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Sunday, December 9, 2018

Opting Outside!


Maybe it's been cold outside, but at least this past week it has been dry.

How's that for a glass half full outlook?

At the risk of whining (yet again) about the Iowa weather (that I cannot change), let me just remind you that it has been colder than usual this early in the season. It's kind of a crock that the official start of winter is a couple weeks away when it's felt like a full-blown winter (minus the snow) for the past several weeks. It is what it is, and it definitely could be much worse. For example, we should have had several inches of snow, but the two big storms that whizzed through Iowa recently missed my immediate area. First world probs, am I right?

Anyways, onward! Here's what down this past week:

#NeverMissAMonday
Mondays are usually a crazy, full day at the office for me. It just works best to get that Monday run done as early as possible so it won't get pushed back to the end of the day (when the temps are  typically even colder). None the less, Monday's short run did not disappoint...crisp air, the puffs of my breath, the crunch of my footsteps and the snow flurries swirling and blowing all around me. All of it captured the magic of an early morning adventure in all its grandeur; you will not get that kind of an experience on a treadmill.

Later, that evening, I was craving a bit more cardio. We inherited an elliptical from one of my sis-in-laws (because she no longer wanted it), but I had never climbed aboard to give it a try. I'm horribly uncoordinated, and it took awhile for me to remotely get the "simple" forward/backward (alternating!) moves mastered. It says I did 3.5 miles in 31 minutes...not sure how accurate that is. It didn't really feel like I was working that hard, and it certainly did not seem like I had gone that far either. I was a saturated, sweaty mess when I finished, though, so I guess the workout was worthwhile.

#Two4Tuesday
I had every intention of just running one mile Tuesday morning. Really, I did. But it was one of those mornings (and it was just one of those runs) where everything just felt great. The temps were cold, but not uncomfortable. My body felt well-rested. The air was calm and peaceful, and the wind was barely an issue with the route I had taken. My legs just wanted to go, so I let them. That single-mile run morphed into 2+ miles instead, and I probably could have gone longer had I not had a job to get to a short while later. Don't you love it when that happens?

#WonderfulWednesday
After several dismal, cloudy days, Wednesday rewarded us with a clear sky and lots of bright sunshine. I had done a fast-paced 20-minute power walk on the treadmill in the morning, but headed outside for a short run over my lunch break. Even though the wind was a bit wicked, it was so nice to see that beautiful golden orb in the sky. I even took Max for a long walk after work because the weather (temps in the upper 20F's) was so awesome.

#AllisCalmAllisBright
The dreary skies and brisk wind returned on Thursday. A new thing I had tried this week was to alternate my distance each day (running one mile/two miles on alternate days for my streak runs). Thursday was another 2-mile morning, and everything continued to feel good with this new strategy. Maybe my body has acclimated to these sub-freezing temps, but none of my daily runs have seemed ridiculously cold...yet.

#FinallyFriday
Ever since the marathon (almost two months ago), my hamstrings/glutes have been a bit wonky. Nothing painful or debilitating, but I have been taking things moderately easy and avoiding a lot of strain on the "region." In other words, my strength work has been more upper-body focused as of late. I decided it was time to get back to work on my lower-body. 

My solution? a Lower-Body Focused HIIT Workout:

*10 basic squats
*10 (weighted) squats
*10 burpees
*10 flights of stairs
--------------------------
*10 basic forward lunges
*10 (weighted) forward lunges
*10 burpees
*10 flights of stairs
--------------------------
*10 sumo squats
*10 (weighted) sumo squats
*10 burpees
*10 flights of stairs
--------------------------
*10 walking lunges
*10 (weighted) walking lunges
*10 burpees
*10 flights of stairs

I had every intention of doing this circuit two or three times...but white flagged it after the first round, which took me about 20 minutes. I then headed outside to cool down (quite literally) with a short run. Whew! Although I felt quite accomplished, I probably should have done fewer burpees or stairs, so I could have gotten in a little more actual strength work. Oh well, maybe next time. None the less, I got in a serious fasted-cardio burn.

#SensationallySunnySaturday
Remember that crazy lower-body HITT workout from Friday morning? Well, let's just say the DOMS came back to bit my buttocks on Saturday. I can't say I was surprised, after all it had been awhile since I'd done that much focused work on my lower body. Imagine my surprise when I headed out, albeit slightly reluctantly, for my streak run and everything actually felt like it was in full working order! Granted the first couple blocks were a bit tricky (which, coincidentally were uphill), but after that, the legs took over and things went well. The temps were mild, the wind was MIA, and the sunshine was ever-so-bright. In other words, it was a perfect setting for a perfect run (a far cry from the sleet, wind, and rain of last weekend). 
Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, shoes, outdoor and nature

#SunnySundayRunday
Another chilly outing, but plenty of sunshine for my 3-miler before church. So what if I was wearing lipstick? I was also sporting candy cane tights, so anything is possible. Temps were hovering in the low-teens, but the wind (again) was MIA, so the run felt more invigorating than frosty.
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, standing, shoes and outdoor

All in all, I am quite pleased with the week. Although my running is still on the (very) conservative spectrum, I did manage a slight increase in mileage this week over last week (12). I'm glad I got in some bonus walking miles, and tried out the elliptical machine (stay tuned, I'm not completely sold on it yet). And that HIIT workout was intense, but it did my body (and booty LOL) good. 

