Let me continue with the theme of last week's
Wrap-up.....It's been flippin' frigid here in my part of the universe. Just saying.
Born and raised in Iowa, I am accustomed to cold (and windy) winters. I get it. I've "been there, done that" more times than I care to admit. But December 2016 has been downright brutal.
Monday was probably the most mild in terms of cold and wind. I had a little extra time for my lunch break, so I did my streak run in the sunshine. And, let me add that the sunshine was blindingly bright.
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| Can you tell I'm squinting profusely behind my shades? |
Tuesday, I got off work mid-afternoon, so I got to enjoy another little jaunt in the daylight. Actually, though it was cold (15-degrees), I managed to overdress and had to unzip the puffer vest for the last stretch of the run. Don't you hate it when that happens?
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| Yes, you can over-dress in the cold temps! |
Wednesday, I headed out and did my run in the dark pre-sunrise hours. The full moon was beautiful!
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| Brrrrr...but not bad |
Thursday arrived. Although the temps hadn't plummeted that much since the previous day, the air was damp, wind was blowing, and with a lack of sunshine, it felt pretty cold. I even had to wear two (count 'em, TWO!) hats (and two pairs of tights).
Anticipating a weekend trapped inside, I headed out for a quick run immediately after arriving home from work on Friday afternoon. Numerous events in the area had been cancelled and there was a lot of snow and ice headed our way in the early evening hours.
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| Bring it, Momma N.... |
It snowed most of Saturday. Not heavy snow, but pretty constant, with a lot of wind. More area events were called off, including church services for the following morning.
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| Another run with multiple layers and accessories |
I have been pretty consistent (or stubborn?) about doing this run streak. The timing has not been ideal (post-marathon), and the weather hasn't exactly been warm...but I have been determined to do all of my streak runs outside, no matter what Momma N throws my way. Well, that all ended Sunday (the outside runs, not the streak itself).
It took a bit of maneuvering and rearranging (and a very quick dusting-off), but I got the treadmill fired up and ready for action. I am not a treadmill-lover anyways, and I was especially cautious about running on it given my current state....my hip/groin is still a bit wonky (since my marathon) and my gait is usually compromised when I "run" on the 'mill due to my long stride. I set the speed at 5.5 for the first half mile, and that felt too easy...so I kept increasing the speed in half-mile increments, ending at 6.7 (for a total of three miles). Wow! That was a "distance PR" (kind of an oxymoron considering the treadmill really doesn't go any distance LOL) since Route 66.
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| A bit of a truce with the treadmill.... |
In other news:
My #FridayFashion post reflected a holiday theme. Red is (and has always been a favorite color) and I love my red Christmas tree in the family room.
My December goals are still in tact.....I had a great arm workout on Tuesday.
Also, have you seen these "topless" beanies? They are the new hot item in recent weeks on social media...so, since I was stuck inside, I crafted my own version. What do you think? Should I quit my day job?
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| Knitters can crochet, too... |
How was your week? Cold? Running inside or outside? Favorite color for decorating?
As usual, I'm linking up with the lovely
Holly and
Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Please head over, checkout their awesome blogs, and take notice of all the many blogs linked with them!
Even though I have run through winters since forever, I always seem to forget how to dress! But since it's been so brutal, I've gone right to the Thermoball and skipped the layers. Believe it or not, I came home sweating today. Even tho it was 4 degrees. Maybe it was menopause. Or RA. Or I overdressed....
ReplyDeleteThe temps always keep me guessing...throw in the wind, and it's another game changer LOL
DeleteI was in the US this past week and it.was.COLD. I grew up in Maine but haven't lived where it has been that cold for years... I was thrilled to get back to my mild 40 degree, overcast but damp skies of Paris.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your run streak !
last December was so mild....I don't think we had snow until Christmas Eve. It was cold at times, and rainy/windy, etc., but this year has been extreme. UGH.
DeleteYou are braver than I am- the cold makes me want to stay under the covers! I've been doing more than my usual share of treadmill runs lately with this weather. I hope it eases up soon. Love the topless beanie!
