Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

 

Looking Forward to 2024

With 2023 neatly packed away, the year is off to a good start in the fitness department. My first week even included a race with my friends. I adore those ladies and even though we get together several times a year for dinner, I hope I can join them on the running trail a little more in the coming year.

 

Overview of the Week

Before getting into each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll beyond the infographic for daily details…

 

Sunday

Cycling: 20 miles
• Average speed: 15.8 MPH
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 7:17 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 64° in basement
• What I wore: bike shorts and jog bra

Walking: 2 miles
• Average pace: 14:57 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 92 feet
• Start time: 11:20 PM
• Location: neighborhood streets
• Weather: 46° (feels like 44°) and partly cloudy, turning mostly sunny
• What I wore: capris, sweatshirt, and windbreaker jacket, gloves, and visor

I started off the morning on my spin bike (affiliate link) and eventually, I took care of a couple of errands on foot rather than driving and spent the entire rest of the day taking down Christmas decorations (not including the garland on the stairs and the main tree). I certainly didn’t adhere to keeping off of my legs as much as possible the day before a race, but I’m on a tight timeline this week and stuff had to be done.

Even though I got a good picture while riding my bike, this outtake is more fun!

 

Monday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

Running: 5K
• Average pace: 9:09 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 78 feet
• Start time: 10:10 AM
• Location: Dynasty Brewing
• Weather: 42° (feels like 38°) and overcast, dropping to 39° (feels like 34°), snowed on the drive home
• What I wore: capris, l/s t-shirt, light shell, ear warmer headband, gloves, mittens, and visor (took jacket off after first mile)

With a late race start, I was able to sleep in a little bit, but still got up in time to lift upper body and core before the race (I did legs later in the afternoon). It was wonderful starting the new year with these amazing longtime friends. Despite my lackluster training and the 10-year age groups, I managed to snag 2nd place out of 21 women. It’s worth pointing out that our age group was won by a 69 year old lady! I plan to post the recap this week.

 

Tuesday

Rest day; although I taught a fitness machines orientation class at the 55+ gym so I spent 2 hours demoing how to use each piece of equipment.

 

Wednesday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

Cycling: 20 miles
• Average speed: 13.6 MPH
• Bike: Salsa Warbird
• Surface: mostly paved
• Elevation gain: 665 feet
• Start time: 2:22 PM
• Location: W&OD Trail Ashburn/Leesburg loop
• Weather: 48° and sunny, dropping to 47° (feels like 45°)
• What I wore: bike shorts, leg sleeves, l/s jersey, jacket, earflap hat, and gloves

With two sick clients and one on vacation, I was finished with work by 1 PM and took advantage of my extra time by heading outside for a ride.

 

Thursday

Walking: 4 miles
• Average pace: 15:23 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 149 feet
• Start time: 6:06 AM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 34° and cloudy
• What I wore: capris, l/s t-shirt, down jacket, ear warmer headband, gloves, mittens, and visor

I walked while Kim ran and then cycled during our weekly virtual cardio workout. While out, we enjoyed the last of the the Christmas lights in our respective neighborhoods.

Collage credit: Kim

Friday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

Walking: 1 mile
• Average pace: 14:12 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 10:29 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 63°
• What I wore: capris and jog bra

Balance and stretching: 45 minutes

Drive to Charlotte

I worked before we left for a quick whirlwind trip to Charlotte. As always, Pablo was beyond excited to see us, but since we arrived so late in the evening, he promptly returned to bed.

 

Saturday

Walking: 1 mile
• Average pace: 26:16 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 107 feet
• Start time: 1:53 PM
• Location: Pablo’s neighborhood
• Weather: 42° and overcast
• What I wore: capris, l/s shirt, velour jacket, and gloves

During a break in the rain, we took Pablo for a walk. The weather forecast had called for rain all day (possibly even ice), so we were happy to get outside.

 

Last Week’s Blog Posts

In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…

 

Questions:
  • • How is your 2024 starting? ~ can’t complain
  • • Which workouts were your most enjoyable, toughest, and/or memorable? ~ It was so fun to get back into the racing scene with my friends!
  • • Did you run in race on New Year’s Day or this weekend? ~ yes

 

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.