None the less, I refuse to give in to the cold temps and psychotic wind. I maintained my almost 2-year #
Anyways, here's what went down in my little chilly world of fitness this week:
Sunday - chilling in the Sweat Den Down Under
It was chilly outside, and quite dark, upon wake-up. I headed "south," down to the basement, and cued-up a few Peloton rides and biked for 20 miles. Later, I ventured outdoors for a 2-mile walk. Yadda Yadda Yadda. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank-->2:30 total minutes}
Never Miss a Monday!
When a friend has a milestone birthday, I am more than happy to join in the celebration...so I rode 6.5 miles in honor of
Debbie's special day. I also did some arm and shoulder strength work before heading off to PT and then the office, shortly after.
After work, the temps had already started their plummet, but the wind wasn't too crazy. You can't really see them in the pic, but there were snow flurries. Let's just say I nailed the layers and ran two identically-paced miles! I'm not sure that's ever happened, LOL. The hammy continues to feel good!!! {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 1:30 forearm side plank (each side)-->5:30 total minutes}
Tuesday - Low impact for the win
The day started with 20 minutes of Barre, 10 minutes of core work, and 20 minutes of sweat equity on the elliptical. It ended with a 2-mile walk, outdoors, amidst the wind and more snow flurries. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 3X- :30 forearm side plank (each side), 1:30 forearm side plank (each side)-->8:30 total minutes}
Double Workout Wednesday
The morning started with a 13.5-mile rise & ride for breakfast...
...and later, I hit the streets for three miles of #IowaTough running. Still some flurries, and remaining snow (from Tuesday). As I mentioned on Instagram, when we say we're Iowa Tough, we say it with a smile (at least I do, LOL). I also did a 2-mile walk and talk (with a friend, via my phone) afterwards. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank-->2:30 total minutes}
Thursday - a not-so-chilly lower-body burn
Nothing fancy, just some squats, dead lifts, and numerous curtsy lunges (via Peloton). Also, a 2-mile evening walk outdoors. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 1:30 forearm side plank (each side)-->5:30 total minutes}
How about a Friday Fitness 15-miler?
With another busy day on tap, I was on the bike by 5:15 for 15 miles of fun (say that three times fast, LOL). I also had 45 minutes of PT before arriving at the office. After work, I layered up (again) for a 2-mile "happy hour" walk outdoors.{Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 1:30 forearm side plank (each side)-->5:30 total minutes}
Long Run Saturday!
In keeping with the cold week theme, it was a very frigid morning outside. I had ZERO desire to fire-up the treadmill (though I did think about it for a few fleeting seconds). So, again, more layering-up was on tap. I procrastinated a bit, but finally hit the streets about 8:45. My goal was potentially four miles, which would be my longest run in a long time, but I also was feeling the effects of Thursday's lower-body work and Friday's PT. Even though this run felt like a slogfest, and the wind was so cold on my face, I was able to get the four miles done with ZERO discomfort. Once I got back home, I de-layered and hopped on the bike for 10 miles of a "cool-down" and leg flush-out. Suffice it say I felt quite accomplished! {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 1:30 forearm side plank (each side), 45-second Chaturanga plank-->6:15 total minutes}
...and what about Sunday?
The weather is still gonna be cold and breezy, but not quite as bad as the previous week. I'm hoping to do some walking and (most likely) a long indoor bike ride in the early hours.
We all know I am NOT a fan of the cold weather, especially when it happens (practically) overnight (even more so when it's so extreme and lasts for an entire week). Alas, this is my Midwest reality, and the best I can do is grin and bear it. That said, this week played out nicely, even with the bitter cold. Running saw nine miles, so I'm slowly inching my way back to my "normal" weekly mileage. Walking was a little #meh with 12 miles, but I blame the cold and extreme wind. And, dear old biking came through again, with 65 miles of cycling smiles. I'm meeting with my PT twice a week, and am doing daily exercises/stretches, and that's going well. Planksgiving is maintaining, though there were a couple days I did the bare minimum. Barre has been a godsend, and I'm keeping the lower-body strength work pretty low-key for a bit longer.
In case you missed out, here's what went down on t he blog last week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. It was sooo chilly on Friday, I had to grab a puffer to supplement the sweater. I almost snagged the black vest, but (on a whim) opted for the red one instead. What do you think of the red-on-red?
With no Starbucks in my moderately little town, I had to wait for a venture to a nearby bigger town to see the holiday cups in person. I can officially now say I'm one of the cool kids.
And, finally, let's talk collegiate sports for a minute. It was a great week for my two favorite teams! The Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team beat #4 Kentucky in double overtime (Tuesday night), and also defeated Villanova Friday evening. My Iowa Hawkeye men's team was victorious against Seton Hall (Wednesday night) and the football team beat-out rival Minnesota (for the 8th consecutive year) on Saturday. Whew!
