So last week I wrote about how we’re not buried in many inches of snow. All you people who kept bemoaning our lack of snow — can I please have it all directed at you? Cause it changed for us big time this week, with no end in sight. It’s February, though, and it’s pretty typical for our February.
I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin and sharing my activities for the week. Check out how your fellow bloggers are getting active and don’t forget to share how you’re getting active, too!
Workouts update
- Monday: DM Chest, Back & Arms, Dogwalk,
- Tuesday: YTU Hips, Feet & Ankles, 5 easy/icy miles, Pahla B Abs
- Wednesday: YFPR Hips, Pahla B ST, 4 easy miles, YFR Foundation
- Thursday: Pahla B Standing Abs, YTU Hips & Foot & Ankles
- Friday: DM Flow, 5 TM miles (middle 3 steady state — which just means faster than usual for me)
- Saturday: Pilates Perfect Body Belly & Stretch
- Sunday: YTU Hips, Feet & Ankles, Stress relief; 10 Mile LSD
Mileage: 24 (+3.25)
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
Tuesday
Mother Nature is clearly confused. The forecast was for snow turning to wintry mix turning to rain — what I call Dresden weather, because that’s exactly what happened the one day I spent in Dresden.
I was hoping to outrun the snow; spoiler alert: epic fail. I fed myself, fed all the animals, quickly changed into running clothes, did my warmup, got Bandit suited up . . . and it was snowing. Big, heavy flakes. Crap.
So I pulled/dragged Bandit through less than half a mile and realized it wasn’t happening for him. Turned around, dropped him off, put on my Yaktrax, headed back out. Now it’s freezing rain. Double crap. What to do? Well, I wasn’t falling so I decided to soldier on.
It stopped after a while. Then it started up again, even harder. Then it stopped. Then the blizzard started. Seriously, MN?
I ran through it all, super cautiously (and super slow) and made it through 5 miles without falling or hurting myself.
Wednesday
So envious of the 50s, 60s, 70s. It was a warm day — which means it was 42 feels like 35 when I ran in the afternoon. I really wasn’t even planning to run, but a snowstorm was supposed to be coming (spoiler: yup, it hit), so I snuck in my easy 4 miles.
I threw in a fartlek at my favorite fartlek place (above), even though it wasn’t on the plan. Which just might explain why mile 3 was a wee bit fast. That’s okay, I dialed back down the last mile — and the previous day’s run was more than slow enough.
Friday
Bitterly cold (so of course the sun was out). Windy. Snowy/icy streets (and probably running paths). Appointments/errands. And so it was back to the treadmill for a steady state run — basically, these 5 miles were just about 30 second slower than last week’s tempo run when all was said and done.
Maybe it felt a little easier?
Sunday
I built a lot of character today! The last winter series today was 10 miles, which was perfect for my training plan from Rachel @ Runningonhappy. Only the snow was supposed to start at 10 am — same time as the runs.
I chose to get up early , despite the 3 hours in the car yesterday (trying to get my parents’ home ready to sell), and hopefully outrun the snow. Spoiler alert: it began to snow lightly just 2.5 miles in.
And the path wasn’t clear either — they’d obviously cleared it after our big storm earlier in the week, but we’d had more snow and a lot of wind since then. Packed down snow with a lot of ice underneath — but with my trusty Yaktrax (even with one coil broken –Amazon affiliate link) it was fine (if very slow). Almost negative splits, though.
I wasn’t the only runner there, and I wasn’t the only one there who’d decided to ditch the winter series (which got canceled, btw) and run early to avoid the worst of the snow.
The good news is it wasn’t super cold and it wasn’t windy, so there’s that. And I finished with no falls.
Challenges are meant to be met and overcome. — Liu Xiang
Favorites of the week
It was a long and challenging week, y’all, to be sure. Probably just the first of many. Almost at the peak of my half training, but also needing to go to work on my parents’ house every week.
Anyhoo, next week is my birthday and I enter a new age group. Not that that means much to me — trust me, I’d have to be the only person in my age group to win an award.
