Well, apparently we're coming out of the deep freeze. I have 5 degrees on the thermometer ... on the plus side of zero!! Whoo hoo!

Registration for Grandma's Marathon on June 20 is now open.

From Fred Woolman, who teaches Yoga and Pilates, a link to a video about ab exercises for runners.

From Mike Schmitt: It's a goal. A mission. A need. A want. Whatever you call it thousands of moms are out there pounding the pavement with their favorite running shoes and Baby Jogger. They're running. Taking those giant strides to work off the baby fat on the outside ­ but what they may, or may not know is they're also seriously toning their spirit on the inside. On January 15th, www.runningmoms.com will capture that audience and create a community of women with the same passions, struggles, all while balancing family life. Our goal at RunningMoms.com is to nurture the inner athlete in moms everywhere. We have created a place for moms to come together, get inspired, and be challenged to get out and run your first 5k ­ or marathon. You can also talk shop: whether it's discussing the best gear or the best way to potty train your toddler. RunningMoms.com will be a resource for you, your wife, sister or your own mom. RunningMoms.com is the brainchild of Dani Kassner and Amy Leger, two moms from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota, who have a passion for both parenting and running. Co-founder Dani Kassner says, "I kept seeing other women and moms out on the trail and I thought to myself, 'I bet there's a lot we could learn from each other'." And www.runningmoms.com was born.

Just a reminder that the Off-Season Striders will be running from Dunn Bros. on Elton Hills Drive Saturday morning at 7:30. Hope to see you there!

I was talking to Mike Holmes at the Y this morning. His girls did a fun thing yesterday during the snow day ... they went out and blew bubbles. He said they freeze, fall, then blow along the snow. Sounds fun to me!

Since there's not much news today, here's another of my cookie recipes:

Butter Toffee Cookies
3/4 c. butter, softened
1 1/4 c. lightly packed brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 egg
2 1/4 c. flour
1 c. toffee--flavored bits (Heath bits)
1 c. chocolate chips
1 c. chopped pecans

Cream butter, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and baking soda. Add the egg and beat until fluffy. Add the flour and stir until well-blended. Stir in bits and chips and nuts.

Drop by generous tablespoonsful on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake in a 375 oven for 10 to 12 minutes (10 for chewy, 12 for crisp). Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to racks to cool completely.

Thought for the day: "It isn't the load that weighs us down--it's the way we carry it."

Have a good one.