Nine days without power made last week was one of the most challenging weeks of my life. Who knew that something seemingly as simple as lack of power could throw your life so out of whack? Especially since in the past I relished a night by the fire with only candles for light and having an excuse to not do laundry.

The tasks of everyday life seemed more difficult. First there was the act of getting out of bed...that nice, warm bed...and into the 40-something degree room. Brrrrrr! It was always interesting to see the outfits that people picked out in their rush to get dressed in the dark. Some folks had two different color shoes, clashing shades of purple and one runner who confessed to not being able to find her sports bra, so she just layered her running top over her pajamas.

Then, there was the trip outside to the snow bank in the yard where we had buried the food from our refrigerator and freezer in the hopes of keeping it cold. Unfortunately, as the snow retreated, more and more of it went into the garbage. Goodbye Greater's ice cream and Omaha Steak burgers.

The new daily routine consisted of waiting in lines and seeking out power outlets to recharge my phone and laptop. There were long lines at the gas station. Longer lines at the gym for a hot shower and at the Whole Food prepared foods bar. But the longest lines of them all were always at the coffeehouse. They could have charge $10 for a cup of hot coffee, and I would have happily paid it.

Driving was entertaining. Between the zig-zagging maze of driving around downed trees and power lines, stopping at every intersection because stoplights were dark, to reading the signs people had posted in their yards. My two favorites were "Free Wood" and "Free Sponge Baths".

Nightlife in Hartford gave birth to a new craze: Generator Parties as everyone tried to spend as much time with their friends who had power and shared the contents of their refrigerators which made for some very interesting dinner combinations. One night my parents, sister and I decided to watch a movie on a laptop. We strategically huddled ourselves near the fire and in view of the laptop. It almost felt like a normal night, until the laptop battery died with 10 minutes to go causing us to wonder if the Green Hornet would really save the day.

Through it all, the one thing that restored my sanity the fastest was going for a run outside. Within a few hundred steps, I'd find my rhythm. The sun warmed my face and made the world bright. The cold air became refreshing again. My mind cleared and my body relaxed. My body felt warm from the inside out. For a moment, life was back to normal...

Be Fit,

Steph

Asics' popular and oh-so-soft Thermopolis fabric is back!

Thermopolis 1/2 Zip (Women): This past weekend, I wore my Thermopolis hoodie and absolutely loved it. Its sister top, the � Zip, is virtually the same, just with a zipper for ventilation and no hood. The Thermopolis fabric is incredible. It wicks. It breathes. It has thermal properties to trap your body's heat. It is super soft. I feel like I can wear this top to stay cozy and warm while relaxing or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, I could go for a crazy cold trail run in it! The top is fitted, but not tight and is perfect thickness for layering. Besides fit and function, others are raving about the pretty blue with a light yellow and lime trim color. The color just stands out this time of year-refreshing!

Thermopolis Pant (Men & Women): This super cozy, yet functional pant is tough on the outside, but is oh-so-soft on the inside. The mid-weight, extra protective knit fabric is brushed on the inside, so it is super soft to the touch. The flat front waistband is flattering and the reflective elements give you increased visibility. Sometimes, I do not care for zippers on pants, but Asics delivers with the lockdown ankle zippers, giving a secure fit. The side pockets are secure too! This pant is sure to become one of your go-to winter pants, an essential addition to your winter running or walking ensemble.

Thermopolis Jacket (Men): Men, come get this jacket before it sells out! It is sleek and subtle in a simple black, yet rugged at the same time. This all-weather jacket is made of lightweight Thermopolis�, optimizing movement in all conditions. It has wind panels, zipper garage, mesh back for added breathability and zippered pockets (including one for your mp3 by your left shoulder). The wind-protecting knit fabric is even anti-bacterial, snag-free with 50+ UPF protection! Whether you run, walk or hike, this jacket is for you.

Reflective Long Sleeve Tee (Women): See and be seen. This super cute top has retro-reflectivity, which means it lights up when automobile headlights hit it. This top not only stands out for its optimal reflectivity and visibility, but it's stylish, eye-catching floral design down the left side. This top is available in black with turquoise design and a pretty blue with gray design. You can wear this top on its own on a warmer day or as a base layer when it gets colder.

Reflector Jacket (Women): This water and wind resistant hooded jacket has a nifty technology that is perfect if you run in the morning or at night: a spiral trim of light built into the right shoulder that can be set to blink so you are more likely to catch a driver's eyes! The lightweight jacket is well-ventilated and is treated with Asics' Atomic Wash for added durability and softness. Other features that stood out when I tried it on were front pockets that are just the right size, well-designed sleeves that allow for a full range of motion and a semi-fitted design that is super flattering. I also love how the hood can roll into the collar for storage.

Manchester Road Race: A Seventy-Five Year Celebration: This wonderful special-edition book commemorates the 75th anniversary of the famous road race right here in Manchester, CT. The 174-page book features countless photographs and personal accounts that capture the action, excitement, festivity and rich history of this wonderful Thanksgiving Day race. Price for the book is $29 with all proceeds from the purchase going to the Manchester Road Race.

Manchester Road Race T-Shirts: Get your official Manchester Road Race Tee tech tee at Fleet Feet while supplies last. This year's long-sleeve shirt is a bright yellow ($25) and the short-sleeve shirt is a light blue ($18). In addition the regular unisex shirts, this year the MRR is proud to debut women-specific shirts that feature a rounded collar and tapered fit. All proceeds from the shirt sales go directly to the Manchester Road Race.

In honor of our freak October snowstorm that left most of us without power for as many as 11 days, here is a no-cook breakfast idea called Overnight Muesli that will get your day off to a nutritious start.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats (not instant or quick cooking)
• 2 cups milk or yogurt or soy or almond milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds
• 1 cup fresh fruit, (peaches, apricots, berries, bananas) pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons sweetener (optional, honey, maple syrup, agave nectar)
 

Directions:

Combine oats, milk, zest and vanilla in a bowl, cover and refrigerate overnight (if your power is out, you can chill the Muesli in a cooler with ice). The next morning, scoop the Muesli into bowls and top you're your favorite nuts, fruit and a drizzle of sweetener.

Serves 4

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