But I did get myself a little early birthday present which I used today after my long run — a foot spa (amazon affiliate link)– it was heavenly. I’ve been thinking about getting one for years, and I’m so glad I finally did! Disclaimer: the links in this post are affiliate links; if you buy the product by using my link, I make a small amount of money — thanks! The opinions are my own.
And that’s a wrap
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:
Valentine lover or hater?
Is Mother Nature challenging you lately?
How are you overcoming your challenges?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Yoga tune it up sounds interesting I will check it out. I am kind of jealous of all of your snow. Valentine’s Day is more for the kids I think when you have been married this long but I do expect some sort of little token of love from the hubs and I will prob make him dinner.
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I highly recommend Yoga Tune Up — not so much yoga, more stretching, and the instructor is a little odd — but I really like it and find it helpful.
I will NOT be making dinner on Valentine’s Day. Uh-uh. No way!
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Great job especially in that crappy weather! Nice early birthday present 🙂
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Well, at least we know to expect crappy weather at this time of year. Used to be Lloyd was never home at this time of year, so at least now he’s home to help with it.
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Very characterful! Well done you for getting out in the dismal weather!
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For me, it’s simple — if I don’t train, then my halfs are not fun. Although sometimes the training can be not fun!
It was challenging this week to be sure, but not too bad. Could be worse!
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Oh, what a cold week you had! I guess one has to adapt and improvise, ;D (just not me, lol). No, I don’t care about Valentine’s Day one way or the other. It’s definitely for the youngsters. Loving the foot spa!
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Unfortunately I’ve lived most of my life in the snowbelt (even with those 17 years in TX).
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Don’t even think about Valentime’s Day – way too commercial. Just another day.
Congrats on getting all those miles in. Your coach has you on a tough schedule.
Unfortunately I got sick during my peak training week with my half in 3 weeks but I’ll survive – I only count on 3 miles (one loop at UAlbany) at a time during the week and anything more is a surprise.
Finding a place to run in the next few weeks will be a challenge. It seems that the snow won’t be going anywhere for a long time.
Are you running re-scheduled Winter Series? If so, I’ll see you there in 2 weeks..
And Happy Birthday!!
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The bike path was definitely not clear . . . but next week is supposed to warm up a bit again. Of course they always dangle that carrot at us.
For me it’s important to do my training simply because otherwise my races are painful.
I take it week by week. The really grueling thing is going to be driving back & forth to my parents every week, but at least once we get all the stuff out, it’s over (sort of, not like I can just stay up here).
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Everybody’s training is different. I’ve never put in a lot of weekly miles – 20 is plenty. I’d rather be cautious than an overuse injury. But I still consider that training unless I don’t run at all.
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Yup, everyone’s training & everyone’s body is different. My last PR was on about 20 miles a week, but I really do prefer getting in a bit more.
Not working makes it easier. Sort of. Hardly as if running is the only thing I do (although it may feel that way sometimes).
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Age is a factor too. I’m no spring chicken and I want to stay running without any little aches and pains. For me, the low mileage and my own schedule (or lack of) helps with that.
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Valentines Day doesn’t matter much to me. Don’t get me wrong my husband & I love each other very much, but are kind of past the flowers & candy stage. I am in awe how you get that running in regardless of the weather. I have been doing my running indoors on the treadmill. I struggle running outside when temps get below 40.
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Where do you live, Paula? Cold running is all about the right clothes & gear & knowing when to take it inside, too!
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You know I’ve been working hard to overcome my current challenge! I don’t mind our warm, dry winter–it’s made running a lot more pleasant for me!
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Ours has been neither warm nor dry lately. 😞 We’re pretty buried in snow at the moment.
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I am stubborn like you and if I have a certain amount of miles planned I ama determined to do it despite of the weather. I have learned that’s not always the safest thing to do..lol.
Glad all your runs turned out okay.
Happy early birthday. You should check out the foot and calf massager from bath and body Works. I got one there a few years ago and love it. I spent some time in it after my 10 miler yesterday.
