It’s All About Perspective

Perspective.

This week was all about keeping things in perspective. Although Momma N dumped a lot of the white stuff on us, we really haven’t had much snow this winter. It’s definitely been cold and windy, but there hasn’t been much in terms of adverse conditions either.  And, let’s not forget we’re already halfway through February! In a few weeks, we’ll be only a few more weeks from Spring’s arrival.

Speaking of perspective, that shovel (above, title pic) isn’t really as big as it appears. The artistic element of perspective is what makes items in the foreground look much bigger than those behind it, LOL. 

But, I digress…

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 went down in my little world of fitness and fun and whatnot this week:

Sunday…Can you say cardio?

With very cold and windy conditions outdoors, I opted to keep the cardio inside (in the early hours). How does this grab you:

*20 flights (double-stepped)

**10 flights (single-stepped) with weights

***10 flights (double-stepped) with weights

**** 20 push-ups

*****repeat*****

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

These 100 flights were more intense than anticipated! I used 8-pound dumbbells (so, 16 total pounds of resistance). The push-ups actually felt like a recovery, and I had some significant sweat happening & muscles burning. All good! Later, I got out for a 2-mile afternoon walk. 

The elevation chart cracks me up

Monday…Can you see the moon?

The forecast was showing better weather conditions in the daylight hours, so I started the day on the bike (six miles). The early afternoon sunshine was very conducive for a 2-mile walk (over lunch). After work, the (almost) full moon was starting to rise during my run, so I grabbed a quick pic because I didn’t know if I’d see it or not with the upcoming snowstorm headed our way.

Tuesday…Can you feel the wind?

The morning had me working the weights inside. The afternoon allowed for a very short (and very cold and very windy) walk. And the evening had me situated with Max, inside, awaiting the snow’s arrival (knitting needles in hand).

Wednesday…Can you laugh at the weather?

There was only a few inches of snow thus far (maybe six inches), but my Wednesday running group had decided not to risk it, and we took a pass. Instead, I did 10 miles on the bike before tackling the driveway (title pic). Thankfully, traffic was light and the roads were still pretty clear for the morning commute. The afternoon drive home, though, was almost in whiteout conditions. And the driveway needed another “push-scoop-lift & toss” session with the shovel.

Thursday…Can you focus on all things thankful?

It was another Thankful Thursday, and I was due for a bit of a sleep-in. Of course, my sleep-in still had me up and moving before 5:30. I got in a short upper-body strength workout before braving the icy drive to work. My commute usually takes around 25 minutes, but it took almost a full hour due to the slick road conditions. Indeed, I was quite thankful to make it to the office unharmed! Later in the evening, I got out for the monthly full moon run (see below).

 Friday…Can you rise and ride in red?

Although I didn’t feel like getting outside in the early hours, I did feel like hitting the bike. So I did, for 10 miles. And I made sure to wear red to honor Valentines Day. After work, the conditions were perfect for an exhilarating pre-dinner walk (two miles).

Saturday…Can you say Long(ish) Run Saturday?

The forecast was looking sketchy for the late morning and afternoon, but my mojo was MIA for an early run, LOL. I finally made it out the door around 8:00, and made a 6-miler happen. I was pleasantly surprised to see the trail cleared off (and better than many of the residential sidewalks). The 26F temps (16F feels-like) were cold, but bearable. We’d gotten around eight inches of snow from Wednesday’s storm, and there was more in the forecast…but it was a no-show.

…and what’s on deck for Sunday?

I’m kind of craving another stair workout, but there’s also a 40K Biking Badge up for grabs (via Garmin). I’m leaning towards the biking, but I might throw in a short stair workout afterwards. Stay tuned.

So, how was my week? In a few words, all went well! The running saw 10 miles; walking had seven miles; biking logged 26 miles (with 25 more happening on Sunday). My strength training has been consistent, but I’d really like to add an extra session or increase the duration of the ones I’ve been doing. I’m trying a new-to-me core routine that involves daily circuits of double-leg raises (so it’s working my legs as well). It’s giving me a good burn, so I’ll be curious to see how soon I start noticing visible results.

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

Back to our Regularly Scheduled Winter

In Other News:

Friday Fashion Flair. Even when we’re not celebrating Valentine’s Day, I’m a a fan of the color red. Hey, I’m all about bright and bold colors, and red is certainly of that caliber. Did you wear red on Friday?

The February full moon is called the Snow Moon, and that was quite appropriate this week! I wasn’t able to get out on its actual appearance (due to the snow storm conditions on Wednesday evening). But, Thursday evening? Wow. The sky was clear and the moon was looking every bit as “full” as I’m sure it was 24 hours prior.

Garmin was especially kind to me on Valentines Day, gifting me a couple of badges. Who needs chocolate or flowers?  

So, there’s another week in the vault. Although some of my numbers are lower than ideal, I’m keeping consistent with daily movement, and trying to keep this “off season” somewhat low-key. Do I feel any guilt? Nope! 

How was your fitness this past week? Did you get some snow dumped on you also? Do you stay inside when the weather is iffy or forge ahead (outdoors) with caution? 

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