Tis the Season

Tis the season!

This is the time of year for a myriad of emotions, busy-ness, and stress. It's also when there seems to be a lot of good cheer in the (cold) air. Even though not all of us celebrate the same holidays, I think most of us share in the general "good will towards others" thing as the holiday season engulfs us.


It was an especially festive week for me, in more ways than one. Care to hear about it?

Monday had mucho chilly temps in the wee dark hours, but warm temps were in the afternoon's forecast...so I hustled out the door and did a quick walk with Max, and saved my streak run for later. As the saying goes, "good things come to those who wait," and Momma N was most kind. Temps in the high 40's are so comfy this time of year! Even with some slight wind, the two miles in the afternoon sun had me feeling all giddy (and my Christmas tree-adorned socks were quite sparkly as well).

The festive socks were sparkling bright in the afternoon sunshine

Although Tuesday's temps may have looked cold "on paper," they actually felt nice. There's just something about being out in the early morning (still dark) hours on a calm morning.....it totally awakens my mind and body. And, another #5at5? What's not to love?

Chilly, but oh-so-tranquil

Wednesday morning had me just not "feeling the run" when I woke up...so I didn't. Running is a choice, after all. I knew there'd be sunshine (again) later, so I did some stair work instead. I only did 20 flights of stairs, but I did them barefoot and in (somewhat) slow motion. I took the steps "by two's," which always ups the intensity, so it felt like a fast flow yoga session.

20 quick "flights" to start the day

Later, I headed outside for a quick 1-miler to keep my running streak in business. Again, chilly temps, but the sunshine always makes it feel warmer. That evening, I did 100 squats before bedtime (and, #holyouch, those squats and their sinister DOMS came back to bite my buttocks on Friday morning).

Go bright or go home

I met up with Barb on Thursday, and we made a command decision to run a different "in town" route to (hopefully) have a little shelter from the crazy wind. Amazingly, the only thing that felt cold was my face. Another successful #5at5 and all was well with my world. Also, it was the Winter Solstice! Woot!!!! Longer days from here on out!

Let there be wind!

I awoke to a fresh dusting of snow on Friday morning. Believe it or not, we have not had any snow (other than a few flurries in the air) in Iowa! There wasn't much in the grass, but there were traces of it accumulating in the street and it was still coming down when I was outside with Max for his morning outdoor ritual. Alas, the little snow that we'd received was gone within a couple hours. Later, after work, some of us met up for our annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Run Under The Lights and enjoyed four miles of holiday beauty and companionship.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Run under the holiday lights

Saturday morning, Brrrr! Single digit "feels like" temps (and a tiny bit of wind) were happening. I heard the lake beckoning and I answered the call (besides, there would be some tree shelter from the wind). Also, I had heard there was a decorated tree along the trail and I wanted to find it...much to my surprise, there actually were two! What was really neat, and so-holiday-cheer-laden, was the fact that both of these trees were near the halfway point around the lake....so whomever decorated them, had a bit of a hike (with all the decorations) to make it happen. How's that for seasonal tidings of great joy?

Chilly temps but festive decorations at the lake

Sunday, guess what greeted me? More snow...and I think this snow will actually last through Christmas. It was day 32 of my running streak (Wow! How did that happen???). The air was so peaceful. I could feel the snowflakes sprinkling my face as I heard the snow crunch underfoot. Even though I am a summer runner by choice, this short run in the crisp, calm winter air was absolute perfection. I don't love the snow, but I certainly would miss not having it.

My first run with snow underfoot!

So, that's a wrap on this holiday-inspired week. Total mileage (Monday through Sunday) came in at 20 miles. My running streak is still going strong, and we're closing in on the conclusion in another week. I have managed to do every streak run outside (I started on Thanksgiving and will end on New Year's Day). Total streaking mileage is at 84, with eight days remaining. I'm hoping to surpass the century mark....stay tuned!

In case you missed them, here's my posts from last week:
Significance
My #PlotTwist of a Year-Races and Bling
Even More INSPIRATION

In other news:
I have had a lot of fun with my recent #FridayFashionFlair posts (on Instagram). I love color, and I especially love wearing red this time of year. We had our office party on Friday, so I dug out an old favorite, my red velvet "peasant" top...and wouldn't you know? My Santa hat was almost a perfect match! Velvet is tricky in that it seems to go in and out of main stream fashion, but always is on point during the holiday season. It's easy to dress it up or dress it down, depending on where you're headed. Do you own any velvet? You're welcome to play along....post a pic of a favorite outfit on Friday, hashtag it #FridayFashionFlair, and drop me a tag (@runningonthefly).

red velvet for the holidays

I grew up with all of the Star Wars stuff...but I must confess, I never quite grasped the story line. I knew that Luke and Leia were brother and sister, and that Darth Vader was their father...but that's where it ended for me. We've been doing a Star Wars marathon, and I have been enlightened (sort of). I'm just thankful to have two of the kids to explain (most of) it to me LOL (and they haven't rolled their eyes too much).

Star Wars.....

And, last of all, anyone out there as excited as me to make it to the winter solstice? Every winter, it feels like such a milestone to reach December 21st! Call me crazy, but I think I can already tell the days are longer!

Let's celebrate!

Also, I recently participated in a fun holiday card swap, and received this nice little treat in the mail from Ana (from Mother, Run, Hike). Thanks, Ana!!

Blogger friends are great!

***On a side note, I want to share a great opportunity with you! Laura, of Mommy Run Fast , is offering a great online  nutrition class in January that is geared towards runners. Care to join me?  Follow this link ---> Runner's Fit and Fueled  for more information. AND, I even have a promo code for you --->"ONTHEFLY." 

I want to wish you all a blessed holiday season, and a joyous 2018! Do you have big plans for Christmas? Family traditions? Getting tired of red and green yet?  Are you a Star Wars fan?

By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:
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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! 

**I'm also linking up with Marcia and Patty and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run.