the time I'll even squeeze in a couple of miles after. Hence, last night!

What alternate secret weapons do you use to get yourself out there?

5 Borough Series: Queens 10k

The heatwave broke Saturday night, thankfully, giving us some not-as-hot weather to look forward to. I was still sweating just standing, but there was a nice breeze that made it completely bearable. Funny how 108 degrees all week will make 80 feel like spring!

Sadly, I wasn't as much of a fan of the course as I thought I would be. I remember loving the 13.1 Marathon series one because I got to see all the different museums and whatnot, but this time I felt like there was a ton of road miles on the outskirts of the park; the parts of the Half that I distinctively remember disliking actually. There is so much more to the park that I don't think the current course does justice for.

Honestly, I wasn't paying that much attention to the scenery; I had an awesome running partner who I was teaching the ways of the run/walk to. She's been running for awhile now, but continued to get discouraged about long distances. Which, to be honest, if I would've started out on my own, I would've felt the same way. I've been wanting to show her how the run/walk worked for awhile, and this race was finally my chance! With the amount of running she had been doing and knowing that she's around my fast pace (aka NOT my summer pace) I knew there was no way she wouldn't finish the 10k with me and my 1:1s. I'm pretty sure I have created a new running monster :) 

We both saw friends along the course, and again, this is one of my favorite parts about the running community; getting to see your friends! Towards the end, we ran into another friend of mine (who btw also mentioned the 1:1s were a good ratio) and finished the race together. Sarah's speedy self was cheering us on at the finish (which was a great surprise!) and then we got to have brunch. What else could be better?! 

Oh, right. A medal, maybe? Especially when I used the potential of getting one as bait for my friend to run. Not cool, NYRR. 

As we were close to the finish, we heard a runner who was finished the race tell someone that they didn't give out medals this year and I honestly thought he was joking. I even said to him that's not funny. Yea. He wasn't joking. As we got closer we noticed we didn't see any finishers with medals. It really bummed me out. The t-shirt design was perfect for a medal, too!

(source)

Backstory: The 5 borough series was originally a half marathon in each of the boroughs. If you ran all 5, you automatically qualified for the NYCHalf (not to be mistaken for the Manhattan Half). Last year was the first year they gave out medals at the 5 borough series races, hence why I hadn't ever run any of them; It was also the first year the Queens race was a 10k and the Bronx was a 10Miler. Even with the change in distance, those races had medals, too. 

This year, they gave medals at the Brooklyn Half (not sure about the Manhattan one, though) and made a HUGE deal out of it for the series, so I automatically assumed they'd continue to give them at Queens and the rest of the races, for that matter. Why make one borough a bigger deal than the others? You know what they say about assuming, right?

UPDATE: Apparently, it has already been addressed on their facebook:

NYRR, haven't you learned your lesson about changing things last minute on your runners? 

I was looking forward to making this race an annual thing- incentive to race in the summer in a new place! But honestly, for me, it's not worth trekking all the way to Queens just for a 10k that doesn't even give medals. We'll see if they keep their word for next year.  

What do you think about flip-flopping on medals?

Dumbo Training week 12

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 2M

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: 5k

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 3M

Sunday: Queens 10k

Sweet almighty, was it HOT this week. A 7-day heatwave to be exact (which hasn't happened since 2002!). Friday it was so bad, the AC unit couldn't keep up. All I wanted to do was lay very very still. Yes, I know its summer. Yes, I know some places 90 degrees is NOT  a heatwave, but I will complain -again and most likely all summer- if I want to! Due to some schedule changes, I did all my runs outside and they were miserable. The only that got me through was knowing it would make me a better acclimated runner. Who knows when I'll need to run on the surface of the sun, right? 

The training schedule called for back to back runs this weekend with a 3M and an 11M. I knew I had the Queens 10k, so I had to do my miles before the race- but transportation to there that early was going to be tricky. Then, I ran into friends and decided brunch was more important and fun. And now, I'm being lazy. For the record, I don't think I've ever not gotten the miles in for the week. Walked the last few miles because I had to get them in? Definitely. Broken them up? Sure. Not even bother? A couple of times, I think. But just not finish? Totally not like me. 

I've decided that I'll just add the miles to next week and it'll all be ok. I'd like to get the full 11miler in for the mental goodwill. We'll see how it goes.

How do you feel about not doing all the miles on your long run? 

Banana's Splits Virtual Race registration is now open!

Remember when I run-posed to my running partner?

Well, not only is she going to be a part of the Dynamic A Team again, she's also a part of Team in Training. We will be raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) for this year's New York City Marathon. Hope you can join us! 

Please join us in The Banana's Splits virtual race benefiting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

What exactly is a virtual race?

Well, it's a race anyone, anywhere, can run!

Registration is $25 and you can register here.

