Sunday, February 14, 2021

Love the Run You're With

 ðŸŽ¶If you can't be with the run you love, love the run you're with...🎶  (apologies to Stephen Stills)

Another week of bitter cold and snow. I read today that we've had snow the past 8 out of 9 days and more is predicted for tomorrow. We have over 2 feet of snow on the ground right now. My car so completely crusted with road salt that you can't tell what color it is. I like snow and all, but really, guys, it can all melt now. The only one who is still loving the snow is my dog, Cocoa. Goofball.

Running has been a challenge, both due to the conditions underfoot and the limited availability of places to run. The cold is also an issue, but in spite of it, I did get outside for 3 runs this week. Did you read my post on dressing for winter running? I took my own advice as I prepared to run outside this week. In spite of the frigid, frozen conditions, I enjoyed those outdoor runs! There's always something special about getting out in the fresh air, no matter how cold it is. And (grumble grumble) I do have to admit that it's really pretty. 

Weekly Rundown

Monday: home strength and speedwork 400mx8
Tuesday: yoga
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 6.2 miles
Saturday: rest
Sunday: run 6 miles

Running

The snow, while falling almost continuously these days, has been light, so I hoped that on Wednesday the trails would be packed down enough for a run. They were! Not only was I able to run on the main path, but the single track in the woods was also packed down. I had the trails to myself, save for one other person and the deer. It was lovely and it was just what I needed. It was a challenging run, though, and I felt this one in my glutes for the rest of the day.


On the way home from my trail run on Wednesday, I drove by the bike path and saw that it was plowed. For my run Friday morning, there was again a light coating of snow, so I laced up my trail shoes for traction and headed over to the path. It was a little slick, which made for slow going but I ran without slipping. It was cold(!) but I was dressed properly for it and I was actually sweating when I got home. 


It was really cold Sunday morning, and as I sipped my coffee, the newscasters were warning of the dangers of frostbite. I considered running on the TM, but instead, prepared for a run around the neighborhood. It felt great to slip on my road shoes and I dressed in what now feels like my winter running uniform. The cold didn't bother me at all. It might not be the run I wanted, but yeah, I loved it. 

Strength Training

Monday's home strength started with back squats, 3 sets of 10. I did these at 65# since I have to clean the bar over my head. After that, I did Bulgarian split squats (on the box), 3 x 10 per leg, holding 25# dumbbells in each hand, hip thrusts 3 x 12 using the bar (65#), Farmers carry 3 x 200m holding 25# dumbbells in each hand, and tempo body rows 3 x5 with a 5 second descend. I finished with sprints on the TM, 400m x8.

On Thursday, Sammy Jo had me build to a 1 rep heavy lift on the back squat and bench press. I PR'd my bench press at 87.5#. I don't know if it was that trail run the day before or what, but I wasn't able to PR my back squat. I got to 145# and that was it. It makes no sense to me since I did 4 sets of 3 back squats at 135# the week before. I was pretty bummed about it. SJ reminded me that not every day is 'our day'; I know this from running, but still...It's really not a big deal, since the process of building has made me stronger. I'll try again in a couple of weeks.

❤️HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!❤️

Sending you a warm running Valentine from my runner's heart to yours! Love the run you're with! 



How was your week? Are you buried in snow? Any stories from the frozen tundra? Had enough? What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

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






49 comments :

  1. We had some snow at the start of the week and I cancelled a run with a friend for Tuesday only to find clear pavements when we were due to go out - but I had rejigged my day by then. Ended up running Weds Thu Fri, which is very unusual for me, but I was careful - and wrapped up as it was 19.4 in US temps which is very cold for us! Today was meant to be warmer but it was raining (lightly, now it's a storm) and felt very chilly. But we did see some parakeets ... Lovely pics esp the deer!

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    1. The weather is sure messed up, isn't it? Glad you got out there in spite of the cold! And parakeets in winter?

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    2. The local parakeets are outdoor and all year round - there are famous flocks in London that do the same.

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  2. Happy Valentine's Day! I was telling my friend that I think this may be the snowiest February ever. When it's not snowing, it's bitterly cold so it's a no win situation, lol. Despite the weather, I'm glad you were able to get outside for runs this past week!

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    1. We do get big snows in February but they usually melt as quick as they come. This cold is unprecedented!

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  3. Not buried, but all the snow within the last two weeks so it's a challenge. When I had a car it was black. In winter it it was gray ish from salt, snow and muck. Love the winter skies in your last run

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    1. The skies are so dark when the sun isn't out. It has to have something to do with the snow, I guess!

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  4. We're not buried . . . yet. But it was frigidly cold for most of the week. Bandit is going stir crazy, although we'll walk him in a bit -- but next week he won't get many walks, because he doesn't enjoy Winter either.

    Your deer pictures are always fabulous, Wendy!

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  5. I feel bad even complaining about our weather when I see what some of you are dealing with! I don't mind snow once in awhile but it feels like we haven't had a break all month. Great job still getting outside for your runs!

