Well, this was a week!
The past two Decembers, at least in my area, have been mild. There hasn’t been much snow. The temps have been cold, but not extreme. There’s been wind (Hello, #Iowa LOL), but nothing too painful.
This December, thus far? Let’s just say we haven’t been quite so fortunate.
Thankfully, the snow has been very minimal, but the outdoor “feels” have been less than fantastic…and it’s not officially Winter for another week. Eek! I’m glad I’m Iowa Tough!
Before I dis on the deets from the week, 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 blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)
Anyways, here’s what went down this week in my cold little corner of the universe:
Sunday? Back on my old stomping grounds!
Is there anything better than returning to your former town and seeing and doing what you’d done there? The early morning had me going for a nice 2-mile walk with my sister and friend Amy (remember her? From numerous bike rides and walks? Then, a short while later, I met up with my longtime BRF (Best Running Friend) Barb for a fun 3-mile run. The temps were mild (spring-like, for the win!) and the sunshine was ever-so-bright. Yes, it was a nice morning!
Monday? Getting things done.
It was a not-too-chilly morning (the last one for awhile, LOL). I got out for a quick 1-mile streak run in the early hours, and then cranked-out some time on the elliptical (almost 5.5 (supposed) miles.
Tuesday? A little bit of everything…
Another early morning streak run, then a short virtual ride with Deb, then off to the office. After dinner, I cued-up a serious upper-body workout. As mentioned in previous WRD’s, a new thing I’ve been doing is using heavier weights for some of the shorter workouts. Since there’s not any recovery time between sets, and the weights are fairly heavy for the task at hand, these strength sessions have been a great time-saver. The high reps are also giving my muscles a substantial burn!
Wednesday? WOWZA, that wild wind was insane!
It was unanimous to keep the run to three miles and pass on any bonus miles. Besides, it was a much-needed hair wash day, LOL, and every spare minute not running was needed for the pre-workday routine.
Lucky us…Kelly and Hannah and I missed the snow on our run, but it started falling shortly after I got to the office. We only got a couple inches, and the crazy wind took care of it not accumulating (much), but yuck.
Thursday? Thankful for fitness, friends, and fun
Call me (or my sleep schedule) crazy, but I actually woke well ahead of my alarm. It was still quite cold and windy outside (right? #
BigSurprise), so I suited-up and hit the bike earlier than usual for the weekly Thursday morning gig with
Deb. I was able to get in 15 miles before we parted (virtual) way, and also did some upper-body strength work before heading to the office. After work, the wind had died down a bit, so my 2-mile run wasn’t too treacherous in the cold.
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| Thanks for the collage, Deb! |
Friday? Another early morning fitness quick fix
With a busy evening on deck, the streak run had to happen in the wee hours. The thing is, it was so cold, it took me longer than usual to get all the layers in place. In other words, there was only time for one mile in the running shoes, LOL. Oh well….part of run-streaking is doing more short runs than long ones.
Saturday? Yikes, it was slick out there!The forecasted ice storm hit overnight, and Saturday morning had me indoors (with ZERO regrets). Besides, I was craving some more saddle time (and Deb was only too eager for company on her ambitious 75-miler). Alas, I drew on her inspiration and rode 25 miles with her. Afterwards, I found a Christmas-themed lower-body workout (via Peloton). By the early afternoon, the streets were looking pretty clear (the sidewalks, not so much), so I got out for a quick, but cautionary, 1-mile streak run (title pic).
…and what’s happening on Sunday?
Well, did you know the full moon was Saturday night? I did, but the road conditions were not the least bit suitable for night running. Also, with the thick cloud cover, the moon wasn’t anywhere to be seen. I’m hoping for a chance to see said moon Sunday evening (fingers crossed). That said, Sunday morning will most likely have me indoors (again), so there’s a good chance I’ll be back on the bike.
This week played-out alright, but wasn’t anything stellar. Honestly, it’s the winter season after all (aka my offseason). I’m doing the daily streak runs, so if I skimp on a few other things I’m not going to stress about it. Hence, the walking was almost non-existent this week. Sunday’s 2-miler (while back in Grinnell) was it. My treadmill is still not cooperating, and it was simply too cold to do any excess stuff outdoors. Running saw 12 miles…again, had the weather been a bit warmer, there might have been a a few more miles added. Biking, however, dominated with 44 miles (I can thank Deb for all of those). Strength work was decent, with a couple upper-body sessions, and a solid lower-body workout Saturday morning.
