Sunday, January 20, 2019

Hello Winter!




Apparently, it was high time winter officially arrived.

I've said it before...if it's gonna be cold, we might as well have some snow to show for it.  Maybe I should be a little more careful what I wish for.

In all seriousness, though, it really was quite a winter wonderland of a week. Even though I'm a die-hard-all-things-summer-gal, I had a pretty amazing week in said wonderland. And, dare I say, I actually LOVED the experience.

#nevermissaMonday
Monday morning started with 20 minutes of power walking, via the treadmill, and some arm strength work. I tweaked my left elbow a few weeks ago, so I've been avoiding arm work recently. I'm able to do some basic moves again  (hammers and upward rows are still a little iffy, though). But...you do what you're able, right?
Welcome to Monday

Later, after work, I had a pretty amazing experience. With the weekend's snow, and below-freezing temps, the trees had remained "frosty" all day. Sorry, friends, but you will never get this kind of a view from a treadmill. I don't know if was the beautiful backdrop or my joy in being done (after a full day at the office), but my legs wanted to go and I let them.  One of my best runs, ever. My only regret is that I didn't have time to run longer.
a beautiful Monday
A (somewhat) tame Tuesday
It was cold and slick outside, so Tuesday's fasted cardio was a very cautious walk (on a well-lit sidewalk) with Max while the hubby did his morning workout on campus. The real cardio happened later...to the tune of 40 minutes on the elliptical (who, BTW, now has a name... Ellie). It was a distance PR (5 "miles," supposedly). Yay for me.
Elliptical PR (it's the little things)
Wear-me-out Wednesday
Max took me for a 1-mile power walk through the 'hood in the early morning, then after work I got busy. My post workday workout started with 20 minutes on the elliptical, then 30 minutes of arms and shoulder work. Yowza, it's been awhile since I've felt that kind of a burn. Although I was able to hold my arm up and grip my toothbrush that night, everything was throbbing when I hit the sack..
upper body strength work is my favorite
A thriller of a Thursday
I was up and out the door for a #4at515 (when my running friend is out of town, the #5at5 gets slightly modified LOL). Another glorious run in the winter air. It's amazing how tranquil and beautiful an early winter morning is when the wind is MIA. I felt like I could have run forever, so it's a good thing I had a job to get to.
4 miles at 5:15
Finally Friday
Another cold non-running day on tap. First things first, I got outside for a 1-mile power walk around the 'hood. Honestly, even on active recovery days, I still love my early morning fasted-cardio routine. I respect fasted-cardio is not for everyone, but the daily 20-30 minutes of (early morning) cardio "something" has been such a game-changer for me with my fitness in the past 18ish months. Most days, I'm able to get outside to make it happen, and the fresh air is intoxicating....even in the deep cold of winter. 

Later, after work, I spent 40 minutes with Ellie while dinner was in the oven. Although I'm still skeptical of the readouts on the elliptical (as far as distance and calories burned), I have no doubt on the cardio it's giving me. And, a bonus? The time goes MUCH faster than it does with 'Milly.

Snowed-in Saturday
Well, it was bound to happen eventually.
((cue the Jaws music))
It was cold (-5F with windchill), there was lots of snow (approximately six inches) and the wind was psychotic (16mph). After a slip (and near fall) when I walked Max, I knew what I had to do. Besides, my manicure desperately needed attention. Four running miles with 'Milly (and a bonus walked mile for a cool-down) gave my nails time to set and dry. That would not have been possible under thick gloves had I run outside. Glass half full.

Still stuck inside Sunday
The temps were in the single digits, and the wind was still blowing (netting Iowa with sub-ZERO feels-like temps). No sunshine, and thick snow was falling. I runfess, I thought of heading outside and battling the elements for a brief moment, then white-flagged it and said hello ((again)) to Ellie. Twenty minutes later, I had my fasted-cardio fix for the morning. The hubby and I made it to church, and later watched the Iowa game with Max. And, then proceeded to haul all the Christmas decorations down to the storage room (stair-training and power lifting by default). Don't judge...I have a lot of decorations and I love how the house looks at Christmas time, and I have no guilt in keeping the festive stuff up well past the holiday.
I'm starting to like my new indoor fitness friend
Fitness-wise, it was a pretty nice week. I'm still embracing my off-season and keeping the running mileage conservative (10 miles this week). I LOVE just being able to run and not have any specific distance or paces to hit. As you can see, Ellie (the elliptical) saw quite a bit of action this week (120 minutes; 16 "miles" approximately). And, after a 9-month sabbatical, 'Milly helped me log a few running miles (though her and I have been walking regularly). Wednesday's arm/shoulder workout felt phenomenal; I'm looking forward to bringing more upper-body strength work back as my elbow continues to rehab. Walking is still a big part of my life, especially on the non-running days. Although they're not pictured, there have been (almost) daily bupees happening as well. And push-ups. And leg lifts. And planking.....it's all good!

