Back to our Regularly Scheduled Winter

Yes, the real winter has returned.

After a week of spring-preview temps, Momma N snapped us back to reality. After all, it’s not like we didn’t know it was coming, right? This is winter in the Midwest, and we’ve barely crossed into February.

That said, it’s been a weird winter with little-to-no snow all season. We’ve had plenty of cold temps, though, and an abundance of wind. This week saw a little bit of ice, so we’re keeping humble, LOL

Before I dis on the deets from 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 went down this week in my little chilly corner of the universe:

Sunday - Cardio on the stairs

With plans to be on site at 7:00, volunteering for the Groundhog Grind, I didn’t have a lot of extra time (due to an unplanned sleep-in). I wanted to get in some stair-training, and with my limited time, I upped the intensity with dumbbells. I only did 20 flights, but those extra 16 pounds really made them worthwhile. I double-stepped the stairs (like usual), but carrying the extra weight gave the legs and tush some bonus resistance work. After a busy morning of back-and-forth walking on hills and rough terrain (maybe a mile of total distance?), I got out for a 2-mile walk in the mild afternoon temps.

Never Miss a Monday

The crazy cold hadn’t yet arrived, but my enthusiasm for running was null and void upon wake-up. I opted for 2-ish miles of walking instead. It was bright and sunny, so I was able to get out for a quick 1-mile walk over lunch! After work, I laced the shoes and got the Monday run done (two miles, still in daylight).

Taking-things-easy Tuesday

Nothing too impressive to report…some stretching in the morning and a 2-mile lunchtime walk. My body was feeling tired, so I kept things low-key with no regrets.

A very winter-like Wednesday

Thankfully, the wind didn’t feel too feisty, but the temps were still pretty chilly at 4:45AM. I met Kelly and Maria for the 3-mile run, and Kelly stuck around and ran a bonus fourth mile with me. I snuck in some upper-body strength before getting to work. The day was overcast and fairly mild, allowing for another 2-mile lunchtime walk. Things turned damp and cold as the afternoon wore on, though, rewarding us with a layer of ice by late afternoon. Once I made it home, I was in for the night, LOL.

Triple-threat Thursday

Deb was still traveling, so I was on my own (and may have slept-in a bit). The morning saw seven miles on the bike and a shoulder-focused upper-body strength session for breakfast before heading to the office. Despite the sub-freezing temps (and requisite wind), it was a beautiful sunny day…allowing for another 2-mile lunchtime walk. A bonus was the 2-mile post-workday walk…it had been a long time since I’d gotten in two different walks in a single day. 

Finally Friday

After a much-too-late night (I’m looking at you, Apple TV about-to-expire), I had ZERO motivation to do anything too crazy. The solution: the elliptical, which had not seen any action in awhile. After 20-ish minutes (3-ish miles), I had a substantial energy buzz going. Worth mentioning, it was another day with two different 2-mile walks logged, at lunch and after work. Let’s not forget the first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day; a day to recognize all things heart-related, especially those fighting heart disease.

Long Run Saturday (sort of)

The morning’s forecast indicated there was a strong chance of ice, so I went to bed planning on an early morning bike workout. As luck would have it, Deb texted me, shortly after I was up and moving. Within a few minutes, we were spinning and chatting in sync. It’s amazing how fast time flies when you are “fitnessing” with a friend (and playing an extensive game of Catch-Up, LOL). I made it to 20 miles when we parted (virtual) ways. After a quick refueling breakfast, I headed out for a 5-mile run in the late-morning sunshine, and finished with some upper-body strength and core work. Whew! It was a busy morning, but a productive one!  

…and what’s on deck for Sunday?

Well, the early hours are looking cold (big surprise!), so I’m planning on some stair-training and probably more time on the bike. I’ll save the outdoor stuff for later in the morning or afternoon (or both).

So, how did this week play-out? I’m satisfied. Although I skipped the Thursday night run, and didn’t run especially far on Saturday, I’m fine with the mileage (11 miles this week). As I’ve said recently, I don’t have any races on the calendar for awhile, so I really don’t “need” any specific mileage right now. I’m doing enough stair-training, which gives me plenty of cardio as well as lower-body work (strength and conditioning). This week also saw 27 miles of biking and…drumroll…18 miles of walking!  It feels SO GOOD to be walking more! All is, indeed, well.

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

It’s Just a (fake spring) Break From Winter

Coffee? Chatting? Anyone???

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. As mentioned, Friday was National Wear Red Day. I’m all about honoring these important days. In this case, I know a lot of people who have either been afflicted with heart disease or have lost someone to it. Besides, red is a great color!

…and a word about my sweet little dog, Max. We rescued him 10 years ago, and the papers that came with him speculated that he was a mix of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso breeds. The oldest daughter gave me a DNA test kit for Christmas, and the results came back this week. He’s actually got some Bichon Frise and Havanese in him! No wonder he’s so handsome!

So, that’s a wrap on the latest and greatest. Can I just say it’s nice having daylight for a good hour (and more) after work? Also, my place of work (finally) got moved to our new location almost a month ago, so I now have access to sidewalks! I’m hoping to get out for lunchtime walks when the weather is favorable. I have really missed my daily walks!

How did your week play-out? Did you weather abruptly revert back to winter temps and conditions? Any big races coming up? Did you wear red on Friday?

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