So, that's a quick wrap-up! After Sunday, our weather is supposed to "warm-up" a bit, and return to more seasonal temps (can I get a Hallelujah!). This next week is looking fun with family, food, and turkey trotting (both my local Trot as well as volunteering for the Des Moines venue).
wow you did get an early taste of winter weather! Looks like you really made the most of it! We don't usually see any white stuff in DC until February but who knows w the way things have been
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd love to wait until February to see the white stuff! I'd probably miss seeing it for Christmas, but I'm sure I'd get over it, LOL.
DeleteGreat week Kim! Way to keep getting outside. You’re inspiring me to do a better job with strength training next week too, you did some fun classes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessie ;-) I'm looking forward to a week that's a little less frigid...
DeleteWe had some sudden wintry weather hit us as well. Good for you for still getting outside! I had to pull out the treadmill one day when it was too much. Yay for a pain-free long run!
ReplyDeleteI'd thought briefly about a treadmill run, yesterday, but my 'mill has kind of died twice already. I don't know if she'd come back to life or not if she were to have another near-death experience. She's 20+ years old, so she's due for replacing....
DeleteI don't think anyone is a fan of this cold weather! It feels like January. Luckily, it's going to warm back up again this week. Glad to see you're getting back to your normal mileage.
ReplyDeleteYeah, January weather is bad enough when we've had a couple months to acclimate to it...it's way too soon for this crap right now. I'm glad we have a slight warm-up in the forecast this week.
DeleteYep, it got cold here this week but all the memories from previous years show that by this time of year we're typically colder and snowier, so I'm going with the glass half full. That said, it's 9 degrees here this morning. I may wait a bit before heading out. Glad the hammy is behaving!
ReplyDeleteI know we've had cold days, in years past, but an entire week was just no bueno. Thankfully, today felt much better...those low-30's felt almost tropical!
DeleteFinally able to join in again yay! The winter weather snuck up on me too! I mean I like the cold but November has been weird it was warm the first 10 days then it was freezing! It’s like it can’t make up its mind haha.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t be able to survive in a town without a Starbucks! When I was moving that was one of the requirements- how close is the nearest Starbucks ;-)
Well, no local Starbucks probably saves me a lot of "foo foo" money, LOL I know I'd be indulging a lot if I had it available close by.
DeleteWow winter did roll in for you quickly didn't it?! So happy to hear you're running pain free!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle! I still have some crankiness if I sit too long, but it feels good while running, so we're definitely headed in the right direction!
DeleteYay for the pain-free 4 miles! That is fantastic news! We had a real cold front come through, though it’s never as cold as you have. I did have to get my gloves out!
ReplyDeleteYes, those four miles were s.l.o.w, but pain-free, so that's all good.
DeleteThank you for running 6.5 miles in honor of my birthday! I agree, it's too early to be that cold - it was about the same down on the farm, but it's not quite as cold here at home.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that PT is helping and you were able to run 4 pain-free miles.
Yes, it's far too early to be this cold for so long. A day, here or there, is one thing. An entire week (actually, it's been like 10 days!) is CrAzY!
DeleteGood job facing Winter head on, Kim! I wasn't going to do my long-er run yesterday, but today is just nuts and I'm REALLY glad I got it done. Not even sure Bandit will get a walk outside today . . . we'll see.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we let Max out in the backyard, and he's back in 20 seconds (or faster). He's not wanting to spend any unnecessary time outside.
DeleteYay! Sounds like all the PT and barre classes are working. A four mile run with no discomfort is huge. For all my complaining about the heat here, I don't envy those cold temps up there... brr.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're happy about your sports teams! I'm still quietly sobbing over here about Baylor's loss yesterday.
Yes, I'm really glad the PT and Barre are doing their thing! Now, if I can just keep consistent with them, right?
DeleteIt got mighty cold this weekend, but then again it was Boy Scout Camp weekend so we kind of brought it on ourselves. I will say that I appreciated the November heat wave.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 4 miler! Injuries suck but the come backs are sweet.
I totally LOVED the November heat wave! It was kind of an evil trick, on Momma N's part, but those temps felt so nice!
DeleteSnow? Goodness! Actually, my friend who's returned to Madison, WI, from here had snow this week and had to get used to running in a hat! It's a bit chilly here, definitely a technical T under a fuzzy-inside long sleeve but not too extreme. My back is allowing me to get back into it though I do need to work on my strength and fitness. Good going, well done!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your back is feeling better!
Deletewonderful news on a pain free run... you were smart to take time off. I'm sure all the other activities kept you in shape.
ReplyDeleteI am hating the cold but worse the wind. I don't min the runs cuz I can dress right but racing is the pits... and yesterday I almost threw in the towel.
I'm always impressed with how many workouts you pack into a week - awesome job! I haven't tried any of the Starbucks holiday drinks yet but I probably will try one of the lattes his week.
ReplyDeleteI am really hoping to see some snow over our Thanksgiving. Maybe even while turkey trotting! That would be fabulous, for sure.I love the red on red look. I hope you have a somewhat mild winter!
ReplyDelete