Sunday, January 22, 2017

Winterlude

I wear my winter miles like a badge of honor. Snow? I'm out there. Polar vortex? The cold never bothered me anyways. Ice kind of scares me--I had an encounter with black ice this week that scared the cr*p out of me. But overall, I'm outside, putting in the miles and avoiding the treadmill as much as possible.

On Saturday, the sun came out and the temperatures skyrocketed to the 60s. When you make plans to run with blogger friends, conditions must be perfect. Wouldn't it be great if that was how things really worked?

For this January weekend, Mother Nature gave us her very best effort.




It has been unseasonably warm this past week in Chicago. There's almost always a price to pay for warm days in January. We dealt with foggy, drizzly conditions most of the week. Since "treadmill miles don't count" for the lululemon/strava run challenge, I was grateful for the warmer conditions. On Sunday, I completed the challenge for a total of 52 miles/83 km.

The warmer weather sure makes the miles more pleasant. We had a lot of rain this week, but fortunately, I was able to get Tuesday's run in between the raindrops. I did a lot of puddle jumping on my 10k around my neighborhood and survived the black ice incident.


Thursday's run felt great, and instead of wrapping it up after the 10k I had planned, I felt so good that I ran a total of 7.5 miles. I was so excited to try out this new top I got on sale from Athleta that I didn't even consider the potential of disaster with wearing white on muddy trails. Fortunately, I stayed upright and the mud stayed south. By the way, this top is a winner!


I was really excited for Saturday's run. Kim from Running on the Fly was in town, and Marcia and I planned to meet her for an early morning run along the lakefront. While it was warm, it was still foggy. They promised me a jumping picture in front of the bean, and we headed down there first. As it turns out, starting there was a good move because the anti-Trump women's protests were assembling as we headed out of Millenium Park. I read later that over 250,000 marchers were there.

There was jumping (above) and yes, planking at the bean. We had it to ourselves!
Along the lakefront, where we ran, you would never know anything was going on. As we headed south towards the Shedd Aquarium, the fog started to burn off and the sun came out for the first time in days. We took it slow but stopped to take plenty of pictures.


You can never get enough of this view.


To wrap up the week, I laced up and headed over to the retention pond. It was still warm--40s-- and cloudy. No wind made this one a win. I stopped to play with my handstand. When I was in the city yesterday, I kicked up into handstand at the bean. It felt easy, and so today I figured I'd try it unassisted. I surprised myself on my first attempt when I held it for a few seconds. I fell over when I tried to straighten my legs. Encouraged, I continued my attempts until I finally got those legs straight. You know handstand isn't about strength, right? It's all about core. I sent my picture to Becky, who has been preaching to the core (pun intended). I knew would she be excited.


Speaking of Becky, we worked on more back squats and deadlifts. In between sets, she threw in some overhead presses and lunges using a bar and dangling kettlebells. I guess the heavy lifting isn't enough. Glad I didn't clobber myself.


I was happy to go to yoga twice this week as well.

Camel pose
Skandasana
Overall, it was a great week. I actually have been feeling pretty much like myself. The RA symptoms seem to be lessening. I'm still having a lot of pain in my hands, but otherwise, I feel pretty good! I go back to the rheumatologist this week and I'm anxious to learn what's next for me.

How was your week? Anyone else complete the lululemon/strava run challenge? How was the weather where you are?

I'm linking up with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap as well as Angela and Ilka for the Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup!






97 comments :

  1. So lucky to meet Kim. Looks like you have a very active week. Glad to hear your RA symptoms are not holding you back.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's been warm and rainy all weekend. Luckily the rain held off for my 7 miler with my BRF early yesterday morning!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Another wet week here but I did manage to get out between storms. Glad your RA seems to be calming down.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're used to the rain here! At least you are getting replenished.

      Delete
  4. One day I will get to run with you. ONE DAY

    ReplyDelete
  5. That's a really great, balanced week- nice work! Your Chicago skyline views are gorgeous, too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Wendy, Dear ;-) It was so fun to see you, talk with you, plank with you, jump with you, and run some stairs with you, too ;-) I look forward to our next reunion!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. So cool that you got to meet Kim while she was in town! I've always feel a little guilty asking you to come into town for a run when I'm visiting Chicago, but now I'm going to have to do it! Since my son and dil will be moving to NY after he graduates in June, my visits to your beautiful city are short lived. I'm "thinking" of flying out to run the Shamrock Shuffle 8K on April 2. Any interest in joining me if I do?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice job this week! Looks like fun running with Marcia and Kim. That handstand looks great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's always fun to meet up with other runners! And running downtown is always a win.

