This post probably wouldn’t have the bitter tone to it that it will if I hadn’t been that person in the above photo this morning.
There was no mention of a violent snow storm happening between 6 and 7 am on my weather app. At 5:30 I checked the hourly forecast as I always do before a run, and, it was supposed to be cloudy and about 20 degrees up until 7, when “light snow showers” might begin. I had 7 miles planned and right around the furthest point from my house, about halfway through, some innocent little flurries started falling. How friggin precious it was. Really, at that point the snow was just darling.
Approximately 45 second later the buckets of snow hit the fan, AKA the cold wind directed at my face.
I just had to get that off my chest so thanks for staying with me. It was one of the worst runs of my life, at least weather wise. Between raw skin and being nearly blinded, I ran most of the way home with my hands on my face, thank god for those mittens!
Now to reflect back on the week, and talk about plans for the weekend.
Sunday – Early morning – 70 minutes yoga – loved this class, I like doing things that are a bit more advanced than where I’m at and then modify the poses if I need to. Recommended by Rebecca again! So many great home practice resources on her blog!
Monday – Early morning – 7 miles, easy pace. Felt pretty good here, nothing stands out. Late morning (11am) I did 50 minutes of yoga at home. This was great, right at my level and not too much for having run in the morning.
Tuesday – Early morning – 6 miles, hilly route. One of my favorite hill routes done at an easy pace, felt good. Later, I did the same hip opener class from last week. The best one I’ve found in the least amount of time, and I really like the instructor.
Wednesday – Early morning – 6+ miles, middle 4 attempted an 8 minute pace and came pretty close, give or take a bit. The snow/ice on the ground made it slightly more challenging in some spots, but, overall the roads were pretty clear during the faster part of the run. I felt surprisingly good considering I haven’t run that fast since the marathon, and also considering the freezing weather. I was actually overdressed for this, if anything.
Later in the morning I attempted to do an online barre video, but, about 10 minutes into it I realized it was not at all what I was looking for (more of a cardio-barre class) and so after 15 minutes of it I switched to a quick 20 minute yoga for runners video that I have found very effective in addressing all the “hot spots” that runners might have.
Thursday – Early morning – rest day from running, did an 75 minute yoga video that was described as “multi-level” although it was definitely beginner/intermediate vinyasa class, which was good for me.
Friday – The snow run! Things didn’t go so well with yoga either. Ch0se a new video that was described as “yoga for athletes” but it was really just some long, drawn out gentle stretching and core work that was not challenging. I should have read the reviews from others – everyone had the same reaction to this. I think it was probably just mislabeled and would be fine for someone else.
Saturday – Planning for 4 miles and 30-40 minutes yoga. My long run this week will happen Sunday with my friend (the only runner friend I have!) and I’m looking forward to having some company to distract from the cold, dark winter miles. I am glad that I’m not signed up for a marathon this spring, meaning my long runs are capped around 13-14 miles. Mentally, it just seems more manageable than 20!
Sunday – Okay, technically not part of this week, but, planning for 13.
How I’m scheduling all this yoga
A reader asked me last week how I fit in all of my runs/workouts. It’s not easy and requires discipline on my part, especially the yoga because I’ve been experimenting with different times to find something that I can be consistent with.
I have been dedicating mornings when my son is at school to working on the blog and/or grocery shopping, but this past week experimented with doing yoga at 11am (I pick him up at 12:45.) I have to drag myself away from whatever I’m doing at that point, but, it’s been working well.
Even though I’m a stay-at-home-mom, that time is not always available to me though. For example, next week I have a couple of days where the mornings aren’t free due to school events, and that means both blogging time and yoga time will get bumped. Sometimes I might decide to take a rest day from running and practice yoga in the early morning, other days it might make more sense to squeeze yoga in before I go to bed.
