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Sunday, December 2, 2018

A Cold Streak


The weather has been most frightful this week, at least in terms of temps.

Although the calendar indicates December, technically we still have three--count 'em, THREE-- weeks remaining of autumn. But, who's counting?

All of my running has been happening outside, none the less, in all kinds of cold weather. I'm kind of stubborn in that regards.


A freezing chilly Monday
Mondays (and also Fridays) are usually guaranteed to be full days at the office for me. If I don't do my run in the wee hours, it usually won't happen until after I return home at the end of the day. Besides, I'd rather start my week off with a run, right out of bed. That said, when I awoke on this particular morning, I just wasn't feeling it. I hung out under the warm blankets and had several debates with myself...Run now? Run later? Skip the run and just walk? Do nothing? Eventually, I got layered up and headed out. Know what? I felt 100% better when I returned. Anybody else love it when that happens?
#nevermissaMonday
Another cold day on Tuesday
I opted to postpone the run on Tuesday morning, though, and did a power walk instead. It had been a long time since I'd done a "runch" over the noon hour (you know, gone for a short run over my lunch break). Wow! I'll definitely be doing that more often, especially this month as I continue to work my way through  41 days of streaking. Don't be fooled by the bright sunshine; it came with some cold and windy temps (21F with a feels like of 9F).
one of my favorite post-run stretches
Doubling up on Wednesday
Since Tuesday's early morning walk/noontime runch went so well, I repeated the routine on Wednesday. Holy brrrrr! These temps feel more like January than November, but I think I am succeeding on nailing the proper layers.
go bright or go home
...and later, after work, I was craving some more cardio and arm work. Have you ever experimented with side-stepping on the treadmill? I routinely do warm-up drills involving zig-zag steps, so I thought I'd try these on the 'mill. I had to turn the speed WAY down (like, from 4.4 to 2.2) and just do short lateral steps (NO zig-zagging for fear of face-planting). I could feel my glutes and hips getting a good workout the short time I did them. I also did some "regular" power walking, for about 20 total minutes of cardio.

That followed with about 20 minutes of arm work. I did three sets of the circuit below, all with 12-pound weights):

10 hammer curls
10 upright rows
20 tricep extensions
10 cross-body bicep curls
10 (standard) bicep curls
10 lawnmowers
not just a runner
Thursday...
The warm blankets won a short battle on Thursday morning. When I finally got outside, almost a full hour later than usual, I had almost total daylight for my run. And, just when I was starting to doubt whether the run streak would be continuing on, this 2-miler happened. My pace was quicker, and everything felt great. The wind was a no-show, too, so the 20F temps actually felt quite pleasant. Yes, it wasn't even December yet, and it felt like my body had already completely acclimated to winter running. I'd love it if every run felt this amazing!
here comes the sun
...and another runch for Friday
Didn't I say this runch thing would be happening more often? I love my early morning runs, but being out in the daylight, at lunch time, has been a nice change of routine.

Saturday's showdown with Momma N
The Jingle Bell Run 5K was on tap for Saturday morning, and the weather forecast was not good. Holy rain, wind (24 mph), sleet AND snow, Batman! Even though it was "only" a 5K, it was quite the challenge battling all those elements from start to finish. As most people know, I refuse to give in to Momma N and her evil games on race day.  Besides, you just might bring home a 2nd place AG medal for your efforts. Onward!
No finisher medals this year...but AG medals instead
Snow (finally) on Sunday
It was bound to happen. Sunday morning treated to us to golf ball-sized snowflakes. Sometimes you just gotta embrace the journey, right? If it's gonna be buttocks-freezing cold, we might as well have some snow to show for it. Although we've had a couple brief snowfalls, this was my first official snowy run. A couple more miles to add to the run streak, now at day 11.
Image may contain: one or more people, shoes and outdoor
jumping for (running) joy
So, overall, the week played out alright. My mileage is still pretty minimal, but it's been working just fine for me, especially since I'm doing the  Streak. My November miles (for running) topped out at 40, which has been my lowest month since my surgery (June 2017). I pride myself on recognizing when I need a break or, at the very least, need to scale back, so that's just what I did for most of November. The  walking has taken over, especially in terms of cardio...53 miles for the month (and approximately 10 for the week). The strength-training is returning and I might be adding some more HIIT stuff in this next week. I'm feeling good and am eager to end 2018 strong.

