Weathering the Weather

If you don't like the weather, give it a few hours.

I have no idea where that phrase originated, but I can't help but wonder if it was an Iowan who authored it.

What a week of sporadic weather! Momma N treated us to a little bit of everything (short of a hurricane) in my area of the world. None the less, I got outside everyday and did my best to enjoy it, in and out of my running shoes.

Here's the low-down....

My #nevermissaMonday was a sensationally sunshine-filled adventure. Again, I had every intention of running just a 1-miler, but the ever-bright sunshine beckoned me to go further. I had the day off from work, so I had nowhere I really needed to be (other than at home, finishing up all the last-minute details of Christmas). Even the sub-freezing temps were pleasant and my legs felt energized.

No snow, but plenty of frost glistening in the sunshine

Then there were the #temporateTuesdaytemps on Christmas Day. What happens when you're the only one up and moving on Christmas morning? I don't know about you, but I threw (well, not quite literally) the ham balls in the oven, texted Barb, and we met up for a quick 5K. Besides, I had to give the obnoxious Santa leggings one last hurrah for the season (don't worry, you'll be seeing them again in 11 months).

Merry Christmas!

With the #wildweatherWednesday forecast, and an anticipated rather long day at the office (following the 4-day holiday sabbatical), I laced up and got my run done early. Rain was headed our way, and the air had that cold and damp feeling to it.

An early start to a long day....

Later, in the evening, I fired up 'Milly for 22 minutes of intense power walking. That followed with 30 minutes of deep stretching and several yoga balance poses. Believe it or not, I slept quite soundly that evening.

Rain, rain, rain was happening on #LetItGoThursday, so I postponed the morning run and opted for a new HIIT workout instead. Seriously, I don't think I'm over confidant in my abilities, but some of these HIIT routines I come up with are totally kicking my buttocks. I know that's a good thing, but my grandiose ideals may need some fine-tuning. I originally planned on doing six sets, but after the first set I knew that wasn't gonna happen. I wound up doing four sets (in just under 30 minutes) and I was a major sweaty (and exhausted) mess when I finished.

Short but Sweet & Sweaty HIIT

*5 stair flights (double-stepping)

*10 burpees

*15 mountain climbers

*20 plank jacks

*1-minute wall sit

*5 slow-motion push-ups

By mid-afternoon, the rain finally tapered off. A quick text to Barb, and we promptly agreed to meet for a #5at5PM (five miles at 5:00 p.m., instead of our usual run in the a.m. hours). Crazy? Ummm, no. When the temps are that warm in December, and the non-stop rain finally ceases....runners lace up and take advantage. Barb had gotten us the NoxGear vests, and we simply HAD to take them for a test run.

Another #5at5, this time in the p.m. hours

The next morning, imagine my surprise to see the #FreakyFriday weather outside! A mere 12 hours following our Thursday night run! The feels-like temps had taken a 40-degree plummet and Momma N had thrown in some snow and ice and wind, just for fun. Thankfully, this run was only a 1-miler, so I didn't have to slip or slide for very long.

Whoa, Momma N! Time-out! What's with the snow & ice & wind???

Then there was my #notsosimpleSaturday run. I have been streaking since Thanksgiving, so this was my 38th consecutive day of running. Most of those runs have been much easier than I'd anticipated, but Saturday's run was my reality check. Yes, the temps were chilly. And, yes, my body felt real achy and ornery for the first time in a real long time. But, most importantly, YES, I was thankful for those six miles. I get to choose to run, after all, even when it feels tough. Not everyone has that option. Glass half full.

That was a tough run, but I was grateful for the experience

Finally, the #supersunnySunday run before church gave me a sense of renewal and redemption. Don't we all need that after an especially challenging run? My body had felt achy and grumpy most of Saturday, and my lower back was giving me some attitude when I got up Sunday morning. None the less, I headed outside in the buttocks-freezing air, in hopes of a short 1-miler. Funny what a pretty hat (with a fluffy pom pom) and a smudge of bright lipstick can do for one's well being. My achy body loosened up and I was able to knock out two rather enjoyable miles. And the colder-than-artic temps didn't feel that bad. Again, another glass-half-full testimony, proving that one's attitude can make or break your running experience.

Trust me, that smile is genuine!

All in all, it was another productive week for me. My running stayed consistent, though things felt a bit rickety following Saturday's 6-miler. Oh well, 38 continuous days of running can do that to you. Total running mileage (Monday through Sunday) came in at 20. Although I have stopped logging all my walking miles (nor do I have a tech device that tracks my day-to-day activity or steps), I probably at least passed the 15-mile mark (intentional miles, that is...not just cumulative "steps" here and there). Stay tuned...the Run Streak ends on New Year's Day! I'm looking forward to a few weeks of very low-maintenance running as I ease back into a more consistent strength program. Be on the lookout, there's probably gonna be more HIIT workouts happening as well. Onward!

In case you missed out, here's my posts from this past week:

A Running Renaissance

Run(streak)fessions

In other news:

Did you catch  my #FridayFashionFlair post? The Alamo Bowl was Friday night, and the Iowa State Cyclones were playing. Point of  Clarification---I am actually a proud University of Iowa Hawkeye, and the Cyclones are our bigger-than-life inner-state rivals. That said, whenever the Cyclones are playing, I throw my support their way (as long they're not playing against Iowa LOL). Besides, I'm a huge fan of all things sparkly, and this team spirit shirt fits the bill nicely, especially with my favorite red vest. Anyways, you're invited to play along on Fridays...share a featured outfit (on Instagram), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).

Baby, it was cold outside!

How about a new-to-me running gear hack? My left foot is slightly bigger than my right, so the left big toe tends to wear through my socks much faster than the right (even when I alternate which foot wears which sock). Although I have tried mending the little holes that eventually appear, that's more of a temporary fix than a solution. Alas, I figured out that I can wear my favorite wool sock(s) inside-out on my left foot, and my obnoxious big toe doesn't have a window to poke through. Genius, right? You're welcome.

And, Christmas Day. This was our third Christmas with the Pennsylvania daughter not home with us.  With technology, it's not a huge deal, since we can chat and Facetime. But, this year, we also had very unseasonably warm temps...like, in the 50F's! I don't think we've ever taken Christmas Day pics outside (sans jackets) before.

Baby, it's warm outside

So, there's my final weekly wrap of 2018. I'll be publishing my 2018 End-of-Year Review post on Tuesday, highlighting the running, the races, the fitness-related highs (and lows) and significant events that played a part in my life this past year. 

How was your final full week of 2018? Holiday travel? Holiday guests? Ever experienced such oddly warm weather during what's usually a "cold weather" time of year? Would you support your alma mater's inner-state rival in a bowl game?

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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