Sunday, December 30, 2018

Weathering the Weather 


If you don't like the weather, give it a few hours.

I have no idea where that phrase originated, but I can't help but wonder if it was an Iowan who authored it.

What a week of sporadic weather! Momma N treated us to a little bit of everything (short of a hurricane) in my area of the world. None the less, I got outside everyday and did my best to enjoy it, in and out of my running shoes.

Here's the low-down....

My #nevermissaMonday was a sensationally sunshine-filled adventure. Again, I had every intention of running just a 1-miler, but the ever-bright sunshine beckoned me to go further. I had the day off from work, so I had nowhere I really needed to be (other than at home, finishing up all the last-minute details of Christmas). Even the sub-freezing temps were pleasant and my legs felt energized.

No snow, but plenty of frost glistening in the sunshine
Then there were the #temporateTuesdaytemps on Christmas Day. What happens when you're the only one up and moving on Christmas morning? I don't know about you, but I threw (well, not quite literally) the ham balls in the oven, texted Barb, and we met up for a quick 5K. Besides, I had to give the obnoxious Santa leggings one last hurrah for the season (don't worry, you'll be seeing them again in 11 months).
Merry Christmas!
With the #wildweatherWednesday forecast, and an anticipated rather long day at the office (following the 4-day holiday sabbatical), I laced up and got my run done early. Rain was headed our way, and the air had that cold and damp feeling to it.
An early start to a long day....
Later, in the evening, I fired up 'Milly for 22 minutes of intense power walking. That followed with 30 minutes of deep stretching and several yoga balance poses. Believe it or not, I slept quite soundly that evening.

Rain, rain, rain was happening on #LetItGoThursday, so I postponed the morning run and opted for a new HIIT workout instead. Seriously, I don't think I'm over confidant in my abilities, but some of these HIIT routines I come up with are totally kicking my buttocks. I know that's a good thing, but my grandiose ideals may need some fine-tuning. I originally planned on doing six sets, but after the first set I knew that wasn't gonna happen. I wound up doing four sets (in just under 30 minutes) and I was a major sweaty (and exhausted) mess when I finished.

Short but Sweet & Sweaty HIIT
*5 stair flights (double-stepping)
*10 burpees
*15 mountain climbers
*20 plank jacks
*1-minute wall sit
*5 slow-motion push-ups

By mid-afternoon, the rain finally tapered off. A quick text to Barb, and we promptly agreed to meet for a #5at5PM (five miles at 5:00 p.m., instead of our usual run in the a.m. hours). Crazy? Ummm, no. When the temps are that warm in December, and the non-stop rain finally ceases....runners lace up and take advantage. Barb had gotten us the NoxGear vests, and we simply HAD to take them for a test run.
Another #5at5, this time in the p.m. hours
The next morning, imagine my surprise to see the #FreakyFriday weather outside! A mere 12 hours following our Thursday night run! The feels-like temps had taken a 40-degree plummet and Momma N had thrown in some snow and ice and wind, just for fun. Thankfully, this run was only a 1-miler, so I didn't have to slip or slide for very long.
Whoa, Momma N! Time-out! What's with the snow & ice & wind???
Then there was my #notsosimpleSaturday run. I have been streaking since Thanksgiving, so this was my 38th consecutive day of running. Most of those runs have been much easier than I'd anticipated, but Saturday's run was my reality check. Yes, the temps were chilly. And, yes, my body felt real achy and ornery for the first time in a real long time. But, most importantly, YES, I was thankful for those six miles. I get to choose to run, after all, even when it feels tough. Not everyone has that option. Glass half full.
That was a tough run, but I was grateful for the experience
Finally, the #supersunnySunday run before church gave me a sense of renewal and redemption. Don't we all need that after an especially challenging run? My body had felt achy and grumpy most of Saturday, and my lower back was giving me some attitude when I got up Sunday morning. None the less, I headed outside in the buttocks-freezing air, in hopes of a short 1-miler. Funny what a pretty hat (with a fluffy pom pom) and a smudge of bright lipstick can do for one's well being. My achy body loosened up and I was able to knock out two rather enjoyable miles. And the colder-than-artic temps didn't feel that bad. Again, another glass-half-full testimony, proving that one's attitude can make or break your running experience.
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling
Trust me, that smile is genuine!
All in all, it was another productive week for me. My running stayed consistent, though things felt a bit rickety following Saturday's 6-miler. Oh well, 38 continuous days of running can do that to you. Total running mileage (Monday through Sunday) came in at 20. Although I have stopped logging all my walking miles (nor do I have a tech device that tracks my day-to-day activity or steps), I probably at least passed the 15-mile mark (intentional miles, that is...not just cumulative "steps" here and there). Stay tuned...the Run Streak ends on New Year's Day! I'm looking forward to a few weeks of very low-maintenance running as I ease back into a more consistent strength program. Be on the lookout, there's probably gonna be more HIIT workouts happening as well. Onward!

