I’d wish you a warm welcome, but it would be an oxymoron of a gesture.
Anyways,
here’s what went down this week, in my little corner of the (cold) universe…Sunday…making do with the weather
Believe it or not, I awoke (again) to a world of cold temps and plentiful fog (right? #BigSurprise, LOL).
I decided to just layer-up and get outside for a quick 1-miler to get the streak run checked-off for the day. Back home, I hit the bike for 15 miles of cardio and finished with another short and sweet upper-body session. As I’ve been doing recently, I swapped-out the recommended 3-pound weights for eight and twelve-pounders instead. Later, I got out for an invigorating 2-mile walk in the late afternoon. It still was cold, but less cold, so I took advantage and utilized the daylight for more outdoor fitness. I have really been missing the simple act of walking, so this 2-miler filled that void a bit.
Never miss a Monday (even in the fog)
Another foggy morning, another quick 1-mile streak run to start the day. Thankfully, the temps weren’t too cold, and the fog disappeared by mid-morning.
Tuesday…finishing the year strong!
Brrr, we had another cold morning awaiting us humble folk. I just wasn’t feeling the cold and windy outdoor scene, so I kept it inside on the elliptical (3-ish miles; 20 minutes) and cued-up an upper-body session (Peloton app). After work, I hustled outside for my streak run, then glammed-up and met a few friends for some New Years Eve fun.
Wednesday…Welcome to 2025!
After a substantial sleep-in, I took my time getting ready for the first day of the new year. I didn’t get out for my final run of the RW Winter Run Streak until lunchtime (my bad). Even though it was a windy jaunt, it was full of sunshine! This 3-mile Strong Start run felt really good (thanks for the badge, Garmin).
Thursday…back to the routine (and here comes the snow)
It was another early morning (virtual) meet-up with
Deb. I saddled-up for 15 miles, then did an intense shoulder-focused upper-body strength session before heading to the office. The snow was just starting to lightly come down as I drove to work. Within an hour of getting settled at my desk, we got a snow squall warming, and Winter made its grand arrival (see below). We were lucky to only get 3-4 inches, but other parts of the state received much more. After work, I opted for a peaceful 2-mile walk of pure tranquility. The temps were cold (single digits, thank you very much), but the wind was minimal and the fresh snow was sparkling like diamonds from the glow of the streetlights. Don’t worry, the beauty of the glistening snow did not make me have a change of heart in my “love” for the winter season.
Thanks for the dual biking pic, Deb ;-)
Friday…A Day of Celebration
After another slight sleep-in (I took the morning off from work for a repair tech to fix one of my door locks), I headed out for a quick sunrise walk. Seriously, it had been ages since I’d seen the sunrise in all its glory and grandeur, and Friday’s sunrise didn’t disappoint. Also, it was Day-1500 of my #OptOutside Streak, and there could not have been a more perfect way to celebrate. Back home, I spent some time on the elliptical and then spent the afternoon at the office.
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Saturday…still feeling the chill of Winter
Holy Brrr, Batman! It was a very cold morning! I pedaled 15 miles on the bike and did some lower-body work, then spent several hours procrastinating, procrastinating and procrastinating some more in wishful hope the “feels-like” temps would get above ZERO. When I finally got out, the wind wasn’t quite as fierce, so the 4-mile run went surprisingly well (and surprisingly fast) considering the numerous layers I was sporting.
…and what’s on the plan for Sunday?
The forecast is looking equally as cold (and even more windy), so I’m planning to hit the bike in the early hours. I may venture outdoors in the afternoon (when I’ll at least have some sunshine) for a walk.
What a cold week! At least we had the sunshine return intermittently, though the wind didn’t want to play very nice. As in years past, New Years Day brought the final day of the run streak, and I had no desire in continuing further. This Streak went well with no injuries, marked fatigue, or excessive miles…and only one mishap (a small tumble, a couple weeks ago). Running logged a whopping 10 miles this week (and I’m alright with that). I’m not training for anything in particular, so there’s no need for any mileage goal(s) for the time being. Walking was a bit bleak as well (five miles). Biking had a decent 45 miles of action, so there’s that. This week also had a couple of elliptical workout s, and a few short very random stair-climbing sessions (which weren’t worth documenting, LOL). Strength-training saw four workouts this week, including a much-needed return to lower-body work. Onward!
In case you missed out, here’s what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. Though the temps were chilly, the sunshine was ever so bright. In other words, it was an opportune time to layer the fur-trimmed vest and grab the shades. I’m always amazed how the simple glow of the sun makes the winter chill a little more bearable.