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    1. Yeah, but you've had ice! We have managed to escape that, although I fear when we started thawing, we'll have to deal with that.

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  6. WE had snow earlier in the week but yesterday's ice storm is no fun at all. Way to get it done despite the cold and snowy temps. happy Valentine's Day

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  7. You are my hero! I love that you stick to outdoor running. So badass!

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  8. Well... you'll laugh at this. My husband ran a half marathon today and came home complaining bitterly about how hot it was. We wouldn't mind if you send a little of your cold air our way... just a little. Your runs look beautiful in spite of the weather!

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    1. I'll tell you what, let's share the wealth. I'll take some of your warmth and you can have some of my cold. Works for me!

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  9. Right Here, Me And Goofball, We Love Mother Nature - My Bladder Awoke Me Early And I Noticed The Flakes Were Once Again Falling - So On Went My Jacket And Away I Walked Towards The Park - I Reminded Myself About How Thankful I Am That Its Snowflakes Landing On My Face And Not Mosquitos - Proud Of You For Braving The Elements - Incredibly Impressive Numbers There During The Strength Training - Stay Strong This Week - And Thanx For Being You

    Cheers

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    1. Well, there you go, making me feel grateful for the cold because of no mosquitos. LOL

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  10. I’m trying to love my treadmill runs, but your snowy trail runs look easier to love! I’ll take all the bad weather now so it will be nice when i can run outdoors again. ;-)

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    1. Hopefully soon we'll all be back to our regularly scheduled running programs!

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  11. Thank goodness February is short, I'm ready for March to come in like a lion! I'm so very impressed you got out so much this week, as I know Chicago was pretty rough weather wise! You had quite a full week!

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    1. I'd like to get a long run in there...I'm just really limited to where I can run right now!

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  12. You really have had your share of snow! We've got more headed this way but the biggest challenge here this week was the icy roads - a deal-breaker for outdoor running.

    Congrats on your bench press PR!

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  13. We are supposed to get more snow, and we have a bunch on the ground now. I'm all for it! I do love snow :) Funny about your car - I couldn't take looking at mine anymore and my husband took mine to the car wash (not a common occurrence at my house!). It was great seeing my clean car again (for a few hours anyways).

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    1. I like snow too, but we have so much that there's no place to put it all!

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  14. Yes, the snow can melt and stay away for another 10 months. End of story LOL Milly and I are at odds, but in a few more days, hopefully we'll be spending much less time together. I'm just glad I can get out for short daily walks. Each day gets us closer to Spring and Summer.

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  15. My mom keeps sending me pics of the snow there and I can't get over how it just keeps on coming! I wonder how long it'll stick around? We spent Valentine's Day at the Kennedy Space Center. It was fun!

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    1. We took the boys there on one of our trips to Florida. It's very cool!

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  16. Happy Valentine's Day!

    I love all your snowy, wintry trail runs. I guess it's because we don't get to experience anything like that here.

    Lots of tornado warnings today, so that was fun.

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    1. We tried to watch the Daytona 500 and saw that you were having nasty weather! The wrath of Mother Nature is out of control!

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  17. No snow here. Mid 60s. #sorrynotsorry. We spent the weekend working in our yard. Les rented a sod remover and we've been shoveling dirt. Who needs a gym?

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    1. Mid 60s sounds heavenly and so does working in the dirt. That's where I'm at right now...lol

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  18. I am over the snow and this weather. More snow this evening. I just checked out. Today I finished watching Schitt's Creek. I cried but also smiled. I loved it and plan to watch it again.

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    1. I was so sad when Schitt's Creek ended! That was a great series. If you have Apple+ (it's only $5/month), Ted Lasso is really good.

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  19. too much snow and ice for us here! I just want any old run to love the run I'm with!! Things are slowly melting here so maybe it's in the cards this week??

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  20. Oof, we have all of the snow and ice here. Not gonna miss it when it's gone. Congrats on being able to get outside for your runs!

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  21. You made me feel better with the "sometimes it's not your day" strength training story. This morning I could not do a strength move I could do last Monday, and I immediately went into "oh no, I'm aging and getting weaker... is it osteoporosis??" etc etc. No - it was probably simply just "not my day!". Thank you and I hope the snow ENDS!!

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    1. I'm still disappointed I didn't hit my 1RM--but I'm going to try again in a couple of weeks. Hopefully it will be 'my day'!

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  22. So glad you were able to get outside for some runs! We've had a few snows, some wintery mixes, and freezing rain on Saturday. Looks like we have a decent shot at mostly snow on Thursday. I walked today and hope to run tomorrow or Wednesday before it hits.

    Have a great week, Wendy!

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  23. I salute your love of sports, even in the thick snow you run !.
    That was wow ... it inspired me to be diligent in exercising too.

    Regards

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  24. Getting away to a place without snow and grey skies was the best!!!

    I met so many people from Chicago...the nicest people ever.

    Now i'm back.....

    But I agree, no matter what - get outside even if you just walk. It soothes the soul.

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    1. I completely agree with that statement--Chicago people are the best!

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