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From Delightful Snowy Trails to Icy Hazards
After a somewhat boring week away from cardio exercise, I hit the trail and my indoor cardio equipment as I eased back into my normal routine. My first run back was on a delightfully soft pad of fresh snow and was pure perfection. I’d hoped to cap my week with a Saturday morning run with friends, but didn’t even reach out to them when I saw low teens temps with single digit feels like temperatures in the forecast. Additionally, the trail was an icy mess from Sunday’s snow and it sounded like the makings of a miserable run…
Overview of the Week
Before discussing each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll beyond the infographic for daily details…
Sunday
Running: 3.26 miles
• Average pace: 9:35
• Start time: 2:14 PM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 22° (feels like 13°) and snowing
• What I wore: long tights, s/s shirt, unlined jacket, gloves, mittens, ear warmer headband, and visor
Foam rolling: 10 minutes
Stretching: 10 minutes
Because the feels like temperature was 13°, I questioned whether or not I should wear double layer tights and my husband reminded me of who I am so I skipped the extra layer. I also changed out of my long sleeve shirt in favor of short sleeves and ended up dressed perfectly. I intentionally waited until it started snowing and the trail was starting to turn white before heading out for my run – there’s nothing like running on a soft layer of snow. After taking a rest week off from cardio exercise, this run felt great and I left me pumped!
Monday
Strength training : 1 hour of total body
Snow shoveling: 1.5 hours
Tuesday
Cycling: 20 miles
• Average speed: 17 MPH
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle Spin
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 11:52 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 67°
• What I wore: bike shorts and jog bra
The trails were covered in snow so even if I’d wanted to ride outside, I couldn’t, so I hopped on my spin bike (affiliate link) for 20 steady miles. It took me only a nanosecond to rip off my new Key West jersey because I was too hot. My quads rebelled at first, but finally agreed that they’d feel better after a good spin.
Wednesday
Strength training : 1 hour of total body
Thursday
Cycling: 20 miles
• Average speed: 17.2 MPH
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle Spin
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:28 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 65°
• What I wore: bike shorts and jog bra
Friday
Strength training : 1 hour of total body
Stretching: 15 minutes
I’d planned to walk on my treadmill (affiliate link) during the afternoon, but made cookies instead. HaHa!
Saturday
Walking: 2.1 miles
• Average pace: 14:34
• Start time: 7:24 PM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 24°
• What I wore: capris, l/s shirt, velour jacket, down coat, ear warmer headband, gloves, and mittens
I had every intention of running during the morning, but it was 11° (feels like 4°) and I’m not really training for anything so I skipped it. I worked on my business taxes during the afternoon and by the time I headed outside I didn’t feel like running with a full tummy so I walked instead.
Last Week’s Blog Posts
In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…
- • Sunday – Weekly RunDown: January 9 – 15 / Taking Time to Rest and Recover
- • Tuesday – 133-Mile North Key Largo to Key West Tour Recap
Questions:
- • On Friday I made cookies instead of going for a walk. What funny or ridiculous things have you done instead of your workout?
- • How’s the weather been in your neck of the woods?
- • Did you run in a race this weekend?
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.
My husband always talks about the importance of keeping fit and eating healthy now to give ourselves a better tomorrow. And I’ve just noticed how aligned you are to this as on your chart you talk of the “healthiest of tomorrows” – that’s really what it’s all about. Well done on a solid week and glad you treated yourself to those cookies!
Shathiso recently posted…Goals Don’t Come Without A Price
Thanks, Shathiso! It’s all about balance, right?
Looks like a good week of getting back into things after your bike riding adventures last week. The weather has been challenging of late, I don’t remember so much snow and ice to deal with. The cold temps are kind of invigorating out there on a run so not minding those so much. Have a great week ahead
I think we’ve had a couple of milder winters the last few years so this year’s snow seems worse than usual.
Ha ha, well sometimes cookies are necessary! You did enough workouts this week- you were perfectly entitled to skip one for the cookies.
I like the snowy running picture! Sounds like you had a good week- I’m impressed with the three hours of strength training.
Thanks, I liked the way the running picture turned out as well. The picture was taken on the path right beside our house – I’d left my little tripod by the basement door when I left for my run and grabbed it for the picture.
