Smile...We've Turned the Corner

There was a lot to smile about this week.

After almost two weeks of endless cold, wind and snow (not necessarily in that order), we got a much-appreciated winter thaw. Case in point, the daily snow shoveling didn't have to happen on the daily anymore. I was able to get outside for more than just driveway boot camp. And, the excess layers of gear were no longer necessary.

Granted, winter is still far from over. Just having this nice reprieve, though, makes it feel like we've turned the corner on my least favorite season. That's worthy of a lot of smiling!

Before I dis on 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 ;-)

Anyways, here's what down in my little world of fitness and whatnot this week:

Oh, Sunny Sunday!

The morning started with a repeat of last Sunday's stair workout:

*20 flights double-stepped (moderately paced)

*10 flights triple-stepped (slowly)

*10 flights single-stepped (quickly)

*20-30 second rest/recovery

**repeat**

*finish with 20 flights double-stepped (100 total flights)

...then a 10-mile flush-out-the-legs ride (followed by pancakes). I also got out for a 2-mile walk in the afternoon (it had been awhile since the weather had allowed for that to happen!), and I hit the elliptical in the evening (3-ish miles). A well-rounded day (with ZERO shoveling).

 

Never Miss a Monday.

After nearly two weeks of near-ZERO temps, we finally had some "warm" weather to embrace. The morning began with 10 miles on the spin bike and then there were three heavenly OUTDOOR miles after work. After returning home, I spent 45 minutes shoveling (again), this time finally breaking through the 3-foot high snowplow "pile" at the base of the circular part of my driveway.

Somewhat Taking-It-Easy Tuesday...

Tuesday morning had me feeling oh-so-sleepy. I'd thought of doing some "traditional" strength work (like, with weights and not a shovel), but my body said "Umm, No Thanks." The above-freezing temps had melted some of the snow, and much of that had re-frozen overnight. I knew the streets would be slick and unsafe in the dark. Instead, I stayed inside and did 3-ish miles on the elliptical (20 minutes), and saved my 2-mile walk for after work. Also, another 30 minutes of shoveling were awaiting my return.

Double Workout Wednesday for the win!

With a full moon run planned for the evening, I opted for some time on the bike in the morning (12 miles). Again, the notion of doing any "indoor" strength work did not sound appealing (major DOMS, still, with the arms and shoulders). Michele and I were finally able to resurrect our at-work walking, and got in a 1-miler mid-afternoon. And...I did another 30 minutes of shoveling after work.

 

Technically, the full moon was due to show on Thursday evening, but Wednesday worked better for our schedules. Besides, both evenings were showing cloud cover and heavy fog, so the moon would be MIA anyways. I met-up with Barb and Allison, for the first time since our December full moon run. The 35F temps (with no wind, BTW) felt incredible! So what if we had to improvise the selfie with a streetlight? (**Sidebar**It wound up raining most of Thursday, during the day and evening, so doing our run on Wednesday was a wise decision)

Thankful Thursday.

It had been a couple weeks since Deb and I were able to meet for our weekly cardio hour of power. It had been several months since the two of us had done any virtual biking while FaceTiming, so this was a special day! A bonus? We showed up wearing similar fitness gear. Other than shoveling, I think this was my first 5AM workout of 2024. All told, 15 miles on the bike, and a rainy 1-mile walk in the evening (keeping that #OptOutside streak alive).

Is it Finally Friday?

After what felt like an especially long week, Friday morning had me feeling fatigued. I kept things low-key with the elliptical (3-ish miles) and some core work in the morning. The temps were still mild after work, so I got out for a 2-mile walk, and spent another 45 minutes fine-tuning the snow removal along the driveway edging.

Lovely Long Run Saturday!

As much as I was hoping to leave the lighted gear at home, it was a necessity with the continued fog. Barb and I met for an hour of running and conversation, at 7:00, and it was still dark and dreary for the first mile or so. As much as I'm loving the snow-free streets, I'd LOVE to have some sunshine even more...but that's a definite first world prob given the recent arctic blast. This 10K felt good, and almost effortless (I love it when that happens as well!), and check out those even splits!

...and what's my Sunday looking like?

The forecast is showing similar above-freezing temps (yay!),but also sunshine (triple YAY!!!). I'll probably do some stair work in the wee hours, but I'll definitely get outdoors for some walking. Gotta soak up the long-awaited sunshine!

So, this week played-out nicely. The running was sort of back in the mileage game with 14-ish miles. The elliptical is edging its way into the realm; this week saw 9 miles of action. Walking staged a substantial comeback with 8 miles this week! Biking was decent, with 47 miles. Although I snuck in a few core workouts, most of my strength work was (again) via the snow shovel (2-1/2 hours, thank you very much). I'm eager to get back to more traditional strength work this next week. 

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

Not a DOMS Dweller

The '24 'Fessions Are Flyin'

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Your thoughts on the classic black and white color scheme? Do you play it safe with black or white pieces with a patterned top? Or do you throw in another color, you know, to add a touch of funk and flair to your outfit?  

January is a busy month for our little Max. His birthday is on the 19th (according to the paperwork that came with him). We brought him home, from a nearby shelter, on the 24th. It's really hard to believe this little sweetheart (and rascal, on some days) has been with us for nine years! 

Whew! It was quite a busy and active week, but I'm looking forward to a little less action this next week. My arms and shoulders are SO wasted, but I know after a few days of shovel-free rest they'll be good as new (and probably stronger). That being said, I'm grateful I am able to persevere through physically demanding weeks such as what I've seen recently. Believe me, I don't take any of this for granted.

How was your week? Were you treated to the same mid-winter thaw as Iowa saw? Anyone else eager for an early summer? 

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