I am very proud of myself for the effort I put in to bike as many places as possible. But today, with winds zipping, temps in the 30s and me speeding down hills at 26 MPH, I’m finding biking to be excruciatingly painful!
My body is nice and warm, but within seconds of setting out, my entire face freezes. I have tears streaming down my face and freezing into little icy pathways. My nose starts dripping so much I have to breathe through my mouth, but with that tucked into my turtleneck jacket, it’s hard to do. I’ve started wearing sunglasses, but they don’t seem to help.
I suppose I need one of those full-face ski masks that they wear on E.T. And ski goggles. But then I’d look pretty silly, wouldn’t I!?
Guess I’ll give it some more trials before I decide what to do.
I split my workout in the warmth of the gym between the elliptical and the Stairmaster and wrapped up with 15, 10, 8 sets of push-ups. I am getting stronger!
For lunch today we went out with Karen to get some Christmas presents at Beer Run, AND, Matt’s friend Conor stopped through on his way home – perfect timing!
I decided against beer with lunch, but once I hear the Pumking was on tap, I peer pressured Matt to get a small one. It was an easy task.
And my one two three tastes were delicious!
For lunch Karen and I split the Turkey Trot sandwich
[Turkey, bacon, havarti, cranberry-walnut sauce + romaine on focaccia]
My sandwich came with this sexy pickle
Plus a simple side salad
Matt and I have a horrible appointment this afternoon: flu shots. I hate needles SO MUCH. Why-oh-why in 2010 do we still administer needles into the flesh? Just seems so cruel to me. We got a 20 minute lecture by our trio of parents at Thanksgiving Dinner about the horrors of the flu and why we need the shots. Guess they were a little homesick for parenting : )
Once we get home – we have back-2-back conference calls for the bakery, so it’s a reverse workday for us.
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
Biking in cold weather can be so painful. Go you.
Coco @ Opera Girl Cooks says
Wow, exercising in the cold sounds totally miserable! You are a weather warrior, Kath! A balaclava sounds like a good idea indeed. No shame!
Katherine says
You can get the FluMist vaccine. No need for needles if you really hate them that much.
Angie @ Musings of a Violet Monkey says
I hear you! I got my flu shot a couple of weeks ago. I had been putting it off, until I couldn’t put it off any longer. I work with kids, and I have a terrible fear of the flu. (I had the WORST respiratory flu about 7 years ago, and NEVER want to get it again).
Good luck! It’s not *that* bad. 🙂
~
[email protected] says
I am totally one of those people who would rather catch the flu organically than having a flu shot, especially considering how many people actually get sick after the shot! Not to mention the other additives in the shot. I’m not a huge conspiracy theorist, but the whole connection between vaccines and autism freaks me out! O.o
Kris says
You may not BE a huge conspiracy theorist, but you sure sound like one. There’s no documented connection between vaccines and autism and perpetuating that myth in a public forum is irresponsible.
And get the flu shot or FluMist or don’t. No one really cares. Healthy young people probably aren’t going to die from the flu anyway, just the really old and the really young. And the chances of you passing on the flu to someone really old or really young who will die from flu is SUPER remote, and even if you do, it will probably be someone you don’t know.
Stephanie C says
Thank you for saying exactly what I was thinking!
Sara says
This kind of ridiculous thinking is why the flu spreads and why people die from the flu. YOU may not care if you get the flu, but the elderly or immuno-compromised people that you pass it along to WILL care. Also, the autism-vaccine link is a complete myth stemming from ill-informed celebrities and internet rumours. You sound kind of clueless – sort of like a holistic nutritionist or a naturopath.
Mastering Public Health (@MasPublicHealth) says
There’s no reason to throw holistic nutritionists or naturopathic professionals under the bus for the purpose of this argument.
Amber K says
I have never gotten a flu shot, and I probably never will. You certainly aren’t alone. They simply guess which flu will be the biggie of the year, so you could get sick just as easily with one as without.
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
Eek! Freezing tears is not an ideal situation at all. Neither are needles – ick!
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations says
Oh my goodness!! I can’t believe you attempted biking in the cold. The wind chill factor could be deadly.
Amy K. @ onehealthypeanut says
I am going to miss the pumpkin beers when they are gone!! Enjoy every drop while you can 🙂
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
That sandwich looks so good. Bacon!
