Turnabout is fair play, or so they say.
This has been a strange fall season. The warmer temps of summer held on a little longer than usual. Then, we had a couple of lightly snow-dusted mornings, followed by some intense ongoing wind. Oh, and then the temps did a major nosedive, and it seemed like the sub-freezing conditions were here to stay.
But, in case you haven't buckled your seat belts, the weather rollercoaster continued this week. With Thanksgiving's near sub-ZERO feels-like conditions barely in the rearview mirror, Momma N served up some unseasonably warm weather... to the tune of mid-50F's most of the week.
Huh. Sit down and figure that one out, LOL.
Before I dis on the deets, 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 8:00AM (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 ;-)
Anyways, here's what went down in my little world of fitness this week:
(not) Easy Like Sunday Morning
YoWzA. I did my first 60-minute Peloton ride and it was a doozy. I had a goal of 25 total miles, though, so I stayed in (on?) the saddle for an additional 42 minutes (and 50 seconds, if we're being totally honest). You know it's a hot ride when the layers simply gotta go, even when there's a fan blowing in your face. Afterwards, I got outside for a short 1-miler (you know, #RunStreaking).
Never Miss a Monday!
Amy was back from her family's Thanksgiving trip, so her and I resumed our #NMaM ritual...1/2-mile warm-up walk, 3-mile run around the campus, and another 1/2-mile walk back home. Ka-ching. The crazy cold temps (from Thanksgiving) had moved on, leaving us with more "seasonal" temps in the near-freezing mark, which felt almost warm and balmy in comparison to the feels-like ZERO-degree temps just a few days prior.
Later, after work, it was time to get busy on the bike. I'd done one of the Turkey Burn Rides (Friday), so I was eager to do another. This one was 45 minutes of crazy climbing and intense high-speed pedaling intervals...let's just say I had to "tighten the pony" several times because my hair was flip-flopping like 90. Those 13 miles sure flew by fast....
Typical Tuesday...
What's for breakfast? How about a serving of sweat, with a side of of smiles, all while the mani dried (because #priorities). Four elliptical "miles," in 29:12...I'd have to look back (and honestly do not feel like doing so, LOL), but that may be a PR. I also 1-mile runched (ran during lunch) over the noon hour and Max took me for a 1-mile walk after work.
Double Workout Wednesday.
The early morning temps were moderate, but there was promise of even warmer temps as the day progressed. Barb and I decided to save our weekly 5-miler for the warmer post-workday temps, so I saddled up (again) with Sebbe for 14 miles of sweat equity (and two stacked cycling classes). Later, our #5atTwilight went well, but we were quickly reminded why we prefer the early-morning routine...MUCH fewer vehicles at 5a.m. than at 5p.m. Just saying.
Thankful Thursday
Honestly, there's plenty to be thankful for on a daily basis. On this particular morning, though, I had a solid appreciation for my strength. I found two Peloton strength classes that I plan on repeating...one for full-body and one for upper-body. Both of these classes featured high reps with low/medium weights, totally my jam. Those were followed by a refreshing 2-mile walk before work, and (later) another 1-mile runch in the bright sunshine (see title pic, above). Oh, and another 1-mile twilight walk with Max after work.
A DOMS-filled Friday!
Oh Holy Hot Hamstrings! I was really feeling the after effects of Thursday's strength workout. I met up with Amy, and we did a similar run to what we'd done on Monday, but varied the route a little bit. A 1/2-mile warm-up walk, three miles of loops (some in the wind, some without), and a 1/2-mile walk back home. As always, the movement did make the angry muscles feel much better.
A sunny Saturday adventure.
The hubby and I left Iowa after lunch on Friday, and drove 7-ish hours to Indianapolis, IN for the Big Ten Championship game. Even though Friday's run had made things feel better, the seven hours of car time left me feeling really stiff and cranky. Our hotel was situated right by a 6-lane highway, and apparently I don't weigh enough to trigger the sensor for the traffic light, so I was not able to safely get across. So, my solution? Run laps in and around the nearby parking lots. Not ideal, but it got the job done. I'd hoped for three miles, but ended after two (out of sheer boredom). There was plenty of walking on tap later, though, so I ended the day with 6-ish cumulative miles on foot.
What's on tap for Sunday?
Hmmm, many, many hours in the car as we make our way back from Indiana. I'm majorly behind on sleep (you know it's real when I'm feeling over-fatigued, LOL), so there will be some necessary car napping. Also, there will be a short (very short) streak run (remember that fatigue I just mentioned?). I'd like to get some cycling done as well (since I had a 3-day sabbatical). I'll try to read/comment on the blogs as my phone allows, but will get all caught up before lights-out Sunday evening (#pinkyswear).
So, not a bad week. The weather really made the daily outdoor fitness fun! Running had 16 miles; walking had 10ish miles; biking had 52 miles. There also were a couple good strength sessions, a little bit of yoga, and some elliptical time.
In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. It was a big weekend for the Iowa Hawkeyes. There was basketball (against Purdue) Friday evening and the Big 10 Championship game (against Michigan) Saturday evening. That said, I had to do my alma mater proud and wear the black and gold. Spoiler: both games did not have favorable outcomes. The football game was especially disappointing, but it still was an incredible honor to be there, repping the West Division.
I'm closing in on two full weeks of Peloton workouts, and I really am having fun! It's been a great adventure, thus far, exploring new workouts and stepping outside of my comfort zone.
