Weathering the BRRR!

 Have I ever mentioned that winter is my fourth favorite season?

If not, I’m saying it now. Ugh, this week was C-O-L-D! Thankfully, the precip has been at the minimum (thus far, #NoComplaints). But Holy Brrr, Batman, the sub-freezing temps (and sub-ZERO feels-like conditions) have been less than pleasant.

It’s a good thing I’ve got the #IowaTough thing going for me.

Before I dive into the chilly deets of 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 in my little frigid world of fitness and fun:

BRRR! The sunny Sunday was a chiller!

I knew before lights-out Saturday evening I’d be staying indoors in the wee hours come Sunday. The bike saw 20 miles of pedaling action, followed by a quick outdoor selfie (before the water bottle froze). I got  outdoors for a 2-mile walk in the balmy 20F temps in the late afternoon. 

BRRR (but we never miss a Monday)!

The forecast was showing increasing wind (hence decreasing temps) throughout the day, so I reasoned the early hours were the most optimal (of the day) for the Monday run. I also surmised by running four laps around my block, though boring, would enable a headwind only for a fourth of the distance, LOL. Not ideal, but bearable.

 

BRRR!Tuesday was even colder!

I started the day on the elliptical (20-ish minutes for 3-ish “miles”). After work, 12 hours later, the weather app looked encouraging…but those looks were quite deceiving! The post-workday wind was brutal, so the intended 2-mile walk ended at the 1-mile mark.

BRRR! We got it done Wednesday (under all the layers) 

The temps were looking frigid (big surprise!) and there was a light dusting of snow. We all agreed to meet and give the 3-mile route a go (after all, these cold temps were actually “warmer” than we’d had in recent days, LOL). There wasn’t any talk of bonus miles, though. Ironically (?), we were about 1/4-mile from finishing when I went down. Suffice it to say I went down hard. It happened so fast, I don’t know if I tripped or slipped…but I dropped, rolled and was able to get back up almost as quickly. But, ugh, I didn’t escape any discomforts (see below). Later, in the evening hours, I got in some upper-body strength (another designated “light weight” workout where I subbed-in heavier weights) 

 

BRRR! Still cold, but Thursday’s forecast showed signs of a slight warm-up… 

Since I was planning on meeting with the Thursday night running group, I kept things inside in the wee hours. Deb was traveling, so I was on my own for 12 miles on the bike.

As planned, I headed over to Altoona for some evening miles with the group. It still felt cold (have I said that already?), but we had a decent turnout. The trail had not been cleared, but the snow was only 1-2 inches in most places. It wasn’t slick, but it did make for a little more effort navigating the terrain. A bonus was running with a new-to-the-group runner (thanks for the lively conversation, Tiffany!). 

Group pic courtesy of Matt (ARC president)

BRRR! Friday faired much better (at least with the temps)!

Remember that stumble-tumble from Wednesday a morning? By Friday, things were feeling kind of cranky and achy, and I was wiped-out (figuratively and literally, LOL). Also, I was entertaining some evil DOMS from Wednesday’s strength session (my triceps were on fire). A good morning “bedhead” stretch was in order. After work, I got out for an invigorating 2-mile walk in the above-freezing temps, not only to wind-down from the stressful day at my desk, but also to feed a small cardio craving. Ahhh, fresh air does a body (and mind) good!

BRRR! The “cold” Saturday morning temps weren’t so cold after all!

In keeping with my recent weekend ritual, I slept-in a bit (until 7:30, which is three bonus hours of shuteye for me!). I didn’t get out until after 8:30, and my body still was feeling fatigued. The sunshine, though, was simply breathtaking! I kept the run short (only three miles) because there was a 10K trail run on the roster for Sunday morning (stay tuned, more info forthcoming!). The morning wind was pretty mild, but it had turned evil by the time I got out for a late afternoon 2-mile walk.

…and what’s on deck for Sunday?

Several of us from the running club are meeting for a preview run of the 10K course for next weekend’s Groundhog Grind (an event the club is sponsoring). It’s a trail that I’ve only run once before. I know it’s going to be hilly and challenging, but I’m hopeful the trees (and hills) will provide a little shelter from any wind.

So, my thoughts on this week? Well, other than the bone-chilling cold, I guess things were alright (though a bit low-key). Wednesday’s tumble and Tuesday’s upper-body session both left me feeling like a train wreck survivor, LOL. Work was especially stressful as well, so my sleep was a mess. Yadda Yadda Yadda. Excuses aplenty. Nonetheless, I managed to keep the #OptOutside streak going and did get in some daily fitness (albeit minimal on a few occasions). As for running, there were 11 miles logged (plus Sunday’s anticipated 10K). Walking had seven miles (I’m still hoping to get those numbers increased, if only the weather would cooperate a little). Biking had 32 miles. It is what it is, and I’m owning it.

In case you missed out, there was only one post on the blog this week:

Whiplashed by the Weather

In other news: 

Friday Fashion Flair. Yes, I’m still rocking the puffer vests (I’m glad I have an extensive stash). I’m not sure I’ve ever paired this turquoise vest with another piece from the “blue” family, but I like how the two coordinate with each other, but also compliment one another as well.

As mentioned, I took a  tumble while on Wednesday’s morning run. Ouch! I was wearing my thick gloves, but still managed a significant bruise on my right palm, just beneath my pinky finger. My left hand suffered a couple of cuts, courtesy of my ring, and bruising that worked its way across the top of my hand as the day progressed. And my poor left knee! Somehow, it endured a scrape through my double-layered tights…but neither of the tights showed any signs warfare (not sure how that happened). My left elbow and shoulder were a little stiff (as was my back), but noting chronic. My Garmin did have an encouraging message pop up after I got to work…now how did it know? 

And, lastly, a few words about Max! This was a week of celebrating his valued place in our lives. His 15th birthday was on Sunday (January 19th) and Friday (the 24th) was the 10-year anniversary of his rescue. It’s hard to imagine life without him. He’s still such an energetic, little mischief-loving guy!

…and there you have it! Another week of winter fitness and whatnot. We’re still only in January, but I’m hoping the extreme cold will be behind us after we pass into February next weekend. Fingers crossed! 

How did your week play-out? Did the temps get really, really cold in your area too? Any snow? Wind? Sunshine? How’s your racing schedule looking?

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