Sunday, December 20, 2020

All is Calm, All is Bright


As much as I dis on winter weather, I cannot deny the beauty of it on occasion.

After all, bright sunshine reflecting on white snow makes for a pretty tranquil setting. We didn't get any new snow this week, but the morning fog made for plenty of frosty mornings none the less. 'Tis the season, right?   

Before I shine a light on all the details, 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 this week:

Never miss a Monday.
The past few weeks, I have been starting my Mondays on the indoor bike, so why mess with a good thing? Only this week, the hubby joined me downstairs and spent some time on the elliptical. I cycled out a 10K before work and took a 1-mile walk at lunch. After work, I decided to head downtown for my 2-mile run. Although I'd missed the tail end of daylight, the town square was all aglow. Not a bad problem.

Trick-Play Tuesday.
In my ongoing attempt to mix things up, and keep my body guessing, I got the idea to do a brick (of sorts) workout. I did two sweaty miles on the elliptical for a warm-up, ran a quick mile through the hilly 'hood, and then did two more (even sweatier) elliptical miles afterwards. Holy sweat, Batman! Apparently, the first elliptical session was a sufficient warm-up, because the outdoor mile didn't feel the slightest bit cold (in the sub-freezing temps). And the final two elliptical miles had the sweat flying off my arms and dripping off my chin. I know, #yuck, but I walked away with a serious dose of energy-infused endorphins.  


It's a Wonderful Wednesday.
I've also spent the past few Wednesdays doing a #10at5 on the bike (10 miles at 5 a.m.), so that happened again this week. Over lunch, the bright sun beckoned me outdoors for a 2-mile run (instead of waiting until after work). Momma N played nice and kept the wind away, so this was my kind of a winter day.

A Switch-Play Thursday.
I had a stairway workout all planned out for Thursday morning, but my lower back was feeling a bit cranky. A spur-of-the moment decision had me doing a short core workout, then some non-impact time on the elliptical instead. Things felt much better afterwards. Just a quick 1-miler over lunch, with a mandatory selfie moment courtesy of the random mirror in the alley (wouldn't you do the same?).


Fitness Fun with Friends Friday.
It's no secret how much I love my fitness friends. Many of them have run (and walked) countless virtual miles with me, and now I can say one of them has cycled with me as well. Kim (KookyRunner) and I arranged for a morning ride (she did a class while I rode my first-ever indoor half marathon). Afterwards, I walked for a mile with Milly (#jellylegs), and did a 2-mile streak run after work. Stay tuned, there may be a virtual "group" ride in the works.


Long Run Saturday.
It's been 8-1/2 weeks since I've returned to running. I started with 1/2-mile runs (on October 20th) and have been gradually increasing the mileage (of my Saturday "long runs") in 1/2-mile increments. Everything has been feeling good, and most of my streak runs have been only 1-2 miles, so I felt ready to jump from last week's 4-mile distance to five miles. I walked a half mile for a brief warm-up (and did some dynamic stretches) then ran to meet Barb. We had not been to the lake in a l.o.n.g time, so it worked out perfectly to run that route. It's two miles there, the lake itself has a 1-mile trail around it, then we ran the two miles back. The frozen snow, on the lake's trail, was rough (as was the frigid NW wind on the return trip). I walked an extra half mile after we parted ways, and returned home feeling tired but quite satisfied.

Sunday Sunny Sunday.
I don't have many sunrise runs this time of year (thanks to my work schedule), but on the weekends I can sometimes make them happen. Even with the cold temps, the bright sky was pretty amazing. That was my "coffee," and the 4-mile elliptical workout (when I got back home) was my "breakfast." Feeling good, feeling fine.  


So, the week played out alright. It's not very often I take a pass on strength work, but oh well. I have been doing daily push-ups (since April), and this week I added alternating side planks in between each one (20 total/day). The jury's still out on how long that will last, but for now it's a new twist (literally) to an old thing. The running saw a record 14 post-stress fracture miles this week. Now that I've reached the 5-mile distance, I'm planning to maintain that for awhile (for my Saturday runs), but will be increasing the length of the mid-week runs after the run streak ends (January 1st). Walking took a hit, this week, with only seven miles (more on tap for Sunday afternoon). Biking had almost 30 miles, and the elliptical had 12 miles of sweat equity. Yadda Yadda Yadda.

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

In other news

Friday Fashion Flair!  How do you feel about mixing and (somewhat) matching patterns with similar colors? Not everyone is game for that look, but I think some fashion "rules" are meant to be challenged. 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).


Confession, I actually look forward to the Winter Solstice every year. For me, it signifies a huge victory over the darkness of the winter season and gives promise of brighter days ahead. Granted, the increasing daylight won't be obvious for another month or so, but we'll be moving in the right direction.


Do you have a ROAD iD? Or need another one? Maybe you have friends or family who could use one? I have a giveaway in the works with ROADiD  for a $35 gift card! Head to my Instagram page and enter, but it ends at noon CST tomorrow (Monday, December 21) so don't delay!


Finally, although I respect my family's privacy (and don't showcase them very often on the blog), here's a preview of our holiday card. It's been a crazy year, but it's also been one filled with good times and awesome memories. I feel blessed beyond measure, and wish all of you a joyful, healthy and safe holiday season. 


So, that's another week all wrapped up (and tied with a holiday bow).

How are things in your world? Are you staying active in the cold weather? Inside or outside? Are you excited for the Solstice?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

30 comments:

  1. You already know I love your festive outfits for all of your workouts this week. I always love working out with you virtually! Truth be told, you're the reason I didn't roll over and go back to sleep on Friday morning, lol.

