Dear February,

Dear February,

As you know, I really don't mind winter, as long as there's snow on the ground and a few sunny days. I also don't mind a snow-free path, even if it is cold out. But every year, you mess things up. You throw in a warm day and melt the snow, only to freeze it and turn everything to ice. It would be great if you could make up your mind. 

Anything but ice. 

Sincerely,

Wendy

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: run 8 miles

Monday: pool running

Tuesday: rest

Wednesday: run 6.2 miles

Thursday: CrossFit

Friday: run 6 miles

Saturday: rest

Running

So, yeah, I dealt with icy conditions this week. Since the trails were coated with ice due to this freeze/thaw cycle we're in, I stuck to the roads. On Sunday, I did an 8 miler around the neighborhoods where I live. It has been a hot minute since I ran the roads around here! There have been a lot of changes-- home remodeling and tear-downs. It was chilly and windy, but the sun was shining. Wednesday's run around my neighborhood was in similar conditions. 

On Friday morning, I woke up to warmish-39 degrees--temperatures. Perfect, right? Nah, this seasoned runner knows better. It had snowed overnight and the streets were slushy. I hoped the bike path would be similar. There was slush but there were also random patches of black ice, which made for a slow, dicey run. It was frustrating and somewhat dangerous, so at the turnaround point, I detoured off the path onto the surrounding roads. I was able to pick up the pace without worrying about falling and i call that a win!

Pool Running

After Sunday's long run, I was looking forward to Monday's pool sesh to work it all out! The best thing about pool running is that the water works out the muscle tightness while you are getting in a low impact run! I did the Life is a Highway class, which had sprints, endurance, and some big movements. It all felt good. 

Strength Training/CrossFit

Ope! I missed CrossFit on Tuesday because I slept through my alarm. Apparently, I had the volume turned all the way down. On Thursday, SJ was going out of town, so instead of our strength session, I signed up for the WOD. Imagine my surprise when I got to class and she was there...anyhoo, the CrossFit open is coming up and this class was prep work for that. We did an 18 minute AMRAP of 15 box jumps (20"), 12 push presses (55#), and 9 toes to bar. I don't have toes to bar, so I did knees to chest. I completed 6! rounds of this workout and yes, as I write this, I am feeling it. I'm absolutely thrilled with my progress this winter and SJ was happy with how I did.

that's the shadow of the bar on my face, not bruising

FUN MAIL!

On Tuesday, I came home from work to a large box from Brooks!!! It was my Run Happy Team welcome package. I was so excited to see a pair of Method tights--I already own a pair of the thermal version which I love. The pair I received from Brooks were equally amazing--they have a little bit of compression and the 7/8 length is really nice. I also received a pair of Levitates, which I ran in on Wednesday. They felt so good and will be a nice companion to the Adrenalines. In the box were a couple of tops, including a pretty lavender half zip. There was a matching Dare crossback bra, which I also tried out and it was a winner,  keeping everything in place. Finally, there was a cute hat and an insulated cup. New gear is always fun but this was such an unexpected surprise. I've been running in Brooks shoes for a while now, but the clothing is new to me. I am honestly so impressed with the quality, especially the tights. I'm looking forward to many happy miles in my Brooks gear!

How was your week? Are you dealing with ice? The freeze/thaw nonsense? Do you change up your routes to avoid ice or do you take it to the treadmill? Any fun new gear this week?

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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