      Delete
  9. I never understand how you guys get so much warmer days than us in winter (occasionally, obviously). Yes, it was warmer than usual this weekend. We almost made it to 50 . . . almost.

    Great job on the handstand (and the jumping photo at the Bean).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you really think we get warmer days than you? I always feel like we are so cold. But I'll take the warmth, any day.

      Delete
  10. Sounds like an awesome week and it's always great to spend time with such awesome women. Love your photo-ops at the Bean!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love the pictures of you ladies! Congrats on completing the challenge. So what did you get for a prize? It was rainy here a lot of the week but I still managed to get a few longer runs in.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm starting to realize that there is no prize....that completing the challenge was the prize. That's going to have to be enough.

      Delete
  12. You logged some impressive outdoor miles in the lululemon/strava run challenge! I was green with envy over your run with Marcia and Kim. I may still be a shade of lime. LOL. Congrats on that handstand. You are looking fierce, my friend. Thanks for linking, Wendy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We've got some fun ahead of us, my friend!!! Plus we get to ski!!!

      Delete
  13. Your run with blogging friends looks like so much fun! Great jumping and planking pics. :) How nice that the sun came out as well.

    Congrats to you for kicking out 50 miles in the Chicago winter!! I did the Lululemon/Strava challenge, but due to technical difficulties, most of my miles didn't count since they had to be manual entries. Boooo.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Boo to the technical difficulties! But miles are miles, and you got them done.

      Delete
  14. I love this week's recap. On every level.
    Your photographs are beautiful and inspiring.
    I am over the moon thrilled to see that you had an opportunity to run with like-minded friends visiting.
    I am amazed and thrilled and ecstatic for you for your successful (and stunning) handstand. You HAVE to tell us Becky's reaction to you it.
    I heard that the Chicago march was so huge that the crowd couldn't march! Amazing. I was at the rally, right on the state house steps, in Providence, 7,000 strong (We're a lot smaller than Chicago; Rhode Island is a speck compared to Illinois). The Providence Police Chief said he's never seen such a large gathering on the state house lawn/mall, and not a smidgen of trouble).
    I am happy to read that you are coping well with your RA and hope and pray that the pain in your hands subside.
    What a week for you. May the "force," strength, love, joy, and Peace, be with you always.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It was a good week. But I'm still fighting anxiety over our country's situation. I'm glad you went out and supported our cause. <3

      Delete
  15. looks like the 3 of you had a blast together loved all of the photos! Hope you have another great week ahead

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sounds like a great week! Someday I hope to run the lakefront and pose with the bean. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. What an awesome training week Wendy, with some really impressive mileage. So happy your RA symptoms are lessening. I loved the pics of you girls meeting up for a run and posing for some fun pics!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Our "winterlude" was a game changer for me. So much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  19. So fun that you got to meet up with Kim & Marcia! And, I love that pic of you doing the handstand - you inspire me to keep working on my core!

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a VIEW you guys had on your run! Absolutely stunning! I can do a handstand, and my core is pretty shot so imagine what I can do once I get my core toughened up a little, eh? Cool!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I am pretty much green with envy about the meet up! Sounds like you guys had a blast.

    The weather here has been freaky - warm enough for capris or a skirt nearly every day.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sounds like a great week! Congrats on completing the strava challenge! Love the jumping pic by the bean!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Fun to have the bean all to yourself! You talk about those wide open spaces pictures of mine making you feel anxious.. that city across the lake picture makes me feel anxious! All those people, and streets and buildings and traffic.. give me desolation anyday there is peace there :) Great job with the Strava Challenge!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow! What a great running week! The temps have been mild here too and makes such a huge difference. I also did handstand for one of my Instagram pics this week but I went with split legs so I could maintain my balance long enough to get the pic!! :-) Great stuff! Hope you have another mild week with great runs!

    ReplyDelete
  25. WOO HOO! What a fun week! Great pictures and I love the headstand! I think the warmer temps helped you feel a little better! It was a warm week here too but a big storm ripped thru here last night so we shall see how this week plays out. Congrats on the challenge that is pretty awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Nice job on the solid week of running. YAY for running outside. So far, I have only had to venture inside for a run 1 day this entire winter season, but I know that will probably change. Still a lot of weeks to go until spring! Wow, your handstand is awesome! Impressive, Wendy. And REALLY good news you are feeling better. Keep us posted and keep kicking ass!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What a fun meetup with Kim and Marcia. Its always fun to meet up with other bloggers and get in a group run. It looks like you ladies weren't short on any fun while you were together.

