Weather: Say WHAT?!?

Well, well, well, can you say weather whiplash? 

If there is such a thing as weather whiplash, I'd say we experienced it in all its glory (and then some). 

The weather "pendulum" swung from seasonal temps to extreme cold, then did an abrupt 180 to unseasonal warmth. Yikes! Trying to stay ahead of the game, in terms of what to wear and when/where to work-out was a challenge. As a result, the round-the-clock weather stalking took on a life of its own because there was my daily #OptOutside obligation and streak runs to be done.

It's a good thing we runners know how to make do in undesirable circumstances...

Before I dis on the deets, 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 ;-)

Anyways, here's what went down this past week, in my little world of fitness:

Sunday - Christmas Day fitness fun...

Although the worst of the bomb cyclone had passed, there still was plenty of snow and sub-ZERO temps and extreme wind. In other words, it was another morning of indoor fitness. After popping a few things into the oven, I saddled-up and rode for 20 miles, followed by a quick 1-mile streak run (courtesy of Millie). By evening, the temps were still barely double digits, but the wind had died down considerably so I snuck out for a refreshing 1-mile walk in the crisp air.

Never miss a Monday

We'd gotten more snow overnight, so there were several inches greeting us upon wake-up. The temps were still quite frigid, and the wind was still blowing. I didn't feel like risking a fall in the dark early hours, so I opted for a 2-mile run on the 'mill, followed by a 10-mile bike ride. Of course, I did the mandatory outdoor selfie (by then, there was full daylight and plenty of sunshine). I also grabbed a few extra layers and took a brisk 1-mile walk.

 

Tuesday had me (FINALLY) back outside!

Someone (umm, that would be me, LOL) had an accidental sleep-in, so all I had time for was a quick 10-minute upper-body workout. Over lunch, though, I took advantage of the bright sunlight (and cleared-off streets) and headed outside for a short run. I contemplated a 2-miler...but, with the single-digit feels-like (and teeth-shattering wind), I thought a 1-miler would suffice quite nicely. I was just so glad to be back outside, I honestly did not care how long (or short) the run was. After work, I got in a 20-minute excursion on the elliptical (since it had not happened 12 hours earlier). 

Double workout Wednesday.

Another early morning, I got in a 13-mile ride before heading to my 7:30 PT session. Holy YOWZA! After a 1-mile bike ride (as a warm-up), my gal had me seizing the day with all kinds of leg/glute work. Seriously, these PT sessions are not for the weak, LOL. 

And, over lunch, I enjoyed a nearly perfect 2-miler in the 43F temps. So what if I was in a world of hurt (DOMS from the morning's PT), the streets were clear and I was outside with minimal layers. That evening, I went for a 2-mile walk and almost didn't need a jacket or gloves.

A very thankful Thursday!

The forecast was calling for temps in the mid-50's and sunshine. I started the morning with a very short stair workout and 20 minutes of body weight resistance (via Peloton). When the lunch hour rolled around, I got to bask in two miles of pure runners' joy. Even with lingering DOMS, this run was absolute pure perfection in the 55F temps. My friend and I also took full advantage of the beautiful day and got in two walks (one mile each) during our breaks at work, sans jackets. 

Friday's fitness fun: a biking milestone!

How about an early morning ride to not only kick-start the day, but to also surpass the 3K mile mark in doing so? Not too long ago, if anyone would have told me I'd be riding 3,000 miles on the bike, in a calendar year, I would have laughed in their faces. Well, let's just say I'm ever grateful this biking gig entered my life a few years ago. The fact that yet another Garmin badge popped up, after this morning's 14-miler, was just the cherry on top.

After a sweet, albeit brief, interlude of warm weather, the seasonal December temps did return. By late Friday afternoon, though, the wind had all but stopped. As much as I prefer the heat of summer, the chill of winter is tolerable when the wind plays nice. My 2-mile (post-workday) run was another taste of perfection in the 34F temps. And, the approaching sunset? A show-stopper!

Finish Strong Saturday!

Brrr, the temps were definitely back in their seasonal stride (low-30F's). I started the morning with 10 miles on the bike, awaiting daylight (no sense navigating the potential ice in the dark). Another Garmin badge popped up, rewarding me for finishing 2022 strong. In all honesty, I think I prefer these surprise badges, as opposed to the ones that represent monthly/weekly "challenges," because the WOW factor is pretty nice. Afterwards, I suited up (and layered up) for a quick 1-mile streak run.

...and what's on deck for New Year's Day?

The jury is still out, as far as biking goes. I surpassed my 3K goal, so maybe a morning off will be nice. I'll for sure be greeting 2023 in the running shoes. I mean, isn't that what most runners do?

So, although the weather had me playing a bit of Cat & Mouse, all went well with getting in all the daily streak runs. The treadmill wasn't a deal-breaker, but I felt like a caged bird set free after five straight days of "miling" with Millie. The three 2-milers (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were my three fastest-paced runs of this entire streak (in the 9:40's). Total running miles this week came in at 11; walking tallied 8 (whomp whomp); biking was strong with 72. 

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

And just like that It's Winter

2022: The Year in Pics

Yes, A Final 'Fess for 2022

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. It had been awhile since I'd done a brown and black combo outfit, and it was a chilly day, so this brown cable-knit wool sweater was a good choice. The cheetah-print scarf (one of my favorites, just saying) not only kept my neck covered, but it also tied the brown and black pieces together.  

And finally....I want to wish you all the best in 2023! I'm so grateful for my family, my friends, my fitness and well-being, and I wish all the same for you.

How did the final week of '22 play out for you? Did you meet (or surpass) any big goals? Do you have any big plans for 2023?

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