Dear Ear Warmer,

When it comes to cold weather running gear, you are my number one. I would save you before I would save my running tights because Ear Warmer, you make me brave.

When the wind is blowing and I think “maybe I’ll run tomorrow,” you remind me that the chill is no match for your tender warmth. You rest so lightly over my ears, yet manage to fend off the nipping cold. You do not complain when I wear you upside down nor when salt lines form upon you from my sweat. Further, if I was mistaken and in fact it is warm enough to go without you, you rest patiently on my wrist for the run to finish. Cold weather running would be simply unbearable without you.

For a time, I thought you had been left with my parents, or worse: lost, but you were tucked away with Hat and Scarf (neither of which are a match for your running prowess). On Tuesday, we were reunited for our first fall run of the year, and it was a wonderful thing.

So this post is for you, Ear Warmer, and I hope Tuesday was only the rekindling of our cherished friendship.

Carly