Sunday, November 12, 2017

Sometimes You Just Gotta Suck it Up and Go

Up until a week or so ago, we were having a magnificent fall with warmer than normal temperatures and a deficit of precipitation. The sun has been shining almost daily. But the universe demands balance, right? So in exchange for all that environmental loveliness, we now have below normal bone-chilling temperatures, wind, and yes, precipitation. With no time to acclimate, it's been quite a shock and to get myself moving, I have had to rely on those cold weather motivational tips I posted on Friday.

I could write a whole whiny post about running in the cold and how much I hate it. Seriously, though, what good would that do? Yep, sometimes you just gotta suck it up and go. 



Even though it was cold this week, the sun did shine on a couple of my runs. It's amazing what a difference the sun makes when it's cold out. Both Wednesday and Thursday's runs felt good, even though it was cold and breezy. Saturday's run was just brutal, which cloudy, windy, and cold conditions. For you glass-half-full people, it wasn't raining or snowing. I set out to do 4 miles, with the intent to either run without intervals or 9:1 intervals, which is what I ended up doing. Sunday was rainy and cold. I had a long run planned but after consulting my weather apps, I decided one bone-chilling run per weekend was my limit. Monday's forecast was for sunny skies, so I rescheduled my long run for then.

Thursday after speedwork at the pond
At CrossFit, we did conditioning with Coach Kate on Tuesday. There were 4 round of 3 sets of activities. The battle ropes made a reappearance, as well as those slam balls. After that, we did 3 rounds of rowing and burpees. As hard as these workouts are, I just love them.


On Thursday, Coach Sammy Jo had us work on strength. We did back squats and worked on power cleans. She also had us sidestepping using the resistance band. There was 70s music playing and we sang along and danced while we sidestepped. That was fun and took our minds off the pain!


I'm continuing to do yoga at home, enjoying the yoga recovery videos I'm finding on YouTube. On Monday, I did 2 videos from Five Parks Yoga: Yoga for Runners and Deep Stretch for Runners. They were exactly the time frame and combination of stretch and strength I was looking for. On Wednesday, after I ran, I did a 30 minute Post Workout Cooldown video from Sarah Beth Yoga.

Off the road, my husband and I had a day in the city planned for Friday. We made plans to go to the Art Institute, have lunch in Chinatown, and then check out Lagunitas Brewery and Tap Room. As we approached the city limits, the traffic slowed to a crawl. The weather may have been clear by our house, which is about 25 miles from downtown, but the lake effect snow machine was cranking out snow in Chicago! There were so many accidents. We finally got off the expressway, but we spent so much time stuck in traffic that we decided to skip the Art Institute and go to lunch in Chinatown. By the time we got there, it was noon and we devoured our spicy hot food.

Sitting on the Kennedy Expressway. White stuff. This was the point when my husband started threatening to get off the highway and just go home. Suck it up, man! 
The highlight of the day for both of us was the visit to Lagunitas. What a cool place! When you walk in, the first thing you hear is the music from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. You walk down a long blue, dimly lit, psychedelic hallway to a staircase that takes you up to the tap room, which is in the middle of the brewery. There are tours--not sure why we didn't go on one--but we grabbed a table in the very busy bar area and decided to try beer flights. I tried Daytime, Aunt Sally, Eroica (a seasonal brew), and Sucks (which didn't suck at all). Mike tried the seasonal Wet-Hopped and Dry-Hopped, Maximus, and Brown Shugga. It was fun trying all the different beers and it was a really cool atmosphere. The hard part was leaving! I don't drink beer often, but when I do...

The walk to the tap room. It's not as weird as it seems. Ok, maybe it is.

We topped off our day by watching American Made, which is an awesome movie starring Tom Cruise as a TWA pilot in the late 70s-early 80s who is recruited by the CIA to do reconnaissance in Central America. He ends up getting mixed up in some interesting stuff and wow! I didn't think I'd find a movie I liked as much as Baby Driver, but here you go! It was another adrenaline-filled 2 hours and I had a little trouble winding down for sleep. Tom Cruise was just amazing in this role. Does he ever age? What to watch next?

How was your week? Is it cold by you? Snow? Do you just suck it up and go, even if it's cold? Beer--yes or no? If yes, what style? Have you seen American Made

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. I'm looking forward to reading everyone's RnR LV and Richmond Marathon Recaps! Have a fabulous week!




