Sunday, January 24, 2021

Coming in From the Cold

Literally and figuratively. More on the actual cold weather below. 

But first, on Wednesday, I came home from my snowy trail run just in time to witness the Presidential swearing-in ceremony. I am not one to cry at events like this but this time the tears flowed and they kept flowing all the way through Amanda Gorman's beautiful poem. When Garth Brooks sang Amazing Grace, I was a hot mess. I had to get myself together and ready for work. 

In spite of the cold weather that day, I felt as if a warm summer breeze was blowing; the anxiety and sadness that had been weighing me down for much of the past year started to melt away. Democracy prevailed! There was so much hope and promise at that ceremony. For those of us who refuse to subscribe to conspiracy theories, lies, and hate, there was the realization that things are going to get better. It won't happen overnight, but yeah, the future looks bright. 

"There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If we are brave enough to be it." 

~Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb

 

Friday's cold run

Weekly Rundown

Monday: Strength, run 250m, 200m x5
Tuesday: yoga with Adriene
Wednesday: trail run 5.5 miles
Thursday: strength
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: run 7 miles
Sunday: XC skiing 5.5 miles

Running

I woke up Wednesday to a couple of inches of fresh snow and bright sunshine! I knew that the trails were going to be slow going but I couldn't think of anywhere I'd rather be, so I strapped on my YakTrax. I stuck to the main trail and even that was tough--I was one of the first people on the fresh snow. There were some packed down sections where the forest preserve workers had driven their equipment, which helped me pick up the pace. I also ran into my friend Amy, who was XC skiing instead of walking her vizsla. That kind of made me wish I'd skied instead of running, lol. This was a hard effort!

Playing in handstand at the end of my run was my reward!

Friday morning was COLD! But it was clear and the wind was minimal, so yeah, perfect winter running conditions! I laced up my road shoes and my legs were like: "ALL RIGHT!" I ran a fast-paced 6 miler, only stopping to chat briefly with my friend Tricia at the turnaround. 



The hubs and I canceled our planned trip up to the lake on Saturday because it was so darned cold and there was snow predicted for Saturday night into Sunday morning. I didn't want to drive home in it. Meanwhile, Saturday was another bluebird day. I waited for it to 'warm up' and I headed out right before lunch, running to the local retention pond and back. My legs were tired after Friday's speedy run, but with sunshine and no wind again, it was a pretty nice run. 

Strength Training

This week's home strength session was an upper-body extravaganza:
-Strict presses 5 x10 at 35#
-Alternate: TRX body rows 3 x 10/ single-arm dumbbell strict presses 3 x8 each arm 15#
-Alternate: dumbbell rows 3x 10 per arm 25#/ decline pushups 3 x10
-Sprints 200m x 5 (subbed for 12cal assault bike sprints)
I felt this one for a couple of days!


Sammy Jo also had upper body strength programmed for Thursday. I was actually fine with that; my legs welcomed the break. I worked on bench presses 4 x 5 at 65# and alternated those with parallel ring rows 3 x8. That was followed by hamstring curls on the fitness ball 2 x15 and I ended with a Tabata of battle ropes. 

Fun Stuff!

It's been a while since I pulled out the XC skis. With all the snow we've been getting and my legs begging for something different, on Sunday morning I took my skis to the trails. It was pretty but wow, it was icy! I fell once because my ski slipped into a rut and I had to walk down one of the bigger hills--it was either that or sure death. None of that was as big of a deal as my boot breaking. Thankfully, that happened about a half mile from where I parked, so I carried my skis and walked back to my car. Some guy on a fat tire bike rode by and suggested that maybe I should try the local golf course. Sigh. Meanwhile, I'm shopping for new boots because we are supposed to get a ton of snow this week and I want to get back out there!



I was so happy to get a surprise in the mail on Friday! Remember that virtual trail run I ran a few weeks ago, the Frozen Gnome 10k? They mailed my award to me. Reflecting back on this race, if I hadn't run it with my 'guide', there's no way I would have done so well. He pushed me completely out of the comfort zone and I feel so grateful to him. 'Fucking stud', indeed!


Bernie was everywhere this week. I even saw him on Wednesday's trail run, right before the inauguration!


How was your week? Is it cold where you are? Don't you agree that sunshine makes it all so tolerable? Any Bernie sightings? Have a great week! We're supposed to get a big snowstorm on Tuesday...

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown. 





 

 

46 comments :

  1. Brilliant pics and running. I do have yaktrax and we do have thick snow and ice here today (about 4-5" which is quite shocking for the UK) but I've been too fearful to go out - being self-employed to do mainly fast typing, I get panicky about breaking a wrist, basically! I did do a nice walk yesterday at least to collect a medal!

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    1. I didn't want to break any bones either, which is why I didn't risk my neck on my skis today. Those hills were icy!

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  2. Wow on the skis! I’ve never tried cross-country. Very cool award — that one would make me smile every time I saw it.

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    1. For so many reasons, I smile when I look at the award. Especially because it will always remind me that I am a 'fucking stud', lol!!!

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  3. I am very jealous of your snowy runs and ski adventure. I hope we get at least one snow day this year. Looks like it might happen this week! Nice job this week and have a great week ahead

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    1. Yes! We're getting a big snow this week, so I assume it is heading your way after it buries us! It's always fun to get out in the snow.

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  4. Love all your snow adventures! We are supposed to get some snow/ice this week. I'm not looking forward to it because it sounds like it will be just enough to be messy. I also probably won't be able to run with the stroller.

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    1. That's the thing with the snow--it's pretty when it's new and then it gets ugly...

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  5. I'm jealous - we haven't had enough snow around here for any XC skiing. I have a super old pair and I'd love to do it again! It's a great workout. I'm glad you had a good week!