In case you missed out, here's the three post from last week:
Well Rested; Quite Thankful
Winter Running...are you Vested?
Runfessions...Can We Talk?

In other news:
Did you catch my Friday Fashion Flair post? This happens every Friday...I feature an outfit for the week, just for fun and kicks. I'm always cold, especially at work. I'm stationed at the front desk, so I feel every draft as people come and go throughout the day. A favorite, lightweight go-to for me is a blanket shawl...and this one has lots of fun colors in an exaggerated plaid pattern. Of course, you all know I love my white skinny jeans, and this colorful shawl not only compliments the white jeans, but keeps me warm. As always, please consider joining us...post a pic on Friday, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and drop me a tag (@Runningonthefly).

I mentioned there's been all kinds of walking going on in my fitness world. Well, with the crazy cold temps this week, I not only did my early morning (fasted cardio) power walks outside, I also did some extra power walking in the evening hours... inside. Yes, these evening walks were with 'Milly (my treadmill). Shocked? I actually don't mind walking with 'Milly, but don't worry, I have not done any running with her this season. One night, I cranked up the speed to 4.8, and set the incline on 3, and she took me on a very super-charged cardio session, via power walking.

The streaking. Thus far, I am 11 days into the 2018 RW Winter Streak. Total streaking miles are at 19 (as this post goes live) and I am feeling really good. I have been doing a lot of 1-mile days, but this last week I discovered running two miles (intermittently) actually felt much better. I might try experimenting with that this next week. I think it's good to vary the distance each day, as well as the terrain/route. Anyways, so far, so good. Streaking is not everyone's gig, but I enjoy it briefly this time of year when I have nothing else going on.

 And, finally, I am doing the Advent Word Challenge again this year. This was a fun endeavor last year, and requires no extra time (just a little extra thought LOL). Feel free to join along on Instagram, more info here --> Advent Word.


So, there you have it! The lastest and (somewhat) greatest goings-on in my little corner of the universe.

How about you? Busy week? Cold temps? Any snow? Holiday-inspired races?

I'm linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly WrapThis weekly check-in is such a great place to connect with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Please join us!
WWSki-Orange

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37 comments:

  1. hey look at you with an age group placement! Nice! We had all 3 seasons in one week here in DC which is not too abnormal albeit hard to plan and dress for. Hopefully this week is quieter weather wise because it's going to be a busy one!

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    1. I think it's gonna be cold all this week, as well...but at least dry LOL

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  2. Isn't it funny how we delay, debate and try to figure out if we really want to run or not? Then when we do, it feels great, and we are so glad we did! When will I ever learn and just get out there and do it with out the interior debate? Congrats on the AG place!

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    1. Yes!! Especially, on Mondays when I know I'm gonna run regardless (never miss a Monday!). The motivation to head outside AFTER work (when it's usually dark) is just not as intriguing as it is in the early morning LOL

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  3. Wow so you are pretty much dealing with straight up winter weather - no more Fall!
    Congrats on your AG award - that's awesome!

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    1. We had maybe 10 days of fall....winter just arrived early (and took a 10-day breather) and is now back in full force. UGH. This is why I whine about wanting my summer back LOL

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  4. Sounds like an awesome week, lots of mental struggles to get up early (I hear ya!) but you still did it- nice work! It's so much harder to get out the door in the winter but I never regret it...well, except the time I broke my leg, but GENERALLY I always feel better afterwards :)

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    1. Yes, I'd regret getting outside if a broken leg (or the fear of one) was lurking, too. I just cannot get on the 'mill for a run that time of day (I have done it a few times, but it's SO UGLY). I always feel refreshed and ready for the day when I get the outside miles done ;-)

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  5. Our famed local weatherman, Tom Skilling, says that meteorlogical winter starts December 1. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

    Congrats on the AG award!

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    1. Our meteorlogical winter started three weeks ago here LOL THAT'S my story ;-)

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  6. You are a brave runner running in those cold conditions. OR are you just more dedicated than I am? I would definitely be on the treadmill instead of outside. Great job running through all those elements during your 5k!

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    1. Well, as you know, I HATE the treadmill for running...so it has to be extremely brutal to force me to stay inside LOL Saturday's weather was a real challenge...the temptation to DNS was huge, but the event was for a good cause (the Arthritis Foundation).

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  7. Crazy how cold it's been by you while it wasn't that bad here this past week. There's just that foot of snow we got, which is in the process of melting with all this rain. Yuck! Congrats on the AG place!