61 comments :

  1. Very cold here. Friday was wind-chill factor of zero degrees F. Yes, in November. We had Friday out of work for Veterans Day (in 229 days I won't have to worry about which days I have off. We'll see what happens then ;) ). Friday I did two miles on the treadmill. Saturday was, to use your description, bone chilling, but I went out for a two mile walk anyway. Today a tad warmer, but breezy and no sun. I still got a three mile walk in.
    High thirties doesn't seem that cold, but you may be right--our bodies are not yet acclimated to the colder weather, especially after a nice fall, most especially after a spectacular, 72 degree weekend seven days ago!
    Happy running.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let me just say how envious I am of your upcoming retirement! I am just miserable at my new clinic. I need my runs!

      Delete
  2. Its been so hard to adjust to the cold! I haven't had to run in the rain yet, but I think tomorrow morning there is a chance of showers. At least its supposed to warm up a bit this week. I like beer tasting and will usually go for an IPA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the issue is that the cold temps came so fast and furious. If we could have just eased into it a bit...

      Delete
  3. Believe it or not Wendy, I wish I was struggling with cooler temps when it comes to running. The heat puts such a damper on my running and pace. I'll probably have to wait until February for some decent running temps. I used to run in cold climates before moving to Florida - the cold is still easier than high heat and humidity. Just think of us Florida runners when you get frustrated. Hope this makes it a bit easier..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. While I understand what you are saying, this has been a tough week. A little transition from warm to cold is nice. I don't know that anyone would like 34 and rain!

      Delete
  4. Well, I definitely talked about our cold (complete with some frozen not really snow stuff, although we could get a little tomorrow too) on the blog today.

    Sounds like a great day in the city (minus the snow & accidents, of course).

    I thought I would have some serious FOMO about the Vegas runners, but I actually don't. I mean, sure, I'd like to meet some new bloggers I haven't met yet and I love Vegas, but I'm kind of traveled out. It's not even sour grapes, I swear!

    Now, come talk to me in a couple of months & I'll be wanting to get the heck out of Dodge again, but sadly have no plans to do so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not having as much FOMO at LV as I thought I would! It sure looks fun, though.

      Delete
    2. Since I've done it, I know it's fun. But it just wasn't right for me. In some ways it could have been -- my husband was actually out in Seattle visiting his mom, so Vegas could've fit in nicely, except for the fact that it was her actual birthday.

      She actually came to Vegas the second time I did the race (walking with a friend that time, as it turned out), but she doesn't like to travel anymore.

      So no, while it would have been fun, I've no doubt, really no FOMO!

      Delete
  5. The sun makes a huge difference this time of year. Look at you in that squat photo! Serious badassery girl! We saw the Tom Cruise movie too-it was entertaining and he still looks good! Maybe you will throw your hat in the lottery for the DC Cherry Blossom 10 miler?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love that motto: suck it up and go! I'm going to tell the athletes I coach that one! I finished up my second week of F3 half marathon training - also cold, but I got it done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you running F3? I'd love to do it, but the weather always makes it iffy. Maybe I'll jump in at the last minute.

      Delete
  7. I'm curious, did you have to walk back down that hallway after visiting the tap room? I think I would have found it very difficult! 70s music? I'm all in! But snow? It's hard to wrap my brain around that one. Thanks for linking!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We did, and yes, it was hard to leave! They should have a different exit.

      Delete
  8. My return home from Phoenix to cold, dark weather was cruel! The Lauganita's Sucks is one of my favorites. Glad your husb enjoyed his beer after fighting that traffic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved the Lagunitas Sucks! I definitely want to go back. That was fun!

      Delete
  9. Why didn’t anyone tell me Lagunitas has a tap room / brewery in Chicago? Now I need to make a trip back!

    ReplyDelete
  10. How cool is that brewery! How fun! What a great weekend :)

    It's cold in Minneapolis but surprisingly not as much snow as you have!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There was only snow in the city. It's always amazing what an influence the lake has on the weather!

      Delete
  11. We have not got snow here yet and I'm not looking forward to running in the cold. Cold enough to feel good is okay but not to where I am actually feeling cold...haha. What cool ambiance that brewery had. I'd love to feel like I was walking through Willy Wonkas chocolate factory!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly--cold enough to feel good but not so cold that you're suffering. That is my kind of cold. 40s-50s? I can do that.

      Delete
  12. Sounds like you had a really fun week! First, snow already?!?! I'm glad we don't have any of that white stuff on the ground yet. Great job with your cross fit workouts and how fun is that bar? Love that hallway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had no expectations for the brewery and that Willy Wonka entrance was just amazing. Talk about setting the mood!

