Totally Acclimated

Acclimation.

What happens when the earlier-than-usual frigid winter-like temps arrive well ahead of schedule? If you're a runner, who despises indoor running, you head outside and face the weather, head-on. Eventually, your body (and mind?) will acclimate, right?

Although we have not had much for snow, we have had cold temps. I know, because I've been outside, every day, run-streaking in them since Thanksgiving.

It's no secret that I much prefer the heat of summer, but even I can adapt and tolerate the extreme cold. I live (and run) in Iowa, after all, and it's not exactly tropical here this time of year.  That said, the sub-freezing temps have been bearable. Dare I say, they were actually quite enjoyable this past week?



Here's what went down in my little corner of the universe...

#nevermissaMonday
Up and out the door for a quick mile through the hood before work. Even when the temps are low, if the wind is low (or a no-show), the crisp air is actually quite tranquil.

Happy Monday!

Later, after work, I took it to the 'mill for some power walking. This may have been my fastest 2-mile walk ever (even with the incline on 3). What can I say? My long legs give me a slight advantage. I'm not gonna call it a PR, though, because the 'mill did play a part in it happening.

A 'Milly PR?

'til Tuesday
With the forecast calling for sunshine and temps in the 40's, I opted to postpone my streak run for later. Instead, I took Max with me for some fasted cardio, via power walking (while the hubby did his early morning workout). Another "chill" morning.

How about a couple of miles for a lunchtime run? Don't mind if I do....wouldn't you do the same if you had the time and the perfect weather?

another runch for the win

Wonderful Wednesday
Another beautiful day, weather-wise, but also a crazy day at work was on tap. I got out for an early-morning power walk and did my daily plank (believe it or not, neither of those ever get old).

the planking streak continues...has it been 3 years?

Instead of squeezing in a short run over lunch, I decided to hold off and run under the holiday lights after work. Oh, gosh, that was a totally awesome idea! The mild temps (with no wind!), still air, quiet streets and bountiful lights all combined to make for a perfect way to end my busy day.

I wish the holiday lights were up year-round

Thrilling Thursday
Yes, you can rise and shine long before the sunrise. Another tranquil and easy-paced 3-miler around the Grinnell College campus, under the moon and holiday lights. Notice I'm only wearing a light fleece vest and not a puffer vest? What's happening to this heat-worshiping, in-love-with-summer runner???

I love my early morning runs!

Finally Friday
Just a short 1-mile streak run, in the early hours, then it was biceps & triceps & shoulders, oh my!

Isn't Max a cute photo bomber?

Super Busy Saturday
It had been f.o.r.e.v.e.r since Barb and I had run together. We met up around 7:00 and knocked out four quick miles, just as the sun was making an appearance. Then it was off to my extended family's Christmas gathering, something I look forward to every year.

look Mom, no gloves!

A not-so-simple Sunday
With an evening group run on the agenda, Sunday morning started with a 2-mile walk with the hubby and Max. There also was more holiday prep work (ie, the annual Christmas letter and cards).

oops...forgot the lipstick...

Later, a bunch of us met up at the nearby park for five miles under the holiday lights.

Over all, this was a fantastic week! The fasted cardio continues to be a big player each morning, and Friday morning's upper body session felt amazing. The run streak has gone much easier than I anticipated, probably because I have kept my mileage on the down-low. This week, my mileage is the highest it's been in a long time (17 miles total, including Sunday's evening run). So far, my run streak mileage is at 48...stay tuned...

And the weather....did you notice I'm not wearing much for layers? Most days, I have a flannel-lined base layer as well as a light layer over that (usually a 1/4 zip). The gloves have been optional on some days, as well as regular tights (instead of the usual fleece-lined thermal tights). Don't worry...this is an acclimation thing, not an "I'm-in-love-with-all-things-winter" thing. I am still missing my hot summer runs, but the cold has been bearable. That may very well change when the snow starts falling and ice becomes a constant. Stay tuned for that as well.

In case you missed out, there were two posts last week:
With the busyness of the season, I'm blogging less and focusing on the holiday stuff around me more. No apologies, no regrets.
* Opting Outside
* 2018 Bling - Medals Earned Lessons Learned

In other news:
Did you catch my #FridayFashionFlair post on Instagram? How do you feel about all the red and green this time of year? I love the deep fire engine red paired with the traditional Kelly green. Then again, I love swapping in the bright lime green once in awhile. What do you think? Do you prefer the traditional colors or the contemporary ones? Show me what you're wearing...post a pic (on Friday), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and drop me a tag (@runningonthefly).

Have you seen your Top Nine on Instagram? Yes, I gave in to the trend, and my Top Nine pics are pictured below. Although these weren't picked by me, they are pretty legit. It appears I have a thing for bright colors, hats/headbands and hardware. Whodda thunk?

Saturday was a full day of family fun. We got together with my extended family (on my mom's side), almost three hours away. Even though the Pennsylvania daughter couldn't join us, it still was a great day. I'm totally in love with my family (cue the happy tears).

Finally, it's been a crazy week of 2019 racing updates to my calendar! I added a new (to me) race for February (the FreezeFest 5K), in Marion, Iowa. I found out that I made it in for the Cherry Blossom 10-miler (via lottery), in Washington, DC for early April. And, I registered for the inaugural DAM to DSM 20K, in Des Moines. **Cha-Ching!**



So, there you go...another week in the rearview window. Not only is my run streak well-past the halfway point, we are approaching the winter solstice....which means the days will start to (slowly) get longer! Now, that's cause for celebration!

How was your week? Any training highlights? December weather---good or bad?  Any races making their way onto your 2019 calendar?

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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