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Opting Outside
Given the chance, I will always opt to take my cardio workout outside. Both icy conditions and excessive wind will send me to the basement, but whenever possible I prefer the great outdoors. This week was great for running outside, but I haven’t tested myself on biking outside since last Saturday. Today, though, once I hit submit on this weekly rundown, I will be braving the 36° (feels like 29°) for my coldest ride (as an adult) to date. Wish me luck!
Overview of the Week
Before discussing each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll down for daily details…
Sunday
While I didn’t have a specific workout on tap, I got in over 15,000 steps and 423 active minutes while taking down our Christmas decorations (except for the tree). I just wish my Fitbit Alta (affiliate link) counted stairs with all of the trips I made up and down the three flights as I carried items down to storage in the basement.
Monday
I started my first day of work in 2021 with a weird abundance of energy considering how little sleep I’d gotten after a late night of watching Sunday night football. With a 2-hour mid-morning break in my schedule, I lifted weights and did core exercises for just over an hour. Later in the afternoon, I hoped on my spin bike (affiliate link) for 16 miles at a 16.6 MPH average speed.
Tuesday
Without any early work appointments, I slept until 7:45 AM to catch up from the previous night’s lack of sleep. I took my time and didn’t leave the house until 9:15. Since it was daylight, I left the comfort of my circle and ran on the community trails. The combination of a temperature of 38° (perfect running weather in my book) and feeling well rested, I had a great run averaging a 9:24 pace.
Wednesday
After getting up at 5:30 to train my 6:30 client, I got a text at 6:10 saying that she needed to cancel. With newfound time, I hustled and hit the gym for just over an hour of strength training. I don’t like last-minute cancelations, but I do like getting my workout out of the way early in the morning!
Thursday
Even though I’d gotten up at 5 AM, I headed out in the 34° (feels like 29°) at 6:45 for my run a little later than planned, and then because of scheduling, had to cut it short at 4 miles (9:23 pace).
Friday
I squeezed in my own strength training workout between clients spread out over the morning.
After taking a month off from teaching my Balance and Stretching class, I logged on to Facebook Live and lead my students to their first class of 2021. I challenged my students to give me one fitness goal for 2021 because sharing goals helps keep us accountable. It’s been fun seeing what goals they are setting for 2021. I also shared with them my goal of making more time for stretching.
After class I hopped on my treadmill (affiliate link) and walked for just over 20 minutes (~1.25 miles).
Saturday
Bill and I enjoyed a rare lazy morning so I didn’t head out for my run until 1 PM. Luckily the wind didn’t pick up as much as forecasted so the 40° temperature’s feels like remained reasonable at 35°. I stayed on our neighborhood trails and ran 5K at a 9:04 pace.
Here’s What You Might Have Missed
In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…
- • Sunday – Weekly RunDown: December 27 – January 2 / Welcome 2021!
- • Tuesday – Virtual 2021 New Year’s Day 5K Race Recap
Questions:
- • What, if any, fitness goals have you set for 2021?
- • What do you consider perfect running weather? What weather conditions keep you inside?
- • Did you run in a race this weekend? If so, was it live or virtual?
And that’s my rundown… Have a great week!
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I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.
I’d say perfect running weather for me is in the mid to upper 40s…or 50s if there is no humidity! My first goal fo 2021 is a 5k (either virtual race or timed trial) that I will probably do at the end of February. You had a great start to the year with all your workouts!
Thanks, Lisa! Yay for having a timed 5K in your future!
What a nice week for you! 40 degrees is my running sweet spot. I ran a virtual trail race yesterday and it was about 35 and sunny. Perfection!
Yes, I saw that on your IG and can’t wait to read about it!
Wow, you really squeezed in a ton of workouts this week – great job! We’ve had some cold weather here lately but the sun has been out more than usual which is definitely a bonus!
Thanks, Kim! And yes, the sun helps so much!
40 degrees is the best running temp- and the best marathon racing temp! The single digit temps and snowy trails have been beating my body up a bit here in Minneapolis, more than I want to admit! I am considering a full week off just to reset and bring back some mojo 🙂 The mojo that you seem to have! Great week for you Deb!
I can’t even imagine how cold it must get in Minneapolis… Fortunately for me, our winters are much milder. Hope your reset helps!
It was a lot colder this week but I kind of like it. I run so much better. My perfect temps would be about 45-55. Way to start the year off strong. Have a good one
Thanks, Deborah!
Offhand I’m good with mid 30’s to 60’s for running temps. Though lately I’ve been happily going outside in high 20’s. Heat is really hard for me but salt tablets and a cooling gaiter helped a lot this summer. The only deal breakers for me are when we cross over from comfort to safety. I won’t mess around with slick surfaces, storms, or darkness.
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Oh yeah, I should have added storms to the list of weather conditions that keep me inside.
Great week, Debbie!! My big goal (so far) for 2021 is to continue building back my base without overdoing it 😉 At the moment, I’m trying to get in 21 minutes of outdoor activity everyday. So far, so good!
Oh, I like that goal of getting at least 21 minutes of outdoor activity daily! Keep up the good work!
I really always opt outside. I love 55 and sunny, but not humid, and that is pretty perfect for me. However, I can’t complain too much about our recent cold winter. Even when it’s 35 and windy.
Glass half full!
I have always liked the graphic you use to recap your week. Looks like you had a good one!
Thanks, Michelle! The template was a free download I found online.
Sounds like you had a great week, Debbie! It isn’t that long ago you weren’t running at all. Love your challenge to your group.
My one “challenge” for myself got trashed already, LOL — although I did say illness was a reason not to do it.
I think about mid 40s – 50s is perfect running weather — but of course it’s not just the temps, it’s also the wind & sun. But you won’t find me in shorts in those temps!
Thanks, Judy! Hope you’re feeling better by now.
good week Debbie. I always admire how much you are able to get done, ticking off your weekly goals that you set. I have a long way to go still to reach those sort of goals. And on that note – I have absolutely no goals at the moment! I have spent too much time being injured, coming back from injury, and then being injured again so I’m taking things nice and slow and easy while I ramp back up into running again.
I also think that 38F (I had to calculate to C!) is GREAT running weather. especially if sunny and dry 🙂
I think it’s a good idea to ease back into your workouts – trying to ramp it up too quickly can cause injuries. You’ve been so busy with your move that I can certainly understand how it’s hard time to fit it all in.
If possible I’m outside. I prefer sun and 50 degrees. It’s rare. I got that my one and only marathon.
My goal is to walk everyday and run 3-4 times a week. With a long one on the weekend.
Not focusing on speed until we have normal face to face races.
How lucky to get your perfect running weather for your marathon. Those conditions sound pretty nice to me, too!
You’ve inspired me to go out for a walk!
Do you have a cancellation policy for clients that cancel at the last minute? I do understand things happen that are out of our control, but it is still not fair for you. Just curious.
Wow, that is a lot of steps! I don’t wear my FitBit anymore because I felt pressured to do the minimum number of steps. I know it is silly. I do not miss it at all. I had a nice one too!
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My cancelation policy is that I forgive sickness or last minute work issues, but if they cancel because they overslept or choose to do something else, they have to pay for the session. Of course, they could lie and say they’re sick, but I have a good relationship with my clients and trust that they won’t take advantage of my policy.
I love getting out on my local trails, feel so much better on my knees than road running.
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I ran some trails yesterday for the first time in ages. I, too, love it so much more – just wish I didn’t have to drive so far to get to them…