The "race" will be held throughout the month of September, so go out and run a 5k, a 10k, a half marathon- whatever distance you feel comfortable with! We want everyone to participate no matter your athletic background.

Feel free to interact on the event's facebook wall: post your time, post pictures from your race, encourage other, make friends!

Then, be on the look out for your very own Banana's Splits medal- to document your awesome accomplishment.

Why Banana's Splits?:
Anna Banana is raising money to run, hopefully negative splits, in the New York City (aka the big apple) Marathon.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research for new treatments and cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and provide critical education, services and support to patients and families batting these cancers. An estimated 912,938 Americans have a blood cancer and approximately 28,000 of them are living here in the NYC area. 

Not up for the race but would still like to donate? No worries! Any donation is greatly appreciated. You can check out Anna's page here.

(3 Things) Universe lessons, Paying the Kindness Forward and a 10k in Queens

This week the Universe has decided to teach me a few life lessons. You know the big ones: You never know what's going on with a person until you walk a mile in their shoes, life is too short, it will never give you more than you can handle, and just when you get comfortable it starts throwing curve-balls.  I've also noticed it's around this time of year. Anyone else have a particular time of year the Universe starts messing with them, or is it just me?

If you're on the fence about kindrunner, check out their 48 Hours of Paying the Kindness Forward campaign. Anyone who registers for www.kindrunner.com will receive a $10 Kindness Cash Rewards Credit towards a future purchase of ANY brand and ANY item! Can't beat that. Don't wait, it ends once they leave the office on Friday. Need more information? I wrote this post about the site, and then this one once it launched (Disclaimer: I am an ambassador for kindrunner.com and will be doing ongoing campaigns with the site. I will be providing my 100% honest opinion, per usual. Even if I wasn't, I'd still be telling yall about this awesome company).

I'm excited about this weekend's Queens 10k. If you haven't already guessed, I'm absolutely in love with the branding. They even had women's cut in the tech tee! During packet pickup, NYRR was also having a blowout merch sale. I got 2 running jackets for $15 each; you can't beat that! Even if it is 105 degrees outside and the thought of putting it on is torturous (dude. The walk from the 6 train to NYRR HQ is a KILLER), but I digress. I haven't been to Flushing Meadows Corona Park since the 13.1 Marathon Series in 2012, but I remember loving the park. There is so much to see there! I wish I lived closer. According to the almighty schedule, I need to get 11 in, so let's all pray to baby Jesus that the trains are going to be running smoothly; getting from Brooklyn to Queens on a Sunday morning definitely warrants prayers. Hopefully, I'm going to get to run with a friend who wants to try out intervals. I really think it's a perfect gateway to get people to like running and every runners wants more running friends! Yea. I know: Total Runnerd. 

How's your day?

WoW: heat acclimation

I hate to agree with this, but it does help to think like that. Especially since NYC is up to it's second official heatwave of the season (3 if you count the one in May!) and it won't be letting up until Friday according to the weathermen. I still have another month and a half of summer training; gotta think positively!

Would you rather train in the summer or winter?

Joining a running club

I've been thinking about joining a running club for about a year and a half now. Keywords: Thinking about it. I say I'm going to, but I never get around to it. Or I'd tell myself as soon as I finishing training for [whatever I'm training for at the moment]. Technically, it was the marathon training that had me crazy focused last year. Then I took a break. And here I am again, thinking I should join a running club.

Most of the clubs in my area have $20 annual dues, weekly meetups and entire calendars with training and social events. All good things. If I hate it after one time (which you don't have to join right away either; most let you come to a couple of practices before you officially join), I can think of a lot worse things to waste $20 on. It's a total win-win.

When I was training for my first half marathon with TNT, I really liked training with the group. That is how I met my running partner and PIC after all! It's nice to have people in your life that share the same goals and crazy ideas of what productive weekend activities are. They're built in people to go to brunch with after a long run. Of course, it also helps with the accountability and I fear as the summer settles in, getting motivated is going to get harder. Again, these are all good things! So, what's with all this hesitation?! 

Then I start some more thinking, which leads to a whole bunch of excuses. I'm very set in my ways; changing my routine hasn't been a high priority (until recently). Plus, training outside seems to be a real inconvenience to me lately. Hence the thought process: why do I want to go ALL the way up to Central Park to train during the week and then trek back to Brooklyn when I can just go to my gym (in the AC!), a block from work, then go home? Can't you see the motivation to train, people?! Clearly, I'm in seriously bad shape! Need more local running friends to help! 

Maybe I am worried about being too slow. I have a few friends in the running club(s) I've been eying and I get mixed reports. Some say the marathon runners are fast, others say they're not. I read that for most groups, if you're new, they will pair someone to run with you for your first couple times going. All I know is I am definitely ANYONE'S definition of slow and would hate to make someone slow to my pace just because I'm new. And on top of that, I'm not just slow, I'm a slow run/walker. That's a whole lot of variables that make it really hard to find compatible running partners. 

