Holy…Did you feel that? It’s the cold dead hand of winter slapping meΒ in the face and causing whiplash. Although it’s already the end of February, winter chose to rear it’s ugly head in the form of sub zero temperatures and snow last week, just in time for my long run and a trip to New York City.

Take a seat because this one may burn a little…

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2016

RUNNING

I am spinning from this week of running. I had one of the greatest runs of my life, in the snow, while it was actually snowing. No music, just the sound of my breathing and footfalls as a gorgeous landscape unfolded. I wish I had brought my phone to take some pictures but I’m almost glad I didn’t because they would never match the memory I have of the run itself. It was perfect.

I took these before and after…

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A very different run happened at the end of the week. It was a 15 miler on the treadmill.

I’ll just let that sink in.

The forecast was for like 10 below zero and even I’m not that crazy, however, two hours on the ‘mill will have you delirious so I’m not sure which is worse.

Sunday: Easy 45 minute snow shoe after an hour swim

Tuesday: Speed progression run beginning at 7:00/min mile pace and increasing to 6:15/min mile by the end. This was a super hard effort over 6 miles. I did it on the treadmill because the weather!Β but had my focus on one word the entire time – SIMPLE!

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Wednesday: Winter wonderland run – 4 easy miles before Barre class

Friday: 15 miles done as 2 mile warm-up, 4 miles @7:40 pace, 4 miles @7:30 pace and 4 miles @7:15 pace with one mile cool down.

Total mileage = 30 miles inside and out!

CYCLING

I was on the trainer and the spin bike this week. I had to move my whole operation upstairs lastΒ Monday since my kids were home again because ofΒ the weather!Β and my husband was working downstairs. I did a cycle workout and then IronStrength while watching The Lion Guard, PJ Masks and some other ridiculous cartoon. Did you know Rob Lowe is the voice of Simba now? That guy is everywhere!

One of my "friends" captioned this QUADZILLA on Instagram. Compliment? Insult? I'm still trying to figure it out.

One of my “friends” captioned this QUADZILLA on Instagram. Compliment? Insult? I’m still trying to figure it out.

Monday: Force 10 x 30 second spin ups at Z4 heart rate zone

Thursday: 45 minutes staying aerobic before hour swim

Only two rides this week since I have my half-marathon coming up on the 27th!

SWIMMING

Another great week of swimming in the books! The YMCA pool was closed for over a week which caused a complete shit show…at least I think I did. I was over at my “other gym” swimming in their pool! However, it seems no one can get the pool temps regulated (probably because ofΒ the weather!)Β so the waterΒ was 76 degrees on Sunday! Just for reference – it’s usually 82. I needed my wet suit.

Sunday: 2500 yards muscular endurance

Tuesday: 2000 yards anaerobic

Again, only two swims because my running race is up next!

FUEL

I give up and will be having this for dinner from now on. After all, I need to stay warm…

Too many carbs?

Too many carbs?

GEAR

Have you seen this in the latestΒ Runner’s World?

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I loved the look of the pants she has on so I had to order a pair (at a very reasonable $46)! The company is called Spool No.72 and they have some very cool stuff. Their tagline is: Vintage and Bohemian Style Affordable Clothing for Women. Yes, please!

As soon as I have them in my hot little hands, I will do a full review.

THINGS I LOVE

The elderly telling me what a nice stroke I have.

Usually the older adult pool ladies are nothing but nasty and territorial but I seem to have broken them with the astonishing beauty of my swim stroke. I was told not once, but twice this past week how flawless it is.

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Ok so they probably have cataracts or at the very least cannot see very clearly, but I’ll take it! I don’t care who a swim compliment comes from, if they tell me it’s amazing, I will believe it 100 percent.

THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH

Almost killing myself on the treadmill. You knew it was only a matter of time right? So, this may be one of the most embarrassing things I have ever disclosed on this blog but I have a nice burn on my left leg from almost falling on the treadmill last Friday after my 15 mile long run. How did I manage this? By keeping the belt moving while I set up my phone to take a picture for social media. So humiliating.

At least I got the shot…

In case you're wondering, I feel BEFORE taking this pic.

In case you’re wondering, I feel BEFORE taking this pic.

TELEVISION

The Olympic Qualifying Marathon wasΒ on television for the first time! Hundreds of people tuned in… Ok, so fine, not very many people cared and yes, watching running on TV is almost as bad as actually running for most but,Β this wasΒ a pretty big deal for the running community!

And this was my favorite shot by far!

Shalane collapsing into her teammate (and fellow Olympic marathon qualifiers) arms right after crossing the finish.

Shalane Flanagan collapsing into her teammate Amy Hasting’s (and fellow Olympic marathon qualifier) arms right after crossing the finish. These women prove there is no “I” in TEAM!

The second best thing on TV for me is Homeland. I finally started watching it and I am hooked! It also got me though my 15-mile treadmill run. Thank you Carrie for being such a fascinating character!

READING

Thank you to everyone who answered my desperate plea for more reading material. I’m now happily reading two fascinating books –Β This Is Where It EndsΒ andΒ Fates and Furies.

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Fates and Furies Cover Image

The first is a very quick and unsettling read and the second has me not knowing what the hell is going on but…I like it.

RANDOM TWEETΒ OF THE WEEK

 

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I will be taking a blog break the rest of the week! There may be snowboarding involved. See you back here on Monday, February 22…

 

How was your week?

What is giving you whiplash?

Have you ever fallen off the treadmill? Please say yes.

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