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    1. I was stunned to see that my boots completely disintegrated! Now I need to find new ones, but it's turning out to be a challenge!

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  6. Do you classic ski or skate? It's hugely popular in Minnesota (just saw someone ski past our house- in jeans, though- what the heck, ha!) But I'm terrible at skate skiing, can only manage classic.

    I love your Bernie sighting!

    Winter running on a bluebird day- the best :) Great week Wendy!

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    1. I'm old school! I just shuffle along, lol. I have enough trouble with that!

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  7. While sunshine does make a huge difference, we've had crazy wind on top of the cold. Still not running, though, and I wouldn't be doing it outside even if I were! Every one is different, of course.

    Congrats on your AG award!

    We actually don't have much snow (although we did have just enough to need to shovel one day this week, but it quickly mostly melted). Unfortunately it looks like we may be in for quite a bit in February I am personally totally good with no snow!

    I have never watched an inauguration before, but I sure did this year. I didn't cry; it takes a lot for me to cry, but I was just so relieved that everything went smoothly -- and has continued to go smoothly.

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    1. I'm so surprised that you haven't gotten a lot of snow--you guys always seem to get a lot! But as Marcia said, it's only 30% over....

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  8. Great job on your runs! With this weather I am running 1 mile and I am Ok with that. How cool to see Tricia on your run. I am loving all of the Bernie memes...makes my day.

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    1. It takes me so long to layer up before I get out the door to run--a mile just wouldn't be worth it, lol! It's why I'm not a run streaker.

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  9. I'm glad you're feeling better about everything. Isn't Amanda Gorman something? Yes Bernie, Bernie everywhere and it's the laugh we all need.

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    1. My anxiety was just so bad the past couple of weeks. It feels good to feel good; can i just say how much I love getting a good night's sleep?

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  10. Okay, that Frozen Gnome award is awesome!!! I hope you have it displayed prominently. I'm glad you're getting so much sunshine- I grew up in that area and it was the never-ending gray of the winters that got to me the most. I couldn't handle it, but you're somehow making winter look fun!

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    1. This winter has blessed us with a lot more sunshine than we normally get! It helps the winter doldrums a lot.

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  11. I had meetings all day on Wednesday so I didn't get to see the inauguration live, but I enjoyed it that night. We have mega cold and mega ice so all of my fitness will be indoors until things clear up. I miss outside but at least I'm getting caught up on my TV watching.

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    1. I haven't had to divert a run to the TM yet, but I know it's coming! Winter in the Midwest...not for the weak, that's for sure!

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  12. Wednesday was just such a good day. I can't remember being that happy in a long time. I know this country has a long way to go, but it's nice to have mature adults in the White House again.

    I love that Frozen Gnome award - how cute! The Bernie memes have been such a bight light this week and provided unlimited amounts of laughs lol.

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    1. I was pretty surprised by how the Bernie memes exploded! But yeah, so much fun and who doesn't love Bernie? Well, ok, I know....

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  13. It has been cold. But nothing gets me on the treadmill except for snow and ice. So I did run. It was so windy in addition to being cold. It was not fun but I didn't die lol.

    Today it was still cold but less wind. I actually felt warm in the sun.

    Yes I shed tears during the inauguration. Happy tears!

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    1. My tears came out of nowhere! I think it was a combo of happiness and pure relief!

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  14. That is a very cool AG award, love it! I've got YakTrax but haven't yet tried them. It's so hilly here, and I run strictly on the streets that I'm still nervous when there's ice or snow.

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    1. I get that! I was really nervous this morning on my XC ski outing. The hills were completely ice.

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  15. We have snow coming tomorrow, around noon and then all day. I'm gonna have to "break stride" and do my NMAM run in the wee hours and ride after work. I think I'll manage LOL Totally agree, sunshine makes a HUGE difference this time of year!

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  16. The inauguration was like having a weight lifted off my chest! I slept well Wednesday night.

    Congrats on your AG!

    I love XC skiing - it's been years since I've done it. I hope you find new boots in time for the next snow.

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  17. whooo hooo - that age group award!!! so awesome! I still can't believe your boot broke on your XC skiing adventure! It's not that cold here, we've had quite some rain though which is kind of annoying. I missed the inauguration so I didn't really get the Bernie thing, but it's funny :)

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    1. The best thing about the Bernie meme is that he quickly made a sweatshirt of it and is donating 100% of the profits to charity!

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  18. I was emotional on Wednesday too but I think the day it really hit me was waking up on Thursday and realizing I didn't immediately want to check the news to see "what did he do today?" It's like I just felt relief that I didn't have to do that anymore.

    The Bernie memes are giving me life. I learned how to add him to my photos and I've been Berning people all week lol. It's super fun!

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    1. Isn't it crazy how addicted we all were to the crazy? It's so nice not having him the center of the universe anymore. It was really exhausting.

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  19. Bernieeee!

    Seriously, Wednesday was just so glorious. I NEVER cry about this sort of thing, and I was a goosebumped, weepy mess all day. It was just so much relief and anxiety and everything like that.

    I'm so sorry about your boots! That stinks and I hope you are able to get a replacement pair quickly.

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  20. Amazing Grace then and at the memorial was my undoing. They sang that at Dad's funeral and he would have been 82 next week. But yes, so special
    I saw skiiers out during our December storm and that looked fun. Good luck with the boots!

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  21. Our local mountains are getting a bunch of snow this week. We might head up this weekend but I doubt I’ll run because the streets are so hilly and slippery.
    Congratulations on the AG award!

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  22. Recos for where to shop for boots? lots of retailers were low on stock last I checked. One of the few benefits of COVID has been more people getting outside! I'm hoping to go out and doing some snowshoeing today :]

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    1. I got mine online at a used equipment site: geartrade.com. I couldn't find boots anywhere.

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