Continued Smooth Sailing

What can I say?

We're almost through December, not to mention the Year of 2023, and the weather has been pretty kind to me. We all know I've been run streaking since Thanksgiving Eve. This year, I've done several of those runs in shorts, and even more sans gloves! 

There's also been a lack of snow (precipitation in general, actually), which has made for some low-maintenance daily jaunts in the running shoes.

This past week was no exception...

So, anyways, before I share the deets of the week, 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 blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Alas, here's what went down, in my little corner of the fitness world, this week:

A low-key Sunday

The morning began with some stair-climbing cardio, via an 18-step hotel stairway. After a full day of wedding shindigs, and a late night of fun and dancing, 10 flights (up and down) made for a pretty thorough wake-up before trekking back home. Later, in the afternoon, I got out for a short 1-mile run and a 2-mile walk, and called it good for the day.

 

Never Miss a Monday

Dang, was my body ever tired! The wind was blowing at a rather rude 24mph at wake-up, so I opted for eight miles on the bike instead.

After work, the wind had calmed down to a "mellow" 6mph, so it was optimal for my daily streak run (Thank you, Momma N!). This run felt so good, as did the weather, that I extended the planned 1-miler to three miles.

An unusually Tired Tuesday

Not sure how or why, but my 10-minute "post-alarm snooze" lasted for 90 minutes instead. Major oops! Short on time, I summoned the elliptical...and 33 minutes later, I had five "miles" done (I guarantee, that kind of distance would not have happened had I been running, LOL). After work, I layered up for another short and quick 1-mile streak run, followed by a 2-mile walk.

 

A no-wind Wednesday!

It was a chilly, but calm Solstice Eve #5at5 this week! Not sure where the wind was, but it can be MIA and I won't cry about it. I also knocked-out a 2-mile walk, after work, before hitting the Sweat Den Down Under (my basement), for 16 miles on the bike and some upper-body strength work.

Thursday...

I hit the "Barre" early (and brought my own 'band"), and also burned my shoulders twice...but it all felt great! Those short strength workouts are awesome time-savers, and give a great muscle burn when you're short on time.

I had planned on heading to another out-of-town ugly sweater run, but my plans changed. What's a runner to do? Take a pivot, text a friend and keep the run local! Allison joined me for four miles, under some Christmas lights and with minimal wind to fight.

Finally Friday

Let's just say Friday was a welcome sight! Work had been (somewhat) busy, with the upcoming 4-day weekend. I had made a few unexpected stops at the grocery store. And, there was a lot of hurried knitting (see below) in the late night hours. I knew the temps would be warm after work, so I opted for an indoor high-cardio/low-impact "brick hour" session indoors:

**3 miles on the elliptical

**6 miles on the bike

**3 additional miles on the elliptical

After work, the air was foggy, misty and damp...but the temps were pleasant (again). Just a quick 1-mile streak run, and I was in for the night...knitting, knitting, and knitting.

Simply Saturday

What a foggy morning! Barb and I met at 7:30 for a 5-miler, and we both decided to wear our light-up vests. Thankfully, most of the fog had cleared by the time we finished, but yikes! Afterwards, I cooled-down on the bike (six miles). Then, off to the store (hopefully my last grocery run for 2023, LOL) and more knitting.

...and Sunday?

The forecast is looking similar to Saturday (upper-40's/50's), so I'll probably be donning shorts again for my streak run. I don't think I've ever done so many December runs with bare legs!

Not a bad week, though a busy week. The run streak is going well; as of Saturday, I'm 85 miles in, and only have nine days remaining. This week saw 20 miles of running (10 of those in shorts, just saying). Walking was, again, rather bleak (six miles). The elliptical saw more action than typical this week, with 11 miles (or thereabouts). Biking was decent, but not stellar... 36 miles. The strength workouts were short, but sweet. I promise to increase the intensity (and duration) after the run streak ends.

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

Halfway There!

2023 - The Year in Pics

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Tis the season for red, green, and any combination thereof. I've had this plaid dress for a few years, and it always lifts my spirits when I wear it. Besides, we had our office holiday party, so why not don the festive attire?

As mentioned, I've been knitting this week. This is the third "ugly" collegiate sweater I've fashioned and designed. I made similar sweaters for the youngest daughter and son last year, and am finally getting one ready for the oldest daughter. Maybe I'll make one for myself...eventually.

And, the Winter Solstice! As much as I dread the cold and dark days of Winter, I'm always ecstatic when the Solstice arrives because I know the days are only going to get longer and brighter from here on out. That's worthy of celebrating!

Whew! What a ride this week was! Although things were busy (and a wee bit crazy perhaps), I'm one of those who thrives on such circumstances. I tend to get a lot more done under the crunch of a deadline because I don't have time to dawdle or overanalyze what needs my attention. 

How did your week play out? Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, or does it leave you feeling overwhelmed? Are you keeping consistent with your fitness regimen amongst all the festivities? How's your weather been?

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