Awaken

It was another week full of adventure, fitness, and awakenings.

The weather was really out of sync with the calendar. Most days it was in the 50's by the afternoon, though it  was very "seasonal" in the wee hours (like, in the low 30's).  In keeping with my daily cardio (10-20 minutes every morning) and my running streak (running at least one mile everyday from Thanksgiving until New Year's Day), I got to experience it all.


Here's what went down this past week:

On Monday, I had nothing major on the agenda other than the 1-mile streak run to satisfy my #nevermissaMonday (self-imposed) obligation. The cool, early morning temps definitely awakened my mind and body, but they felt pleasant, and the sky was beautiful!

So what if it looks like I have ghost hands (and no arms)

On Tuesday, I met up with my friend, Barb, for a #5at5 run (5 miles at 05:00). Believe it or not, we had temps in the 50's...at 5:00 a.m. in Iowa! That may have been the warmest #5at5 since August!

All lit up and ready to roll...

It was rather chilly on Wednesday morning for my power walk through the 'hood. That was a bit of a cool and cruel awakening!

Brrrrr...

Thankfully, it warmed up, and I was able to wear capris for a 2-miler in the mid afternoon.

Ahhhh, much better!

On Thursday, I just did a quick 1-mile streak run, also in the chilly morning temps. This time, though, I pulled out my new "obnoxious Santa" fleece-lined leggings to keep me warm. As I have said prior, I solemnly swear these leggings are for running purposes only (or lounging around INSIDE the confines of my house LOL). I doubt anyone needs to be awakened by all of their busy-ness in a social setting.

Obnoxious, right?

I ventured out on Friday morning for a solo 3-mile run. Again, the temps were crazy cold, but warmed up substantially by the afternoon.

Oops...the tag is still there from the R'n'R Las Vegas race

Saturday was race day! There are not many holiday-themed races in my area anymore. There were a couple races (in Des Moines) I used to do for several years, but they no longer exist. I came across the Jingle Bell Run 5K recently, and not only is it a national event (with numerous venues to choose from in many states), but the key sponsor (for the Des Moines race) was my surgeon's office! This event benefits the Arthritis Foundation, so it's for a great cause.

there's those tights again

Barb and I dressed in our best holiday (running) attire and road-tripped the 50-ish miles to Des Moines. So, yes, those obnoxious Santa leggings had their big debut in a public setting. Overall, the race went well and my pace felt strong, but I was still humbled by the fact that my body is not quite back to where it was pre-surgery. Oh well. Stay tuned, the full recap will be posted this week.

The finisher medal was a nice surprise!

Sunday was such a beautiful day in Iowa! I did an easy-paced 1-mile streak run (in my new shoes...see below), and later went for an exhilarating 4-mile walk in the sunshine.

What a beautiful day to be awakened by the sunshine!

So, that's the week all wrapped up. My total (running) mileage came in at 17 miles. Noting grandiose, but just where it needs to be right now for my off-season. The daily streak runs are keeping me active enough that I really don't want (or need) any high-mileage numbers happening anyways.

In case you missed them, these are my posts from last week:
My Heart is Full
November in a Nutshell
To Streak or Not to Streak

In other news:
 I snagged a great deal on some new shoes last weekend! I continue to leap frog back & forth with Mizuno Wave Inspires and Brooks Adrenaline GTS shoes. My over-pronating feet need a lot of stability, and these two brands have been great solutions for me. That said, each time they come out with a new model, there are just enough subtle tweaks that I notice a difference. I had been in the Mizuno WI's since April (and they got shelved during those three months when I wasn't allowed to run), but they just don't feel quite right anymore. I suspect my gait/form/cadence (?) may have changed a bit during that running sabbatical due to all of my excessive walking. So, I'm giving the Brooks Adrenalines another whirl. I have only done one mile in them, but they felt like heaven. Stay tuned...I'll keep you all updateted on how these work out.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17's...aren't they pretty?

Did you catch my #FridayFashionFlair post on Instagram? I have always been a sucker for red, and I'm seeing the buffalo plaid everywhere, on everything, and in every price range. What do you think? Yes to the red and black, or pass? Please consider joining me on Fridays...simply post a pic of a favorite outfit from the week (it doesn't necessarily have to be your Friday outfit). Use the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and tag me (@runningonthefly)....it's fun to see all of my fitness-minded friends in "street" clothes now and then.

buffalo plaid for the win!

I had a bunch of cranberries leftover from Thanksgiving and didn't want them to go to waste. So, I got out of my comfort zone and experimented with dehydrating cranberries this week. I don't own a dehydrator, so I had to go "old school" and do it in the oven. It took about eight hours (at a temp of 170), but this is what I got for my efforts. They probably could have baked a bit longer, but I'm very happy with them. Have you ever tried to dehydrate fruit on your own?

my first attempt at craisins

And, last of all, here are my December goals. Again, streaking is my main thing this month, so I'm not adding anything heavy-duty to my roster. I do need to do some work on my abs and core, though, and my hips and glutes are in constant need of maintenance.

So, that's another wrap! How was your week? Has winter officially arrived in due form, or do you have a bit of fall-like temps lingering? Have you ever switched back and forth between shoe brands? Any holiday-inspired races coming up?

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I'm linking up with my gals, Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. This weekly check-in is such a great place to connect with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Please join us!