Chicago had an unseasonably warm-ish (emphasis on the *ish*) day today, with our highs reaching low-to-mid 50s.  Most days lately have only seen 40s for the highs, so these extra few degrees are worth getting excited about.

This was also actually a perfect day to try out a birthday present I got, what I’m calling a cocoon for A to cuddle with (read: in) while we run together.  I’ve only been running with her since April, so we have yet to tackle the Chicago cold and wind together yet.  It’s no surprise that I adore cold-weather running, but I haven’t been certain about subjecting her to it… until now.

In other words, yes, I realize I’m a bit of a freak for enjoying winter running, but I don’t know if she’s picked up my freakish genes quite yet. 🙂

Anyway, the cocoon is basically this; think of it as a sleeping bag for kiddos that you can use in a stroller or in an infant carseat/carrier.  It fits perfectly in the BOB, and I’ve been looking forward to using it with A on a run.  (Of course, I didn’t think I’d be running with her right now, so soon after NYC, but whatev.  C’est la vie 😀 ).

Here are some pics C snapped today of A and me before we got out on our 6-mile run.  I eventually put her in her winter coat under the cocoon, but it was more because she sometimes likes to pull her legs out of the cocoon, and I wanted to make sure at least part of her was warm while we were out (sidenote: fortunately, aside from chucking her snack cup and lid while we were running, she kept it together).

The other amazing birthday present was also for A and me while we run, and it’s basically a cover that is water- and wind-proof and that fits over the frame of the BOB.  You can zip it all the way up (so the kiddo can’t see a thing), or you can zip it down so the kiddo can see but has a plastic shield over her to block the wind.

I think the cover, combined with the cocoon, will ensure that A could go on pretty much any cold-weather run that I’d want her to accompany me.

After our photo session with C, we finally got out for our run: a nice 6-mile run from home to Belmont Harbor along the lakefront.  My watch took a long time to detect the GPS before we got going, so here are a couple more pics I took as we were waiting to get movin.

The verdict is in, and it’s in favor of the cocoon.  Well done.  We’ll see how the cover holds once it gets cold enough to warrant its use.  Until then, it’ll be all cocoon, all the time.