Last month of 2017. Last “race” of 2017. Nope, definitely not a PR this time, but it was snowing and slippery and we took our sweet time — but we had a lot of fun. When I went to shovel the driveway this afternoon, I discovered just why it was so slippery — it was an icy mix. Oddly the roads weren’t that bad for driving, but they sure weren’t great for running.
Sadly, with the snow yesterday and more in the forecast and the continued unseasonable cold weather (even for December), our running options just got a lot smaller. Once that snow comes down, most paths are unrunnable until almost summer!
I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin who just ran a half together again. Seriously, two halfs in two weeks. These women are beasts! And always ready to support the other women of the weekly wrap.
Workouts update
- Monday: Dogwalk, 5 miles easy (cold & wind seems a Monday theme)
- Tuesday: 4 miles easy, Dogwalk, DM Abs & Arms
- Wednesday: DM ST, Dogwalk
- Thursday: YFR Foundation, Hamstrings & Back, Dogwalk, 5 mile LSD
- Friday: Dogwalk
- Saturday: Dogwalk, DM Abs, Last Run 5k (using the term run real loosely here)
- Sunday: YFR Hips & Foundation, Shovel driveway
Mileage: 17.1 (-.9) in reality probably 15
JY = Jasyoga
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

Monday
Seriously? I don’t remember this run. The only thing I wrote in my journal, other than time, distance & pace, was that I took Bandit with me for the first 2.25 miles. Definitely no negative splits this day.

Tuesday
Bandit didn’t seem interested so I left him to snooze in peace; I figured he figured rain was imminent.
Again, no negative splits — the opposite, although really overall, it was a pretty consistent run. It began to spit the last mile.

Thursday
Running Buddy J & I met up for our “long” run. Well, she did an 8 mile run (she has a half in February), while I just joined her for the last 5. I kind of wanted to do 6, but it was a very busy chore & errand filled day.
It was super gray, we ended the run running into the wind, but it wasn’t super cold and of course #runningisalwaysbetterwithfriends. And it’s rare I run with someone during the week.

Saturday
There was no group run in the morning because there was the Last Run 5k in the evening. With snow imminent, and colds making the rounds, people were dropping out.