Sana says
Sexy pickle. Oh you would 😛
Carolyn @ Lovin' Losing says
I really want to say that I’ve never had a flu shot in my adult life and have also never had the flu in my adult life, but I know if I do then I will get the flu so I won’t say it. 🙂
Dorry says
I’ve been experiencing the same thing with riding my bike…well, it’s not quite that cold in Texas, but I understand the freezing face and tears streaming down my cheeks. And I tuck my long-sleeves into gloves so the wind doesn’t blow up to chill my arms. Let us know if you come up with any tricks – I think a full ski mask would be pretty awesome. Hahaha.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Wooooo– I can’t believe you’re still biking in the cold!! I think it would freeze my face off if I tried to bike up here in PA today!
Amanda (Eating Up) says
I’ve never had a flu shot! I was always afraid that if I start getting one now then my body won’t like it.
Alina @ Duty Free Foodie says
Haha, I am with you on shots. The nurse has to talk me down every time, like a small child. Needless to say, I only get the mandatory shots. I’ll take the flu over the shot any day! (assuming it’s not fatal, of course. Which is what I choose to assume).
Jo says
If you get a good nurse who knows what she’s doing, the injection’s not bad at all. You might not even feel it — I didn’t. Now my hangup is the opposite: the blood withdrawal needle. That does freak me out!
Liz says
My husband & I are split on the flu shot. He always gets a shot and always ends up with the flu. He was down all last week with it and is finally feeling better today. I never get the flu shot and so far so good (knocking on wood of course) I’ve yet to get the flu.
Courtney says
I worked as a flight attendant out of Chicago for five years and never had got the flu shot nor did I ever get the flu and there were tons of sick people who flew. I say skip the shot…
Alaina says
I have never gotten a flu shot and (knock on wood) I’ve never gotten the flu.
I looove Pumking beer! That and Dogfish Head Punkin Ale.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
That beer was a beautiful color. Sounds like a good day so far. I am so with you on the cold. I just can’t do it. My husband and I have started doing the Insanity workouts some within our walking because it is bitterly cold out.
Halley (Blunder Construction) says
I have mixed feelings about flu shots, not so much because of the needles, but because I feel like I shouldn’t toy with my immune system. Whenever I get sick, I’ve usually been bad enough to deserve it (no sleep, eating poorly, dehydrated.) I would hate to get sick from the shot alone!
misty says
You cannot get the flu from the vaccine, as it is not a live virus. The FluMist, on the other hand, is.
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
I love Beer Run! And Pumking is so delicious. Great choice! I can’t wait to get back to Beer Run in the future.
I have never gotten a flu shot and don’t intend to unless I’m working with very at-risk clients. I have a really strong immune system and have never been sick with the flu or otherwise for more than 2-3 days, so I’ll take my chances.
Karen says
Get the Flu Mist!
Jazz says
Haha, don’t hate the facemask! I wear it jogging here in Canada in -20 and it saves my life. I don’t care what I look like mainly because no one can recognize me.. and I feel like a ninja!
Mandy says
Flu shots are developed up to a year before being administered. Not only are you unlikely to be infected with the particluar type that you’re being vaccinated against, but the viruses also have time to change throughout that year of time and the vaccine would be ineffective anyway. Does anyone know of any peer-reviewed medical articles that _statistically prove_ that flu shots reduce illness or death? Just curious. As far as I can tell, there is no proven reason to get the shot. Wash your hands often and take care of yourself.
So says
Mandy, you may be interested in these Cochrane systematic reviews on influenza vaccine
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001269.html
http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004879.html
laine @ beets, butter and mountaintops says
I have a Patagonia neck warmer that I wear when biking in cold weather. I just pull it up over my face to my eyes, and can let it down as needed when I warm up.
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
I hate flu shots too, but I still get one every year! I figure that I can endure a few moments of pain for (hopefully) a sick free flu season.
Nicole says
What a fun day! I’m with you on the cold, just walking around in the city and my eyes start to water 🙁
LadyLara says
I always get a flu shot. I consider it a civic duty. Anecdotes about people getting sick from them is just that… anecdotal evidence!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
I hear ya on the chilliness! Here, I brace myself before I walk outside because sometimes it’s so windy and cold that it makes it almost impossible to breathe. Ooooohh the joys of winter! Good luck with the flu shots! 🙂
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Good advice from the parents – I missed my appointment last month and I am feeling sick today. 🙁
Suzanne @ Continuing My Education says
I would still be your friend if you wore this…
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62002899/winter-rose-army-of-lovers-ooak-winter?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=balaklava&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade
Warm > fashion
Kath says
Haha!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
oh the cold wind KILLS my eyes! way to push through it!
laura says
surprised you and tina are advocating flu shots! with all the controversy surrounding them, i would think you guys would do more research and definitely be against them.
