Running into the New Year

Hello 2019!

I can't believe I just typed that. Seriously, how is it possible we are already almost an entire week out of 2018? Alas, time marches on, and it's in our best interest to follow suit.

The first (almost) week of the new year went well. Momma N did her best to thwart my opt-outside Run Streak finale, but that's a given (she pulls this colder-than-frigid weather crap on me every year). I kept my runs outside, though, as well as most of my off-season endeavors this week.


Here's the low-down:

Never miss a Monday
I was up and out the door for a quick pre-dawn run. There were plummeting temps in the forecast, and the threat of precipitation headed our way. Rain, snow, and probable ice (due to the wavering temps) don't make for fun or safe running conditions later in the day. I'm glad I got it done early.

the final run of 2018

Happy New Year Tuesday!
I made this ebib pic several years ago, and I'm happy to honor it every year.

that's what (runner) friends are for

A group of us have gotten together on New Years Day for the past 5-6 years, no matter what kind of weather has been at play. We meet at a lake, and run the 1-mile trail around it. Usually, we do three loops. Momma N just won't cut us a break with the NYD weather! Although it was cold, it was 20-degrees warmer than last year (glass half full, right?). We may have even celebrated with mimosas.

The few, the proud, the (not so) frozen. Cheers to a New Year!

Enter Off-Season Wednesday

With New Years Day in the rear view mirror, so was my run streak. I got outside for a brisk power walk, with some burpees and plank jacks (still gotta get that fasted-cardio fix LOL), then we were on the road. Our son was scheduled for his tonsillectomy (three ER visits prior to Thanksgiving), so the hubby and I were his honorable escorts. All went well, and we were back home by mid-afternoon.

Pay no attention to the candy cane tights....they were within arms reach (and were quite warm)

Later, that evening, I climbed on the elliptical. I'm all about stepping outside of my comfort zone, but this device is really testing my "adventure-seeking" skills. It was gifted from the sister-in-law, and didn't come with an owner's manual, so I have no clue what I'm doing on it (yet). Admittedly, I feel a good cardio burn (and am usually a sweaty mess when finished), but I'm not convinced the "distance" or "calories burned" readouts are accurate (yet). It doesn't feel like a very challenging workout (yet). Stay tuned....

2.6 miles in 20 minutes? Hmmm....not sure I can even run that pace

Back to reality Thursday

Not one to give up easily, I got back on the elliptical early Thursday morning. Although it's not pictured, I had the same readout (2.6 miles in 20 minutes...but I "burned" three additional calories LOL). I also knocked out some burpees, plank jacks, push-ups and some extra planking before heading to work.

Fasted cardio, via the elliptical

Fasted-Cardio Friday

Not eager to get outside, I opted for the trusty stairway for some #fastedcardio cross-training.

How does this mini HIIT workout grab you:

(4 sets)

*15 arm reps (curls, row, hammers, etc.)

*10 stair flights (triple steps!)

*5 stair flights (double steps)

***The four sets took about 20 minutes, yielding me 60 total arm reps & 60 total flights
***I did this barefoot, for more range of motion for my ankles and feet. Also, this is meant to be done in (relatively) slow motion (especially for those triple steps)... the carpeted steps could be a face-plant waiting to happen if you go too fast.

***finishing with 20 burpees & 40 plank jacks & 10 slow-mo push-ups made me feel like a sweaty badazz

This workout was a lot more intense than anticipated #sweatequity

Another sunny Saturday
There seems to be a (sunshiny) pattern here for weekends. I met up with Barb, and we ran five miles in the awesomely bright Saturday sunshine. After not lacing up for the past three days (did you notice? #streakended #offseason), it felt great to get back outside in the Brooks Adrenalines. The thing is...remember that stair workout from Friday? Ummm, yeah. So did my glutes and my calves. Fortunately, the calves loosened up within the first mile, but upon returning home, everything hurt from the glutes-down. The last mile felt rather slow and robotic, and the burpees (afterwards) almost had me crying.

The sunshine makes everything better

Scaled-back Sunday
The hubby and I got out for a fast-paced power walk in the morning. I had hoped to do a short run (1-2 miles), but the stair workout DOMS were not having that happen. Oh well, it is my off-season, after all. I did more walking throughout the day and all the daily stuff (see January Goals below). There may be some "ellipticalling" later in the day or evening as well. All is good.

couple time

Over all, the first (almost) week of 2019 went well. Although the 41-day run streak felt easier than usual, I am glad to have it done. Every year, it feels less of an obligation and more of a daily routine...but it's an easy one to walk away from, quite literally. Total miles run this week came to a whopping nine (can you feel the sarcasm?)! One thing I have noticed, now that I don't have the daily running on the roster, is my enthusiasm for being outside, in less-than-desirable conditions, has waned. I'm still doing the fasted cardio every morning in some capacity, and I am still getting outside most days for walks, though. And I am running when the urge strikes...no goals in terms of weekly miles or runs for the time being. Did I mention it's my off-season?

In case you missed any of them, here's my posts from last week:

Weathering the Weather

2018 in Review

January Coffee Chat

In other news:

My #FridayFashionFlair post got a lot of hits this week. Iowa has been blessed with some non-seasonal warmth in recent days, but it still is winter. Despite the winter season, I wear my favorite white skinny jeans year-round. I mean, why not? I paired them with a navy sweater and a wool plaid scarf, and threw in the cheetah print flats for fun. Navy and white is a classic color combo that never goes out of season, and navy is one of those rare colors that is flattering on most people. It's a great basic "dark" color, but is not as harsh as black. Your thoughts? You can find the Friday Fashion Flair posts on Instagram (@runningonthefly), and feel free to join us!

I am a huge advocate for monthly goals/challenges rather than year-long resolutions. For me, a monthly endeavor is much less overwhelming and I am more likely to commit to it since it's a short-term gig.  As you know, for January, I'm embracing all things off-season. Even though I am running less, I am not sitting idle. I am doing all of these exercise moves daily, just to have something low-key (but consistent) to keep me active. Don't worry, I'm still doing my daily planking and leg lifts and (at least) 20-minutes of fasted cardio, but I'm not highlighting them since they are already a routine thing.

And, lastly, the increased daylight has me so happy! Call me crazy, or maybe I'm just a daylight enthusiast, but I can already tell the days are getting longer. Anyone else?

So, there's a peek into my 2019 thus far. Although 2018 was very kind to me, I am eager to see what all 2019 has in store. 

How was your week? Did you celebrate the new year with a New Years Day run? Any new resolutions for 2019? Any January goals?

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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