So, with all that being said, I just need some sort of push to do it- kind of like the trying those new classes thing. I'm hoping by putting it out there, in the interwebs (because the internets never forgets, people!) that maybe this will be my push!

What are your thoughts on a running club? Are you a member of one?

Dumbo Training week 11

MON: Rest

TUES: Zumba (via youtube)

WED: Rest

THURS: 2.5M

FRI: Rest

SAT: 4.5M

SUN:  Yoga- maybe I haven't decided yet ;) 

As previously stated, my missing gym membership card has really been messing with my Tuesday night workout. I seem to have a mental block against it. I pack my gym bag like normal but only remember I didn't even look for the card, until I'm about to leave work. So, then I'm in a predicament. This week, I decided to come home and find a Zumba routine online- normally I would do yoga, for some reason, I just couldn't stomach doing it again. Good news? Zumba workouts are everywhere! Bad news? I can't figure out how to stream them through my Apple TV, so I don't have to do it from my laptop. 

For Saturdays long run, I was pleasantly surprised to wake up to clouds and "cool" weather. That lasted until about mile 3, when it started raining and I realized I was in a my WHITE Pride Run shirt. Awesome. No worries, I got over it within seconds when I started to remember how much I loved running in the rain. I was a little bummed I was still running slow, even in the cooler weather. Then I noticed my later miles were getting faster and I reminded myself I'm a long distance runner NOT a sprinter. I'm glad my long runs have gotten to a significant distance, but the shorter ones are killing me. It's time to start working on those. 

If you're following the Galloway plan, you'll notice one of the miles for this week's long run would be a magic mile. Not gonna lie, I still haven't figured that out yet. But as soon as I do, I'll let yall know how that goes! 

How was your week?

3 Things: Gym cards, The Ultimate foam roller and Orange is the new Black

How is it already Thursday? This week flew by, but I'm not complaining. I think it's because my schedule got all crazy-changed, but that can also be a good thing, right? I am, however, complaining that I'm 99% sure I have lost my gym membership card and don't want to pay the $10 replacement fee. It's been a couple of weeks and I'm being stubborn because I don't want to believe I actually lost it. That and the fact that I only pay $20 a month for the membership as it is. $10? Seriously?! It's a piece of plastic! Oh, Corporate greed, I hate when you win.

A few weeks ago, I ordered the GRID foam roller because it was on groupon. I had been lusting after it for over a year, but our foam roller is pretty industrial as it is, so I didn't feel the need. Let me tell you- after using it for a week, I can definitely say- you have not foam rolled until you foam roll on this. Holy wowsers, guys. That is NO joke and I have the bruises to prove it. I feel like I need to name it- any ideas? What's a scary prison wife name? 

Speaking of prison wifes, anyone else watching Orange is the new Black? It's a new Netflix series based on a memoir of Piper Kerman. It's about the 18 months she spends in jail for drug trafficking, one  time ten years prior. Anyway, I read the book when it came out and I liked it, so I figured I'd give the show a try. Besides a few really big inaccuracies that won't matter to you if you didn't read the book, but drive me a little crazy, (SPOILER: she was already in prison when Martha Stewart got arrested, not after and she did not serve in the same prison as her ex- sadly, these are the 2 big distinctive things I remember about the book in general but hey I get it, more drama) it seems like a good show. I am only on episode 2, though. As long as they stay away from unnecessary violence, I'll be ok. It aired today and it's already been picked up for a second season. Plus, the theme song is Regina Spektor, which is pretty cool in my book.

What do you think about the new trend of web based series, ridiculous fines for losing your membership cards or foam rollers? 

WoW: Training vs. Racing

On that note, just because there is a race every weekend, doesn't mean you should sign up for all of them. Please remind me of this next year. My bank account, mental health and legs will thank you :)

Dumbo Training week 10

MON: Rest

TUES: Yoga 

WED: Rest

THURS: 2.5M

FRI: Rest

SAT: 2M

SUN:  9.5M

This week was crazy weird with all the time off- not that I'm complaining! It was definitely needed. It just snuck up on me. . kind of like the workout week, too. I wish I would've planned it better. I'm sure forgetting my gym card on Tuesday didn't help matters (they won't let you in if you do it more than once. . . seriously. rude.) If I was smarter, I would've run on Wednesday and rested on Thursday so I could've moved my back to back runs to Friday/Saturday and had today to rest. C'es la vie. Live and learn.

