Thankful, Grateful...and oh so Blessed

It was quite a week.

Although there's plenty to be grateful for on a daily basis, Thanksgiving Week is a perfect time to really zero-in on all that is good. Granted, there are many "bad" things that are out of our control. Ultimately, though, our attitude and perception of everything (good and bad) is all on us.

At least that's how I see things LOL.

But first, welcome to the Weekly Run Down! 

I love hosting this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner)! If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

So, here's what went down in my little world this week:

Another #nevermissaMonday to cherish.

Now, this is my kind of "winter" (even though it's still technically Fall on the calendar). The temps were a cold 25F, but the wind was a no-show and the sky was clear. I got out for a couple of #ODarkThirty miles before work, and this run was total perfection. Later, after work, I cranked out five miles on the indoor bike.

Thankful for an easy Tuesday spent indoors.

The weather outside was cold, damp and downright yucky, so Milly and I did a couple miles of early morning hilly hiking inside. The weather never improved, so Sebastian to the rescue ... seven post-workday miles, also inside (BTW, he's our stationary bike).

  

Excited to be "tapering" on Wednesday.

With Tuesday's weather on repeat, and my longest run (post-stress fracture) happening the next morning, I was thankful to keep things low-key. Milly and I did a repeat 2-mile hilly hike before heading to work. There also was a 5-mile ride with Sebastian, but I'll spare you another picture of him and me (you're welcome).

Grateful for another successful Turkey Trot!

I met up with Barb, and we ran our virtual 5K, then I headed over to the usual site of our Turkey Trot meet-up. Even though our local Trot had to go virtual, there still were many trotters dropping off food and monetary donations for our local food bank. Wow. The generosity of our community is quite amazing! Also, the 5K run felt great! We kept a decent (but easy) pace, all while talking (and laughing) nonstop, confirming that my endurance and stamina are rallying back as well. The afternoon blessed us with temps in the mid-50F's and sunshine, so I took Gustavas out for five miles after our Thanksgiving dinner (see title pic above). Yes, I'm pretty certain that's my first-ever Thanksgiving bike ride, outside none the less! 

A fantastic Friday, worthy of celebrating.

That quick 1-mile ((streak)) run wasn't gonna run itself, so after some early morning procrastinating, I adjusted the pony knot and headed out. Upon my return home, there may have been 10 miles of indoor cycling (just saying) and an afternoon of Iowa football (victorious over the Nebraska Cornhuskers) and Iowa basketball (also victorious, over the Southern University Jaguars).

A successful Saturday of fitness as well.

Just like old times, Barb and I met up for a long Saturday morning run...only, at the moment, a 3-mile run is considered "long" for me LOL. Honestly, I feel like I could easily run farther, but I am honoring my stress fracture recovery and not being a hero. I did a 1-mile walk (for a warm-up), then walked an additional 1/2-mile back home (kind of a cool-down) after our run. I may have also done five miles on the indoor bike as well...just saying.

The temps climbed to the mid-50F's by the afternoon. Knowing this kind of weather would not be sticking around, I headed out for another 5-mile ride, this time with Gustavas. Although the bike streak is concluding, the temptation for one last hurrah outdoors was overwhelming for Day 99...so I took advantage. Wouldn't you?

And another sunny Sunday!

With just a 1-mile streak run on the roster, it was the perfect opportunity to break out the holiday leggings! These particular ones are flannel-lined, but aren't especially warm in the wind...but for a mere one mile endeavor, they were ideal. Our church has been online streaming since Covid entered the scene, so Sebastian and I knocked out another 10 miles during "church." We've gotten really spoiled attending services in our workout clothes. Glass half full. 

So, as mentioned, it was quite a week. I'm excited to be running again; it feels like I never stopped. This week saw 10 miles...my first double digit week since early August. Walking had 12 miles. The biking, in scale-down mode, had 52 this week. I tweaked my elbow awhile ago, so I have been going easy on upper-body strength work recently, but am hoping to get in a short workout later on Sunday. I took a pass on focused lower-body strength this week...with all the biking I have been doing, additional lower-body work has not been a priority.

In case you missed out, here's what else went down on the blog this week:

Fall's Finale

Gratitude - I've Got Some

Shall we 'fess up already?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair!  Friday was a very Iowa Hawkeye focused day, so it was only appropriate to don the team colors. Nothing wrong with showing my alma mater some love, right? As always, you're welcome to join me on Fridays...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).

Thanksgiving was very quiet this year. The oldest daughter (and fiance') were in a car, Pennsylvania-bound (but they left the granddoggy with us). The youngest daughter wasn't feeling well, so she stayed home. So, it was just the hubby, the son and myself for dinner. All three of us are Iowa alums, so we spent a good four hours playing Iowaopoly (very similar to the original game, Monopoly, but with numerous Iowa City landmarks and nuances).

As mentioned, we've had our granddoggy, Lola, with us while her mommy and daddy are traveling (isn't she the cutest?). Max has (mostly) been  happy to have her here.

So far, we have the two main trees up and lit (and bedecked with ribbons). Ornaments are yet to come LOL.

And, finally, this image popped up while scrolling Instagram. It totally spoke to me, because I believe (and try to adhere) to everything it states.

So, that's it for now. I hope you all had a safe and healthy week. If you celebrated Thanksgiving, I hope you had the opportunity to gather (in a socially-distanced manner) with family and friends. 

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