    Love your family holiday card, especially the two furry friends :)

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    1. Well, sounds like I need to be calling/texting you on a daily basis in the early mornings (?) LOL

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  2. I am shivering over here thinking about heading out for a run already sweaty. It's okay if I start dry and end sweaty (like today) but once I'm sweaty, getting hit by frigid air just makes me chilled forever!

    Beautiful holiday card.

    Love that your hubby is joining you more and more. Would love for some of that to rub off on mine!

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    1. I was really surprised how warm I felt on that run (and not chilled from the sweat). Of course, it was only for one mile (and did involve a few hills). I'm definitely going to do this one again! The hubby goes to the gym, most every morning, so it was a nice surprise having someone else with me (and Max) that morning ;-)

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  3. Such a pretty sweater on Friday! Love the Christmas card too. I'm sure all of our xmas cards will arrive late because our USPS hub has been swamped and packages are stuck there. Oh well, I made a good effort! Great workouts this week for you!

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    1. I have a ton of packages I've been expecting for several weeks. I have a feeling they're all going to show up at the same time LOL They're from various places (some are from race organizers), so I have no tracking info to know if they're coming via USPS or FedEx/UPS.

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  4. Love the card's zoom vibe :) Very appropriate for 2020.

    Ah, yes, the wind off of any lake can be a beast! As great as the lakes are for photos, they can be challenging with the wind.

    Thanks for hosting the link-up!

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    1. The Zoom theme was my goal for the holiday card. I thought about putting the Zoom name on it (but didn't want to get my hands slapped for copyright infringements LOL).

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  5. This is the first year that I've actually been really wanting the days to get longer again. Usually I don't notice it too much. But with snow/ice on the ground it's tricky to run outside in the dark.

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    1. Since I do the run streak every year during the holiday season, the Solstice is always a pinnacle part of the challenge. It's SO NICE to make it to the Solstice and know the days will be (gradually) getting longer from there on out. For me, it takes the edge off of my least favorite season LOL

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  6. Beautiful card and a very active week as usual. I hate the cold but this year it hasn't bothered me. The 30 in of snow is a different story. It's impossible to run in my area (and I don't own a TM). I have a good place for the weekends, at least.

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    1. Ironically, I haven't been as uncomfortable in the cold (yet) this year either. January is usually our coldest month (with February a close second), so the "best" is yet to come LOL

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  7. It's amazing that we're already at the winter solstice. Yes we've got a few more months of snow and ice but we'll take the few extra minutes of daylight each day.

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    1. I totally agree! That little bit of increased daylight is SO motivating!

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  8. Oh, I love your holiday card — reminds me of a Zoom call, LOL. ;-) I’ve been alternating outdoor and indoor workouts. The sidewalks in my neighborhood are so slippery — just enough moisture to be slick — I have to get Scooby to walk or run in the street.

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    1. My idea was to go with a Zoom call theme LOL Since we couldn't all get together for a true group pic, I though this best depicted the 2020 holiday season ;-) I have been doing more early morning indoor workouts lately, but still getting outside for either a streak run or walk. I crave the fresh air, even in the cold...it's empowering (in kind of a sick way LOL).

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  9. Happy Winter Solstice! I, too, always look forward to it and the lengthening daylight. :-)

    Thanks for the linkup and have a great week, Kim!

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    1. As much as I love my summers, the Summer Solstice is always a bit of a buzzkill because it points to the diminishing daylight. At least with the Winter Solstice, we know we're on the "other side" of the darkness LOL

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  10. I too enjoy the solstice as the promise of days growing longer is wonderful. Your holiday card is so cute!

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    1. It's only in recent years that I've grown to appreciate the Solstice for that very reason. Even if it's the shortest day (and probably also the "darkest" day as a result), it's all upwards (and brighter) afterwards ;-)

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  11. Very cute holiday card! Merry Christmas to you all. I think it's great that you are always mixing up your workouts. Keeps it interesting and keeps your body guessing. Love the photo of my 2 Favorite Kims :)

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  12. Love your hi-five pic and your card, super! Not too cold here still, not even any ice, so just carrying on as normal for the time being ...

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  13. I'm always amazed at the amount of holiday running clothing you own! Actually all the clothing you own! Cute card.

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  14. I love all your festive running attire!! That would definitely help me hate winter a little less. Also love your card. Such a beautiful family!

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  15. That is a cute card!!! I've been doing my runs outside and plan to continue since I don't have a treadmill.

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  16. Love the Monday sleeves, and thanks for sharing your Christmas card. When I get ours from mom I may share on a post or in the thread. We had fun with Zoomtakes. Toddlers make it way more memorable.
    Kudos on five miles and WOW on the pushup/side planks. I think I had missed that. Amazing

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  17. I love your Zoom-themed Christmas card :)

    Fun photo of you and Kim - a virtual group ride sounds like a fun idea!

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  18. Love that you had a virtual ride with #kimtwin! Also, that long run Saturday, yipppeeee! As for the Christmas Card, how very appropriate for this year, LOL! Love it!

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  19. Love your holiday card, your mixed patterns, and all your fun workout outfits!

    I am feeling really good today, like I am ready to take on the day and the winter! I've been getting in all my workouts, and I'm still outside, even in the 30s! Which for Florida, is a huge deal.

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  20. Those crimbo socks look fabulous - hope they keep your toes nice and toasty.

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