Sunday, January 14, 2018

NonStop Action



Wham. Bam. Thank you, Ma'am.

Our temps had started to gradually warm-up over the previous weekend. Seriously, anything above freezing felt so tropical and heavenly! Then, things made a turn for the cold...again....

It was great being back outside, but there were was some indoor action as well. Here's how the week played out:


I saved my Monday excursion for the afternoon, and it was beautiful! We haven't had much snow, but the bulk of it was gone from the streets and most of the sidewalks. And, hello, sunshine! Although, I had run both Saturday and Sunday, I opted to run two miles instead of the usual #nevermissaMonday 1-miler. I even sandwiched those two miles in between the 40 burpees (from the Burpees & Planks & Push-ups challenge) on my "plan." Hopefully none of my neighbors noticed.
Yep, burpees on the f ront patio....
With the spring-like temps again on Tuesday, it was inevitable we'd have a spring-like thaw happening. I took Max on a lengthy walk over the noon hour...and even though we stayed on the sidewalks and cleared-off streets, he still wandered intermittently into the muddy grass and remaining snow. No surprises, he desperately needed a bath as soon as we returned home (and, wouldn't you know? I'd just given him a bath 18 hours earlier)!
Max was so excited to go for a walk...it had been over a week since we'd last "harnessed-up"
Did you know Wednesday was National Take the Stairs Day? Well, would it surprise you to know I took it upon myself to celebrate in the only way I know how...a stair workout? I spent about 30 minutes, going up and down the stairs (single-stepping and double-stepping) and doing push-ups as well. All told, I netted 100 flights of stairs and 100 push-ups, all before 6:00 a.m.


Go ahead, give it a try!
The weather report didn't look pretty, so after work, I laced up and headed outside for 3 miles in the (still) warmer-than-usual air. It's not very often I double-up on daily workouts, but with the forecasted cold temps (as well as impending snow and ice), I'd rather get a few extra miles done outside instead of inside on the 'mill. Besides, none of the DOMS from the stair workout had showed up, so why not?
Ah, outside with no puffer vest or gloves!
Thursday was a much-anticipated (and needed!) rest day...after those 50 burpees in the early morning hours. Don't be fooled by the stylish hair, those burpees kicked my buttocks. On the bright side, I didn't have any DOMS pay me a visit this week. That was definitely a #glasshalfful surprise, especially considering all the burpees AND the crazy stair workout. 
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I have never done 50 burpees before, in a single day and certainly not within a single workout
On Friday, my body did indeed feel tired. Even without the presense of DOMS, everything just felt tired all over. I did a nice, long plank to start the day...and that's all she wrote. We did have some crazy cold weather return, which started early Thursday morning. Not much for new snow, but there was a bit of ice (courtesy of all those warm temps earlier in the week) and lots of wind. 
Can you see me smiling underneath all the bedhead tangles? Planks are FUN!
Winter certainly was back with a vengeance, and Saturday's temps were a reminiscent of what we'd had prior to that brief warm-up a couple days prior. Ugh. We're talking a 0-degree reading, with a -14F "feels like" on my weather app. What happens when your outdoor mojo has taken a vacay? Well, if you're a runner, you phone (or text) a running friend....and within 30 minutes, the both of us met up and knocked out five tough miles. Funny how my body seemed to totally forget how to breathe in the frigid air (I hadn't run in cold temps like these since New Year's Day). I did remember how to layer up, though. None the less, those five miles felt more like 10, but being out in the fresh air and sunshine was worth all the exhaustion and frustration. Onward!
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It may have been a struggle bus run, but the sunshine made it bearable
My only objective for Sunday was to wake up the body. As has been the pattern, I slept in a little longer than usual, and debated for awhile about running right away or waiting until later. We had church on the agenda, as well as taking our son back to college after lunch...I knew if I waited, the run may not really happen (just keeping it real, folks LOL). So, I got it done, and returned back home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after two simple miles. Mission accomplished.
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Ahhhh, fresh air for the win!
So, that's another week of my off-season. The running is maintaining, but I'm not forcing any miles unless I sincerely feel like getting outside. The treadmill saw ZERO action this past week and I'm more than alright with that. I have a 5K in a couple of weeks, which will be in very cold weather (if history repeats itself), so I really have nothing grandiose (in terms of distance) to train for at the moment. Total mileage this week (Monday through Sunday) came in at 12. Along with Wednesday's stair workout,  the Burpees & Planks & Push-ups Challenge continued so there was plenty of daily fitness happening. Maybe that's why my body felt so tired Friday and Saturday, huh!