Christena says
I don’t understand this comment. As a pharmacist, I have certainly done the research and wholeheartedly advocate (and administer) the vaccine to my patients. All of the doctors I work with also advocate the vaccine. What are you implying about medical professionals who are not against the flu vaccine?
Kiran says
What’s up with flu shots? I can never understand. Work on your immunity people 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
Argh I know what you mean about biking in the cold!! It can seriously be quite painful!!
Rachel says
Cold wind is a bummer when you’re biking. I was wearing a windproof balalava while sailing yesterday (it was SO cold!) and that helped. When my face gets all frozen I can’t talk right so I just tried to turn my back to the wind as much as possible.
Go for the E.T. look.
jen says
I can’t imagine biking when it’s this cold, you are hardcore!!!
My Dad always lectured me on getting flu shots, but I’ve never had one.
Jen
annie says
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/216,56028_Wickers-Balaclava-Moisture-Wicking-Midweight-for-Men-and-Women.html
^ something like that works wonders for cycling in the cold. make sure it wicks, you can get really wet from breathing out steam !
Kath says
That looks cool, but I’d be SO nerdy walking into the gym in that in Virginia!!
annie says
I wore it in Columbus, OH all the time. Just take it off before you walk in 😉
Val @ Balancing Val says
I wouldnt get those shots if I were you. Have you looked up what is actually in them?
We have been getting a TON of patients who got really REALLY sick for weeks from flu shots. You may not have any effects, but having all that garbage in you is not good!
Christena says
The flu shot DOES NOT cause people to get “really really sick for weeks.” The “ton” of individuals you are referring to may have gotten a non-influenza illness, or may have gotten the flu before the vaccine had taken effect. The flu shot does not make you really sick. Side effects such as fever, muscle pain, and weakness have been reported, but these typically last 1-2 days at the most.
Mastering Public Health (@MasPublicHealth) says
Well-said.
Rachael says
Kath have you ever tried cranberry sauce in your oatmeal? very yummy! Also check out the American Spoon products http://www.spoon.com, I think you would love them.
Kath says
Yup! Lots. Just not this year.
Keri says
That flavor combination for that sandwich sounds absolutely incredible.
And that pickle was most definitely a particularly sexy one 😀
Marisa @ Loser for Life says
I’m with you on the hating needles, Kath. I used to NOT be a proponent of the flu shot, however, I got the flu one year and it was the sickest I have ever felt in my whole life. And I’m old and have had lots of sickness 😉 It took me a good MONTH to get over it. I have gotten the flu shot every year since. I’m a total chicken and I usually make a big scene in the pharmacy – yelping and cringing and tearing up. So much so that my husband brings the video cam every year now and tapes it for our family to see. They love to make fun of me 🙂
Kath says
That sounds like me 🙂
Laura @ Backstage Pass says
A triple-parent lecture on flu shots? For 20 minutes? I just shuddered.
FYI – you guys are having a pretty rock star day if you’ve had beer AND flu shots.
[email protected] says
I hate getting shots too. What’s the deal with that last picture? haha 😉
Lori says
Face mask works great. I wear one when it gets below about 25 when I go out running.
Not a fan of the flu shots for healthy people. Just things I’ve read and more now I think it’s a money maker. Just sayin. I’m 52 never had a shot and never had the flu.
Jill says
Yep-My hubs is chicken too…He got the flu mist.
Natalia - a side of simple says
Good luck with your shot 🙁
I’m particularly not a fan of the flu shot but I completely understand why people get it. Fortunately I’ve never gotten the flu, or the flu shot, so here’s to another (I hope!) flu-less season!
Amanda says
Being a young woman, I never get a flu shot. I feel as though it’s something that should be saved for the very young and the very old. I have never had the flu and the one time I got a flu shot, which was strongly pushed by my doctor, I had a reaction and spent the night being incredibly ill. But I understand your wanting to get it.
Stephanie C says
Good luck with the shot! I’ve only ever gotten it once, because I was working around young children. It was for them AND me!
I know I need to get one again this year, but I am waiting to get it from Target.. supposedly its dirt cheap there. I don’t always get it, but I am in school this year and want to protect myself from any more illnesses!
During the two years btwn Undergrad and Grad school, I got sick maybe once. This year being around more people has caused me to get sick more.
I always just take it situation by situation – last year I got laid off during the flu season, so I skipped it.
Shannon says
I don’t know how to rode your bike today. I’m cold in my house; I couldn’t imagine being outside!
Simply Life says
Oh I’m impressed you even braved the cold on your bike once – brrr!
