Now That's Much Better!

There's a certain sweet satisfaction when (most of) your undesirable circumstances do a #180, am I right?

After the previous week's crazy cold "winter preview," this last week catapulted us back to more seasonal temps (that were actually borderline unseasonably warm, just saying). The healing hammy continued its upswing with more feeling-good vibes. And, the running saw a little more action.

So, yes, things were definitely much better in my little world (#HappySigh).

Before I disclose 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 this week in my little world of fitness & frolicking:

Sunday's situation? Indoor biking and outdoor walking.

In keeping with my recent Sunday morning ritual, I headed to the Sweat Den Down Under (my basement), and started the day in the saddle. With the aid of a few Peloton cycling classes, Sebbe and I rode for 21 miles...because why stop at an even 20? Later, I got out for two different 2-mile walks, midday and early evening. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank -->2:30 total minutes}

Another Never Miss a Monday.

The morning started innocently enough, with 10 miles of HIIT and Tabata on the bike (via the Peloton app). The weather was bright and sunny, and my friend (who was back on-site after a few weeks of WFH) joined me for two different 1-mile walks at work.

Then, after work, I laced up and headed downtown to check out the holiday decs that had gone up over the weekend. The temps felt so nice, and the healing hammy felt nice as well. Three post-workday miles done and dusted. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 1:30 forearm side plank (each side)-->5:30 total minutes}

A somewhat Typical Tuesday.

I had a couple of strength workouts cued-up and ready to go, but I just wasn't feeling it. Hey, it's rare, but it does happen. I pivoted to the elliptical, and knocked out 30 minutes of cardio (the "equivalent" of four miles) instead. My Garmin gave me credit for 3400ish steps, so there's that. My friend and I also did a 1-mile mid-morning walk in the perfect 41F temps (with oodles of sunshine and a mere 6mph wind). {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank-->2:30 total minutes}

How about a Triple-Workout Wednesday...

The morning started early, with a 5:15 wake-up and a 5:30 15-mile ride (complete with Tabata, HIIT and intervals, thank you very much). Then, off to PT, where my gal really worked me over (in a good way). Next, a busy, busy, busy morning at work, followed by a quick 2-mile run in the early afternoon sunshine before heading to the hair salon. As if that wasn't enough, I also did an upper-body strength workout (in the evening) while the pumpkin pie was in the oven (#multitasking).{Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank, 1:30 forearm side plank (each side)-->5:30 total minutes}

Thursday? Turkey Trotting (amongst other things).

Our local Turkey Trot was on deck for 8:30, but I wanted to get in a bit of a warm-up, so I did a quick 6-mile ride on the bike before heading over to the Trot meet-up. We had nice weather (mid-40F) and a great turnout (I think well over 100 peeps, several strollers, and numerous dogs). Barb and I had not run together in awhile (I think since the full moon run), so it was great to reunite with her! My body hasn't run "fast" paces in awhile, so keeping up with Barb was a bit of a challenge, but manageable for three miles. Afterwards, I did a short Barre workout as my cool-down and stretch-out. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank-->2:30 total minutes}

 

Friday's Fitness Fun? A little bit of everything.

After a bit of a sleep-in, I rallied the bike for 15 miles, followed by an arms/shoulders workout (Peloton app). Don't forget, the Runners World Winter Run Streak is underway, so I snuck in a quick 1-miler in the mid-morning sunshine afterwards. {Planksgiving '22 - 2:30 forearm plank -->2:30 total minutes}

Triple-the-Fun Saturday

After another sleep-in (ugh, this is becoming a habit, LOL), I got out for a 3-miler. The 12mph wind wasn't a fun scenario, but at least it was a "warm" breeze out of the south (glass half full). After returning home, I opted for an easy-paced 6-mile ride on the bike. The day was so beautiful, I simply couldn't stay inside...so I also logged a 3-mile walk in the late morning.

...and for Sunday?

The forecast is showing rain in the early morning, so there's a very good chance I'll be on the bike again. I can save the streak run (and some walking) for later. Worse things could happen, LOL.

All in all, this week was pretty close to perfect. While my running mileage isn't yet back to where it "usually" would be, it's creeping closer...this week saw 12 miles, which is the first double-digit week in almost two months (gulp). As for walking, I'm not sure what happened, but a mere 10 miles is all that was logged. But, if we talk about biking, things were quite busy (73 miles of pedaling). My strength training was pretty low-key this week with just a few upper-body sessions. I'm continuing to keep the lower-body work at the minimum since I'm doing so much physical therapy. And, Planksgiving officially came to a close. I logged all the planking minutes, but don't have a grand total for you...I'll get that tallied for my Coffee post next week (stay tuned). 

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

Going With the Frigid Flow

Blessed and ever so Grateful

Hmmm...Runfessions, Anyone?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I did my best to support my Iowa Hawkeyes, wearing black and gold. The football team totally crashed & burned (at home, none the less) against Nebraska. The basketball guys had a nice victory, Friday evening, against Clemson, but fell to TCU Saturday evening. Oh well. I'm still a proud Hawkeye regardless!

This week was a total Garmin badge-apalooza. While three of these challenges were on my radar, the two biking ones popped up (as completed) sooner than expected. The Thanksgiving one was a legit surprise. Let me just say I don't live for these badges, but they are a fun little means of inspiration and motivation.

Finally, with Thanksgiving over and done, the 2022 RW Winter Run Streak is ON! Technically, this streak usually starts a day early for me because I usually have a  #5at5 run on the Wednesday prior. Ironically, this Streak always seems to come at an opportune time, and this year is no exception. Currently, with my healing hammy, I'm not doing any long-long runs for the time being, but short runs (1-3 miles) are perfect for keeping the legs in motion and opting outside. This is my 10th year of streaking, and (again) I'm hoping to do all of these runs outdoors. Onward!

So, there you have it! Another week closer to the Winter Solstice...we're 3.5 weeks out, and then the days will start to slowly get longer, LOL. Gotta keep that glass half full.

Tell me about YOUR week! Any turkey trotting? Seasonal weather? Upcoming races?

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