Yeah, there was all kinds of winter antics happening this week. The temps were cold (and set some records), the wind was crazy, and there was plenty of the white stuff.
Ugh. We all knew it was coming, but the extreme conditions were 4-5 weeks early. Alas, what’s a gal to do but face the cold conditions head first…
Before I divulge the deets from the cold and frosty week, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!
Later, after work, I laced-up and got outside for a couple of very easy-paced miles. Although it was cold, it wasn’t windy, so this run was more tranquil than torture. The clear sky, and (almost) full moon made for near-perfect conditions.
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 world of chills and wind this week:
Snowed-In Sunday
Although I had shoveled-out my driveway on Saturday, there had been some crazy overnight wind. I awoke to find 3-foot-high drifts that weren’t there 12 hours prior. Hence, any lofty ideas about getting to church were vanquished. Instead, I hit the elliptical for 5-ish miles.
By mid-afternoon, the temps were somewhat warmer, and the wind had calmed down slightly. It took more than an hour, but I was successful in getting the bulk of my driveway cleared, which allowed me to get out and re-enter civilization (by means of snagging a few groceries).
Never Miss a Monday
With early morning temps flirting with single digits feels-like conditions, I opted to stay inside. The bike sufficed nicely as a cardio fix. Later, at work, I walked a couple of miles over my lunch hour.
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Low-impact Tuesday
After parting (virtual) ways, I did some lower-body strength and balance work. Oof, these moves kept me quite humble! My funky right hip/TFL (?) did NOT appreciate my efforts, which is a true sign I need to be doing these much more often. I also did my usual 2-mile lunch walk, and ran under the full moon after work (see below).
As mentioned, there was a full moon run on Thursday evening. The Cold Moon (how appropriately named) was already high in the sky during my commute home (5:15PM). With all the snow on the ground, the bright light from the moon made it look almost like daylight outside. 
Another chilly sub-freezing morning, I hit the spin bike for 14 miles (there’s been a lot biking happening lately, LOL). I took a day of PTO, due to a luncheon in my former town, so I had a little extra time for a strength session (upper-body) and a short walk before getting ready for the day.
A non-typical Wednesday
The forecast was looking cold and windy in the wee hours. Ironically (?), none of the run group peeps asked about meeting in the morning, LOL (myself included). I was still awake (somewhat) early, so I (again) hit the bike. Twelve miles later, there was no need for caffeine. I did my usual 2-mile lunchtime walk, and also an outdoor mile before dinner.
Thankful Thursday
It was another chilly morning, but things were feeling pretty warm in the sweat den down under. I met-up with Deb for our weekly virtual workout, and knocked-out 20 miles on the spin bike.
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| Collage courtesy of Deb |
After parting (virtual) ways, I did some lower-body strength and balance work. Oof, these moves kept me quite humble! My funky right hip/TFL (?) did NOT appreciate my efforts, which is a true sign I need to be doing these much more often. I also did my usual 2-mile lunch walk, and ran under the full moon after work (see below).
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Finally Friday!
Nothing too spectacular to report, but there was work that got done. After an 8-mile warm-up on the bike, I cued-up an arm/shoulder workout (via Peloton). As per usual, I subbed-in 8-pound dumbbells for the recommended 3-pounders to make it a little more intense. Again, there was the daily 2-mile walk, through the skywalk over lunch, and a quick 1-miler after getting home at the end of day.
“Long” Run Saturday
It’s no secret I seldom ever sleep-in past 4:45AM, but it happened on Saturday. Ironically, I feel more fatigued, than refreshed, after such an indulgence. With no specific distance goals in mind, I thought the 3-4 mile range would be a good compromise. Although these miles weren’t without issue (the nasty TFL thing is still feeling kinda of sketchy), it felt oh-so-good to be outside. The temps were cold, but wind-free, so my layering game was on-point. And, a bonus? The grumpy TFL (or whatever it is, LOL) felt much better after all that movement. BTW, I ran four miles, but I do appreciate Garmin’s 5K accolades.
…and Sunday?
With another snow storm coming through, late Saturday afternoon through the overnight), there’s no telling how clear the streets or sidewalks will be in the morning. I’ll probably play it safe and hit the bike or elliptical before heading to church. I am craving a good stair workout, though, so maybe I’ll squeeze some stair time in there as well.
So, it wasn’t a stellar week, but it was a consistent one. After all, it’s my off-season, so the only goal on my agenda is consistent daily activity. This week saw 8 miles of running. Walking was a bit mediocre, but I blame Sunday's hour-long very shoveling (instead of actual walking) and Tuesday’s day of PTO (and busyness of non-step activity). Walking finished the week with 11 miles. Biking, again, dominated…this week had with 59 miles logged.
In case you missed out, here’s what went down on t he blog:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. ‘Tis the season for holiday-themed attire. I’ve always been a fan of Dr. Seuss, so when I spotted this sweater, I had to make it mine.
So, that’s my week! How was your first week of December? Did you get hit with January-like weather as well?
Nice week of work for you! Sorry to hear about the hip still bothering you! Have you considered going to a PT to get it evaluated?
ReplyDeleteEek! It was cold but we kept things down to a few inches of snow. Here's to Indoor Sweat Season!
ReplyDeleteYou got more snow? Ugh! I had no idea this full moon was called a Cold Moon. I've never heard of that - thanks for sharing. And yes, the moon on the snow was bright here, too!
ReplyDeleteI love your Grinch shirt, it's super cute!
We also had our first snow albeit only an inch :). It has been much colder than normal but that bad considering. Way to get things done sweaty style indoors this week
ReplyDeleteBRR! I know it was cold and snowy up there- I follow the weather in the midwest very closely these days! Luckily you have indoor options.
ReplyDeleteHa, I LOVE the Grinch sweater! I want one!
That shoveling workout did burn more calories than walking I bet, and you did get some steps in! We are expected to get more snow this week too. Of course I'm excited about it :) Good job being consistent with the workouts indoors!
ReplyDeleteYou are so good at getting outside even with the winter weather! I haven't been able to do an outside workout since I was away for thanksgiving. Too much snow and ice here! Though if I ran in the middle of the day, I could probably run in the street.
ReplyDelete