While in Indy, at the tournament's expo (for lack of a better word), we got to meet Gus Johnson! For those who aren't familiar, he's a sports commentator. Nice guy!
So there you have it! Another week of fitness fun, and this time with decent weather.
How was your week? Any great workouts to mention? Did your weather play nice this week, too?
Look at you go with those Peloton workouts! I just may have to drink the kool aid, too! I think my hubby would love the workouts.
ReplyDeleteSorry about last night's football game. I was cheering for the Hawkeyes!
Thanks for the linkup and have a great week!
Deb we can send you a link for a free 60day trial if you want ….
DeleteGlad the Hawks had your support, you are an honorary Iowan now, don’t forget:-)
DeleteIt is fun to see you checking out all of the Peloton classes! I love the strength classes too we will have to compare notes. Have a super fun time in Indy!Sorry the game did not go your way
ReplyDeleteI’ve done so many cycling classes, I’m ready to branch out more! The AC/DC strength workout was great, though my glutes & hammies thought otherwise, Ha!
DeleteSorry the game did not go your way. Michigan is a beast. Be careful driving home--the weather looks very dicey.
ReplyDeleteMichigan is, historically, always in full-on beast mode!
DeleteI'm glad that you got a break from the cold this week. Just sayin' that we're overdue for a mild winter if it wants to happen.
ReplyDeleteCan I say how much I am loving the run streak? I'm starting to want to run more on my "regular" running days and feeling so refreshed from my one mile days.
That’s such great news!!! I’m glad the Streak is going well for you :-)
DeleteWell done on all of the Peloton workouts this week! Your team got beat by Michigan too? So sorry! Michigan is crushing it. Even though I grew up in Michigan I was always a Buckeye fan.
ReplyDeleteI may have told you, we lived in the East Lansing area many years ago. I consider myself an honorary Spartan, so I’m not a UM fan. They’re always a tough team, and MSU beat them this year!
Deletethere was nice and then windy and not so nice... even a thunderstorm. I hear we may get snow on Wed.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing with or streak and all your workouts. Love the bright colors too!
Thank you, Darlene :-) you’re an active gal, too, so I got nothing on you!
DeleteSounds like you had quite a week! Definitely getting your money's worth on the Peloton!
ReplyDeleteSorry about your Hawkeyes. I'm new to all this and still trying to figure out how these rankings work (it seems really complicated.) I assume they're going to a bowl game? We'll have that to look forward to!
Congrats on keeping up your run streak- hope your "balmy" weather continues for a little longer!
Well our balmy weather tanked this (late) afternoon… now we’re entertaining 30+ mph winds overnight! So, yeah, my Monday run is postponed until after work & I’ll be on the bike in the morning ((inside))
DeleteWe also had a break in the weather and it was great!
ReplyDeleteWay to go with the Peloton. I have such Peloton envy- I want one!
I have a ProFit bike, so I’ve just been using the Peloton app…not quite as many bells & whistles, but it works.
DeleteWe had some nice mild mornings — mid 40s at least.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t done the turkey burn rides yet, but I did Sam’s AC/DC ride. I’ll have to do Andy’s strength!
I did the ride after we got home this (late) afternoon & the playlist was outstanding!! Andy’s workout was great…it did a number on my hammies & glutes, though (but in a good way).
DeleteSorry for the game, but don't worry, I am a rugby fan and Italy has lost 32 consecutive games in the 6 nations tournament!
ReplyDeleteHere we have had a warm and sunny week end but I had to rest to recover from the flu.
Ouch, that’s a rough record for your team. But, we love our teams, right? And we remain loyal, despite the tough times :-)
DeleteAwesome week Kim! Great to see you enjoying the Peloton classes :)
ReplyDeleteSorry about the game - we were cheering for Iowa. Hope you had an uneventful drive home and that your back is not too cranky.
Thanks for your allegiance to the Hawks!! The game was a buzzkill, but still a great accomplishment being there. The Peloton classes are keeping me busy!
DeleteLOL about running around the parking lots -- been there, done that! You always take everything in stride, Kim. It's an admirable trait.
ReplyDeleteThis may have been my first parking lot party, but oh well. I had great weather & my tired body appreciated the action!
DeleteFun to hear what you think of Peloton! I like low/medium weights, high reps too.
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of driving in one weekend, I would definitely need a nap!
Ugh, way too much driving! Yes, I much prefer the low/med weights! Multiple sets for the win, right? :-)
DeleteWow, you're really embracing the Peleton, well done! It's gone really cold over here, low 30s all the time in your temps, which is probably seasonal but it was warmer beforehand so feels a bit much. Very windy yesterday so the windchill was ... fun.
ReplyDeleteThe Peloton world has been a fun one to visit thus far ;-) Our wind chill today is in the single digits with the 30+mph wind...but it's supposed to tame down later this afternoon.
Deletewow, you had a lot of driving this weekend!
ReplyDeleteOne of the best parts about the Peloton app is exploring all the different instructors and classes. There is really something for everyone!
It's been fun to explore! I already have a few favorites ;-)
DeleteNot a bad week, indeed! You did awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am always terribly stiff after a long car ride. I have a four hour one coming up, and I'm not looking forward to it in the least.
I'm so glad you got to go to the game! It's been so long since I've been to a sporting event. We will be going to a hockey game in a few months, and that should be fun!