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I am cautious, but hey, the one time I fell on the run was in CA.
I will definitely check out the massager — thx! — my calves are always tight.
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Actually I made a mistake. I meant to say Bed Bath and Beyond, NOT bath and body Works. Sorry.
It’s an electric massaager that looks like a pair of boots. I blogged about it a few times!
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Oooh, that sounds cool! I was looking at some foot massagers this morning . . . maybe next hannukah.
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My condolences to you on your winter…it’s actually the kind of winter we usually have in Iowa. Momma N is really confused this year on what’s supposed to be happening.
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Yes, Mother N has been confused the last few years — I wish we had last year’s weather, but you can’t change it so there it is.
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We got dumped on this week too. Kudos to you running in that stuff.
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It’s that darn spring half. Let’s hope I have decent weather (as in not hot & humid — it’s in NOLA) for that!
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BTW, when I click through to your site, it says you deleted it. Is there another site I can visit?
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You know what? I think we have a foot spa my husband bought years ago when he had horrible PF. I’m not sure why I’ve never used it. Great job this week getting outside and running in the snow and ice! I know you’re probably tired of it, but I’ve so enjoy everyone’s pictures. It was 77 here today. That is way too warm for February. What would we complain about if we didn’t have the weather, right? Happy Birthday next week! Thanks for linking, Judy!
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Track down that foot spa! I know I’ll be using mine on a regular basis. Already planning to try to clear out space in the tiny linen closet so it can actually live in the bathroom!
True, the weather is a universal connector, whether it’s too warm or too cold (and I’m not happy with either extreme). Still trying to figure out where we can retire to where we’ll be happy with the weather!
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Oh, wow, that picture from Friday does look cold! I didn’t believe my Weather Channel app when it told me it was 62 at 5 am on Tuesday – but it was!
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62. Sigh. We *might* get into the 40s again this coming weekend. Might. Weather forecasters are liars, though!
It’s not so much the cold, it’s the wind!
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Every year I think about getting Yaktraks and the weather in Philly ends up being fine where I don’t even need them! This has been a weird winter..we were in the 60’s one day and in the 20’s with snow the next…now we’re in the 40’s again.
Glad you had a good long run even though the winter series was canceled. And happy birthday!
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I have been thinking if I want to get away from the treadmill in the Colorado winters, I definitely need Yaktrax, or something similar. I’ve already been relegated to the treadmill with snow, and then the paths were snow covered. Plus ice. Great job getting your mileage in during the storms.
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There were a lot of runners yesterday who seemed to be just running in regular running shoes — not sure how they do that! It was definitely slippery in spots — even with the Yaktrax. Now I need new ones.
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Believe it or not Judy, I’m really enjoying the snow pics. Love how you managed your running despite the freezing temps!! I never had the chance to run in Yaktrax so far!! Have a great week and stay warm!!!
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Be thankful you don’t need to use Yaktrax. And the grass is always greener (or white, as the case may be). It’s pretty for a day, then it’s wet and dirty and a PITA.
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Awesome week. I love how you snuck those fartleks in there! 🙂
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I don’t think I will ever get over being utterly impressed with the resilience of you Northern snow runners! Oh my, this past week sounded treacherous and cold! I NEED one of those foot spas for sure!
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I think everyone needs one of those foot spas. 🙂
Last week was bad — this week not so much, thankfully. It takes a lot of resilience to run in southern heat, too! Dangerous in other ways.
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True …guess it’s all in what we condition our bodies for!
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Yall’s weather is like night and day from ours last week. I am glad I did not put up all of my tank tops and shorts.
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It’s almost like we live in different areas of the country. 🙂 I’ve lived both north & south, so I can see both sides.
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I love the quote at the beginning! I feel your pain about winter. I live in Maine and our weather has been quirky this year, but we have been bombarded with snow over the past few weeks. Thanks so much for linking up at Sunday Fitness & Food.
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Yes, I keep looking at everyone’s snowless pictures with such envy — although I’m hoping by the end of the week ours will be gone!
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