    ReplyDelete
  28. With all the beautiful thoughts and photos above what leaps out of me the most is the fact you've been feeling pretty much like yourself. There is no greater gift than that <3

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great job on completing your lululemon/strava challenge! Glad you had a great week. Mine did not go well and my little boy is still sick. I'm just taking things one day at a time. We had severe weather come through over the weekend and tornadoes destroyed many homes and a college in a neighboring city. It's been a sad week and weekend but praying things will turn around for us!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear that it was such a tough week for you! I hope things are better this week.

      Delete
  30. I'm glad you've been feeling more like yourself. Congrats on completing the challenge! It seems like everyone's slipping out on the roads lately, glad you recovered quickly! And that handstand...love it! In my weekly yoga class we do some work "at the wall" to try to do headstands/handstands...and you're so right about the core being everything! I think I get freaked out about the chance of falling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We've been working on handstands at the wall for a long time! The scariest part about doing it away from the wall is fear of falling! That's why the beach is such a good place to practice these arm balances.

      Delete
  31. So glad you had such a great week! I loved all of your pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  32. That was brave wearing a white top on muddy trails. Knowing me, I would've found a way to fall in the mud. I get that from my mom. That is quite a picture of Chicago.

    ReplyDelete
  33. You have some great pictures in this post - how can anyone see them and not want to get up and get moving? Glad you had such a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great photos! That view is awesome! Last week's workouts for me were pretty good but I've yet to run. Hoping to n the TM tongiht as we are getting a freezing rain storm.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm glad you're feeling better this week and you got to hang with your gals!

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a great shot of all three of you at the bean! and that view of the city!!

    way to go on that handstand!!

    We haven't seen the sun here since Thursday, it has been terribly cloudy and rainy, but warmish. I don't know what I want more, warm weather or sun.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I LOVE all the pictures the 3 of you got on your run!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So funny--we would run and then we'd have to stop for a picture! Because it was that scenic.

      Delete
  38. Looks like a great time with Marcia and Kim! Beautiful shots in the fog, too. Hope you have another lovely and warmish week!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love your photos!! So amazed at your energy and commitment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not hard to stay committed with weather like we are having!

      Delete
  40. That is a GORGEOUS view. Love it. And loved seeing pics of you guys together this weekend! So fun!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, great pics. Love the ones from the city with the blue sky peeking through!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Eek! Black ice is the worst. I had taken a tumble like that a few times.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Excellent week! I didn't know you were in Chicago! I finally got through the Lululemon Strava challenge. I was a little worried about making it! Love the Bean photos! Glad to hear the RA symptoms are lessening.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Aw, I am so glad you are feeling better! Hopefully you are clear of symptoms for a good, long while!

    Love those bean pictures! And of course, love that the three of you got to hang out!

    The weather here has been crazy - swinging between 30s and 70s, sunny and rainy and everything in between. Last night, we had a line of nasty storms come through. We had to take shelter in our tornado room for about 15 minutes. It was really unnerving, but we were very lucky to get passed without a hit. The weirdness will continue through this week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are in a weird weather cycle too! But I sure haven't minded the warmer temps!

      Delete
  45. What stunning, gorgeous scenery to run in! I haven't been to Chicago yet and it looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  46. I do love the pictures with Kim have yall ever met before? One day I'm going to get to meet her too! Hey look at you nailed that handstand!
    Is the Lululemon challenge over? I joined but haven't tallied up my numbers. I think I'm somewhere in between!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim and I met once before. She was running an overnight ultra and I brought donuts.

      Delete
  47. 60 degrees sounds so heavenly and how very great to be able to get out and run with blogging friends. You are getting in some great miles!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I'm surprised at how good I've been feeling and running! Steroids?

      Delete
  48. I'm pretty upset I didn't run the 2 miles I needed to, to complete the 80k Strava|Lululemon challenge. At least I get the shirt but would have loved to get the shorts too. Enjoy yours!! I love the jumping of you guys at the Bean! The lakefront is a cool place to run!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Happy to read that you are feeling better. Sounds like a great week of running. I would have totally injured myself with those hanging kettleballs. How awesome to meet up with fellow bloggers!

    ReplyDelete