Just Ch-Ch-Ch-Chillin'

Baby, it's been cold outside!

As much as I dearly love my hot summer days, I can tolerate the cooler days of autumn. Heck, I even enjoy being outside in the crisp air. The fall foliage is nothing short of dramatic. Running in the cold air leaves one feeling invigorated. It's (usually) all good.

But, seriously. Momma N seems to have catapulted us a couple months into the future with the colder-than-normal temps this past week. Again.

Not only was I chillin' in the cold temps, I was still chillin' with my fitness and taking things moderately easy...you know, #earlyoffseason and all things #recovery.


NeverMissAMonday
Up and out the door to start a new week! I ran a couple miles around the college campus and got to enjoy the start of day breaking. I have to enjoy the hint of a sunrise for now because in a few weeks the sun will be rising long after my early morning routine(s).

Not a Typical Tuesday
What a chilly day! I got out with Max in the early hours. Let's just say he took us for a vigorous power walk, but I made us stop at no less than 10 lamp posts, a fire hydrant and a random pile of leaves. Then we did some stretching back at home.

That night, after feeling cold all day, I decided to create my own heat...and reignited my love for the stairs. Sixty flights of double-stepping, how's that grab you? Maybe if I add 50 push-ups and 100 leg lifts to the mix? There, all better.

Another wacko Wednesday
Holy wind, Batman! Another freezing cold day, quite literally. Max and I did our morning walk around the campus, while the hubby did his (indoor) workout. At least there was daylight (because we got out about an hour later than usual), lots of autumn color and oodles of fresh air. Glass half full.

Thursday...
My hamstrings (on both legs) have been feeling a bit wonky recently (tendinitis?), so I have been taking things easy with this marathon recovery period. No big deal, but I have been feeling a bit restless with the lower mileage via the running shoes. Anyways, the temps were cold (again), but actually felt quite refreshing in the early morning hours. That Iowa wind can make or break a good (or bad) run, and it was almost non-existent. Total win! Not sure of an exact mileage for the morning....(see below), but I was attempting a #4at5 (4-miles at 5:00 a.m.).

Freezing Cold Friday
In keeping with the chilly cold theme this week, Friday treated me to my first snowfall of the season. Actually, it had snowed briefly a month ago, when I was in North Carolina (but it was all gone by the time I returned). Yes, SNOW. Already, in the first week of November. I took Max for a walk (in the daylight) before heading to work, and he was far more excited to see the white stuff than I was.

A Sunny Saturday
As if it couldn't get any colder, the temps plummeted even more on Saturday. Thankfully, the wind was very minimal, so the cold temps didn't feel too miserable. I did have to dig out the thermal tights (for a base layer) and find some thick arm warmers. I met up with Barb and we knocked out six miles in the bright and beautiful sunshine.

Sunday's Simplicity
For the second day in a row, I slept in. Mind you, I was still awake before 7:00, but that is almost a 2-hour "sleep gain" for me. As mentioned, the hamstrings have been feeling really stiff and ornery. My solution? A 2-mile power walk in the awesome sunshine and fresh air. The temps were still cold (18F), but the wind wasn't a factor. I returned feeling totally refreshed and recharged. It's amazing what a little bit of fasted cardio in the fresh air will do for your mind and body.

Not a lot of busy action this week, but enough to keep me active. Total running mileage was approximately 13 (see below) and walking mileage was around 12 (again, see below). Tuesday's stair workout felt oh-so-good! Hopefully, this week I'll be able to bring back some HIIT or focused strength work (I've been holding off on lower body stuff until the hamstrings feel less wonky). I need to get back on a better sleep regimen as well.

In case you missed them, here's the posts from last week:
Back in Maintenance Mode
OOPS! Don't ya hate it when that happens?
Five things about (cold weather) Running that make me smile

In other news:

#FridayFashionFlair...Did you catch it on Instagram? I featured an outfit that was all about burgundy. Although it's more of an autumn/winter color, I do love the richness of it (and usually wear it year-round). Most of you know I have a small (#understatement) scarf fetish, so I'm never without accessory options. How about you? Care to join us? Post a pic of an outfit (it does not have to be what you're actually wearing that day), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and drop me a tag (@Runningonthefly).

A year ago this weekend, I was in Las Vegas with several running/blogging friends for the RnR LasVegas Half Marathon. What an amazing weekend! Not only was it a fun meet-up with a bunch of awesome friends, it also was a celebration of my rally back from that surgery. 

Thursday's run left me scratching my head. My Garmin gave me credit for four miles, but it felt like I'd run farther...at least 4.5 miles. Upon going through my splits, it showed my first mile was 15:19. There's nothing wrong with a 15:19 mile, but I usually can walk a mile at that pace (or faster) with my long legs. Although I was feeling kind of sluggish (cranky hamstrings), I knew I was still running pretty steady and strong. It wasn't until later that I checked the pedometer on my phone...and that told a much different story, giving me credit for 5.7 miles. Granted, the pedometer reading also included a short walk for a cool-down (2 city blocks) and my walk from the parking lot to my office (but that's not even 1/10 of a mile). So, what's up? I mapped out my route (after the fact), and it did come to about 4.5 miles...so, is it possible the GPS on the Garmin took a 5-6 minute timeout? But, where did that extra mile come from on the pedometer? Technology totally gives me a headache LOL.

The hubby and I scored tickets (from work) to the Iowa State vs. Baylor football game (Ames, IA...70 miles from our driveway). Holy Brrrrr!! All of the morning sun had disappeared by game time (2:30). We weren't that cold in the stadium, other than our toes, though. As much as we love college football, we bailed after halftime and headed back home (in our warm car with heated seats). And, the Cyclones came out victorious, beating the Bears 28-14.

And, finally, it's Veteran's Day! Not only am I huge patriotic person, I have strong ties to the military. My father served in the Army (before I came into the world). My father-in-law served in the Air Force (before the hubby was born). And, then there's my hubby...he served in the Air Force (active duty) and the Air National Guard for over 32 years of cumulative service to our country. I'm proud to be an American, and I am humbled and honored to live in this great country. I'm also very thankful for all of those, past and present, who have protected our freedom.

Anyways, enough about me and my week!

How are things in your little corner of the universe? Seasonal temps? Any snow yet? Ever had issues with your tech toys showing very different results?

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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