Saturday, February 12, 2022

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. 


38 comments :

  1. Brooks clothing is amazing! Super well made. I've got some that's quite old and still going strong. Yeah the icy slush was a mess. We did melt a ton of snow though, so there's that, although the snow was prettier than the drab brown/grey we have now.

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    1. Exactly! I'm missing my trails, though. The ice is ridiculous.

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  2. The melt refreeze is dangerous. It was always those conditions the two times I’ve broken my leg. Not good. Time for just the melt please!

    I don’t have much Brooks gear. Congrats on being an ambassador!

    Great week though Wendy, esp sticking with the pool, impressive!

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  3. LOL on the ice. You'll see abundant ice on my post! Our bike paths won't melt until well into Spring (June, maybe, LOL?). It's so frustrating, isn't it?

    Nice package from Brooks!

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    1. No LOL! We didn't always have issues with ice but it seems that with climate change comes more freeze/thaw nonsense.

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  4. I agree the ice is the worst! I don't mind the cold but you can't do anything about the ice we get a lot here bc our temps are so variable. I love the Levitates! They are so comfy glad you are enjoying your run happy team perks.

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  5. What a nice haul on the Brooks gear! I also received a package from Brooks this week, but I think yours was better! I agree, snow = amazing, ice = crap. We dealt with a lot of slushy yuck and then ice this week too.

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  6. Knock wood, I haven't had to deal with much ice (yet). But, then again, I have been inside more than I prefer due to the psychotic wind and sub-ZERO temps. I got out for a cold walk, this morning, in the fresh snow...and it was so nice to be back outdoors!

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    1. We've had that wind and cold--I can push through that but ice is my deal breaker.

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  7. Ha ha... I like those conversation hearts.
    The worst weather I had this week was some cold rain on my run today. I let myself be uncomfortable for a minute, then said "don't be ridiculous!" I thought about what everyone is running in up north, plus those skiers on the Olympics last night doing the giant slalom in all that snow. A little rain is nothing.
    I do not miss pool running, but I agree that it feels really good when your legs are tired.
    Glad you got your outdoor runs done in spite of the weather!

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    1. I wouldn't mind some of your Florida weather, even that cold rain! The sun is shining today, even though it was 10F on my run and I have to admit that makes it feel better.

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  8. Brooks is my favorite brand for running. I hope to receive tomorrow my new Brooks Ghost.
    I don't mind about the cold but I have never experienced running on ice or snow.
    This morning a beautiful run under the sun but now it's rainy and tomorrow an Atlantic atmospheric disturbance will come.

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  9. What a lovely box of goodies, they all sound great! We had rain and wind for our run today and Claire took a hilarious pic of us at the end, Trudie looking glam, me looking like someone had taken my Grandma and frozen her! Although it was supposed to be warmer, the wind was so chilly!

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    1. We're going to transition from our icy season to that rainy/windy season, so something to look forward to! Glad you got your run in, even if the conditions were unfavorable!

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  10. Yay on the new gear! It definitely gives a jolt of motivation to try it out. Ugh on the ice. That has been the story of my winter. Our weather hasn’t been too bad, but overnight temps in the 20s leave our damp sidewalks icy! I love a good AMRAP. ;-)

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    1. I thought I was going to hate that AMRAP but now that I've got the hang of the kip swing...will toes-to-bar be next? It was fun.

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  11. Wasn't that welcome kit from Brooks the best?! I have some Brooks gear from years ago that are still among my favorites - the quality is on point.

    There's been so much ice to deal with this winter - I don't mind the cold weather, but the ice? Ugh.

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    1. I'm just loving those tights. I have a few pairs of Oiselle shorts and the Brooks are almost identical. I will be stocking up!

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  12. ooh will have to look for the lavender half zip. I'm a sucker for purple, as you know. Currently trying to avoid buying a new pair of Ghosts because I have a ridiculous (for me) five pair in rotation -- but but shiny new toy.
    Worried about the ice tomorrow morning here as well.
    Good luck with the Cross Fit open Your progress has been amazing

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    1. Oh thank you but I'm actually not participating in the CF Open. The WODs are all prep for it and I'm just taking advantage of it.

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  13. My spikes work great on the ice but I hate driving on it.

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  14. Congrats on the 6 rounds in that 18-min AMRAP session, Wendy! I just learned that there's a Crossfit here in Cape Town, not too far from us. I might have to check it out. USD 12.- for drop-ins isn't too bad.
    I do see a difference around your eyes in the last photo with the Brooks shoes. It looks good! A successful surgery indeed.

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    1. Thanks Catrina! I'm waiting for the healing to continue and the residual swelling to resolve. I am pleased so far, tho!

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  15. Christmas In February , Outstanding - Good On You With The Pool Schedule - Always Enjoy The Photos You Post For All Of Us - Coco Happy These Days - All The Best This Week My Friend

    Cheers

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  16. Sorry about the wacky weather! I sure hope it makes up its mind soon! Yay for fun mail - that's a great way to end the week! :)

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  17. Gotta love a fun mail day! I feel like Brooks always knocks it out of the park when it comes to their sneaker designs and apparel.

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  18. Dear rest of the country,
    Sorry, I was busy making sure the sun was on full display for the Super Bowl in Los Angeles.
    Sincerely,
    February ;)

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  19. Yay for free running gear and congrats for being on the Brooks Run Happy Team! I have three Brooks nylon shells and one slightly heavier jacket and love them all! I used to run in Brooks shoes, but needed a larger toe box so I switched to Altras. Let me know if Brooks comes out with a neutral shoes that has a wider fit in the toe area. :-)

    You're killing it in the gym!

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    1. Aren't Altras zero drop? I need a little 'lift' on my running shoes, lol

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