Anyone else craving some chat time?
How about we each grab a mug (of our favorite hot beverage) and gather together for a bit. After all, it's a busy and crazy time of year, not to mention the weather is anything but delightful. It's always nice to share a few laughs (and maybe a few hugs) among friends.
What say you?
Allow me to start...
If we were chatting, I'd first tell you how November played out for me. After a few months of intermittent glute/hammy discomfort, I decided an "intervention" was needed, via physical therapy. Let's just say that was a great move. I drastically scaled the running miles back, but kept quite busy (and very content) with my arsenal of other cross-training fixes. Again, as has been the theme most of the year, biking dominated. I have no regrets on the low mileage with running, and am loving all the biking that took its place.
If we were chatting, I'd also talk a bit about Planksgiving '22. My goal was (ideally) five cumulative minutes per day, with increased focus on side planks and Chaturanga planks. Admittedly, there were a few days, towards the end, when I took a pass on side-planking. My lower back had been giving me some attitude, and I think the side-planking was putting some unnecessary strain on it. Total planking minutes (from November 1st through Thanksgiving Day) came in at 114 (which translates to 1:54, or just short of two hours "total time" on the floor). The daily 2:30 forearm planks were a given, and all of the side planks were done on each forearm and were held for 90 seconds each. I increased my Chaturanga hold time from 30 seconds to 45 seconds, so that was exciting. I took my measurements before and after...my waist remained about the same, but I did lose a scant 1/2-inch off the hips. I'm good with that.
If we were chatting, I'd elliptical-fess that I reunited with Ellie! It may have been my new-found love for all things Peloton, but the elliptical has spent the past (almost) year on sabbatical. Well, on a whim, I hopped on (a few weeks ago) and have continued doing a weekly 20-30 minute session. My Garmin even gives me credit for 3400ish "steps" for each of the 20-minute workouts, LOL. Hey, it's a great cardio option, so I'll take it.
If we were chatting, I'd gush a little more over my love for biking. I have really grown to appreciate my bikes for all the fun and fitness they've brought into my life. As much as I detest running "in place" on my treadmill, I really don't have any of those feelings of dread with indoor biking. I looked up my 2021 stats this week, and saw I'd logged 2297 miles of biking last year. Currently, as of Thursday evening, my 2022 biking miles are at 2730! I have a really good chance of topping 3000 before the ball drops on 2023...should I go for it?
Finally, if we were chatting, I'd share a little tip for cold weather running survival. Check-out some alleys when you're out and running about! We've had some wicked weather this week. We're talking cold temps and crazy wind. I periodically run through alleys to mix up my routes, but I especially seek them out this time of year. Did you know the alleys (between the backyard property lines in residential areas) can provide a decent wind break? Most property's garages (and/or storage sheds) are closer to the alley pathways than their houses are to the sidewalks. If you're blessed with a crosswind, you may not feel much wind at all (until you cross the street or change directions). You're welcome.
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Anyways, I have chatted enough...so it's YOUR turn!
What would you want to share with the group, if we were having a coffee chat? How did November go for you? What's your favorite non-running fitness activity? Was it love at first workout, or did it take some time to appreciate it?
Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking this with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date.
Ah, I wish there were alleys on my running routes. There are not. Our wind has been particularly nasty this week too -- but that's Fall. Even if it feels like Winter.
ReplyDeleteFB Memories reminded me that 3 years ago we had 1 foot of snow on the ground and counting . . . (and Lola was still alive).
I was thinking about you the other day, and about how you don't mine indoor biking vs treadmill. It's interesting. I didn't come to any conclusions.
Yeah, when I first tested out the indoor bike (two years ago), I was very apprehensive. I was really hoping it would be a good substitute for outdoor biking, but feared I'd feel the same "gloom & doom" as I do on the treadmill...thankfully,. those fears were unfounded ;-)
DeleteYep, heading out into the wind this morning. I don't have time to go to the trails, but running in the woods is a really good way to avoid the wind, somewhat.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are on the mend!
