Desperately Seeking Sunlight

Darkness falls across the land....

Well, at least it looked and felt like darkness most days this week. Ugh. We had precip (rain AND snow, thank you very much), almost daily cloud cover, and wind (LOTS of wind). I did continue my #OptOutside streak, as well as my #RWWinterRunStreak, so my #IowaTough grit was thoroughly put to the test. 

Alas, as I've said numerous times, I refuse to let Momma N win. Whatever she throws at me, I'll face it head-on and rise to the challenge. That doesn't mean I have to like it, though.

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:

Sunday's 40K conquest: done!

I had a Garmin badge on the roster, so I was up and in the saddle early Sunday morning. Also, I had a new-to-me spinning bike to make that 40K (just under 25 miles) happen. All went well, though this bike definitely works my legs differently than my other stationary bike did. My quads felt like spaghetti when I dismounted, LOL. Afterwards, I headed outside and knocked out a 2-mile run for the run streak, and took a 2-mile walk in the late afternoon.

Another never-miss-a-Monday.

Nothing out-of-this-world stellar... a quick 8-mile ride, a surprise Garmin badge, and a short arms/shoulders workout in the early morning...

...and a quick 1-mile streak run after work. The forecast was looking very cold and very rainy, so I was happy to get this run done before all the weather nonsense started.

Sort of a typical Tuesday...

Yes, the rain showed up, as was forecasted. It was very light in the early hours, in comparison to what was coming later, so I opted to get a 1-mile run done (upon wake-up), then hit the elliptical for 3-ish miles before heading to PT. After work, there was a brief window of light mist, so I took advantage and got in two miles of walking before more of the downpour returned.

Double workout Wednesday.

The morning began with 11 miles on the bike and some core work (and a cheesy smile).

And, the sun came out of hiding! My friend and I were able to (finally) get in a couple of 1-mile walk breaks, and I had a sunny 3-miler for lunch.

Thankful Thursday had me back inside...

The temps took a nosedive, and all the precipitation turned to snow. I got out for a fast and furious 1-mile run (before the real cold weather hit), followed by some time on the mat (20 minutes of Barre) after returning. I also spent 10 minutes with my gal, Tunde (Peloton app), and she totally worked my arms and shoulders like never before. After work, it was too cold, windy, and downright nasty to be outside, so I hopped on the elliptical for 4-ish miles (27 minutes) for a pre-dinner cardio fix.

Friday's frigid fun...

With our daughter's collegiate graduation happening late afternoon, my only reasonable time for a run was in the wee-dark hours. So, I layered up and made it happen (just a short 1-miler), then hit the bike for 11 miles of HIIT and intervals before heading to PT. Let me just say, physical therapy is not for the faint of heart...all the lower-body work my gal has me doing is nothing short of a thorough strength workout. Oh, did I mention I had some major DOMS from the previous day's arms/shoulders workout? Yeah, it hurt so good, but #ouch.

  

Saturday: the busyness continues...

It was another busy morning on-tap with our reception brunch for the graduate (in her college town, an hour away). I saddled-up on the spin bike for 13 miles before heading to Graduate Activities: Part-2.

After returning to town, I reluctantly layered-up for a run. I'd hoped for slightly warmer temps, but no dice. At least there was a little bit of sunshine...but the wind was most evil. I contemplated four miles, but was tempted to shorten it to two miles. Thankfully, out of nowhere, I got a boost of mojo (near the 1.7-mile mark) and decided to continue on for three total miles. It must have been the extreme cold, and my eagerness to get back home, because I inadvertently pulled off negative splits (just barely, LOL). 

...and what's on deck for Sunday?

Well, Sunday's forecast is looking even colder, but much sunnier. Ugh. The morning will definitely start with some indoor fitness (via the bike). I'll save the streak run for later, after the temps "warm up" to above-ZERO feels-like conditions. 

Despite the less-than-desirable weather, I think my week played-out alright. I cannot control the weather, but I do have complete control of how I deal with it. I never regret getting outside, even if it's only for a brief 10-minute streak run. This week saw 12 miles of running (not great, but I'm thankful to consistently be back in the "double digits"). Walking was very bleak, with only six miles, but I subbed-in some extra elliptical time (seven total "miles"), so not a big deal. Biking logged 68 miles, pushing my YTD total to 2,885 (the 3K mark is getting closer!!!). As mentioned, PT is really kicking my backside (and my lower-body), but I have zero pain when I run, walk, or bike now. I just gotta keep on keeping on. Onward!  

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

Busyness!!!

2022: The Year in Bling

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I'm all about bright colors, and I'm all about red and green this time of year. A recent acquisition is this red maxi-length cardigan. Can I just say I'm a fan! The fact that it's almost a perfect match to this (also) new red sweater is a bonus.

And, if I can share a very proud parental milestone. Our youngest graduated cum laude Friday afternoon from Iowa State University (you know, the other "Iowa" university). After high school, she'd finished her 2-year degree (in a year) at a community college, and then took a year off. She returned to school in January of 2020, amidst all things Covid, and immediately got involved in student government, and various organizations, while pursuing a Marketing degree. Sigh. I don't feel old enough to have three college grads.

So, that's a wrap on the past week. Anyone else looking forward to having the Winter Solstice behind us? I know the return of increased daylight is very slow and gradual, but I swear I can see a difference within a couple weeks. Bring it!!

How about you!

Was it a good week, in your world? Any fitness conquests? Favorite workouts? Cold weather? 

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