We’re Up & Running!

Here we are, up and running in 2026!

This week was a busy one. We not only had 2025’s grand finale, but we also welcomed 2026’s arrival. Myself, I had several days (and a half day) of PTO, so my schedule was slightly off. Case in point, it felt like I had three Saturdays before the real Saturday arrived, LOL. My brain was so confused!

As per usual, the Midwest weather was a wild card. Nonetheless, it was a full week of fitness, fun and whatnot…

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 post-holiday fitness, fun and fanfare:

Sunday - Stuck inside (somewhat)

The visiting daughters were still around for one last day. I got up early and hit the bike for 15 miles and did a lower-body workout while everyone was still asleep. The afternoon forecast was looking very “white and windy” (and crazy cold), so I got out for a quick walk before hitting the shower.

Never Miss a Monday…

I had the lofty goal of a post-workday run, so I started the morning on the elliptical (4-ish miles). Spoiler: that post-workday run never happened. After taking Max around the block, I waved the white flag. The temps were sub-ZERO and the wind was insane (40-50mph gusts, no thanks!).

A not-so-typical Tuesday

The early morning saw eight miles on the bike and some upper-body strength work. I had the afternoon off from work (due to a much-needed hair appointment). I had time to sneak in a quick 2-mile run, in the glorious sunshine, before heading to the salon.

Wednesday - wishing 2025 a grand goodbye

It was just Hannah and myself (again) for the 4:45AM 3-miler. Neither of us were sure about the layers for the mild temps (with the borderline cold wind). We were chilly for the first 1/2-mile, but were good thereafter. Can I just say it’s great to have friends who like these early morning runs as much as do? 

Thankful Thursday, and Happy 2026!

My evening had not gotten too wild or crazy, but I did allow myself a slight sleep-in on Thursday morning. Besides, I don’t get too many sunrise runs these days, and I wanted to wait for daylight before heading out for a run. This run felt incredible! No stiffness, whatsoever! I think I may have (finally) turned the corner with all that hip/TFL crankiness. After getting back home, I I hopped on the bike for 13 miles, as a cool-down and leg flush-out. 

Friday fitness and whatnot…

After another slight sleep-in (who am I?), I hit the weights for a full-body strength workout (via Peloton). Afterwards, I got out for a brisk 3-mile walk because fresh air is everything. Max also took me for a couple of speedy walks in the sunshine. 

Sensational Saturday…

No sleeping-in (I woke up before 6AM, LOL), I took my time in getting prepped for the morning. On-deck, was a virtual bike ride while chatting with Deb. After 20 miles, we said our good-byes. 

Next, I had another friend to chat with while walking. Remember that weighted vest? Yeah, it’s been awhile, LOL. I hoisted it on, and knocked-out a couple miles on the Chichaqua Valley Trail. There also was a chest/back strength session later in the day. I had anticipated a full moon run in the evening, but the sky was pretty cloudy. Sunday night, though, is looking to have a clear view of the Wolf Moon…so that’s when it’s gonna happen.

…and what’s happening on Sunday?

Well, there’s for sure a full moon run in the evening hours, but the morning has a few possibilities. There may be a stair workout, or an early morning walk…or both (?). Stay tuned.

So, it was quite a week. The house felt quiet after all the Christmas guests cleared out. The weather was crazy cold, but it mellowed by mid-week. The running miles were minimal (only seven as this post goes to press), but Sunday evening’s full moon run will factor-in a few “missing” miles from the week. Walking was bleak, but I blame the wonky work week (which kept me from daily lunchtime walks). Strength training saw a few decent sessions (the shoulders and back are still throbbing from Saturday’s session). Bottom line, though, is the hip/TFL issue is feeling MUCH better. 

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

Are We Ready?

Coffee & Chatting? In 2026? Anyone?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Even though the holiday season is in the rear window, I’m still eagerly wearing red (which is often associated with Christmas). What can I say? It’s a bright, vibrant color and it works year-round. Besides, Valentines Day isn’t that far away, LOL. 

I mentioned my Happiness Jar in Friday’s coffee post. I’d seen this on social media last year, and immediately hopped on the wagon. The idea is to jot down a happy memory each week, and stash it in the jar. At the end of the year, you get to relive all those memories when you empty the jar. Well, there were more than 52 happy memories documented, but I have not taken the time to read through all of them yet. I do plan to continue this ritual in 2026, though. I think it’s a fabulous exercise in focusing on all the happy stuff instead of dwelling on the not-so-happy events. 

Finally, the sunrise on Tuesday was simply amazing! I was able to snap a quick pic at the traffic light, on the way to work. Trust me, the pic does not even begin to do it justice.

So, there you have it: The first Weekly Run Down of the new year! 

How did your week play out? Any celebrating on New Year’s Eve? Did you get in a run on New Year’s Day? 

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