Side note: Saturday was already Day-18 of the run streak. That means Sunday’s run will have me past the halfway point! Thus far, I have 38 miles of streaking in the bank. So far, so good!
In case you missed out, here’s what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. In the midst of the holidays, I am always drawn to the older, traditional Christmas movies. Alas, when I saw this Grinch shirt, I knew I had to have it. I’m also a huge fan of Dr, Seuss, so there’s that. Did I mention how cold it was on Friday? Yeah, temps in the sub-freeze zone (single digit with the windchill) warranted the vest and cozy fur collar.
Lastly,
I ventured to a nearby studio for a fun group painting session. I have said before that I’m a self-proclaimed art geek, so I was all in my element with a paintbrush in hand and a canvas in front of me. And, “bringing home the gnome” added a new Christmas decoration to my abode. Win-win!
So, that’s another week all wrapped up and tied with a festive bow. I think the weather is looking a bit warmer this coming week. Mind you, it still won’t be as warm as I’d like, LOL, but hopefully much more bearable than last week’s antics.
Are you ready for the holidays? How was your weather this week? Were you able to get outside much, or did you keep it inside?
We had some bitter cold and wind this week that actually drove me inside to my TM! Hopefully that won't happen again any time soon! Way to keep the streak alive. I hope you get your TM working.
ReplyDeleteThe TM situation isn’t looking too promising, but it’s not that big of a loss. As you know, I seldom use it anyways, LOL.
DeleteUm yes, I did not appreciate our -25 wind chill this week. I am grateful for a good pain cave! Nice work keeping the streak alive. Looks like you had fun too!
ReplyDeleteThose temps last week were brutal! I’m just grateful we didn’t have much precip to go with the cold temps.
DeleteI don't remember if I've ever said that it seems like you get the weather a day ahead and then send it my way...but yesterday was very mild and now the ice storm is happening as we speak. I got in a nice hike yesterday and I'm planning to spend today hibernating on the couch until the ice clears out.
ReplyDeleteI’d love some hibernation time on the couch! It’s been awhile…
DeleteI would say we had a few much colder than normal mornings this month as well. Glad to see you are always up for whatever comes your way.So fun to see Barb again I bet!
ReplyDeleteIt was GREAT running with Barb again!
DeleteGreat job on keeping that run streak alive with slippery streets and a non-working treadmill. Thank you so much for keeping me company on the bike this week!
ReplyDeleteYour gnome turned out great - I bet you enjoyed the event!
It was fun (and “fitastic”) spinning & grinning with you ;-)
DeleteI do love that Grinch top and your gnome is amazing! I have no talent for those paint classes. I think I’d do better if I trusted the process, but I always second guess the step-by-step instructions!
ReplyDeleteStay warm — or bundle up!
My problem with those classes is that I kind of get ahead of the instructor, LOL, and do things “my way.”
DeleteSend some of that cold weather down here!!!!! It got warm and muggy here again, which made me cranky. But... after reading about your week, I guess I shouldn't complain. Nice job keeping the streak going (and all outdoors! What's up with your treadmill?). I LOVE the Grinch shirt, and your gnome painting is awesome. Sounds like a fun week!
ReplyDeleteNot sure what’s up with the treadmill, since it was working fine just before all these really old temps. Maybe it doesn’t like the cold weather any more than I do?
DeleteYou had so much fun! I love all the seasonal events and outings. A local restaurant is hosting a wine glass painting night but it's the same time as my last book club of the year. Next time!
ReplyDeleteI know we aren't as cold here as you are there, but it feels like everywhere is getting more than its fair share of winter weather. I love that you were able to go back to your old town for some fitness fun, and that Grinch shirt is perfect!
Yeah, last week’s cold (at least in the Midwest) was brutal!
DeleteSo much fun stuff to do this time of year-- I can't keep up with it all! It got cold here too - I ran in the teens one morning and then we got snow and ice so I kept to the treadmill and strength training. I need more festive clothes - love the Grinch!
ReplyDeleteI finally pulled out my holiday leggings for my Monday run…I can’t believe I hadn’t gotten them out earlier!
DeleteI am so NOT ready for the holidays. I should have been shopping for gifts but instead I was obsessed with my blog migration. Hello Amazon!! I had to laugh about the hair comment - same for me, hair time cutting into our workout time ;)
ReplyDeleteYour blog migration really sounds stressful! I am such a tech idiot, I would be majorly having a tantrum!
Delete