In case you missed out, here's my posts from this past week:

In other news:
Did you catch  my #FridayFashionFlair post? The Alamo Bowl was Friday night, and the Iowa State Cyclones were playing. Point of  Clarification---I am actually a proud University of Iowa Hawkeye, and the Cyclones are our bigger-than-life inner-state rivals. That said, whenever the Cyclones are playing, I throw my support their way (as long they're not playing against Iowa LOL). Besides, I'm a huge fan of all things sparkly, and this team spirit shirt fits the bill nicely, especially with my favorite red vest. Anyways, you're invited to play along on Fridays...share a featured outfit (on Instagram), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).
Baby, it was cold outside!
How about a new-to-me running gear hack? My left foot is slightly bigger than my right, so the left big toe tends to wear through my socks much faster than the right (even when I alternate which foot wears which sock). Although I have tried mending the little holes that eventually appear, that's more of a temporary fix than a solution. Alas, I figured out that I can wear my favorite wool sock(s) inside-out on my left foot, and my obnoxious big toe doesn't have a window to poke through. Genius, right? You're welcome.

And, Christmas Day. This was our third Christmas with the Pennsylvania daughter not home with us.  With technology, it's not a huge deal, since we can chat and Facetime. But, this year, we also had very unseasonably warm temps...like, in the 50F's! I don't think we've ever taken Christmas Day pics outside (sans jackets) before.
Baby, it's warm outside
So, there's my final weekly wrap of 2018. I'll be publishing my 2018 End-of-Year Review post on Tuesday, highlighting the running, the races, the fitness-related highs (and lows) and significant events that played a part in my life this past year. 

How was your final full week of 2018? Holiday travel? Holiday guests? Ever experienced such oddly warm weather during what's usually a "cold weather" time of year? Would you support your alma mater's inner-state rival in a bowl game?

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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47 comments:

  1. What a great week, and hooray for a Christmas Day run!

    I think I'm going to do a Yearly Wrap today and link up with the ladies (assume that's allowed: this is my first year doing the WW). Otherwise there is NOTHING to report as I've been laid low with a cold since Monday night and didn't run on Monday.

    I love your Christmas leggings. If I manage to do parkrun on Tuesday, my Christmas leggings will be coming out to play one more time!

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    1. I have cheated and worn my candy cane leggings around the house because they are fleece-lined ;-)

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  2. Replies
    1. We had sunshine all weekend, and it definitely made the low-single digit temps bearable.

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  3. Our weather keeps going back and forth between really cold and then one day of unseasonably warm, which is kind of fine since it melts any snow (and we haven't had much since November, actually), but kind of hard on the body.

    I have been walking a lot on the mill in addition to walking the dogs lately to get up to 10k steps on days I don't run. This week was only a 3 runs a week week.

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    1. Thankfully, we have not had enough snow to melt that would cause a problem with ice. The ice we did have on Friday was from all the rain the day prior...made for a slick morning!

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  4. Wow 50 degrees, that's amazing! How lucky. Love a Christmas morning run :)

    Nice work fitting it all in around the holiday festivities! Happy Holidays to you!

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    1. I have done Christmas morning runs the past several years. They're fun!

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  5. We've been blessed in these parts with very little single-digit action this month. Fingers crossed (wishful thinking)Jan and Feb will follow suit. I'm sad PA daughter was not with you on Christmas. Sigh.

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    1. For the most part, December was pretty mild. We had some cold days, but not much for snow. I know that's gonna change soon.....January and February are usually pretty brutal.

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  6. It's been so crazy here in New Hampshire too! Low 20s to mid 50s, snow, freezing rain, ice, rain...we've seen it all in a week.

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    1. It makes it hard to dress for it! What seems cold actually feels warm, then if it's windy, that all changes!

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  7. Hello! !
    Today 31st is New Year's Eve in Japan.
    In the year end, we say “Yoi otoshi wo” to each other wishing for the coming
    year to be pleasurable.
    The New Year season is the most significant season for the Japanese.
    All the Christmas décor is switched to the New Year’s in a blink.
    Major New Year icons are the pine tree, bamboo, plums and so on. All of them are symbols of good fortune and longevity.
    Ryoma.

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  8. Those are some crazy temperature swings! Glad you were able to keep your streak up -- one more day to go? Love your family pic!

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  9. I love your festive Christmas tights! And I totally appreciate your glass half full approach to runs this week. Happy New Year!

