Stay far away, snow!: 1/9-15 Weekly Wrap

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

I am enjoying our (mostly) unseasonably warm winter. Oh, we’ve had some snow, some freezing rain, some bitterly cold weather. But in short spurts. And at the moment, the snow is gone — which is just perfect for running, even if it’s not “pretty”. I can live without snow — and snow acts like a freezer, just pumping out cold.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin to let you know how I stayed active this week — check out some of hte other bloggers (and especially our hosts!) to be inspired.

WeeklyWrap

Workouts update

  • Monday: YFR Hips, Pahla B Core, 3 miles easy (but cold!!) — 1.5 with Bandit, YFR Hamstrings
  • Tuesday: 10 min Pilates Perfect Body Legs & Stretch, Dogwalk, Pahla B ST, Yogaworks PM
  • Wednesday: YFPR Align & Alleviate, Dogwalk, 5 miles easy with 5 x 30 second strides
  • Thursday:  10 Min PIlates Lower Body & Flexibility, 3 easy treadmill miles
  • Friday: Pahla B ST, Dogwalk
  • Saturday: Dogwalk
  • Sunday: DM Flow, 1.5 mile WU, 10k, YFR Foundation

Mileage: 19ish (+.75)

TIU = Tone it Up
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running updates 

 

All bundled up for the Polar Vortex

Monday

Still in the grip of the Polar Vortex, but the roads were clear so I still ran outside. With Bandit. Who surprisingly didn’t seem to mind the fact that it was in the teens, with a feels like 8 temperature.

In fact, it might just have been his fastest run ever — under a 12mm (although I do have to pause my watch while he does his business, which is pretty much every walk break). I guess we both just wanted to get it done!

And wouldn’t you know the sun finally came out just as I finished? Boo.

Still enjoying the Christmas decorations

Wednesday

The morning was uber-windy, but then it calmed down and it was so nice and sunny . . . until I finally had time to get out for a run, of course. I still can’t complain — it was almost 50F! A hat & capris!

I did have the run with Bandit, who seemed to get tired towards the end; it’s been a while since he’s run that far, since it’s been so cold. I dropped him off at the house, and then did 5 x 30 seconds strides to counteract his slowing down. And finished off the last couple of miles, slowing down myself (the wind had picked back up again).

I’m enjoying this almost-no-snow-winter so far.

tm011217
Look, “running” through the Yukon

Thursday

It was a warm and rainy Thursday. I chose to get my run on on my treadmill. It was also a busy day of cleaning, since the following day I was going to visit my folks (an all day affair including a 90 minute drive each way).

So I left it a little late in the day, but I got it done.

indianpoint
Enjoyed this path!

Sunday

The third in the winter series — a 10k — but I had 8 miles on the schedule, so I did 1.5 as a warmup beforehand. After all the running I do at UAlbany — which I hate — I found a lovely path around Indian Point. I took the warmup nice and easy because I knew that the “race”/supported long run would be speedy (for me).

I was about a minute slower than when I did this race a couple of years ago, but I’d rather have a great goal race and not leave it out in the training. There’s a lot of downhill on this course, but I wasn’t watching my pace, just noting it each mile. I reeled in a few people in the last few miles, but I was probably pretty close to DFL, but that’s okay. It was a good pace for me and it felt good — it was a lovely day to run, too!

The only fly in the ointment is that there isn’t a water station until mile 4. And since I’d already run 1.5 miles before the race, I was kind of dying of thirst! But hey, it’s free.

bmochi
Nut butter filled mochi

Favorites of the week
I discovered mochi. Which isn’t really true, I have tried it in the past. Mochi (look for it in an Asian market — refrigerated) is a sweet rice dough, although it’s not actually sweet; it’s rather bland. I am using a new book (review to come), and it had a recipe for Mochi stuffed with nut butter, maple syrup, and chia seeds. I had it three times this week!

Apparently you can make your own. I’ll have to try it sometimes.

brunch2
Bonding over pancakes

Then I invited everyone thinking of doing the Wineglass half in the fall over to my house for brunch afterwards (and my neighbor, who also runs). Several of us were at the winter series, but some weren’t — several are coming back from injuries.

Everyone knows me (some better than others), but not everyone knows each other, so I thought it would be nice if we all got to know each other. And maybe nudge the ones who are on the fence into signing up, since the race does sell out pretty early.

A good time was had by all. I think!

And that’s a wrap 

link-up-badge

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

Don’t you think running and bonding over food go together?

Any races anytime soon on your calendar?

Tried any odd foods lately?

40 thoughts on “Stay far away, snow!: 1/9-15 Weekly Wrap”

  1. Running and bonding over food always go together. It sounds like you had a good week. It’s great that Bandit can get out for some of the run with you.

