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Here we are...
We made it through Thanksgiving, and November is winding down.
With a new month knocking on the door, it's time to pay a quick visit to the Runfessional and come clean on a few things. Anyone care to join me for this monthly "sole-cleansing" ritual?
I'll start my November 'Fessions by telling you about a recent discovery that should have happened a couple years ago. I've been wearing my Chacos hiking sandals for three summers now, mainly for biking. The thick treads are super "grippy" and work well for people like me who shun the traditional clip-in biking shoes. Not long ago, I had an Aha! moment and wore them for an indoor ride (quite a brilliant idea, IMO). Just this week, I had another such Aha! revelation and tried them on the elliptical. Game changer! I Chaco-fess, these sandals are much more "multiuse" than I'd ever imagined, and my feet aren't quite so hot during an indoor workout.
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| Chacos on the elliptical? Don't knock it 'til you try it. |
Guess what happened this week, amidst the official start of the holiday season? My 12th Runner's World Winter Run Streak began! Technically, this annual Streak begins officially on Thanksgiving Day (and runs through New Years Day), but I streakfess I kicked things off (a day early) with my #5at5 run Wednesday morning. The thing is, since I've been doing this Streak for so many years now, it just feels like a normal holiday season gig in the running shoes. In an effort to spice things up a bit, though, I'm also adding daily wall sits, side planks and core work. We shall see if I keep consistent with those add-ons, LOL. I've already had to get out of bed, after lights-out, because I forgot to do them during the day.
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| Wednesday's early morning 5-miler |
Speaking of the RW Winter Run Streak, Momma N is already being a bit bratty about things. November's weather has been pretty mild this year...but that all changed this week, ironically at the start of my Streak. I runfess, it is rather annoying the temps would turn so chilly so suddenly, especially since I will be layering-up on the daily for the next 40+ days. Oh well, 'tis the season for thrills and chills.
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| the truth is in the temps (BRRR!) |
Thanksgiving morning had myself and numerous other local peeps (as well as some out-of-town guests) gathering for Grinnell's 12th annual Turkey Trot. This event was the brain child of a friend and myself, back in 2012, and it's been so exciting to see how well it's grown! This year's temps were cold, and the wind was brutal, but we had (maybe?) our largest turnout yet. I trotfess, I almost cried when I saw the outpouring of people on the streets as we made our way through the 3-mile course.
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| sigh...this is such a fulfilling start to the Thanksgiving festivities |
And, last but definitely not least, I have to give a shout-out to the many fitness blogging friends in my life. It's so awesome the network we've built over the years. I runfess, the support and encouragement that is shared among us is truly amazing. Indeed, I'm quite thankful, super grateful and ever so blessed.
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| We are many, we are one |
Whew, that was a lot! Let me just say it feels good to get all those November 'fessions out of the way, and I can move on to December with my soles cleansed.
How about you? Any 'fessions to share? Did your November treat you well?
I'm linking this with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions link-up
That's an interesting discovery with the sandals. Whatever works, right? All the best with the streak!
ReplyDeleteWell, these are hiking sandals, so they have excellent arch support, etc. I'm glad they work for me, both on the road bike and indoors ;-)
DeleteI never thought of wearing sandals on my bike wither indoors or out.
ReplyDeleteI also will never attempt a running streak ... too old for that.. but my streak is either running or the gym. It works!
November was interesting - a marathon and 10k. PW for both but hey I did it and I am grateful that I could.
Most thankful for you and the other bloggers or friends I would rather call you.
I wouldn't even think of wearing regular sandals for these things, but these hiking ones are a great option for me. Streaking is definitely not for everyone; I'm always glad when it ends, but it's a nice (minimal) distraction through the chaotic holiday season and it gets me past the Winter Solstice.
DeleteI never would have thought or tried to wear sandals for cycling-interesting! Local turkey trots are always fun. thanks for the collage it’s great. I will not be doing a run streak but will keep up my Peloton streak!
ReplyDeleteThese Chaco hiking sandals are a nice option, and they have great support and "grip." Your Peloton streak is amazing!!
DeleteYes, I thought about you starting your streak! One of these years I want to do it- it doesn't fit in with my plans right now, but it does sound fun and I've never done a streak. Maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteYour Turkey Trot looks really fun (but, brrrr.). I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Our Trot was a major BRRR! And, it wasn't the coldest one, either. I think it was the second or third year when the temps were much colder and the wind chill was below ZERO.
DeleteNo run streak or turkey trot for me this year. ~sigh~
ReplyDeleteI still cringe when I see you cycling in sandals outside. I’m so afraid for your toes! ;-)
Thank you for putting together the collage — it looks great!
Thankfully, my toes have never had any injuries, LOL. My shoulders, ribs, arms and legs all took the hit when I crashed last year.
DeleteOh no on having to get out of bed to do the add ons! I think I would have let it got. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the collage! Thanksgiving was nice, a bit cold and a little windy, but nothing like today and I am grateful I ran yesterday!
There are times I'm tempted to skip the add-ons, but I know I'll lay there and think about it, LOL.
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving and thank you for the collage! November has been good, though rushed. We are having kind of cranky weather, which is annoying, but we are pushing through all the same.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found a great shoe solution!
Yeah, our weather took a major turn for the yucky this week...
DeleteI love how you add your own element to the RW Streak. That's what brings us back to them. Thank you for the beautiful collage
ReplyDelete~ Cari
I figure, why not add a few nuances to the Streak? Keeps me young!
DeleteHave fun with your run streak and added wall sits, side planks, and core work! I guess I've been streaking with my morning and evening (plus after exercising or anytime I lift something heavy) press-ups since December 2019. I've never missed since my PT got me started on them. They make too much of a positive impact on my back to quit!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on such a great turnout for your turkey trot!