Perseverance...while inside

Weekly theme? Perseverance.

It was another week (mostly) inside. 

How does that grab you? The good old Iowa weather has kept me inside far more than I'd like this winter. Seriously, Momma N...what's up?  I ranted and runfessed about it recently (post is HERE), and it's really been a buzz kill to my mental well-being.

For example, it was (again) cold. The wind continued to blow with gusto, and the air felt damp (which  makes it feel even more frigid). Also, I came back from my little Chicago extravaganza with a full-blown head cold and Richter scale-worthy cough. So, yeah, I elected to just #optinsideagain to give all the gunk the best chance of vacating the comfy confines of my persona.

Monday, I spent more time with 'Milly. Not only did she assist me with my #nevermissaMonday obligation, but also with my January challenge of #30dailyminutesofcardio. Not ideal, but we got it done.

Here we go again.....

Tuesday, feeling better, but still not at 100%, I fired up 'Milly again and wrote an interval workout involving 1/4 mile "runs" with sets of stair climbs (details HERE). This is not the first time I have done such a routine, but it's been awhile. I have a stair-climb event happening in April, so I will be amping up my stair-training pretty soon in preparation of the 86 flights that will be conquered on climb day.

Stella vs. 'Milly Interval Extravaganza Workout

Wednesday, I was stuck inside (again). The weather wasn't too awful, but I still was hesitant to risk being outside before the final crud of the cold & cough had concluded (I challenge YOU to say that three times quickly!).....so I stayed inside with 'Milly. Honestly, I enjoy the 30 minutes of daily cardio, it's just a drag doing those 30 minutes inside (almost) everyday.

Thursday, the temps were still cold, but my body was feeling much better. I messaged Barb (my usual running buddy) and we agreed to meet up after she got back to town after dinner. Oh my! I felt like a caged bird that had been set free! We ran five miles, and we ran them fast! The wind was a bit crazy, but only for a brief period. I returned feeling thoroughly exhausted, but totally elated. Everything from the quads-down was throbbing, and the three layers (under the puffer vest) were saturated...and I had my first major installment of endorphins in quite awhile. Mission accomplished.

It felt great to strap on the Vizi-Belt again!

Friday was low-key. SO low key, I didn't even selfie-document anything other than the #Fridayfashion post on my Instagram page (and I lived to tell about it).

Because who doesn't love a double-wrapped pink scarf?

Saturday dawned with ample sunshine, but bitterly cold temps (23-degrees a with feels-like of 11...don't be jealous). Having not pinned a race bib since that day in Tulsa (Route 66 Marathon, November 20th), I was eager to get back into the swing of things. There was a small 5K nearby that we've run before, in 2014 (recap HERE) and 2015. The recap is coming in a couple days, but I'll give you a spoiler alert...it went well! I had the optimal layers needed, and ran an average pace of 8:42 as I did battle with a ferocious headwind and a good portion of snow-covered (uneven) terrain on the trail part of the course.

Barb and I...waiting the start line in the warmth of the car...

Sunday, the temps were similar to Saturday, but a little less evil, so Barb and I headed out for an easy 5-miler. Although it's technically still my off-season, I'm eager to build my base back as I ease into spring training (I have a few half marathons on the roster and a full marathon in mid-June).

cold temps...but you're only cold if you're standing still

Although I ended the week with moderate mileage (15-ish miles), I'm satisfied. I don't need anything more than that just yet, and guess what? All the aches and pains of late have subsided! The off-season has been a success!

SO, tell me something about YOUR week? Weather? Mileage? Training? Recovering?

I'm linking up with these awesome ladies:

Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap

Ilka and Angela for the Sunday Fitness and Foods