In case you missed them, here's the posts from last week:
In other news:
As mentioned, I'm doing the Burpees & Planks & Push-ups Challenge (hosted by Rachel), and it's already getting tough!  The planks and push-ups are alright, but the burpees...ugh! Although they are getting easier, they still are pretty humbling. Here's what went down last week:

Monday--40 burpees
Tuesday---2-minute plank
Wednesday---40 push-ups
Thursday---50 burpees
Friday---2:30 minute plank
Saturday---50 push-ups
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By Saturday, my body was done...those final 50 push-ups were painful
Did you catch my #FridayFashionFlair post? Black and brown are not often paired together...which is why I love the challenge of wearing them! I believe any color combination can be made to work if one has a few accessories thrown into the mix to help them "blend" together...enter : the cheetah print scarf and black/brown riding boots. Easy peasy, right?


How was you week? Did your winter weather wreak any havoc on your outdoor fitness?  Anyone else taking an off-season at the moment? How do you feel about burpees...yay or no way?

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

  1. Seems like we had the same exact weather this week! Luckily I was able to get outside for all my runs this week and I really enjoyed most of them. It's nice not to wear 3-4 layers for a run, haha.

    Since it's back in the single digits today, I'm currently enjoying a cup of hot chocolate!

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    1. Well, I've already had two hot chai latte's LOL (with a third on deck)

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  2. It was great to have warmer temps for a few days. I feel like I can run in any temps now after surviving the last 2 weeks. Way to go on all those Burpees! Have a great week

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    1. Although I know I can run in any temps, I'm ready for summer to come back ;-) I'll take a hot & sweaty run over a frigidly bitter one.

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  3. I agree with you that it is hard to stay motivated to run outside in the bitter cold. I'm glad that challenge is over--I may actually take some of my shorter runs to the treadmill (gasp!) if it continues to be this cold. I'm exhausted.

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    1. Once my Streak ended, my outdoor mojo evaporated LOL Yes, I know can do it, but I am simply choosing not to...that's the perk of a January off-season ;-)

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  4. I am in an off season, and our weather was all topsy turvy -- 60 on Friday, plummeting temps over nice with a good inch of ice and some snow on top of that just for good measure on sat (after all the snow had melted, sigh).

    Our driveway is still a sheet of ice despite our best efforts, but the good new is it's supposed to warm up again by the end of next week (but not before getting some more snow dumped on us, or at least that's what the forecast says).

    Good job getting out there before church! I have such difficulty motivating myself outdoors early in winter (which is my off season).

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    1. We still have a bit of snow...not much, though (enough to cover the grass). I think it's gonna stay cold for awhile #ugh

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  5. Great job on keeping up with the challenge, I would be good for the planks and the push ups but do not like burpees. Every time I give my clients burpees to do, they always just roll their eyes...haha.

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    1. The burpees definitely are the toughest part of the challenge. I am very coordination-challenged, and jumping both legs back (and forward) in unison feels very awkward to me.

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  6. Um yeah Rachel's challenge is kicking my rear as well. Maybe I'm getting the slightest bit better at burpees? Maybe??

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    1. I can tell I'm improving, but they still are SO awkward for me.

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  7. Great job with your workouts this week! Burpees are the workout that I love to hate. They are soo good for you! I've not done more than 30 in a workout but I now have a new goal! We got an ice and snow storm this week so I've taken my workouts indoors.

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    1. I hope the burpees are good for me LOL They better be worth all the frustration!