As mentioned, we witnessed probably our first significant snowfall this week. I was pleasantly surprised to return home, after work, to a cleared-out driveway. I have not yet figured out which thoughtful neighbor did me this much-appreciated deed, but I’m working on it. The kindness of neighbors (and people, in general) is truly a gift to be cherished!
Did anyone else celebrate the New Year? I enjoyed a fun evening with a few friends. YES, we did make it to midnight (and beyond).
So, that’s the latest and greatest! It’s hard to believe the holiday season is in the rear view mirror, and we are already several days into 2025. Time certainly flies!
How did your final few days of 2024 (and first few days of 2025) play-out? Did you get hit with cold and snowy weather? Any New Year resolutions to share? Did you make it to midnight , and ring in the start of 2025 with style?
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How nice that a neighbor cleared your driveway for you! We had heavy snow yesterday afternoon, twice for about a half hour each time, but it only stuck to the mulch and was still here today. We're expecting a big snowstorm coming in around 7 PM tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI did not make it to anywhere near midnight on New Year's Eve! Glad you had a fun night out with friends!
The cleaned-off driveway was such a nice surprise! Now, I just have to figure out who my Good Samaritan is…
DeleteWe had snow storms this week starting New Years Day, with several inches over the weekend so I'm seeing a few treadmill workouts in my future! I ran on 4ish inches yesterday but it was hard and my hip waa sore later from the uneven surface. Yay for neighbors that clear driveways!!!
ReplyDeleteWe haven’t had much for snow yet…but I know it’s coming! We’re not even a full week into January yet, so this “low snow” situation is great while it lasts ;-)
DeleteWe've been pretty light in the snow department here! I'd be happy with more than a dusting but you know, be careful what you wish for! How nice that someone cleared your driveway!
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings on the snow. I go from thinking since it’s so cold, we might as well have something to show for it to just get me to Spring and keep the snow away, LOL.
DeleteThankfully we have fitness to keep us warm in winter! We got a big snowstorm yesterday and we're getting more on Monday...which means I should be able to sneak in a hike today! After that we've got a cold and snowy week...brrrr.
ReplyDeleteTeam Midnight for NYE too! Normally being up that late is painful, but we went to a fun party and the time flew by.
Yay for Team Midnight!!!! Thee’s not many of us left ;-)
DeleteWe have had quite a blast of cold air for us this week. I see a lot of indoor workouts for me this week. Way to stay so active in the colder week
ReplyDeleteThis next week I looking VERY cold here….it’s gonna be tough getting outside!
DeleteThat was so kind of your neighbor! We may have to get our shovel out tomorrow — I hope so!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are ready for Tunde’s upper body strength classes where she teaches ALW-style with heavier weights! I’ve been focusing on lower body with the skiing classes.
I had not heard of Tunde’s new classes!!!! I definitely will be checking those out! She’s my fav strength gal!
DeleteI figured you guys are having some really cold weather, because it's even making its way down here (I mean... it's going to be "Florida cold" this week.) Sounds like you had a great and very chilly week!
ReplyDeleteAbout your driveway... I love when people do things like that. It's not just the cleared driveway- it's such a boost of happiness, to know that there are kind people out there!
I did stay up till midnight on NYE, but not much after. There would be no point in going to bed early even if I wanted to, because there's a ton of fireworks going off around midnight. Might as well stay up to celebrate. Happy New Year Kim!
The driveway thing was SO thoughtful and kind ;-) The few times I’ve shoveled (there were a couple times we had a very light dusting in the very early hours) I made a point to shovel all the way to each of my neighbors’ driveways (on both sides) since I already had “shovel in hand.”
DeleteHappy new year Kim! What kind neighbors you have. The snow is so pretty! I love that sunrise pic.
ReplyDeleteWell done making it to midnight! Though you are a night owl, so not hard for you! Love the shoveling cool-down :)
Yes, the snow does look pretty at times…but that doesn’t make me like it any more, LOL ;-)
DeleteOur snow was minimal this past week, and that blizzard will miss us too! Drats. How nice to have your driveway cleared! I love the outfit this week. I need to bust out my white vest more often. It looks great on you!
ReplyDeletewe had a warmish day then cold temps returned but NO snow... not complaining.
ReplyDeleteWhat a start to the new year for you! Look at all that snow! But you are getting it done regardless of the cold and frost! Well done! And I love that your neighbors helped you out by shoveling! So thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteI did NOT make it to midnight, but we had a lovely and quiet celebration at home. That's sometimes how it goes.
Here's to a fabulous 2025!