Well, here we are again!
Time to face the music and 'fess up (among friends).
I've got more than a few 'fessions on deck this month. In the interest of time, though, I'll only share a sampling (you can thank me later).
Shall we get this 'fession party started?
First off...
Our 5-week Florida snowbirding gig is over and done. I'll be riding in a car, embarking on the journey back to Iowa, when most of you read this. I gotta runfess, I'm going to miss the sights and sounds of Florida. Even though I had to rely on the Garmin more than preferred, I had a lot of fun exploring new streets and in-town trails (mostly golf cart paths) for all of my walks, runs and rides. Let's not forget, ALL of those were sans snow and sub-freezing wind chill.
While my indoor biking came to a (temporary) halt, I more than made up for the miles with outdoor cycling. Let me bikefess, I LOVED it! My two Florida bikes, appropriately named Flo and Rider, saw a lot of action after we were finally situated and settled in our villa. I'm already looking forward to our return, next year, so I can do even more riding with them, and checking out more trails.
I have to give a huge shout-out to all my Peloton gals! I Pelofess, I really utilized the Peloton app this month for 100+ workouts. It was nice having a network to exchange feedback on favorite (and not-so-favorite) workouts. And, this lead me to doing the PeloFondo last weekend! It was another spontaneous endeavor (you know, #YOLO), but I was able to log four bike rides in between family stuff (our oldest daughter was here). I did have to layer up for the unusually cold temps, and there was plenty of wind, but it felt great to get it done. There's talk of a group of us doing the April PeloFondo on a (virtual) team...stay tuned!
Another thing...
It was fun doing some racing while we were in the sunshine state. I racefess, only one of these was planned (the Key West Half Marathon), and that one ultimately had to succumb to virtual status due to logistics (some thoughts on that HERE). But, I've never done a January half marathon before (in Florida, none the less), nor have I ever done three races in what is usually a colder-than-cold month. The Running of the Squares and the Running With The Herd (both 5K's) each had their own nuances as well. I'm glad I had those opportunities and am grateful to have seized them.
It was too funny (or ironic?) that the Florida heat took a hike in our final days there. Mind you, these were seriously cold temps, by Florida standards. There even was frost on several mornings, I kid you not! I weatherfess, though, that I have no complaints. No matter how frigid our final days felt, it still was warmer that what we'll be returning to. Glass (indeed) half full.
...not even a sunrise to witness on my final morning walk |
Let's just say it's been an interesting month. Although I stayed grounded by working from home (well, albeit a Florida setting), I did get out of my comfort zone by discovering new routes in a new-to-me locale. I was able to keep my fitness in check and am thankful to have been able to stay active on a daily basis. That's never a bad thing.
So, that will do it for this month's 'fession session. Anything you're needing to 'fess up and share? Surely, I'm not alone?
I'm linking this with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions link-up
I'm also linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.
By the way...are you following me on social media?
Yu wee very lucky to get away for 5 weeks. Too bad about the weather but as you said warmer than Iowa.
ReplyDeleteI hope it does warm up when I get there in 2 weeks. Since I'm only there for a short time and a half marathon.
But I did just sign up for a Florida 5k for when I go back in May.
I left peleton but that's when I left my stationary bike...just have no mojo now. Congrats on the Pelefondo. I'll let you know if i sign back up.
God luck adjusting to winter temps.
My cold weather reality came rushing back with a vengeance…12F in Paducah this morning #brrrr
DeleteGoing to a new place is a great way to get out of your comfort zone. As always, I am in awe of how active and consistent you are and that even when you're not at home, you still get it done and take full advantage of your new surroundings! Travel safely back home! What's that saying? The best journey always takes us home!
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty easy to stay active in Florida because it was so much warmer (until this past week). Getting outside, for daily walks, was easy-peasy :-)
DeleteYou missed out on some truly frigid weather for sure! Next time you go I say go in February and hit up the Gasparilla races in Tampa. That is a super fun weekend!
ReplyDeleteGasparilla has been on my radar forever! We have friends in Tampa, so I’m hoping to swing that event someday (even though February isn’t really a great month for raveling for us).
DeleteIt's always a wonderful experience to explore new streets and in-town trails. I always did this during my trips. Before or after the work sessions I always found the time for a run.
ReplyDeleteI hope the weather in Iowa allows you to do fruitful outdoor workouts.
It really was fun & quite fulfilling finding all those new routes!
DeleteGlad you had such a great time in Florida! January can be cool, but it's still better than here. Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteMany reassured me that January was an iffy month in Florida, but it was very bearable without any snow or ice :-)
DeleteI am glad you had so much fun in Florida. It went by fast didn't it!? Love the names for your bike. Safe travels back!
ReplyDeleteIt really did go fast. Too fast!
DeleteOnce again, I'm very sorry about our weather. Next time you come we'll try to make it more tropical! Sounds like you made the most of it though. Iowa will probably look very brown to you after all the lush green foliage of Florida! Safe trip!
ReplyDeleteWell I knew it wasn’t going to be “summer” tropical, but the frost was a shocker! Never saw that coming!
DeleteI'm glad you had a lovely time in Florida! Love the names of your bikes, haha! It had to be a great getaway. I'm looking out my window to snow!
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on your races!
It was a nice break from the bitter cold of Iowa!
DeleteWow! I can't believe your time is over already. It feels like just yesterday you were taking down the tree right after Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think this is just such a great winter routine! I'm trying to find a way to make this work with our lifestyle sooner rather than later...
I’m glad we were able to make it work with our jobs. Neither of us are in a hurry to retire, but a 5-week relocation was nice!
DeleteGlad you got those few lovely weeks to keep you going through the winter. Something I wish we could do here within the same country! I can runfess I didn't go out at 6am as planned today because it was really dark! Who knew! I've got soft, going out a bit later with Claire for my morning runs recently!
ReplyDeleteI’m excited to see the increased daylight in Iowa! That may be worth the return to the cold, LOL.
DeleteSounds like you had a really great time in Florida. Nothing wrong with getting to a warmer place for 5 weeks. I would love to do that only then I'd probably go home, pack all my things and move haha!
ReplyDeleteHa!!! The temptation is real, but I do think I’d miss the change of seasons. Hoping we missed the worst of Winter by escaping for those five weeks #fingerscrossed
DeleteFL can be very cold in Winter. Even colder than here -- same in any southern state. But it doesn't last, and they never get as cold as we do here. Still it's always sad when you're there & it's cold!
ReplyDeleteYou made full use of your time in the Sunshine state Kim; congrats!
For the most part, we had nice weather. The last week was a buzzkill…but a good prep for the REAL cold awaiting us in Iowa.
DeleteI think you definitely made the most of your time there! I'm glad you enjoyed your snow-birding :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice getaway. Now, let the cold weather re-acclimation commence…
DeleteGlad you had so much fun in Florida. I sure am ready for a change of scenery. Save travels home!
ReplyDeleteIt’s surreal to be in a car, heading back to the cold state of Iowa..
DeleteSounds like you had a nice time down in Florida. I am really looking forward to retirement and being able to travel for big chunks of time.
ReplyDeleteWell, we’re not retired yet either, LOL. But it went well working remotely with a view of palm trees outside :-)
DeleteI'm so glad you had a good time, despite the frost. See? I'm serious when I say it gets cold!
ReplyDeleteWhen you come next year, we should try to meet up for a race!
I am so jealous but happy you got a chance to get away! Looks like you had a great time and definitely made the best of it. Welcome back to Winter here in the midwest! Are you expecting more snow this week? We are but I am hoping the meteorologists are wrong.
ReplyDelete