NatNews

As residents throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex noticed over the weekend, the Texas fall that usually still sees warmer temperatures is behind us—for now, anyway. After all, you never know what the weather here is really going to do.

The weekend’s frigid morning air caused runners throughout the area to pack on more layers than they have in a while, and some even opted for later start times in hopes that the sun would provide a bit of extra warmth.

For a number of individuals, cold weather is essentially satan in frozen form. (As a reminder, for Texans, “freezing” could mean anything from below 60 degrees to the actual scientific freezing point of 32 degrees and below). For others, though, it’s a welcomed change.

“In general, colder temps allow me to have an increased ability to run faster and longer,” Celina resident Robyn Allen said. “I love the cold for running.”

Dallas resident Aaron Byrkit, who ran the Fort Worth Marathon yesterday, also appreciates being able to clock some quicker paces in the cold, though he doesn’t prefer to run in winter-ish weather in other parts of the country.

“Colder temps usually make me a bit faster at first,” he said. “If it’s too cold, it can be hard to loosen up my muscles, though. The Texas cold is pretty close to ideal running weather for me. I’m not sure how I’d feel about the cold they experience in the Upper Midwest. Now, wind is another thing altogether, though. Wind is my enemy.”

With the turn of the weather comes the need to change up the wardrobe. That’s not a big concern for Allen, though—she has a whole system in place.

“Years of experience have helped me understand how to dress for running,” she said. “My main rule of thumb is to wear shorts in 55 degrees and above. I pull out the tights in the low 50s if the humidity is not too insane. I wear throwaway gloves when the weather drops below 50. I like throwaway $1.50 Target gloves so that I don’t feel committed to keeping them, because my hands are the first body part to overheat.”

Byrkit, on the other hand, is more concerned with his hands being covered than anything else.

“Usually, wearing less is better for me, but sometimes I overdress to get myself out there and running in the cold,” he said. “For me, the most important piece of cold-weather running gear when it’s close to or below freezing are gloves. I can run in a T-shirt and shorts as long as I have gloves.”

Dallas resident Elizabeth Cruz, who said she always overdresses, often finds it challenging to adjust to the dropping temperatures.

“In the summer, I always think ‘OK, this winter, I won’t complain about the cold,’ but then it gets cold, and I say ‘OK, this summer, I won’t complain about the heat.’ I honestly don’t hate the heat, other than for long runs. On race day, I always prefer cooler temps, though.”

And then there are those who, no matter what they are wearing or running, would rather avoid the outside altogether when it’s below their preferred temps.

“I hate running in the cold simply because I hate being in the cold,” Plano resident Josh Odegard said. “If it’s below 40 degrees, I don’t even want to go outside. If it’s below 30 degrees, I’m absolutely not going outside.”

The “ZIP” in ZIP code stands for “zone improvement plan.”

The first Thanksgiving was in 1621, and the fourth Thursday of November every year became a federal holiday in 1941. In more recent years, however, a less official tradition has made its way into the lives of many individuals, predominantly millennials.

While the first Friendsgiving ever was not documented, 2007 is most commonly credited with the first use of the term (though some people think it was earlier as a result of the TV show Friends). Then, in 2011, Baileys Irish Creme used the term in a national ad campaign, helping the word become much more common in the American vernacular this time of year.

Regardless of when and how it began, Friendsgiving is a shared experience that allows friends to come together and celebrate gratitude with one another prior to their separate gatherings with their respective families.

“Friendsgiving is always a great way to get friends together,” Dallas resident Becca Finke said. “As we get older, start families, have additional responsibilities, etc., it’s increasingly more difficult to get everyone together at one time. Friendsgiving is a time for celebrating friendships, catching up, and eating some great food.”

For some individuals—whether because of lack of family in the area, work schedules, or a number of other reasons—Friendsgiving might be the only celebration they have. For others, it’s simply another cherished time for making memories and enjoying one another’s company in a special way.

“I think Friendsgiving is great, especially when you live away from immediate and/or extended family,” Dallas resident Dan Sullivan said. “It’s usually more laid-back, and there’s more variety in conversation.”

Sullivan also said that he appreciates that the gathering is usually a potluck-style feast.

“With Friendsgiving, everyone typically has a dish or plate to bring, which disperses the food responsibilities from a few to several,” he said.

As people get older, they aren’t always able to see one another as often as they might like. Getting together for this holiday event, though, provides the opportunity to be reminded of the blessings, especially people, one has in his or her life.

“We all have busy schedules, so it’s great when you get to catch up with some people you don’t get to connect with on a regular basis,” The Colony resident Katy Flynn said. “Even though it’s only once a year, it allows you to reflect on how valued and loved others are to you and you are to them.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Here’s a pic of a beach with the mountains in the background to help you feel warmer when you’re cold

Wednesday, November 16: BFF Bingo at Easy Slider
Thursday, November 17: National Hiking Day
Friday, November 18: George Strait at Dickie's Arena (both Friday and Saturday)
Friday, November 18: 'til Midnight at the Nasher
Saturday, November 19: WRRC Saturday run at Taco Joint