For the record, 2 back to back 5 mile races might equal 10 miles but it's definitely NOT an 8 mile mental boost. 9.5 was pretty daunting considering the longest straight distance I've done previously was a 10k. Yikes! To top it off, we're having another heatwave. So, yea, those miles weren't pretty. They were slow and sweaty and mentally painful (physically good- a few minor aches but all stretching related I'm sure) but at the end of it, I think I finally feel like I'm a runner again. After mile 6, I felt like I could really let my mind go and it's been awhile since I've done that on a long run. It was definitely missed. I was even looking forward to the ice bath around mile 8! 

I was a little weary about the Galloway plan taking me up to 14 before the race, but now I'm really liking it. It's really boosting my confidence (when I do it correctly ;) I also really like the up and down week process instead of the beginner ones that only progress. It's really nice to know next week I can chill a little, since it goes back down. I also like that once Dumbo is over, I can chill a week and then jump right back into a 15 or 16 to further prepare for NYCM. 

Did your workouts change because of the holiday? 

Achilles 5M Race

The Achilles 5 mile race is sponsored by the team of the same name that offers athletes with physical and mental disabilities opportunities to participate in athletic events. They usually participate in all NYRR races and you know who they are by their awesome OCHA yellow tshirts. 

This 5 miler took you counter clockwise through the lower and middle loops of Central Park. Luckily, it was overcast the entire race. Even though it was so humid I felt like I was swimming, I'd much prefer that to the actual sun. 

Thank goodness for PIC! I can honestly say, I was tuckered. If I didn't have to meet her to give her her bib, I might've sat this one out. The heat really took a toll on me from the day before and I wasn't feeling it. In the end, I'm glad I did it, but what was I thinking scheduling back to back races the weekend after an out of town weekend?! 

With the advice from one of our coaches, we decided to test out the 1:1 ratio. Honestly, I've never rocked that one but I've heard from lots of people when they start slowing down, they'll drop to 1:1 to pick up the pace. I don't really know if I can give a verdict on it or not, because I knew we were going a lot slower than I did the day before. I did notice I didn't get as tired, though. Not sure if that's bc of the lack of sun or the shorter run, but all the factors made for a more pleasant run. The best way to get over a bad run is to run again and I think that's what happened here.

Finally got to try out the French Toast bagels. They're my new favorite!

Hope & Possibility.

It was a good race with a lot to be inspired by. 

What inspires you?

(3 things) Real Vacations, The 4th and the TInk 10k

Happy 4th and this amazingly long weekend, yall! As I sit in my apartment, I've come to the conclusion I'd like to take an actual vacation, as in not attached to a race. There, I said it. Don't get me wrong, race-cations are fab, but sometimes you just need to get out of the city and enjoy doing nothing. AmIRight?! I can't remember the last time I took a good old fashioned vacation and I think it's about time. Now, who would like to sponsor it? :)

B and I celebrated this holiday by rocking a double-header at the movies. We started the day with some Monsters University (super cute and much better than I thought it was going to be), broke for lunch then followed it up with The Heat (pee your pants funny. seriously). We don't usually go to the movies for a myriad of reasons, but I think it was a great change of pace and an awesome way to spend the day. 

And in case you missed the "official" announcement, runDisney is adding a 10k to the Tink weekend- no challenge though. My original thought was "Why would you run both if there isn't a challenge?!" Then I remembered I ran the Half and the Relay 2 years ago and that wasn't an official challenge. Just from that thought alone, I think we've been spoiled. Kudos, rD. I love that you're adding another distance, but I think without the challenge, you might get more new people to experience your magic. Now, I'm just waiting for them to announce the 10k addition to Wine and Dine- what if it was ALL on one day- the 5k, the 10k followed by the Half Marathon?! Now that would be a challenge.   

How are you celebrating the 4th?

WoW: Ice Bath recovery

aka The ICE BATH!

It's about that time in training; I can't wait! 

 

I know, I know. I'm a weirdo, but I swear by them. I am able to bounce back so much faster than if I wouldn't have. Don't worry, I didn't love them at first but I have definitely grown to appreciate all the good things it does for my body. Now, I even start to look forward to them when I have about a mile or 2 left in my long run or when I'm really hurting.

A few tips:

-Put the ice in AFTER you get in and the more the better. Fill the tub with cold water, get in and then add the ice. I usually get 2-3 bags of ice from the bodega before I come in to the apartment, or if I'm in a hotel, I bring a heavy duty plastic bag (Or just my runDisney bag check bag ;) and fill 2 of those.

- Wear a sweatshirt/ long sleeved shirt. I roll mine up so the bottom doesn't get in the water. I also usually just get in with my running clothes on, too, depending on my mood. I'd also suggest remembering to keep your socks on. My feet and toes get wayyy too cold without the socks and it's really painful.

- Bring some tea/ coffee in there with you. It will warm your insides. 

Do you have any tips to add?