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Well well well...for such a short month, February sure makes a name for itself.
This week started off with sunny skies and pleasant temps, took a turn for the extreme cold, and rebounded back to spring-like weather. Wow, one would almost need a tightly buckled safety belt for such a roller coaster ride!
In keeping with my #OptOutside daily streak, I did get outdoors everyday. And I was blessed with almost every kind of weather imaginable. Emphasis on the almost...
What say we gather at the 'fessional...I have a few 'fessions that need mention...
2022 was a fun fitness-filled year, and it was filled with many favorite things.
That being said, shall we play a little game? Maybe a "Pick 6," of sorts? Better yet, how about a round of "6 Favorites from '22?"
Trying to narrow it down to just six favorites is tough, but also not so much. I have found, it's always best to go with the first thing that pops into your head when thinking of such things. After all, those very "things" pop-up for a reason, LOL.
The time had come, so I got it done.
I'm talking about a scaled-back week. Recovery. You know, dialing-it-back a bit.
My body wasn't in agony, but I'd had three pretty intense weeks of strength-training. My running mileage, while not crazy high, had been gradually building. And, my sleep had been nothing short of a mess recently.
I thought it was the perfect time for a week on the (somewhat) down-low. We all know it's during the rest/recovery time when most of the fitness gains are made, right? And, we also know, it's best to take advantage of downtime before it's forced upon us due to injury or illness. Alas, there was no time like the present...
What can I say?
I became a runner in the summer of 2005, and I have not looked back. What started as a hobby of sorts, soon morphed into a red hot love of the sport.
It didn't take long before the world of racing entered the scene. Along the journey of racing and training came a lot of trial and error...and a lot of other perks as well.
Some say, "Movement is magic." I say, "Movement is medicinal."
Don't worry, other than a mild head cold recently, I haven't been under the weather in a long time. Well, I guess I did have Covid six months ago, but that was a mere couple days of mild discomfort (honestly, in my case, the vaccine/booster did more harm than the actual virus itself).
In terms of actual sickness, though, I have been very lucky (and very thankful). I not only attribute daily moving and grooving to staying healthy, but also getting outside - everyday- no matter what. As this post goes live, on Sunday (February 12th), my #OptOutside streak is at Day-809.
This week, Momma N gifted my locale to a sneak peek of spring, so getting outside was true bliss! Even with a couple cold (ahem, seasonal) days, this week was a treat.
What did I see on my last (significant) run?
Well, that would be the Full Snow Moon, of course. The Snow Moon, which is actually the second full moon of the year, is so named for the typical heavy snow fall received in the month of February (source).
Ironically, this full moon made its appearance amidst a slight warm-up (and melting snow), at least in Iowa. You won't hear me complaining about that kind of weather condition, though. This full moon was simply majestic, with a clear sky, and it thoroughly lit the way for another full moon run.
Yes, another full moon run - my 22nd such run, in fact.
What was so great about this week? We had sunshine aplenty, like on the daily.
And, what was not so great? Baby, it was cold outside. Thankfully, the temps weren't as severe as the previous week, but they definitely were quite "seasonal."
With Milly (she's my treadmill, LOL) out of commission, I had to take my runs and walks to the streets, but all were manageable. I had zero problems staying active indoors as well. I guess I can't really complain (much), though there's nothing wrong with longing for warmer outdoor conditions. As I've said before, I can tolerate the cold, but that doesn't mean I have to love it.
Is there anything better than a toasty hot beverage and some cozy conversation with friends?
In my opinion, these two make for a great combination...and not just in the winter season. Gathering together, even if it's by virtual means, always makes for lots of feel-good vibes and plenty of laughter.
What ya say? Shall we join forces, fill our mugs, and have a chat?