My full body strength training routine takes an hour and I really try to hit up a version of it three times a week. I should write about it sometime…
I agree, the snow does look pretty…too bad it comes with cold temps, LOL. I’m going to have a rude “welcome back to reality” pity party next weekend. Oh, that Keys jersey!!!!! Have I told you how badly I want one? (of course, not until after I earn it, though). I love my cardio (shocker?), so an entire week off would be tough…
The older I get the less I tolerate the cold so I’m in agreement about the snow. It’s so pretty to look at and play in, but one good snow a year would be plenty for them, then bring on the nice weather. Got that, Momma N? And yes, you’re in for a rude awakening when you return to Iowa!
We’ve gotta make that Mile 0 jersey happen for you!
For me it’s all about the wind. Today was about 19 feels like 10, but not really a lot of wind. It was fine. Even I didn’t wear double leggings — I can’t imagine moving that way! Wednesday — seriously, I shoulda stayed inside. That battle with the wind totally tired me out.
Baking cookies sounds good to me! You’re so active, Debbie, I don’t think one missed workout is a big deal.
I’ve been trying really hard to get in most of my cardio before 10 am, but it’s been a challenge with the cold lately!
The two weather events that I dislike the most (and scare me) are wind and ice so I hear you. Be careful out there!
Ha! I’m like you–I always tend to underdress because I get so hot. Today I hit the snowy trails with temperatures in the teens and wind chill around 0. I wore a baselayer and an INB pullover. I was plenty warm. I hate being hot, so I’d always opt for the opposite.
Yesterday, instead of going on a hike in Wisconsin, I stayed home and polished my kitchen cabinets. Now THAT is ridiculous.
LOL, you win on what you did instead of working out being the most ridiculous!
Love the snowy running pic! You had an awesome week Deb. Your home gym is impressive, all the great equipment!
Thanks, Jessie! I do love my home gym and in addition to using it regularly with my clients, my family and I take full advantage of it.
Awesome job on another solid week!
Like you, I also tend to underdress for outdoor runs. Once I am about 5-10 minutes a run, my body heats up so quickly – it’s the strangest thing!
Thanks, Kim! Yes, I’d rather be uncomfortable (too cold) for the first half mile, than miserably hot for the remainder of my run.
LOL on the baking. If I have a weekend morning “off” from running I tend to bake instead. We runners like to eat, right?
Love your Conch Republic jersey.
Isn’t that jersey great? I was so happy they had it in my size!
Oh, and yes, we runners love to eat!
Great week of workouts for you! We’ve had minimal (well 6″ last night and a few more tonight) snow but it’s been cold. with a feels like below zero most days. Love that you balanced out your week with some cookie baking!
That may be minimal for you tough Chicagoans, but the DMV comes to a screeching halt with 6 inches of snow. LOL
A solid week of workouts, congrats!
I have never had the experience of running on a soft layer of snow: I would like to try.
Here we are enjoying sunny days even if the temperature is between 40 and 50F.
I love cookies.
Black Knight recently posted…Listening to my body, Birds and the Dying Town
The key is running on snow that’s fallen on dry ground or pavement so it’s not slippery and that’s exactly what we had. It was a delightful run, I’m sure you would have enjoyed it, Stefano.
Not at all anti treadmill, but I mean cookies all day any day.
Funny re: your layers, friend and I were talking about that Saturday here (9-20 wind chill). I had on two long sleeve shirts and a windbreaker. She had a tank, long sleeve and a thicker jacket. Shows how different our bodies are. I haven’t doubled up on tights in a long time, luckily. I avoid the river route and last week thought to put hand warmers in my thigh pockets.
Cari recently posted…have a nice trip, see you next fall
“Cookies all day,” now you’re talking – HeeHee!
Our individual body thermostats are so different. It’s amazing how differently we all dress to stay comfortable on our runs.
I rarely skip workouts, but today I decided to cut my stretching short and do it in the living room instead of the gym. My studies are starting again, Monday after a longer period with exams, and it’s a tradition in my study group to bring something tasty to share I guess it’s going be chocolate chip cookies this time. What kind of cookies is your favorite?
malthehaagen recently posted…The beginners’ guide to strength training – Everything you need to know
Hot-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies are hard to beat!
That snow is so pretty! I know it must get old, but I would love a day or two of it!
Great week!
Jenn recently posted…january runfessions
It is pretty and just like any other cold weather run, you warm up quickly so you have to adjust your layers. I think it’s better to be a little cool the first half mile than too hot and shedding layers the rest of the run.