In case you missed them, here's the posts from last week:
The Off-Season Continues
Running - The Gift That Keeps Giving
Winter Running - Tips, Tricks & Safety

In other news:
#FridayFashionFlair, did you see it on Instagram? Although I'm all about color, I do opt to wear black now and then. As long as I have something bright to wear with it (as well as a funky scarf with dog paw prints), I'm all set. As you can see, my puffer vests aren't just for running. As always, I'd love for you to join me on Fridays....post a pic of a featured outfit, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and give me a tag (@Runningonthefly).


It was Max's 9th birthday on Saturday! His gotcha day is also coming up, on the 24th. We rescued him from a nearby shelter almost four years ago, and he's been such a great little guy! He gets into his share of mischief, but he keeps us smiling on the daily.

Finally, how has your winter been? Did you get hit with a lot of snow, wind and cold temps this week? We had a snowstorm hit Friday evening, and the temps did a major plummet with all the crazy wind that came along with it. And, as this post goes live, the snow is STILL coming down....
So, that's another wrap of another week. Thus far, it's been a strange winter....December saw practically no snow, and January has been pretty dry (until this past week). Alas, this is Iowa. I'm just ecstatic to be enjoying the longer daylight, which means winter will not last forever, right?

Enough about me, tell me about your week....crazy weather? Indoor training or were you able to take it outside? When's your next race?

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

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45 comments:

  1. Yup, we knew Winter had to come at some point. Unfortunately it decided to come this weekend, lol. I'm glad that you were still able to get your sweat on indoors this weekend.

    I always love your Fashion Fridays posts! :)

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    1. I'd rather be outside, but even I can play inside if need be LOL

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  2. You stay so active...even during your off season. I came home from Mobile with a pretty nasty cold and have done zero workouts this week, unless you count packing and organizing. So, I really didn't pay attention to our weather except for when the tornado hit yesterday. Yikes! Thanks for linking!

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    1. Tornado?????? Wow, hope it wasn't too close to your place.

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  3. I love how much fitness you squeeze into the day! You're so positive about it all, too. I know I could take a lesson from you, that's for sure. Although, I'm doing a lot better about finding alternative ways to get my sweat on when my normal plans go awry.

    No real snow for us. We had a touch in December but it fell in the morning and melted in the afternoon. Everything else so far has just been a tease. Snow all around us but we just get the rain. And then the cold. It's quite unfair, if you ask me. LOL

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    1. Thanks, Jenn ;-) I don't go to a gym, but I believe there's plenty of fitness stuff than can be done at home. After all, I have my stairway LOL No excuses!!

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  4. "Lots of snow, six inches". I'm sorry, this really tickled my funny bone, because that's not really all that much to us (even though it had been mostly absent since Nov). I woke up to a foot and it just kept on snow and sleeting and snowing . . . I think it's done now. Not quite sure how much we got.

    OTOH, we have power and heat so it's all good. Might get some more wintry mix later in the week but the weekend's looking ok. I should be able to get my long run in outside next week and fingers crossed for the week after that!

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    1. Well, six inches of snow is a lot when it all comes at once, especially when it's been practically MIA all season ;-)

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  5. Great work! We've had some ice patches and it did snow Friday night but didn't settle. Oh and six inches would be a catastrophe here! We did have it last winter and everyone went weird and panicky!

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    1. At least we knew this snow was coming. And, after all, this is Iowa...snow is not anything unique or unheard of this time of year (it just took a long time to show up this season).

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  6. Winter has been absent until today - snow, cold, wind...nothing Ia runner likes to hear...esp one that will not run on the treadmill. Fingers crossed for at leas one outdoor run this week and my long run next weekend.

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    1. You know I detest the treadmill as much (maybe more?) as you, but the four miles yesterday weren't as painful (mentally) as I anticipated. I did have to up the speed with each mile, though, to get them done as fast as possible.

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  7. This was the first full week that winter really set in as well. Like you, I am happy to get out whenever I can. It just makes the dark days of winter so much more enjoyable. We have the crazy wind today too but hoping to get out for a walk Monday afternoon. Have a great week!

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    1. LOTS of wind in Iowa , too! UGH. I don't mind the cold (much) or the snow, but the wind is tough.

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  8. You had a great, active week as per usual. I was especially tired this week, making the 5am wakeup a real challenge. I blame my 18 miler. You're making great use of Ellie!