As far as the RW Run Streak, it is going better than expected. As of Sunday, I have completed 18 days of streaking, bringing my streaking mileage (since Thanksgiving) to 31. Nothing spectacular, but I'm happy with it. It's technically my off-season, after all, and I have no intentions of going overboard with the mileage since I'm running on the daily for a few more weeks. All is, indeed, good.

In case you missed them, there were only two posts last week:

In other news:
Did you catch my Friday Fashion Flair post on Instagram? It was "Christmas socks day" at work, so I embraced the opportunity to show my holiday spirit. I'm a sucker for all things bright, so wearing red is a no-brainer. So what if the Santa socks are borderline obnoxious, they match my red vest. As always, you're invited to play along...post a pic of a featured outfit (it does not have to be what you're actually wearing on that particular day), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and give me a tag (#runningonthefly).

 Both the hubby and I are proud alumnae of the University of Iowa, and we LOVE following the football and basketball teams. We don't make it to many of the actual games in person, but we try to watch most of the action on television when possible. That said, Thursday evening was the annual Iowa vs. Iowa State basketball game, and we were there to see the Hawks defeat the Cyclones on our home court (at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena). And, would you believe Elvis was there? In full Hawkeye-inspired costume?


So, that's another wrap-up of another active week. Although the temps have been cold, they have been bearable...so far. I'm not a fan of the extreme cold, but it's my reality this time of year. Besides, the fresh air does a body and mind good. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

How are things in your area of the universe? Does it feel like winter? Any holiday-inspired attire you're wearing these days? Elliptical...yay or nay?

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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44 comments:

  1. A great week and I LOVE the candy cane tights - wowee! We have been wet and mild here and I'd prefer dry and colder to be fair!

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    1. I have to agree...I don't like the cold, but as long as it's dry, I'll take it.

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  2. I tried the elliptical many years ago when it first became a thing. Hated it. I didn't feel like I got a good workout in and it tweaked my knee. I'd rather walk on the treadmill! But I know a lot of people love it...it's just not for me.

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    1. Right? This was only my first time, so I really need to give it a whirl a few more times...but I wasn't that impressed with it ((yet)). I really doubt I actually went 3.5 miles in that time frame; that's almost faster than I could run it LOL

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  3. Love both of your Christmas tights! SUch fun. Deb had a great pair last week too.
    Ellipticals are weird for me. Can't really enjoy the standard ones but I've come to love the LateralX when I need to cross train
    Weather here has been weird too - taste of the early winter as well, but also 50s last weekend. Had to drag out the long underwear for yesterday's race though and psychologically it just seems too early!

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    1. Yes, it is WAY too early for these extreme temps! It's one thing when it's late January (and there's a good foot of snow on the ground), but early December? Just not right!!!!

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  4. Another awesome week #kimtwin! I don't use the elliptical too much, just usually when i can't run due to an injury, but it's a deceptive machine. It looks easy but 30 minutes on it will leave you a sweaty mess!

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    1. I agree, it was deceptively easy...if that's an accurate stat on the actual "mileage" in the time span. I need to play around with the tension settings, etc. to get a better feel for it. Stay tuned.....

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  5. I love the candy cane tights! I use the elliptical a lot for cross training. Great way to get in some cardio without impact and I would think great for those super cold days!

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    1. I'm gonna experiment with the settings on it...I had NO clue what I was doing with it the other night! It didn't come with an owner's manual, so I'll have to Google that. I can see where it could be a great option to treadmill power walking...and this machine is actually located near a television LOL

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  6. Great job on your streak! I used to do the elliptical all the time before I began running. I found it to be great cardio but was really getting bored with it at the time. I need your candycane tights to go with my candycane arm warmers! Thanks for linking.

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    1. Well, jump on a plane and fly out to Iowa, and I'll let you borrow the tights ;-) I didn't get a very good look at your candy cane arm warmers but you know I LOVE my arm warmers ;-) Sadly, they'd be buried under a layer (or three) of fleece if I had any to wear in Iowa LOL

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  7. You're doing great with your streak! I think I am getting used to colder temps too..as long as its not super windy out. I think the elliptical is a nice option to have for cross training, although its not my favorite.

