Brrrrr...

This week was the coldest that I can remember in a very long time. Most days, the temperature hovered near zero, with wind chills in the minus category. I think all of you know that I loathe running inside--I need that fresh air and natural light. I managed to get 2 of my runs outside, well bundled up, but on Wednesday, it was too windy and cold.

Oddly enough, we've had almost no snow this winter. I think the weatherman reported a total of 9 inches so far this season. 

I can't remember the last time we've had a winter like this. But in the glass half full category--this one's for Kim--it was sunny almost the entire week. The sun really does make a difference, even in the bitter cold, and that's what pushed me out the door on Sunday and Friday. 

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: trail run 7.5 miles

Monday: CrossFit

Tuesday: Fluid running

Wednesday: treadmill run 6.2 miles

Thursday: CrossFit

Friday: running 5 miles

Saturday: rest day

The weather forecasters were predicting ominously about the impending deep freeze. It was enough to cause a cancellation of my weekly Trail Sisters run on Sunday. I seriously contemplated a treadmill run, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. So once again, I donned my trusty NorthFace thermoball and my Athleta altitude fleece tights and headed out into the frozen tundra aka Deer Grove Forest Preserve. I wasn't the only one--when I got out of the car, one of my running friends, who I see every Tuesday at the pool, came up the trail with her husband. See? Runners. We're all crazy. 

It was 4F when I started down the path and no sooner did I enter the woods than I was greeted by the welcoming committee, aka 4 deer. What a pleasant surprise and I took it as a good omen for the run. The clouds broke for bright sunshine and I made my way around the preserve, finally calling it quits at 7.5 miles. I didn't plan to run that far but I'm happy I did. I was never cold. I am so glad I ignored the dire warnings!

It was week 3 of auxiliary strength and Monday's workout was...interesting. 

Set 1 4 rounds :40 sandbag cleans (40#)/:10 transition/:40 med ball (6#) shelf situp/:30 rest

Set 2 4 rounds :40 weighted ball (25#) to chest reverse lunges/:10 transition/:40 single leg slam ball (25#)/:30 rest

Set 3 4 rounds :40 dumbbell to chest (25#) side lunge with knee drive/:10 transition/:40 battle ropes/:30 rest

Set 4 4 rounds :40 weighted ball to chest (30#) good mornings/:10 transition/:40 depth drops (24")

I'm never a fan of heavy bag or ball to chest movements--it's really hard to breathe when you're holding a heavy weight up so high. But I guess that's the point! It never feels good to push so hard, but isn't that when you get better?

The wind was whipping when I woke up on Wednesday. It was also cloudy and bitterly cold, with a -20 wind chill. I just couldn't bear the thought of running in that. So I reluctantly fired up the treadmill, deciding to use one of the built-in preprogrammed runs. It took me about 15 minutes to realize that the 'program' was just a guide and I needed to alter the pace as indicated. That's what I get for buying a 'cheap' treadmill. I made my own program, doing 3 speed ladders, increasing my pace by .25 every minute until I couldn't run any faster. I made it to 7.5 and willed myself to finish that minute, with the promise of recovery between sets. Wooo that was hard! But oh so satisfying. I do love running fast and maybe, just maybe, there's some speed left in these old legs!

Week 3 of Auxillary strength at the gym wrapped up with a challenging upper body workout: 

Set 1: 4 rounds: :40 alt. single arm on the slam ball push-ups/ :10 transition/ :40 banded pvc lat pull-downs

Set 2: 4 rounds: :40 alt. front/lateral dumbbell (12#) arm raises/ :10 transition/ :40 overhead plate hold (25#)

Set 3: 4 rounds: :40 renegade row (15#) with push-up/ :10 transition/ :40 russian twists

Set 4: 4 rounds :40 hollow body slamball press (20#)/ :10 transition/ :40 kneeling lateral slamballs (20#)

*30 second rest between rounds, 2 minute rest between sets

This one went fast! Lots of core work made it challenging.

I woke up early Friday morning, uncertain of my run plans. It was cold--3F--but no wind, so I decided to bundle up and chase the sunrise. I wasn't sure if the bike path would be clear or icy, so I planned my run in my neighborhood. I don't run there very often anymore. For one thing, it's boring. There are also too many drivers who think the stop signs and speed limits are suggestions. The sun finally made its appearance when I finished my run.

Off the Road

The hubs and I drove up to the lake on Saturday morning. We were supposed to go the weekend before but it was ridiculously cold. It was in the low 30s this time, albeit a little windy, but the sun was out, which helped greatly. We drove down the river to the dam, where the water never freezes, with the hopes of seeing some bald eagles. We saw one sitting on her nest, but she was too far away to get a photo. We didn't get lucky enough to see any diving into the river. Still, it was a perfect afternoon to go eagle watching. I have to say that I enjoyed seeing the open water, too! Spring can't be far away, right? 

We stopped at a local brewpub for lunch and got a table with a view of the river. 

What a pretty day! I'm looking forward to hitting the trails in the morning; when you read this,  hopefully that is where I will be! How was your week? Are you dealing with bitter cold too? Does that push you indoors for your runs or do you brave the cold? And any comments about the drivers on your streets?

PS: I'm sharing my January Mini Book reviews later this week. Be sure to check back on Friday!

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