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  9. Hope your elbow is oK - and Ellie is such a perfect name for an elliptical.
    Sometimes inside is j ust mandatory to be safe, but love your frosty trees pic. Max is so cute - I think I say that every time you post a pic of him. I said to Wendy the other week, we need a dog guest post week

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    1. My elbow is still a bit wonky....not sure how or what I did to it....

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  10. I'm with you - if it's going to be cold, give me snow to play in at least. Our storm today was kind of a bust. We have about 6 inches of snow on the ground but it's supposed to warm up again mid week and melt before it gets cold again. Gah!

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    1. Well, we have a cold and windy week on tap here....not excited for all the indoor workouts that may be happening.

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  11. Only you could make putting the Christmas decorations away a workout! LOL!

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  12. You pack so much fitness into a day it's wonderful! Winter hit us too with a chilly and snowy blast this weekend but luckily I was able to get outside for at least one of the days. Treadmill the other days but it was actually pretty enjoyable.

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    1. Glad you enjoy the treadmill! I can tolerate it, at best LOL

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  13. I joined you in putting the Christmas decorations away today...though we just have a tiny bit, so not much of a workout. Strangely, no major snow here...still waiting for those storms to make it over this way!

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    1. FUll disclosure,,,,, I did have most of the decorations down, but I have been procrastinating finishing the task LOL

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  14. I can't even imagine running in snow but those photos from Monday's run...WOW, STUNNING! No wonder you wanted to keep going. Winter wonderland indeed!

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    1. I do not love winter, but it can be pretty (in small doses). That said, this week, the temps are much colder and the wind is brutal.

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  15. We didn't get much snow but we got lots of wind which caused horrible drifting! Glad we got spared this time but I wish the ice under neath the snow would go away!

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  16. Aww... happy birthday to Max! You had some pretty runs outside this week. We had snow last weekend but we missed it since we were in Florida. And the snow forecast for this weekend completely missed us.

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    1. I think we're clear on getting more snow, but the temps are supposed to be cold & windy UGH

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  17. Sweet puppy! Happy birthday to him!

    You do awesome getting it all in, even when you are stuck inside with the weather. No snow here, obviously, although it certainly feels like we could be getting some, that's how cold it is.

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    1. Yes, and I'm probably gonna be stuck inside a lot this week....

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  18. We got another big snow storm today so I think I will be inside for a couple of days.

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    1. The weather is supposed to be cold and windy here all week here...

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  19. Hmm, I'm not sure time passes more quickly on the elliptical for me, but I don't try to stay on it very long. I will run in the 20s if it's sunny, but it's too cold for o'dark-thirty runs!

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    1. The time passes quicker on the elliptical in comparison to the treadmill LOL At least it does in my little warped world ;-)

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  20. Winter has hit Chicago with a vengeance this week! Here's hoping we BOTH have mild temperatures in the days and weeks to come!

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  21. Happy Birthday (and Gotcha Day) to Max! He's such a cutie. Rescue dogs are the best. Enjoy your winter. Or come visit me in the desert. :-)

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  22. I do love how peaceful and tranquil it is after it snows. It looks absolutely gorgeous – I can really imagine how much you loved that run after work on Monday! I don’t mind the snow, really, but I do mind that I always am falling or slipping. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve crashed my bike from black ice (I pretty much ride my bike everywhere all year round as it’s my daily transportation device!). It doesn’t snow enough here to warrant buying something for my shoes to make it safer and It’s really finally dawned on me why I used to always train on the dreadmill during the winter (before Runiversity).

    I also understand that you like Ellie more than Milly – I always enjoyed the elliptical WAY more than the treadmill!

    It just started snowing here today. The roads will be a mess. Dutch people always “forget” how to drive in the snow. I keep telling my husband that he needs to leave work NOW so he’s not stuck in a mega traffic jam and he keeps telling me “it’s fine”… we shall see!

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  23. I love runs like your Monday afternoon run. I've had a lot of those over the years, but at the moment I'm not running so there's that... You pictures from your run that gorgeous! We've had a relatively mild winter until this past weekend and now it's COLD!

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  24. I'm not a fan of this weather at all. :[ This may be my last east coast winter though! I'm all for walking as well right now...and indoor training, and I hope your elbow feels better soon!

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  25. I love how active you are during your off season! Winter hit here hard this weekend and I am so not loving being stuck indoors, but the ice is no joke!

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  26. Minneapolis is just as cold! I was happy to escape to Houston this weekend and now taking a week break from much working out means no stress about the weather :)

    Hopefully February will be a quick one and then an early spring!

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