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    1. The glass half full attitude is what keeps me smiling ;-)

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  10. you had a great week despite holiday madness and crazy weather. I kind of like walking on the treadmill but running still a no go! Happy New year

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    1. I agree....I can walk (or power walk) on the treadmill without any attitude...but up the speed and force me into a run, and my attitude goes south LOL

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  11. I like your creative hashtags for your days! Kudos to you for keeping that running streak and double kudos for doing it in such low temps. Our temps here have been 40s and 50s during the day which is nice ( colder at night but who cares about that...haha). I think as runners we learn to tolerate lower temps than most people! -M

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    1. I am always amazed at how my summer-loving body can acclimate to these frigid temps. I totally prefer the heat and humidity of summer, but somehow I manage to make it work in the winter. Maybe my brain freezes???

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  12. I always feel lazy when I read about your week - lots of activity and lots of variety. Congrats on your streak too.

    Our weather is back and forth but knock on wood - not too cold and no snow.

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    1. We got really cold this past week, right as my streak was ending LOL Great timing!

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  13. Your weather is so crazy. I always think about you before I complain that it's too cold when we have temps in the 40s. Yes, it's cold for me but nowhere near what you deal with all winter long (and still usually get outside in!).

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    1. Well, this frigid cold is all I have....and I cannot tolerate the treadmill for very long (unless it's for a power walk), so I just make it work. I still would MUCH rather have your heat for running!

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  14. I love your Christmas leggings. I had some but forgot to wear them :/ That light up running vest for night running is cool. What kind is it?

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    1. The vest is from Noxgear. I had seen them on Facebook/Instagram ads, but my friend got it for me for a Christmas gift. It's nice!!!

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  15. You are not selling me on Iowa with your crazy weather! You’re so good to just roll with it though! my final week was great! I’ve been on vacation since 1pm on the 24th, we did some running, went to he movies, saw the kids, picked up our new car, went to the gym a couple times, and are currently ready to ring n the new year in Berlin! After another run, of course ��

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    1. Awh, c'mon! Hop on a plane and come to Iowa for a visit! ;-)

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  16. When I lived in Alberta, we would say... wait 5 minutes! Love following your adventures and seeing your creative pics! Happy New Year to you!

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    1. Thanks!!! This is Iowa.....we've had really crazy weather. December was, for the most part, warmer than usual and certainly didn't have the usual snow. That will probably all change in January....

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  17. We are going right into the middle of cold for us! January is usually really cold here. Thank Heaven for the treadmill

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    1. January is usually our coldest month as well. But, I will not be doing much on the treadmill LOL

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  18. You forever amaze me with your get up and go and getting things done regardless of temperature or time of day! Congrats on a fantastic year, and hears to good health and many running miles in 2019!

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    1. Well, I'm lucky in that my body and brain seem to naturally wake up early (usually before 5:30 without an alarm). I have to get to work by 8:00, so the early morning is my best option for working out, though I do get some sweating done after work on some days.

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  19. Looks like a great week! I'll have to follow my power walks with deep stretches. Great sock hack BTW. Happy New Year!

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    1. I don't know how I didn't think of the sock thing sooner! These SmartWool socks last a long time (other than the tiny holes from my stupid big left toe), so I didn't want to toss them.

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  20. Our weather is just as insane! Just a few days ago,k it was freezing col with torrential rains. Now, we are back in the 70s with tons of humidity! Ugh! Pick a lane!

    Love your holiday picture with your family! You guys are so adorable!

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  21. Love your weather hashtags
    If it wasn't an Iowan, it was someone in western New York where it's the same
    In the NYC suburbs we had snow Sunday morning - and today home it was mid 50s. So weird. Congrats on a solid week and absolutely on the Sunday restoration

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    1. As much as I prefer summer, it would be nice if we'd have some "normal" winter weather. It's really tough to figure out the layers when the temps are warmer than usual, then plummet so quickly...my acclimation skills get thrown out of whack.

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  22. You had a great week, and I've said it before and I'll say it again, there's nothing obnoxious about your Santa leggings. I think they're adorable and look forward to seeing them again in eleven months! Happy New Year!

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    1. ha ha ha! I love the way the Santa tights fit, so I have been wearing them "inside the house" since Christmas.

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  23. I can never complain about my running weather because it never comes close to what you go through - what a week! Great job getting out there and keeping the streak alive! And I love your Friday Fashion outfit, too cute!

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    1. Thank you, Janelle! Even our daughter's weather (in Hanover, PA) is so much warmer most days. She just laughs when I tell her about our frigid temps.

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  24. What's the old saying? "If we couldn't talk about the weather, there wouldbe nothing to talk about?" LOL. Awesome job acclimating to your frigid and crazy weather! Thanks for linking and Happy New Year.

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