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  8. You sure are a very busy and active lady to be in your often season! ;) Nice week! You know, with three staircases in my house -- every day is national take the stairs day! LOL. Thanks for linking!

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    1. ha ha...I don't like sitting idle, but I do try to take things easier on some days more than others

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  9. Your "off" season sounds full-on to me! I know how you love your sweat sessions!

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    1. Well, your week definitely is non-stop action-packed, too. You're a beast for all the fitness classes you do!

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  10. I was in shorts a couple days last week then back in tights for the weekend! Great week of workouts Kim! I do NOT like burpees! Lol

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    1. I'm learning that I can do burpees, but they are so awkward for my uncoordinated body...and I still do NOT like them, one little bit.

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  11. I absolutely LOVE your energy! Just reading this makes me feel energised to work out. Well done on another great week and so glad you got some nice outdoor runs in too!

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  12. The burpees are killing me! The other parts of the challenge aren't bad at all. Im just worried about how high these reps are going to get over the next few weeks! Great job with your workouts!

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  13. The only way I can do that many burpees is in a class with peer pressure to motivate me. Ha! Great job getting through them and the pushups. You are freaking amazing!

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  14. You're so dedicated and inspiring, Kim! Going for a walk with your dog is a great way to stay active besides the bad weather. ;)

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  15. I really wanted to get outside for my run on Saturday, but the sunshine was deceiving. We had a front come through, and the wind was strong, and quite biting. Treadmill it was.

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  16. I just don't know what to say about all those burpees! You had a great week - very active despite the "off season"!

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  17. The fluctuations in the weather have been insane. I'd rather it just stay cold or warm. Definitely not a good week for runners!

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  18. I have to laugh at some of these comments about burpees. I SWEAR I AM NOT TRYING TO KILL YOU, FRIENDS!!! ;) Burpees will make you stronger AND faster! Promise!!

    In other news -- while I enjoyed the warmer weather, I didn't run in it. And I didn't feel too bad about it either. As much as I would rather be running, I guess I'm kind of enjoying the forced rest? Who knew.

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  19. I agree...burpees = ugh! Honestly, I usually find a substitute for them because the constant up-and-down makes me lightheaded.

    It was unseasonably warm here last week...it was 40 and sunny when I ran yesterday, and I ended up wishing I had worn short sleeves.

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  20. Nice job on all your workouts this week! As much as I'd like to do burpees and do have my clients do them, I can't because of hallux rigidus and post-trama arthritis on my right foot. Sadly, burpees would send my foot into fits of pain. :-(

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  21. I love your furry running vest - so stylish!! As far as burpees go, it’s an awesome workout but I don’t do them at all! I should consider adding them in to my routine.

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  22. What a week of activity for you! Those burpees are tough! Love your black and brown outfit!

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  23. Man, that sounds like a tough challenge! Burps are the worst! You will be so strong by the end though :)

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  24. Great week! Our weather was all over the place last week.

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  25. Nice job keeping up on the challenge!

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  26. I need to mark my calendar for next year's Take the Stairs Day! Great way to honor the day with a stair workout. I need more stairs in my life. LOL

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  27. I struggle with bitter cold temps and WIND especially. Great job keeping up with your challenge!

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  28. 50 burpees??? Yikes! That's amazing! I just don't love them.

    We had a few warmer days last week, but then it was right back to 30s. Brrrrr. Not my favorite at all! I am really looking forward to the 50s. That will be heavenly!

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  29. I may have said this before but I HATE BURPEES! But I am totally impressed that you did 50 in one go.

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  30. I agree, anything above freezing has felt absolutely amazing. I was so excited when were blessed with a couple of 50 and 60 degree afternoons last week, and then BAM it was super cold again. Ugh! Is it spring yet?!?

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  31. I can only handle about mid 20s - anything below that I hide on the treadmill like the born and bread Floridian I am LOL

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  32. I can't believe you had no DOMS from the burpees! I think I'm getting DOMS just thinking about 50 burpees lol

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