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Saturday, November 26, 2022

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:

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?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

31 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you are feeling better and getting your miles back up again. It was warm here, but definitely not warm enough for shorts! Good luck with the streak!

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    1. The brief heat wave was a welcome change from the previous week's freeze-out...wish it would stay for a few months!

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  2. Yay for a happy hammie and just in time for streaking! I saw all of those turkey badges pop up on Thanksgiving day and searched my Garmin, but couldn't find it. Like you, I don't normally look for the badges, but since this one was so cute I wanted to find it so I could post it - oh well!

    I'm totally with you on the days starting to slowly get longer after the winter solstice! :-)

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    1. The Thanksgiving badge just popped up...I don't think it was one to "join," but I'm still kind of a newbie with all things Garmin, LOL. I'm surprised it didn't show up after your turkey trot (?).

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  3. Sounds like we had similar (but different) weeks. It's nice to find balance, isn't it? Good luck with the streak!

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  4. I am enjoying the return of milder temps, although the rain is here now. Glad your hammy is feeling good! All the best with this year's run streak!

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    1. Thankfully, the rain wasn't an issue yesterday...I think what little rain we did get was over and done before I headed outside.

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  5. The Sweat Den is a great name for a home gym! I used to joke about being underground like a mole in winter.

    Yay for double digit running miles!

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  6. Glad to see you are feeling much better! WE did have a brief warm up as well but now back to some cold rain. I could not find any races that worked for me the next few weeks but have some other fun activities on tap. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

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    1. I don't think there are any races in my area this season...if so, they're not being promoted very effectively. I'd like a fun holiday-themed event to test out my body's mechanics.

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  7. Happy to hear the hammy is feeling better. I quitting planking after day 12 LOL.

    Another active week for you. Don/t know how you do it all.

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    1. I think I'm lucky to be a natural early-riser. I get the bulk of my workouts done before 6:00 (or 6:45 at the latest).

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  8. We had amazing weather this week. It was nothing short of gorgeous yesterday. Sadly, I wasn’t up for it, but I don’t need everyone else to be miserable just because I am. ;-)

    Glad you had a great week!

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    1. Last week's weather was so nice here! I think we have some of the white stuff in the forecast for this week, though...

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  9. Looks like a great week! Glad things are moving in a positive direction. I am looking forward to getting out and seeing some holiday lights like you did. Great weather for it!

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    1. Just this past week, I'm noticing a lot more holiday lights. It's a nice touch this time of year when it's so dark so early!

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  10. So happy to hear that your hammy is cooperating! Good luck with your streaking :)

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! Hopefully things will continue to feel even better ;-)

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  11. Sounds like a fun week Kim! Great job keeping up with Barb at the turkey trot. And yay to some warmer temps!

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    1. I've been running "slow" paces for the past month or so; pushing my pace a bit was tougher than anticipated. Glad it was "only" for a 5K, LOL.

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  12. I love seeing the holiday decor around my town too. You just reminded me that I need to do an outdoor run this weekend to see all the holiday decorations at the huge park that's about a mile from my house.

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    1. Yes, gotta take advantage of all the festive evening lights!

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  13. Glad to hear the hammy is less cranky- mine is too thankfully. And yeah I'm glad we got some decent weather again, though today was warm and nasty out. I like the between 40-60 stuff, and I don't think my post-world's body was quite ready for the 25 degree temperatures we got randomly last weekend! Yay for trotting! It's my favorite holiday tradition- going on 3 years in a row now, minus Covid year.

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    1. I certainly prefer the heat of summer, but the 40F-50F suits me quite nicely this time of year ;-)

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  14. That's great that your hamstring is feeling so much better! Good job starting the the run streak. Thanks for the reminder.

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    1. Do you plan on streaking as well? It's a fun way to knock out those last few weeks of the year.

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  15. Yay badges. Aren't we all such gluttons for them-pun absolutely intended. The weather was all over the map here too before I left and looks like that will continue. Something about what the holiday decor adds, m aybe it helped the hammy. Yay!

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  16. I'm grateful the hammy is feeling better. I'd really be bummed to miss out on the Streak!

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