      Delete
  13. It does feel like instant winter - but honestly, I'm so happy to be back running I'm not going to complain. Though I will admit I'm not ready to see snow yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I sure wasn't expecting it, especially since it was so sunny at my house! Crazy!

      Delete
  14. oooh I can do the SUCK UP in frigid and sunny --- but mama so so so needs the sun.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sounds like such a fun weekend! I would love to go that brewery!! Next time I'm in Chi town I'll have to remember.

    I am OVER THIS COLD. Holy bejesus. I just want my summer back!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only can you go to Lagunitas if you call me to meet you there!

      Delete
  16. Obviously we don't ever get the kind of cold you guys get, so I won't even annoy you with whining about cold or warm weather conditions down here. :)

    Sounds like such a fun day in the city for you and the hubby! That 'Willy Wonka' style brewery looks very interesting and fun. I don't do beer but a 'flight' of wine would be right up my alley!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, this flight of beer was as good as any wine I've had! It was so fun and we need to go back.

      Delete
  17. American Made is the only movie I’ve seen in months and my husband and I enjoyed it a lot.

    I would much rather put up with the heat than the snow, so obviously I live in the right place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm with you--I'd gladly live with the heat. I'm not very tolerant of the cold anymore.

      Delete
  18. As long as I dress for the weather, and put a buff over my face, I can usually force myself outside in the cold for a run. But I'm telling you, snow? No. That's just not gonna happen, LOL.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I used to hate running in the cold so much, but when I started doing triathlons, I realized how much MORE biking in the cold sucked than running. And I haven't hated cold running quite as much since. Plus, I just moved farther South, which feels downright warm compared to where I used to run!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am unashamedly a fair weather cyclist! Anything below 65 is too cold for me to ride.

      Delete
  20. What a fun weekend! And yes- it seems like it always jumps from summer to winter. Brr!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. More so this year than ever! It was warm for so long and then it wasn't.

      Delete
  21. We got hit with cold weather here last week, it came so suddenly!! I was not ok with it. I miss summer already!

    I was at a brewery this weekend and have found that a sample size beer is my perfect size! which beer did you like best?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about 4 sample sizes? I liked the Daytime the best. I'm a hoppy beer lover, so this place was perfect for me.

      Delete
  22. You had a great week, despite the cold temps. knock on wood, no snow in Iowa....yet...

    ReplyDelete
  23. It was chilly here, but chilly for us is high 40s/low 50s. It was such a nice break from the heat. I also went to a new brewery over the weekend. Breweries are the best!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How fun! I keep telling my husband he needs to go to Austin with me!

      Delete
  24. Omg its way too early to see snow on the ground! I'm with you, my motivation also tends to drop the colder that it gets outside. There's just something so appealing about curling up under a blanket on the couch. If only the workouts would complete themselves...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's definitely more of a challenge to motivate myself to head outside when it's cold! If the sun is out, it's a little easier...

      Delete
  25. Snow! Ok, so I am incredibly jealous. We have had a couple of days that were "cold" (in the high 40s and low 50s), but we never get snow!

    It was a good week, full of lots of activities.

    I saw Thor: Ragnarok twice this week (once with girlfriends and once with little man and my stepdad). I thought it was hilarious and laughed the whole time. I am hoping to be able to get to a few more movies this holiday season. I usually go by myself on my day off because my movie tastes are a little different from Mr PugRunner's.

    That brewery looks awesome! So glad you had a nice time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Last winter we had hardly any snow! I think it snowed twice. That was kind strange--as much as we whine about snow, we do whine when we don't get it either. LOL

      Delete
  26. It got cold last week, but then I came back to temps in the 60s. I know people were looking forward to snow for Thanksgiving break, but I don't think that'll happen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You never know! It wasn't snowing at our house but a few miles into the city and voila! snow.

      Delete
  27. Our little cold snap makes today's 40's seem like summer! How fun to take an interlude day with your hubby and head to the city.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I think the battle rope is fun, too, though I haven't used one lately. After I read all you folks' tips on staying motivated in the winter, I read in the paper about how cold weather exercise might help your body convert regular fat into brown fat. Brown fat as you know burns a lot of energy to help you stay warm. That's a decent motivator!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have a love hate relationship with the ropes. Lagunitas beer is awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was so fun to go to the brewery and drink it there, so fresh!

      Delete
  30. Nice week! I had no idea that Lagunitas was in Chicago. I've been to the brewery in Petaluma here in NorCal. Good stuff! Crazy to hear about snow already over there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a pretty amazing operation! Is the tap room as "interesting" in Petaluma as it is in Chicago?

      Delete