I’ll save the recap for another day, but despite the fact it was a PW (that would be personal worst time), we had a ton of fun. Five of the Wineglass girls “ran” it — Running Buddies J & C & I took our sweet time, mostly walking, but running when it wasn’t too slippery (yes, it was snowing).
Favorites of the week
After Last Run I had invited everyone back to the house (whether you raced or not) for a potluck. I provided the soup and desserts, and told them to bring whatever else they wanted.
Because we were getting more snow than predicted, I told everyone I would completely understand if they just wanted to go home (none of them live close to me), but they all braved the snow. I guess they really wanted that soup.
We also instituted what we hope is not the only bookclub meeting. Although I think most were hoping to discuss a novel, since I was hosting and happened to be reading it already, I chose Mirna Valerio’s “A Beautiful Work in Progress” (Amazon Affiliate link), which just happened to be Wendy @ Takingthelongwayhome’s bookclub pick last month, too.
Most likely going forward the books won’t be about running, but hey, my house, my pick! I have very mixed feelings about the book, and the opinions were quite varied too. It’s always interesting to hear other people’s points of view.
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:
Have you been watching the Southern Soul Sisters shenanigans?
Any must try Instant Pot Hacks or Recipes?
What’s your favorite type of pie? I am down with anything chocolate & peanut butter — two great tastes that definitely go together
I had a few PW’s this year as well. Happens to all of us doesn’t it?! I am still debating the instapot but using my crock pot for some new recipes this week
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I used the Instant Pot as a crockpot to make the soup for last night’s dinner. It’s far easier to clean!
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Your dedication to running is so inspiring! I wish I were half as dedicated to something as you are 🙂
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I’m sure you’re dedicated to something you enjoy. That’s the bottom line, right?
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So tell me what everyone thought of the book!!! The reviews on Goodreads were really mixed as well. I enjoyed it, but it was like reading blog posts.
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Well, one women didn’t like the book at all. She said she didn’t feel there was any emotion in it & didn’t read much of it.
Darlene related to a lot of it because she taught at private schools.
Another woman I don’t know very well; she’s thin, and my guess is that she’s always been thin, but like I said, I don’t know her well so I don’t know if that’s the case.
She (and Darlene, who is naturally thin) both liked the message that you can be fit no matter what your size. And I do agree with that.
I didn’t like all the expletives, and felt that they were used more for effect than that’s just the way she talks — but I could be wrong.
I totally get the whole fat shaming angle. Heck, my parents fat shamed me growing up! And still praise me when I’m at a “good” weight (despite the fact that both were overweight much of their adult lives). So I do get it BUT — I think there’s a thin line between accepting yourself no matter your weight and fooling yourself that you’re healthy because you’re active, no matter what you weight.
I know Mirna lost a lot of weight, but she’s still extremely overweight. No matter how fit you are, over the years, that taxes your body.
I also think that she exercises like a crazy person, and you can’t outexercise a bad diet. And that’s also not good for the body in the long run.
So I personally both liked & didn’t like the book.
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I am kind of jealous of the snow people got this weekend. I ran a race so maybe it was a good thing it didn’t snow. I am sure we will get it soon enough. Soup is the best on those cold nights. My sister and I tried to start a book club this year(well it was just her and I so not really a club) but we didn’t get very far after only running one book together this year….lol. Better luck next year.
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I was very happy to never have snow when we lived in Austin (although they did get some snow this past week). We would get ice storms down there most years.
Still, I’m not a fan of snow at all.
Still not sure that the bookclub will really fly, despite the fact that we all enjoy reading. We’ll see!
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That pot luck sounds like so much fun! I might have to steal that idea post-race some time here.
Sorry about your race but safety first, right? I’m glad that you were able to find a way to have some fun.
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We did it after our new year’s day race last year, too. And after a long run in the summer.
I’m not planning on hosting New Year’s Day this year, as we’ll be out of town several days before it. It’s always a good time, though!
That particular race I never race. It’s a fun run, which just happens to be timed. 🙂
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LOL on a PW — it sounds like it was fun anyway. I bet people want soup and socializing — and maybe to dish about that book. 😉 There was one REALLY slippery bridge at my race today. Luckily a volunteer was there warning us, because even though I adjusted my gait I could still tell I was slipping.
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It was lots of fun. The first year I ran the race it was also snowing, but it wasn’t quite as icy and I was actually able to run much of it. No biggie, though!
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Wow, your snow is plentiful! It’s crazy we haven’t had any yet (other than a few flurries in the air). Of course, that probably means a blizzard will hit this week LOL
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Well, it wasn’t really that much. Just about 3″ (but they’d forecast less than an inch, grumble). Maybe another 3 tomorrow. I’ve heard rumors of a hard winter; right now it’s shaping up but you can always hope!
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A beast? I think that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever called me! LOL. Do you know that even I had snow this week? Yes, pigs flew. Often times the PWs are more fun than the PRs. Sharing races with good friends is the best. Thanks for linking!
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LOL, yes, Beast was meant as a compliment. And I do know that you had snow.
Sharing races with friends is definitely the best! That MS Gulf one looks like a #holotta fun, too!
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I had a PW at PCB lol I felt awful over for a few minutes lol I would take a PW with laughter and fun but I was all alone at the end LOL
I can’t even imagine trying to run in snow, I was slipping just trying to walk slow!
I am loving the Instant pot!
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Luckily for me, this “race” is always a fun run for me. I truly don’t care about the time — just having a good time with good friends.
When the road was clear, it wasn’t bad at all. It’s really peaceful to run in snow. Except when it’s slippery.
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I rarely go out running if it’s slippery. I know I’ll slip and twist, and probably hurt something. If it’s snow, i can get much better traction. Soup is wonderful after those kinds of runs! I stock up on tomato soup in the winter.
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We were very, very cautious. You’ll see our finish time in tomorrow’s recap. 🙂
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Sounds like you had fun in spite of the snow! I definitely feel like our running options are less now with the Winter. Oh well, we’ll make do 🙂 What did you think of the book? It’s on my to read list.
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You can see my comment to Wendy for my thoughts on the book. Maybe I’ll write an actual review at some point — guess I ought to!
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I’ve had PWs as well, but you take the good with the bad and learn from it, right?
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Oh, this PW was ok. We had fun. I never consider this one a race.
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Sounds like the perfect way to end the 2017 running season! Hope the snow clears out soon for you guys!
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Ha ha. It’s NY. Snow is our middle name. 🙂
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Pumpkin pie is my faaaavorite! And pecan pie is a close second. Oh the joys of snow! Winter has felt extra long this year… our snow came November 1st and I’m already ready for summer. Only 4 months or so of snow to go. Ha! Keep up your running and making the best of the cold!
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Ok,where do you live? Remind me not to move there! It’s bad enough here (I used to live in VT, many years ago, and that was worse).
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