We all know I don’t like winter that much and this always plays a major role in the amount of running that I do. In other words, I find it really hard to run in winter. Now throw in 5:00 am, temperatures in the teens, and a warm comfy bed. The bed usually wins.

Oh, Central Park how I have missed you. (c) Stacey Cooper

This past week turned out to be a bit better and has me getting excited about running again. Let’s say I used all the tricks in the book — the group run, a race with buddies, and being prepared for that early morning run.

First, I joined my running club, Front Runners, for our Saturday morning fun run. It has been a while since I have joined the running part of the fun run and I really enjoyed getting out there again. Of course the weather wasn’t too bad so that helped — a lot.

The next day I headed over to Brooklyn for the Prospect Park Track Club’s Cherry Tree Relay. It’s always fun to participate in this event even though it is always fucking cold. But it is the race for the hardcore as they say. The 2013 edition of the SloHoMos finished 3rd from last in the women’s division. We represent the back of the pack well.

Then just once this week I was able to get myself out of bed at 5:00 am and run. It felt great. Only two of my early morning runners were out but it was great to see them as we ran by each other. That was on Wednesday, I think the warmest morning of the week.

I was hoping to run more consistently this week because I do have a half marathon on Sunday. Even though it’s not a goal race I still want to feel less sloth-like.

But this is a good start. When I started running at 5:00 am at this time last year, it wasn’t until late spring when it finally kicked in. I know it will take some time to get back into the habit and that’s really what it is a habit, a very good habit.

Now, I’ve got to finish this up and get ready for this morning’s little run. It might be raining a little bit and that makes me excited. You know the passion is starting to return when running in inclement weather gets you excited.