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Biking always makes the elements 15X worse! Last time I was out, it decided to downpour at my furthest point. Had I been running, it wouldn’t have seen *so* bad..but biking- not fun!!
Vanessa says
I’m so mad I didn’t get to go to Beer Run when I was in C’ville.. That sandwich and ale look so good I can’t stand it. I like the sexy pickle.
megs says
Got to get that flu shot, the flu is potentially dangerous. My dad ended up with pneumonia and was hospitalized for days after getting the flu.
Allie says
You made me laugh about your parents wanting to still be parents to you and Matt LOL. Sexy pickle? Heck yeah 🙂
Susan says
I’ve gotten the flu shot on and off over the last 6 years. I’ve never had the flu my entire life and I haven’t had any ill effects from the shot. I only got it this year because I’m volunteering in an elementary school and figured it was a good idea.
Amanda says
Gosh Im having the same problems with the cold here! Im a runner and I run early so it is freezing! If you find a decent looking face coverup let me know haha
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Your description of biking in the cold is exactly why I cannot bring myself to run outside in the winters! It’s so brutal!
jessica says
off topic. but i saw this and thought of yall.
http://www.knockknock.biz/catalog/categories/pads/kk-pads/rate-beer-pad/
Kath says
Love it!!
Kath says
But I must add that Matt has a TOTAL nerd journal where he writes entries like a diary!!
WendyF says
I wear contacts and have a heck of a time going downhill with the tear factor in the cold. I bought changeable lens sunglasses so if it is grey outside I use a different lense. It might work for you. As for the flu shot, I swear by them. I spend so much time on planes for my work(150,000 miles a year) that when I get the flu its not as bad. 1 day as opposed to 3-4 days Although ask me in a day or so because I just got off a plane in Brazil and caught something.
🙂
Pete says
Speaking of biking, pass on my many thanks to Matt. A few months back he recommended the Trek 7.3 FX to me (same as yours Kath?). I just got one and it is aaawesome. Great advice bud! Of course it’ll be a few months before I really push it to it’s limits, darn snot-freezing cold. =P
Kath says
So glad!
Camille says
I am having the same issue with biking. I think a face mask would definitely be helpful. Otherwise, I try to take it kind of slow. If you are moving slower, the wind is less harsh. Good luck!
Lauren says
I have no idea how you are surviving in this cold. I would rather chew off my arm then ride my bike outside right now. Brave Brave girl!
Sounds like a great day out and congrats on the flu shot! Did you at least get a Lollie pop for the pain?
Sandy says
I never get flu shots and haven’t had the flu yet but then I’m not exposed to a ton of people so maybe I’m just lucky. Just saw this article and thought it was a much more holistic approach to building the immune system.
http://www.wholeliving.com/photogallery/detox-stretches-to-boost-immunity?xsc=eml_bas_2010_12_06
Diana @ frontyardfoodie says
Ugh, not the flu shot!
I seriously have a problem with flu shots and never get them. I believe that our immune systems do much better without excessive vaccines and also flu shots can be noneffective if you get a strain that is not covered by the vaccine.
All around I’m just not in to them.
And needles DO suck!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I’ve never had a flu shot, despite getting sick pretty frequently… maybe this year?
Hannah says
Another of the big things I miss about America is getting served pickles in restaurants! That *never* happens in Australia 🙁
Melissa @ I Never Imagined says
Oh no! I know that feeling with the cold face… I think everyone should wear ski masks, then I wouldn’t feel so doofy for wanting to get one myself!
ilana says
How serendipitious! My eyes were crying throughout my run yesterday, and I also got my flu shot today, and my arm still hurts. 🙁 I didn’t get it last year and caught penumonia so who knows, it might help.
Also, I cracked open the giant Pumking that I was saving circa Halloween (and forgot) in the fridge. EEm, yum. It is soooo buttery and yummy. Now if I can just ignore the candy I unearthed. PS: Dinner looks delish!
Heather says
Two things I love:
1. Sexy pickle…I once photographed a “sexy” can of cooking spray!
2. Your last picture! Great pose!
Thealogian says
Not to brag, okay, I’m bragging, but the University I work at arranged for Flu Shots and they had two options: the traditional needle and the SUPER COOL SPACE AGE “PharmaJet’s high-velocity liquid stream.” It didn’t hurt at all and I didn’t even have a red mark on my arm. Its definitely going to become more and more common and at least in Kentucky, Kroger’s “Little Clinic” offers them at the same price as a traditional flu shot. Anyway, take it from another baby on the needle front, this new shot technology will make your future flu-shot gettin’ life much easier.
Kath says
Oh wow – sounds neat!