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to be better this next week...in the 20-30 range. I'm gonna want to be in a tank and shorts LOL
DeleteI wish my week was cold! We're still in the 70s and 80s here in Florida and that's likely to continue into Christmas this weekend. I literally just want one full week of below 60 temps for my running! I'll trade you...seriously.
ReplyDeleteWanna trade? You're on ;-) I don't mind the cold, but this past week was crazy extreme.
DeleteCongrats on keeping your streak alive, even if it meant the ol' TM. My stride is very different on one. My Achilles just can't take it much of it. You rock to be running in those temps anyway. I'd be a complete wimp in your neck of the woods. For Christmas, red and lime green are my favorites. I adore the topless beanie. I'm thinking I might need one! Thanks for linking, Kim!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I hate the treadmill with the same degree of passion as you. I know it messes with my stride/gait...and that messes with my head. Lime green with kelly green and red is my favorite Christmas color combo! I thought about making a beanie/headband with those colors...but I wouldn't get much use of it this late in the holiday season.
DeleteHey mill miles are totally streak miles in my book! Way to keep it alive and well. With the way the weather has been, I'm not too sad to not be running much due to this hamstring. The cold is one thing but in many areas of my running routes the road shoulders are kind of gone due to snow so they're totally unsafe.
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree...mill miles are streak miles (but they should count double). ;-)
DeleteWow! Way to go in getting all your runs outside so far besides the one day when it was in the negative digits. I don't blame ya there. I stay in when it is in the 30s....haha. I hate the cold!
ReplyDeleteI can handle the cold, but this weather recently has been extreme. That's why the spring temps feel so hot around here...40's is tropical!
DeletePlanning my weekend run I had the option between running in the sleety 20s on Saturday or the damp 50s on Sunday ... so I waited until today. It's going to be in the teens again soon, though. When it's THAT cold I prefer to run in the daylight so I can avoid icy spots. I hope it warms up there soon!
ReplyDeleteI agree...I prefer daylight, too. The ice is easier to spot, but the sunshine makes such a difference on the really cold days.
DeleteUmmm... You make me feel like a wimp for not running outside on Thursday! LOL
ReplyDeleteI just can't stand running inside...it has to be major extreme conditions for me to fire up the 'mill. The longest 'mill run I've ever done was 6 miles (or maybe it was only 5?) and I was practically cross-eyed, mumbling incoherently, and in a state of despair/confusion when I finished. Not kidding. ;-)
DeleteWe also had a super cold windy week,so it's been a mix of inside & outside, mostly outside. On my coldest run I should have worn some long johns, my hamstrings were frozen!
ReplyDeleteI actually get warm after the first few minutes, then I'm fine. I'm just not doing any grandiose mileage this month...my main focus is finishing the streak runs as easy as possible.
DeleteIt's been cold here. And I wimped out on a run. I never do. I've got to get my head back into the game. It's long winter.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on keeping the streak alive.
I keep hearing this winter is gonna be brutal. Last year, we didn't really have cold weather until sometime in January...no snow in December until Christmas Eve...it was really strange. Not the case this year LOL
DeleteWay to keep the streak alive! It's been crazy here weather wise... Saturday was 80ish and extremely humid, Sunday was 30ish and extremely windy.
ReplyDeleteWow...those are two extremes! It's hard to dress for those!
DeleteWow, that IS cold!! It's been chilly and windy here in NC but not as bad as Iowa, and so far no snow yet. Good for you for not letting that stop you from getting your runs in! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteThanks!! It's definitely been a much colder December this year than it was a year ago. And I keep hearing it's only gonna get worse....
DeleteIt is no secret especially between us I am such a wimp when it comes to cold weather! You laugh and I get it, I laugh too when I see you all smiles and looking cute and I'm like It's 20-30 degrees warmer here and I'm freezing! All in fun I so enjoy talking about the weather differences with you!
ReplyDeleteWhen are you going to make me a hat? Lol your's are so cute! I was gifted a beanie this past week that my bosses wife got. She does not do beanies. I freaking loved it. I have a smaller head and it fit perfect! Couldn't you just see all this mess of curls pouring out the top of one???
