Streaking Through the Week

The streak is alive and well!

Yes, I'm (briefly) streaking again. It's my yearly ritual (since 2013), so I'm not going to elaborate on the details. Let's just say, it's going well (thus far) and everything feels good as new. 

This week's weather was pretty sweet. The temps were a bit seasonal (cold LOL) at times, but the sunshine was pretty much non-stop. Even this summer-runner gal was quite content with all things "winter" this week.

Before I dis 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 in my little fitness-encapsulated world:

Never Miss a Monday.

The day started with a 2-mile hilly Milly hike (say that three times fast LOL)...two miles on the treadmill, with the incline set on 3, that is. When I got home for lunch, my new Brooks Ravenna 11's were waiting for me on the porch. Naturally, I did what any self-respecting runner would do and promptly changed clothes and did a quick 2-mile run in the noontime sunshine.

Take-it-easy Tuesday.

I've been keeping my Tuesdays pretty low-key, and that was the case this week as well. I got out for a early morning 1-mile run through the 'hood (under the beautiful full moon), then hopped on the elliptical for "2 miles" of sweat equity. After work, I did a 2-mile walk in the diminishing daylight.

Wednesday's "Why not?" Workout...

We all know I'm an early bird by default. Before the stress fracture, almost every Wednesday (for the past four years, at least) I'd meet up with Barb for our weekly #5at5 run (five miles at 5AM). As crazy as it sounds, I have really been missing those early-early morning fitness fixes. So, my solution? I hopped on the indoor bike and did my first-ever #10at5 ride (in other words, 10 miles at 5AM). Wowza! I think I just discovered a perfect temporary fitness fix until I'm back to the 5-mile (running) distance! I also snuck in a quick 1-mile walk over lunch and a 2-mile streak run after work, in shorts none the less (see title pic above)! 

A #LittleBitOfEverything onThursday.

With a heavy frost outside, I opted to stay inside and did a brick workout (of sorts). This included a 1-mile hilly power-hike on the treadmill, and 30ish minutes of full-body strength work (lots of squats, lunges, and walking lunges...all weighted, as well as numerous upper-body presses, rows, extensions and curls). Then, there was another 1-mile hilly power-hike on the 'mill. Short, sweet, and sweaty.

After work, the temps were still warm for December (low-40F's), so I slipped on some shorts for my 1-mile streak run. The sky was absolutely breathtaking; it looked like it was on fire. 

Forgetful Friday.

I headed out for an early morning run and didn't realize I'd forgotten my lighting. Major oops! Thankfully, the waning gibbous moon was still shining brightly. Oh well, for a short 1-miler at that early hour, it wasn't a big deal. Afterwards, I did five miles on the indoor bike before heading to work. There also was a 1.5-mile walk at lunch and another after work. The beautiful weather, with a heavy dose of sunshine, was total perfection. Honestly, if Winter could stay this way, I'd be oh-so-happy!

"Long" Run Saturday.

A new routine (at the moment, since my long run distance is still relatively short), is speed walking a mile (as a warm-up) before meeting Barb at our rally spot. Imagine my surprise when I saw a red-jacketed runner coming my way. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time we've showed up in (unplanned) matching outfits, I'd have new shoes stockpiled in my closet. Anyways, this run felt especially easy, and when I saw I was at the 3.5-mile mark (for running), the temptation to continue on was big...but I slowed to a halt, we parted ways, and I walked the remaining 1/2-mile back home. I was very happy with the consistent splits. I also did a 5-mile (inside) bike ride afterwards, and there were two more miles of walking in the afternoon. This day left me feeling like I'd never had stress fracture, and I'm so grateful to be almost back to my winter maintenance mode.  

Sunday FUNday.

Don't mistake my back-in-black get-up for ninja attire, I'm simply but one of many Hawkeye fans, and we had a big victory to celebrate. I got out for a quick 1-miler to keep the streak alive, then there were 10 miles of indoor cycling with Sebastian. Even though the temps are feeling like Winter again, the wind has been very calm (almost non-existent), which is ideal for being outside. That said, there's probably some walking on tap for the afternoon.

All in all, it was a decent week. I like keeping things interesting, so I'm glad I was able to have a good variety of workouts in the mix this week. Running saw 11.5 miles; walking had 15 miles (with more happening Sunday afternoon); biking had 30 miles (all indoors). There was one elliptical session and one full-body strength workout. No regrets!

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

Thankful, Grateful...and oh so Blessed

Festive Fitness Fashion Hacks

Coffee & Chatter & Chai, Oh My!

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair!  Friday was a very beautiful, sunshiny day in the neighborhood. Red has always been a favorite color of mine, especially during the holiday season. The buffalo plaid still is big on the fashion scene, and this blanket wrap sees a lot of action this time of year. Are you a fan of red? Or plaid? 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).

I have most of the Christmas decorations up and finished. There's not much (if any LOL) entertaining/hosting happening this year, but the decorations still add a nice feeling of cheer and warmth. Several years ago, I inherited a ficus tree from the office. It was in need of some TLC but, try as I might, I was not able to nurse it back to good health. When the final leaf fell, I got the idea to paint it black and keep it as an "art piece" in our sun room. Since then, we've called it our Charlie Brown Christmas tree, and I change out color theme of the ornaments every year.

I have a collection of nutcrackers that come out of hiding every winter. The kids have always been a little creeped out by them, but I love the uniqueness of each one. I guess it's that #ArtGeek mentality of mine.

So, that's another week all wrapped up and tied with a (holiday) bow. As much as I loathe cold weather, this winter season has been pretty nice thus far. I'll probably regret saying that! 

How was your week? Has your weather been "seasonal" or more warm/cold than usual? Any fun workouts happening? Holiday races (virtual or IRL)? 

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