This week had two exciting happenings – I finished the 21 Day Challenge with the Cleveland Marathon AND I celebrated my birthday! I don’t know which is more exciting, amiright?

Sunday (Challenge Day 17): Stretching, foam rolling, yoga, etc.

What I did: Since I had run 8.5 miles on Saturday, I was TIRED. I wanted to get in 4ish miles, but I woke up to slippery snow falling and I opted to stay inside. The treadmill was NOT happening, but between walking and running and Hulu, I made it 4.27 miles. And then, enjoyed some foam rolling and yoga for runners. 

Monday (Challenge Day 18): This challenge was inspired by the Browns game (even though they lost). The numbers were based on the halftime and final scores of the game. We were supposed to do 2-4 circuits of 3 Burpees, 19 Tricep Push-Ups to Down Dog, 17 Squat Jumps and 22 V-Ups.

What I did: I got in 4.5 miles of running outside and then did the circuits. I had to put on my yaktrax for the run, but it was beautiful and peaceful out so I enjoyed it. The circuits were another story. I failed miserably at the tricep pushups to downward dog ended up turning those into knee push ups by the end of the sets. I also have a hard time doing abdominal workouts like V-ups right now because of some vertigo, so I instead did a few of those and then did 2 sets of planks to still get in an ab workout.

Some photos from my pretty, snowy run:

Tuesday (Challenge Day 19): Workout AFTER noon (or get in at least part of your workout after noon).

What I did: This was my hardest workout. I am not an afternoon worker outer, and Tuesday was a busy day for me as it was – I had meetings from 12-5 p.m., too, so a lunchtime run was out of the question. So, instead, I split the workout in two. I started my day with 5 miles (before work) and then got in a strength workout in the afternoon/evening. The workout included several sets of: pushups, planks, squats, jumping jacks and a few different kettlebell exercises. I ended up bringing my kettlebells to my home office, so in between a flurry of meetings, I was able to get in a few sets before hopping to my next call. It wasn’t the ideal day for a late workout, but I got it in!

Wednesday (Challenge Day 20):  Come up with 3 goals (short-term or long-term), related to health, work, family, your choice!

What I did: 5 mile run (4 in the 3 inches of snow and 1 on the treadmill) and then some goal setting. Here’s what I wrote down:
1. Keeping up the run streak. I’m at Day 272, and I don’t know what the future holds, but as long as I’m feeling good, I want to keep it up.
2. Continue to incorporate strength training and yoga. That’s one thing I’ve been grateful for this challenge – it has made me be more intentional about including simple strength exercises and even stretching, something I never focused on before. I hope I can keep it up!
3. Sleep MORE. This is easier said than done with 2 kids, butI have to try it!
And one more — to compete in the Cleveland Marathon event this spring! I don’t know what race(s) yet, but I can’t wait for spring running to be here.   

Thursday (Challenge Day 21 – the LAST day!):  Finish the last 10 minutes of your run like it’s race day – get faster and faster every 2 minutes

What I did: I once again went outside in the snow with my Yaktrax. Yaktrax are great for the snow, but I definitely don’t find them as comfortable as regular shoes. And, they slow me down. So while I did try to run fast, it wasn’t one of my fastest runs. Still, I finished 5 miles. 

Friday: NO MORE CHALLENGE!

What I did: I still wanted to run, so I got outside and ran a few miles in the ice. My Yaktrax BROKE! So they are still gripping, but not quite as much as they used to. I may need to get a new pair so I can keep up with this winter’s running – it has been icier than usual!

Saturday: 6 outdoor mile run, then 1 mile walk with the family. 

Saturday was my BIRTHDAY and I wanted to celebrate with 3-4 miles outside, since it finally wasn’t super icy. But it was FREEZING when I woke up – feels like 7 degrees! It warmed up by the time I got outside and even got a little sunny, but it was still my coldest run in a while. My brother called me halfway through and it was fun to run/talk to him at the same time. He lives in Berlin, so we don’t get to talk enough and the time difference never helps. And, I’m sure I won’t be seeing him for a while (thanks, pandemic!).

 

Some questions for you:

• Any other winter birthdays out there?
• Do you have any family abroad?

I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.