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    1. I really need some time to figure out the elliptical.....it totally feels so foreign to me

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  8. Your Tuesday sounds especially awesome! I DO love it when it feel s like you don't want to stop running. Nice going on the streak!

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    1. Thanks! It's definitely NOT every run that feels so awesome and effortless. I'm totally in love with those runs when they happen ;-)

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  9. I've only used the elliptical when I was injured and couldn't run but I am generally not a fan. Maybe I don't crank it up enough but it just doesn't feel like I'm getting a decent workout on it. That said, I suppose it's always good to have more options. I'm sick of winter already and it hasn't even started!

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    1. It seems several of us are in agreement about how effective the workouts feel on the elliptical. I've only had the one experience so far, so I know I need to play around with it...

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  10. How nice to inherit an elliptical! I am so happy this weekend was sunny in Chicago too - I was over the doom and gloom that weather has been lately. LOVE the Santa socks - those would be great at a holiday party!

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  11. What a great week! Even on a sunny day my weekdays runs are in the dark. ;-) It was completely overcast for my race today -- due to the snow storms that aren't quite going to make it this far north (!). We have an elliptical that I used to use to warm-up before a strength workout, but now I just walk Scooby. It's a great option when I need a break from running and want to get my HR up.

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    1. A lot of my runs are in the dark by default LOL I'm glad I can squeeze in a couple of "runches" now and then during the work week.

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  12. I'm with you! It's been so cold here so early with no snow. If it's going to be this cold, at least give us snow! But the sun has been out this week so it made things a little beter.

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    1. Doesn't the sun make a huge difference? I wish we had it everyday!

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  13. So much fun festive attire! I love it.

    A free elliptical! Can't complain about that :) I did a fair share of elliptical time when I was recovering from my broken leg and I didn't think it was too bad. Not running, but still cardio. I would make up little workouts (focus on arms, focus on legs, go fast for a minute, etc) to make the time pass.

    The sun makes all the difference on these winter runs!

    Great week for you :)

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    1. That's a great suggestion about mixing up the workouts on the elliptical....I often have to do that when I'm on the 'mill LOL

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  14. I'm sorry to hear that your glutes and hammies have been acting up as well. Ugh! And how cool to inherit an elliptical!

    I always put on lipstick before I run - even at 5 AM in the dark. I hate the taste of chapstick, but with dry skin I have to put something on my lips so lipstick it is! :-)

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    1. Amen to the lipstick!!!!! I cannot stand the waxy appeal to chapstick most people have...give me some moisture WITH a little boost of color and shimmer and I'm quite happy ;-)

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  15. Another very solid week. I have zero desire to run early in the morning, and luckily I don't have to. I always get it done . . . eventually.

    It's felt like winter here, with just a day off here & there, since November. But no snow on the ground right now & that makes me a hamper camper.

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    1. Our winter has been very similar...the cold temps started way too early this year.

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  16. I haven't used an elliptical in years. It seemed to make my bad knee feel worse. I'm happy with my treadmill and bike.

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    1. I have heard a lot of conflicting thoughts and opinions on the elliptical. I'm glad I"m not the only one who wasn't that impressed with it...yet.

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  17. Another great week! It's wintery out for sure - we've had frost and have had our heat on. Obviously, nothing like in Iowa, but I'm certainly missing the brief period of fall.

    Super cute leggings! I have a holiday race in two weeks and need to figure out something to wear!

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    1. I wish I had more holiday races, but I'm wearing the obnoxious legging and tights as much as possible for my runs

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  18. I loved your HIIT workout, I may have to try that

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  19. Great job! You've definitely embraced the cold and have kept the streak alive. I couldn't help but chuckle about your elliptical woes!

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    1. The elliptical is an awkward machine for me LOL I really need some more time with it to give it a fair chance...

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  20. Another great week Kim! I love your dedication for getting out there in the early morning. And way to keep the streak alive!

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    1. Well, the early morning are my gig, even in the dead of winter LOL

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  21. Ah, Blogger ate my comment! Hope it had a tasty meal...anyway, I've only tried the elliptical a couple times and I just don't get it. At least you can gift it forward if it doesn't work for you?

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    1. ha ha...gifting it forward ;-) I really need to try it out some more. I'm horribly uncoordinated, so I probably wasn't even doing it correctly.

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  22. I'm with you on the elliptical. I have not used it in years because I ended up with patellar tendinitis from using it!! ugh!! As always, I love your pictures and you have the BEST running outfits :-)

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    1. I'm pleasantly surprised to see so many others who have mixed feelings on the elliptical as well. I thought more people would be advocates for it. It really felt very awkward for me, but that was only my first time using it. I really need to give a fair chance...right? ;-)

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