The wind has really been a beast, since forever. Even in the summer, it was almost non-stop...but at least then it doesn't chill you to the bone.
DeleteI am glad that your hamstring is feeling better! Nice job on those planking minutes. I did not do the challenge but there do seem to be quite a few planks in our Peloton classes. Also have not been on my elliptical in forever! thanks for the coffee date
ReplyDeleteIt seems like planking is well-utilized in so many workouts, but I wanted to do a little more focused plank work. The elliptical needed a good dusting-off when I first got back on it ;-)
DeleteWe don't have alleys here but I love my wooded trails for the wind break as well. I just hope they stay clear of snow and ice for as long as possible. I am loving my Schwinn spin bike so much lately. Such a great alternative when it's super cold! Hooray for the happy hammy!
ReplyDeleteI might look into Schwinn bikes...this one is making a lot of weird noises and may be ready for retirement. I wish I had access to wooded trails. Other than the 1-mile loop at the lake (in town), I really don't have those for options.
DeleteDid you know some guy recently set a new world record for holding plank- 9 hours and 30 minutes. CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE. That takes a lot of physical and mental strength. Anyway, congratulations on your Planksgiving! Those chaturanga planks are especially tough.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to hear if you get to 3000 biking miles... it sounds like a challenge you'd be up for!
I cannot imagine holding a plank that long, even if you're switching positions periodically. I love planking, but definitely not enough to go to those extremes.
DeleteThe wind was relentless on yesterday's run - and there was no hiding from it! So happy to your glute/hammy issue is resolved. I think you played November very smart and it paid off.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was totaling up my November running miles, I almost gasped at how low the count was. But, it needed to happen. The glute/hammy issue is still not completely history, but is much more manageable. Onward!
DeletePhysical therapy rocks. Period. I’m glad for you that you’ve been able to run again after getting help.
ReplyDeleteI’m very impressed with your side plank, I can’t imagine how that’s possible without falling over! But this comes from someone who struggles keeping balance with Bulgarian split squats or even lunges sometimes. My balance capability needs a lot of work. I’ve been doing regular planks but I cankt hold them for long. Lots of core strength work to do too.
Oh lunges! UGH! I struggle with lunges, too, especially if they're weighted (and I often do my workouts in the very early hours, so that just adds to the problem). The "holding time," with planks (no matter the position), will come in time. It takes time to build that strength, so just be patient but consistent ;-)
DeleteI'm glad your glute/hammie area is responding well to physical therapy. Hopefully, you'll be back to 100% soon! Yes, shoot for 3,000 miles on your bike by the end of the year! That's my goal for this year, too.
ReplyDeleteI know...now that I put that 3,000 number out there, I kinda gotta go for it! Which reminds me, we need a "biking & chatting date." I'll text you...
DeleteGlad you got your help at PT. I have been having a super angry hammy and glute flare up this week. I think they are on the mend now, but phew, it was not fun! I think the elliptical or arc trainer is my favorite cross training workout.
ReplyDeletePT has been going well. I can really feel a difference when running and walking. Those in-person sessions, though, are like a full-on strength workout.
DeleteYour mug reminds me of peppermint candies! :]
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you got to go in to physical therapy! I've been trying unsuccessfully to schedule that for myself with my doctor, so I've given up for this month (maybe early next month...).
Great job on the planks! I really need to start doing those again!
I'm lucky in that the place I go to is near my place of work, and I can get in at 7:30 in the mornings. I agree, it can be difficult to schedule that in and around a work schedule.
DeleteHi Kim, Thank you for visiting my blog earlier. Glad your PT has helped. Planks are simple and effective exercises. They're harder than they look :) Hope you have a fit and fabulous December!
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad your hamstring is getting better. PT can be so helpful!
ReplyDeleteOur elliptical has been unplugged since I got my new tread and it’s cord was closest to the same outlet.
Side planks can suck it. l love yoga as a non running activity, but I can't get back into it.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely go for the 3,000 bike miles! I am sure by now you are now much closer to that goal.
ReplyDelete