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    1. Our weather has been totally whacko, and miserably too cold too soon. I really want my summer back!

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  8. I'm not feeling the colder conditions. I got out in the sunshine yesterday, but that wind had a little chill to it. The sunshine was deceiving.

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    1. My goal is to do all of my Streak runs outside (I have for the past few years)...so I just do it. No regrets!

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  9. Well, you couldn't race and not get a medal! Congratulations! I'm with you on the weather. Should I really be tagging with #fallrunning when it's in the 30s? But #winterrunning isn't scientifically accurate. ;-) Looking forward to #AdventWord!

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    1. truth!!!! I keep wanting to tag my posts "#winteriniowa" but it's not technically winter for a couple more weeks

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  10. Runch. I love that
    Speaking of buttocks freezing cold, I was just explaining to a non running friend what I thought the appeal of SkirtSports was. I'm not one who is worried about what my ass looks like in leggings - no one is looking at me - but layer to warm up my ass? Absolutely.
    Yay you on the age group

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    1. ha ha...I have heard of the skirts has being an added bonus for that very purpose!

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  11. Great work and I really love all your leggings! I let myself stay in bed Saturday morning when I was supposed to be running: I know that if I don't want to run, there's a good reason, and I was very fatigued. Great that you listen to your body and scale down as you need to: a good example to us all!

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    1. I really try to listen to my body. It's especially tough right now with the Streak....my body is still (somewhat) in recovery mode, so keeping a lot of these runs to just 1-milers is a mental challenge

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  12. Congrats on your race and AG award! Its definitely been cold for it still being fall. I hope thats not a sign of whats to come this winter. I never have time to do a run over lunch (and I dont really like running later in the day) but it seems like a really good option to have!

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    1. The past two winters in Iowa have been brutal. Not so much for snow, but the temps have been extremely cold and the winter season has arrived early and stayed late.

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  13. Great job in making things happen despite the frigid weather! Congrats on the age group placement too. I was so bummed to miss our Jingle Bell 5k. I hope to run a holiday themed half (especially since I never have) but I may have to skip that too. It looks like heavy rain. Again. Sigh. Thanks for linking!

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    1. Rain is such a buzzkill! When Barb and I were driving to our race Saturday (an hour away), we kept asking each other "Whose idea was this?" My two layers of tights were saturated before we even crossed the start line, and I could feel the water sloshing around in my shoes by the time I finished...and that was for just three miles.

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  14. Wow, that 5k weather sounds intense! Great job on the age group placement :) I hate the cold but I have to admit that I like snowy runs as long as the snow hasn't started accumulating on the ground yet. They're always so pretty and peaceful.

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  15. It would definitely be a challenge to get out of my cozy bed to run in those temps but I'm pretty sure I would and would be glad I did afterwards.
    That 5k sounds brutal! Congrats on the AG award (and even going through with it for that matter!)

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  16. We got about 6 inches of snow this weekend! Perfect way to start December. My kids played in it all morning.

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  17. The elements for your Jingle Bell 5K sound totally crazy! And so much cold. I am never ready for the cold when it hits!

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  18. It always bothered me that winter doesn't "officially" start until later in December - um helloooo have you been to the Midwest?! I was happy to have a reprieve from the cold this weekend in Tennessee.

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  19. Congrats on our AG award. I skipped my Jingle Bell 5k in favor of an easy run with friends.

    Not a fan of the cold but we runners do what we gotta do.

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  20. Congrats on your age group place! Looks like you had a great week all around.

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  21. Its warmed up here for 1 day and we are all living it. But it's going to drop again. Congrats on your age placement! It's been so busy here I'm thankful to stay a new and slightly slower week.

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  22. I just flew back to the east coast from California so I'm having issues with this cold. :'(

    Congrats on your AG award!!

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  23. When it's not windy, the cold is so much more bearable, right???

    We've had some serious chilly temperatures. Not snow, like you, but it fell in those upper 30s a few nights. I've got one pug in her sweater for the next few months and I'm not ashamed to say the heat has been on.

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  24. Brrr lady! Way to snag an AG medal in your race despite the weather!
    It has been chilly here in the mornings (30s, so chilly for TX), but then warming up to upper 60s in the afternoon. It has been just beautiful!
    I did a run streak a few years ago, but not since then, thanks to my hip and now knee.

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