Into The Light

This week's theme would have to be "Out of the Darkness and Into the Light."

Let's just say I have really been embracing the increased daylight, the sunshine-filled days, and the excitement of easing closer to Spring (and, ultimately, Summer).

The sunrises are showing up (most days) while I'm still outside, before getting ready for my workday. The sunsets are coming later, well after I've gotten home from work. And, although the temps are still feeling very much winter-like, the wind (on occasion) is starting feel more balmy than frigid.

Seriously, what's not to love?

Before I share the details, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 8:00AM (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

So, here's what went down, this week, in my little world of fitness and fun:

A Spring-like Sunday!

Whoa! Temps in the mid-50F's? Yes, please!!!! The morning started with a 16-mile ride, courtesy of Peloton and friends. After lunch, I met up with Amy, for a 4-mile walk in the too-good-to-be-true temps. Although these balmy temps were short-lived, they were a welcome break from the sub-freezing temps we'd had for far too long.

Never Miss a Monday.

Same routine as the week prior - Amy and I did our early morning 3-mile run/1-mile walk. The increasing daylight is SO amazing to witness, especially in the morning. There was a huge difference compared to just a week ago. There also were a couple of 1-mile walks at work, and a 10-mile "happy hour" ride after the workday ended.

Happy Twos-Day!

Boy, did I feel like a schmuck! I'm usually on top of these monumental days, and can come up with a fun workout to highlight the significance of the day. Well, not this time, LOL. I didn't even think to do a double workout (#facepalm), unless you count the short core workout I did after my upper-body workout. Oh well...I did do a lot of moves holding two dumbbells, so that will have to suffice.

Double Workout Wednesday.

The temps, wind, and road conditions were looking really scary in the wee hours, so Barb and I opted to save our 5-miler for after work (a #5at5PM, if you will). Instead, I started the day with 12 miles on the bike, and then met Barb (12 hours later), as planned. A bonus? We had warmer temps, dryer streets and daylight!

Thrusting Thursday...YIKES!

I was a wee bit too ambitious with the stack I scheduled for myself. There was a little bit of everything, and my body was burning and throbbing for several hours afterwards. I keep forgetting the short Peloton workouts pack the most punch, LOL! It was a nice surprise when the bulk of the DOMS were limited to my upper-body (hello, pecs!), but I think some of that was due to the easy 11 cycling miles after work (flushing-out the legs from all the lower-body work).  

Finally Friday.

We'd gotten several inches of snow the day prior, and a little more overnight (maybe 5-6 inches total). My body was feeling a little sore from the day prior, and I had ZERO desire to layer-up and fight the snow-covered streets...so I opted for a short Milly run. I sandwiched 2 miles of running in between two sets of 10-stair flight "circuits." It was just enough to feel like a substantial workout without overdoing it. After work, Max and I took a 2-mile walk, and I rode five quick miles (on the bike) while watching the start of the Iowa-Nebraska basketball game.

A slow-start Saturday.

It's very rare for me to sleep in on a Saturday morning. It's even more rare to postpone a Saturday morning run. The morning temps weren't extreme, but the forecast was showing slightly warmer conditions after lunch, and less wind. So, after some extra Max snuggles and a chai, I started my day with 10 miles on the bike with my gal, Tunde. Holy! Don't be fooled by her bright lipstick and fancy nail polish, she's a #badass! After the MSU-Purdue game, I (finally) got outside for seven miles. Wow, all that sunshine!!!

On tap for Sunday?

I've been rocking the Sunday morning (indoor) bike rides, recently, so I'm planning some miles with Sebbe upon wake-up. With the warm-for-February temps expected, I'll be getting in some walking miles as well. Bring on the pre-Spring weather!

So, things played out favorably this week. We definitely had some cold weather (ugh, #WinterInIowa), but we also had quite a bit of sunshine and a marked increase in daylight. Walking is still low-key (10 miles), but that will be on the upswing (forecasted temps in the 50F's most of this next week!). Running was decent (17 miles), and biking saw 64 miles in the saddle. Tuesday's and Thursday's strength workouts were a perfect mix of bodyweight and heavy resistance. Core work, daily planking and push-ups are still happening...lots of fun stuff to keep me busy. 

In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:

Awaiting the next Dragon to Slay

Running Against the Wind...some thoughts

A Visit to the February 'Fessional

In other news: 

Friday Fashion Flair. A look I play around with, on occasion, is the mixing of patterns. My take is that as long as the colors all coordinate, the multi-patterned-look works. Besides, an extra layer of hand-knit warmth, via a bulky cowl, feels cozy this time of year. Your thoughts?

It's a well-known fact I'm a big fan of Big Ten sports, especially football and basketball. I'm also a proud Iowa Hawkeye. Tuesday evening, Iowa hosted the Michigan State Spartans, and I was honored to be in attendance at the Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Having lived in the East Lansing, MI area for seven years (many years ago), I'm also an honorary Spartan. Thus, when these two teams play against each other, I'm satisfied with whomever wins. Iowa pretty much spanked the Spartans on Tuesday, and went on to defeat Nebraska Friday evening. But, the Spartans came out victorious, on Saturday, against #1 Purdue...so, it was a week of Big Ten basketball that came full circle. 

So, that's the latest and greatest! 

How did your week play out? Any more snow or continued winter weather? Have you noticed a marked increase in daylight? Did you celebrate Twos-day?

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