Saturday, January 10, 2026

Sweating out the “cold”


Let’s just say the weather wasn’t the only thing experiencing “cold” symptoms this week.

I’m not sure where it came from, but there was a vicious little bug (of some sort) trying to wreak havoc with my sinuses. It didn’t really keep me from moving and grooving, but it did test my patience. 

Alas, I persevered… Yadda 

Before I get into the “cold” diets 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, this week, in my little world of whatnot:

Sunday - Simply Stairs…
With a full moon run on the evening’s roster, I started the morning on the stairs. I did a repeat of a workout from a few weeks ago:
**20 flights of doubles-steps
**10 push-ups
**1-minute wall sit
***repeat two more times***


My plan of postponing the full moon run until Sunday evening was totally on-point, as there was a beautiful clear sky and minimal wind. I like it when Momma N cooperates with me like that.


Never miss a Monday
Nothing super grandiose, but I believe all movement is magical, especially when you wake up with a possible “sinus situation” lurking. I began the morning with 10 miles on the bike and some upper-body strength work. I also walked a couple miles over lunch, and also after work.


Not quite my typical Tuesday…
The morning was pretty “typical,” with four miles on the elliptical, as was my 2-mile lunch walk. After work, though, the temps were somewhat mild, so I hit the streets for a quick 2-mile run before an evening of MSU basketball.


Wednesday - back with the early morning crew
We welcomed Kelly back, this week, for the 4:45 run. It’s not every day we show up with coordinating colors, but it makes for a great pic when it happens. I did my usual 2-mile lunch walk as well. The temps were outstanding… we’re talking record-breaking 60F! Max was so excited, he took me for a speedy 1-mile walk after I got home (and we still had daylight!).


Thankful Thursday - making do…
The forecast was looking damp and cold, but the wee hours were still dry, so I opted for an early-morning 2-mile walk and a 6-mile ride while chatting with Deb. There was more walking over lunch, and that was it for the day. As mentioned, the sinus thing was still not playing nice, and I had zero ambition to layer-up and do anything more outside. Besides, there was another MSU basketball game on the roster, so the couch served me well, thank you very much.


Finally Friday…
Even with the gunky sinus thing, I was still awake before 5:30 (not sure how my body functions on limited slumber when things aren’t at 100%). I got on the bike, for 10 miles, then did a short legs/glutes workout (via Peloton). The skywalk kept me busy, with two miles (and change) over my lunch break. Max took me around the block, after work, then it was time for an exciting game watch gathering for the Peach Bowl (yay for the Hoosiers!).
 

Saturday - more time on the bike
With the continued gunky nasal situation (ugh), I decided it best to pass on the anticipated 5/6-mile outdoor run. Not a big deal, since there aren’t any races on the immediate schedule. Instead, I summoned the bike again, this time knocking-out a 25-miler. I snuck in an ab workout (Peloton) and then got out for a 1-mile walk later in the morning. 


and what’s on-deck for Sunday?
My running club is sponsoring a 10K trail race in a few weeks. Several peeps are planning a “preview” run on the race course, and I was hoping to join them Sunday morning. I think it’s in my best interest to take a pass, though, since the forecast is looking sunny but quite cold and windy. As expected, the trail is also quote hilly, hence it would be a tough endeavor given my situation (the sinuses are still a bunch of gunk). Alas, I’ll hit the bike (again), or maybe attempt a short stair workout. As much as I’d appreciate a sleep-in, I’ll probably be awake well before 6:00. 

Anyways, the week was decent in terms of fitness, but the sinus thing was annoying. I seldom ever get sick, so I struggle with knowing how to deal with the situation, LOL. Thankfully, I think I’ve (hopefully) turned the corner and will be back to normal soon. I haven’t had any other symptoms other than the nasal gunk (no fatigue, fever, etc.), so that’s a plus. Onward! 

This week saw only seven miles in the running shoes since there wasn’t any “long” running on the weekend. Walking logged 19 miles. Biking had a decent showing with 51 miles. I’m glad to have the stair workouts back in my routine as they give a great boost to my lower-body strength!

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

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. The day was chilly, so I had played the layering game, and added a pop of color. 


Garmin handed me a couple of badges this week. 


Finally, I had a pleasant surprise as I was putting away my Christmas decorations this week. I’d forgotten about my amaryllis bulbs, which I’d put in the dark storage space under my basement steps. It was nice to see they’re coming back to life after several months of hibernation! 


So, that’s a wrap on the first full week of January. Although the temps were cold most of the week (except for Wednesday), it’s still been warmer than usual. The forecast is showing temps in the mid-50F’s for Monday and Tuesday. I’m quite alright with that!

How is 2026 treating you thus far? Any spring events on the roster that you’re on the verge of training for? Have you been able to stay healthy?

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10 comments:

  1. Nice job this week! You were so good at getting outside. I also love the stair workout, what a creative and fun lower body workout. I would be so sore the next day!

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  2. So sorry to hear about that stubborn sinus bug, Kim. It is such a test of patience when you have that gunk holding you back. You made a smart call passing on the hilly trail run. The bike is a much kinder option when your head is not 100 percent!
    I hope you feel completely back to normal very soon. Onward!

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  3. Glad to hear that your illness didn't keep you from getting your workouts in.-- even if you had to modify. It seems that no one is escaping the winter bugs this year! Feel better!

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  4. Sorry you are coping with the crud. I’ve been feeling blah this week too. Not quite enough to be down for the count, but just not 100%.
    Glad you got a dose of warm weather — I bet that felt good!

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  5. Sounds smart to take a pass on getting out there today. Rest is a good idea and hope that sinus thing clears up soon. Everyone seems to have had that bug the last few weeks! Go Hoosiers!!

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  6. Sorry to hear that you're still battling that sinus thing! Those can stick around and they're not fun.

    There's nothing on the agenda that I'm training for at the moment. I have do another century on my 26 in 2026 so at some point I'll need to do some longer rides.

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  7. Coach Max is hard at work making sure that you get your stair training in!

    We had a wonderful warmup this week, and we took full advantage with longer dog walks and hiking. Naturally we got a winter storm this morning. Hey, if we can't go out we'll sweat inside.

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  8. Sorry to hear you're sick! I also usually don't get sick, but when I do it's a doozy. Glad to hear it's just in your sinuses and no other symptoms.
    Sounds like we watched opposite bowl games- I watched the Fiesta Bowl and was so exhausted on Friday, I skipped the game at night. The championship should be good!!!
    Sounds like you had a great week in spite of the sinus thing. Enjoy your balmy weather this week!

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  9. glad you didn't let the sinus situation get too much of the best of you Kim! Love the coordinating ladies! how cool that your bulbs are coming back to life as well!

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  10. There's a lot of sickness going around... so far I've haven't caught anything.

    You know me, I've signed up for quite a few spring races - 3 half marathons and two 10 milers...

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