Thanks Kim for always keeping us motivated! Rock on with your Runstreak!
Thanks, Tricia ;-) Your comment totally made my day ;-) I need to experiment with the pattern for the topless beanie (not sure if that's the "name" for them or not, but it's my name LOL)...fine tune the shape of it, and try some different color combos ;-) Maybe I'll have some extras to share....
DeleteWay to get after it despite the cold! I do not miss the cold weather, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I hate the extreme cold, I do think I'd miss the "mild" cold a tiny bit if I didn't have it. I do like the change of seasons, though it's a constant guessing game with clothing (even after 10+ years, I'm still over/under dressing sometimes)
DeleteYou should totally sell those little beanies! You might not be a cook and I am definitely not a crocheter in any sense. I have not crafty talents at all! I love how cute those are
ReplyDeleteWell, I can cook...I'm just not very creative in an apron LOL Now, give me a set of knitting needles or a paintbrush, and I'm totally happy!
DeleteI don't even understand all the clothes you're wearing!!! That's just co cold!
ReplyDeleteStill running outside - it will be in the 50s as a low, and then warming up to the 70s. In other words, we'll be in shorts on Christmas Day. It's just not right.
Love your tree! We put white lights on ours, but the red is so pretty.
I haven't posted any pics of my main tree yet....I finally got all the ornaments finished yesterday (it's been up and lit since Thanksgiving weekend, though). Stay tuned ;-)
DeleteWell, most of my streak runs are just a mile...I have done a couple 2-milers, and did the 3-miler on the 'mill yesterday. Usually, I'm not in marathon recovery mode in December, so there's a few other 3-5 milers mixed in there (but not this year).
ReplyDeleteIt looks COLD COLD COLD but you're owning it! ;) You make me want to try out your gear, just to be as cute as you all bundled up!
ReplyDeleteHa ha , Thanks ;-)
DeleteWe've had the craziest weather this month. I've run plenty of runs in a skirt and others with two pairs of tights. Life has been crazy, so I've hit the treadmill a lot, but luckily I have no issues with it (other than boredom.)
ReplyDeleteBoredom is a huge thing with the treadmill for me as well. Mine is set up in our mudroom...I can look out the window, but no television (or any kind of action) to distract me. UGH.
DeleteI think Im adjusting to the colder runs pretty quickly. 2 weeks ago 30 degrees seemed cold and now 20 isn't that bad (as long as the wind isn't too strong!) Our temps aren't nearly as cold as yours though! I think if I had a treadmill I would run on it more just because its such a pain to put on all the layers to run outside!
ReplyDeleteTrue, the layering does take a few minutes, but I find as the cold continues I actually need less layers ;-) You're absolutely correct...the wind is a total game changer.
DeleteAs long as the roads are plowed I would MUCH rather run outside even in cold weather. Like you, the treadmill messes with my stride and it bugs me. Way to go with the streak!
ReplyDeleteAlso, running in the (packed) snow on the plowed roads, is a great total body workout...it's a different kind of motion (stepping down and "gripping" instead of stepping out and "pushing off") and requires a lot more balance.
DeleteI am beginning to think we don't live on the same continent! I do love all your pics! I don't think you should quit your job but you need to open a little online store- the beanie is too cute! Stay warm my Iowa friend!
ReplyDeleteWe have a bit of a thaw coming this week LOL Temps in the high 20's-40's....#heatwave ;-)
DeleteI like the beanie, that's definitely something that I need since I wear my hair in a bun so often, lol!
ReplyDeleteThat is some seriously cold weather, so kudos to you for keeping the streak alive and running mostly outdoors! I've really cut back significantly on running since the marathon, but I'm looking forward to getting back in training mode in the next couple of weeks!
You are a beast! With all of that cold air I would be wimping out and running on the treadmill. I hate being cold!
ReplyDeleteYou're so funny, I totally crank up the speed on the treadmill too. I can't run normally, it's so annoying.
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't the sun so freaking deceiving when it's bitter-ass cold out?! I love the sun, but dang does it mess with my head when it's in the single digits!