It’s Officially Winter

Winter is officially here! Despite it feeling like winter for the past few weeks, which has meant snow, more snow, some rain that turned to ice, then more snow – and me having to run indoors to not slip/fall – I’m glad that winter is finally here! That means the days are finally getting longer and I can start the countdown until spring.

This week was fun – well not in terms of workouts (spoiler alert – a lot of treadmill activity again), but instead, in terms of holiday activities. We had a concert or holiday event nearly every night, and I did lots more baking. Since those photos are more fun than treadmill photos, that’s what you’ll see here.

Sunday: 7.5 mile treadmill run/walk, plus back and bicep workout and starting leg workout

The only plans we had for Sunday were a 1 p.m. piano recital and 4 p.m. dinner/tree decorating plans with B’s family – so I got to sleep in until 7 a.m.! I got ready to work out, then GM woke up, so I brought him downstairs with me to watch TV while I ran and the rest of the house slept.

That afternoon was FW’s piano recital – he has been playing for almost 3 years and he did great! Here’s a short video (and some photos) from the event:

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Monday: 3.1 mile treadmill run, 1.75 mile treadmill walk with weighted vest, started leg workout

Wow, I was tired – more than usual for a Monday! I ended up staying in bed later and getting started with my workout 30 minutes later than I typically do. Needless to say, I didn’t get in a full workout as usual, but I got in 3.1 miles and some weights before starting my day. It was a cold (teens!) snowy day, so I didn’t get out for a lunch walk. I actually ended up doing a little baking and finishing up some chocolate ganache cookies during a short lunch break.

I did get in a little treadmill walk while working – and I tried on my new weighted vest! I got it in my Cleveland Marathon Ambassadors Secret Santa and I love it! 12 lb may be a little light, but it makes wearing it for a while – around the house or on the treadmill – that much easier.

Not running related – but that night was FW’s band concert! He started playing the trumpet this year at school and they had a holiday concert.

Tuesday: 4.5 mile treadmill run, leg workout, abs and push ups, 1.8 mile (indoor) walk at lunch

I got out of bed on time for once … but then once I got into the basement to work out, I was so cold I just sat there with a blanket on for too long! When I finally did warm up, I got in my leg workout, some abs and push ups, and then a run on the treadmill while finishing up the movie, the Island, with Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johanssen. It was my perfect treadmill movie – lots of running on screen, action and kept me motivated to run without stopping the entire time.

That night’s holiday activity? Girl Scouts holiday party/secret santa. It’s LM’s first year doing it and she is loving Girls Scouts! I like going to the meetings and helping out when I can – I did Girl Scouts growing up and have many fond memories.

Wednesday: 5 mile treadmill run, 1 mile walk to cool down

I got up and got on the treadmill finally! I was able to get in 5 miles, then a 1 mile cool down to start my morning. During my cool down, I wore my new weighted vest and walked on an incline for a little extra power.

That night’s activity? GM’s “Holly Jolly” or preschool holiday concert. It was so precious! It also included a visit with Santa!

Thursday: 3.1 miles running on the treadmill, 2 mile treadmill walk, + 1 mile walk later in the day

I was pooped and stayed in bed for too long! I started my workout with a walk, and then got in a short treadmill run. Since we FINALLY had some warm weather in the forecast, I had plans to go outside for a walk at lunch. Well, FW was sent home sick from school in the morning so that plan didn’t end up happening, though I did get 1 mile on the treadmill while working, and a short lunch walk – I convinced him that taking a walk at lunch would get him some Vitamin D, which is important when you are sick. We made it about a block and a half before turning around home.

Thursday night’s activity was supposed to be LM and FW’s school holiday concert! Yes, we had a lot of holiday events this week. But the show was cancelled/postponed because their music teacher was sick, as was so many other people from the school! My son was glad not to miss it (because he came home sick), and my daughter was able to go to her ballet class instead. We also made a new treat recipe – Puppy Chow Truffles!!

Friday: 4 mile treadmill walk/run plus 1 mile treadmill walk, shoulder and leg workout

With FW home sick from school, I just got my workout in in the morning but nothing else. It was a pretty easy day, and I also got in some baking with LM when she got home from school. She had a half day and is now home for 17 days!

Saturday: 5 miles treadmill run

Saturday! I set my alarm to get in a run before skating, 2 soccer games and basketball! I was glad to get up earlyish, but GM woke up while I was in the middle of my run, so I didn’t have time to get in my weights or core – by the time I got bin out of bed and set up with breakfast, I only had time to finish running. I finished 5 miles and then it was off to our activities. In between the first soccer game, skating and basketball, I got in a quick batch of peanut butter blossoms made!