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  5. The brunch sounds like a lovely idea so that all the ladies can get to know one another. If I didn’t have a calendar, I would swear it is not winter. This one has been strange for sure. I haven’t tried any new foods lately. I’m always saying they should invent some. LOL. But, I think it’s more a case of me always picking what I know to be good. Thanks for linking, Judy!

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    1. I like to try stuff — exercise (sometimes), food, clothes, new products — both a blessing & a curse.

      Brunch was good. We’ll probably do it again in a few months — one of the ladies coming is a snowbird & presently in FL.

      Have a great week, Holly!

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  7. It’s so great that Bandit will run with you! I always carry water during a race because I’m afraid of it not being available when I need it, and then I’d just obsess about it even if I wasn’t that hungry. I made the grain free banana/egg pancakes this weekend – I bet yours tasted better!

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    1. These are supported long runs from a running club, not really a race. Well, all’s well that ends well, right?

      I make egg/banana pancakes frequently. But the banana chocolate chip pancakes I made are pretty healthy (no added sugar at all). It’s my fav recipe.

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  8. Facilitating a little running get together sounds lovely 🙂 Hopefully you will have a big group for the half.
    I love the Bandit is becoming a good little running partner.
    Is that your medal display in your house? I love it, but my cats would shred the ribbons lol

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  11. Hi Judy – funny how you’re hoping for a mild Winter and I’m hoping for some cooler running temperatures.. I almost think it’s not going to happen, it’s still so warm in my area… 20 Miles is a great training week, and a great base for for your fitness. I love how you got everybody together for a Half-Marathon in the Fall!
    I saw in the comments that your healthy pancakes were delicious – this means that now you need to share the recipe!!! Everybody in the running community loves healthy pancakes!
    Have a great (running) week Judy!

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    1. Every region has its challenges. I lived in TX a long time — I wasn’t a runner then, and I can’t even imagine being a runner in the summer there!

      I don’t like cold, but I can deal with it. The problem with the snow is it really limits where you can run. 😦

      The pancakes were the banana chocolate chip single serving (I obviously made several servings) from chocolatecoveredkatie.com. My favs! Been quite some time since I’d had them.

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  12. OMG Bandit is the cutest in his little coat! Our weather has been all over the place but overall we’re much milder than normal. It poured here ALL day and with frozen ground, the water has nowhere to go. It is an icy mess. We’ll see what tomorrow brings as far as running goes.

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  13. The mochi looks delicious! I’ve never heard of it…definitely worth a try!

    I still need to check out the local winter series…thanks for the reminder!

    I think running and eating is a great bonding experience. Hopefully your friends had a fun time over pancakes!

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  14. Hmmm…mochi? I must try this. Anything with maple syrup inside it would have to be tasty! And it’s healthy too??? Win, win!

    I’m impressed with Bandit’s running ability considering that he doesn’t appear to have very long legs 🙂

    How neat that you had everyone over to discuss the Wine Glass Half! I so wish I could make that trip ..it just isn’t in the cards for me this year. Booo! Maybe next year!

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    1. Unfortunately I’m one & done in most states, anyway, so I won’t be back there next year. Unless something happens this year.

      As I keep telling everyone, mochi itself is rather bland. I liked it, but it doesn’t mean everyone would and a lot depends on what you put in/on it.

      Bandit does have short legs. But we run/walk. He’s also probably part Jack Russell Terrier, and they are known for their stamina & energy.

      You’ll notice Lola doesn’t run with me. 🙂

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  15. The cold weather does not bother my Aussie because he has so much hair he loves it! Now Chips on the other hand shivers when it’s cold. But each of them at least wanted outside for a little bit to burn off some energy! The Wineglass half sound like a lot of fun and how nice of you to invite them all to your place for Brunch! Always fun to get together and talk running over food !

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    1. Lola has long hair, but she also has almost no body fat. Bandit doesn’t really have much either, plus the short hair. I’m not sure he’d want to walk on that cold a day, but he’s always made it pretty clear when he doesn’t want to do something.

      I figured I know everyone, at least a little bit, but some people know some, not others, and it would just be nice to get to know each other better.

      We could’ve just met at a diner or something, of course, but then it’s hard to really talk to people when it’s that “large” a group (7 women — we were missing one person). It was fun! And it got my house cleaner. 🙂

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    1. When it comes to ice cream, it’s chocolate all the way for me. Death by chocolate is always good. 🙂

      We have a lovely mixture of snow and ice outside our window right now. Luckily it’s supposed to warm up — hope they’re right, because I have an appointment to get to this morning!

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  18. Sounds like a great week! I wish I could rally a bunch of local friends to do a racecation with me but someone always has something else to do or another race to run. One of these days perhaps!

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