Admittedly the evening is hardest for me, but I don’t actually feel bad once I’m in the middle of it. I will definitely switch around the type of video for evening and haven’t done anything strenuous because I just can’t take it at that point! That said, it can still be quite beneficial once in a while, and it’s great to know I don’t have to go anywhere to do it. Home yoga practice is turning out to be the best thing since sugar free bacon. Sort of.
How have your workouts been now that the year is in swing?
Has anyone gotten caught in an unexpected bout of snow? Have you moved runs to the treadmill due to the freezing temps?
If you do more than one workout in a day, how do you schedule it?
I knew about the chance of that snow from the news but when I started running, it wasn’t snowing on the island. The news had said it was snowing in the city and north and west but eh, I was like, but they said just flurries for a while maybe a coating to an inch. By my third mile – a brief flurry started which turned within 8 minutes to the snow you say was blowing into your face where you couldn’t see! I swear it was out of nowhere and accumulated quick, more than they said. Ugh! I remember when my son was in preschool that short little window of time I had to get things done. Before I knew it, it was time to pick him up again.
It’s funny how they make such a big deal of snow that winds up being nothing, and yet this was overlooked! Has to be the quickest accumulation I’ve ever witnessed. And yes, before my son was in school I thought wow, 3 hours is going to seem so long! Of course, add blogging in and that time is gone before it begins!
I did a lot of barre and yoga this week too. I got a barre DVD for Christmas (the pure barre mile high package) which is pretty good. I also have been liking the barre3 since I typically know what I am going to get from it. I discontinued my reflexion yoga membership (last January they had a really good deal and i paid like $50 for a full year access to the site) so that has been a little trickier to find yoga videos to do. I usually run in the morning and then do barre or yoga after work. Overall I’m just trying to give myself a break during this weather and not forcing myself to get outside or run on the treadmill when Im just not feeling it.
I should probably just get a dvd 🙂 For yoga I’ve found that doyogawithme.com and myfreeyoga.com have great free classes. I think my problem with barre is that I did bar method a while back and keep comparing it to that. I actually have a studio right around the corner from me, too bad the prices are ridiculous! Sounds like you have a good routine going with both workouts. I agree it’s not fun to feel like you HAVE to go out in the freezing cold or on the treadmill. I’m wishing I had thought through the half mar I’m signed up for in 2 weeks! It’s possible I’ll be seeing single digits for that race 🙁
So glad you liked that one!
On my run last week it ALMOST started raining, but thankfully it mostly held off till I was done! I wouldn’t have known what to do in a sudden snow storm!
It’s so rare for it to sneak up like that with that sort of intensity, especially since I stalk the weather the night before and right before I go out. Everyone has their limits with outdoor running, cold rain and blowing snow is mine!
Snow has not happened to me because well I live in Phoenix, but rain has. We get these huge monsoon storms in the summer. They’re very dangerous and like tornados can pop up at anytime. I went out one morning and there was nothing abut a chance of rain on my weather app. Around mile 9, it suddenly got very windy. We’re talking gusts that were pushing me sideways then the rain just poured. Thankfully the trail was close to my home and I was able to get home after another mile. I was drenched. It was no fun as I can imagine snow would be. Honestly I’m not sure I could run in snow if I lived somewhere that had it. More because I wouldn’t be able to stand the cold though.
Summer rain storms can be scary too! Especially when thunder and lightening is involved. Years ago I got stuck in a bad one when there was only a 30% chance of storms and of course as it usually happens, I was at the furthest point from my house! That sort of wind you describe would be scary! I guess every climate has its own nightmare weather.
I would actually prefer to workout in the morning and the evening (and I actually used to- before I had 3 kids, homeschooled, etc!) BUT that isn’t feasible right now because I am just to exhausted in the evening. I think the only way I could actually commit to an evening workout is it I signed up and paid for a class. Mornings just work so much better for me!
Wow I did not realize you homeschooled! You are my hero! Mornings are definitely the best time and are definitely reserved for my “priority” workout which most of the time is running, except on my rest days when I’ll do a longer yoga video. With homeschooling I can imagine you are just completely drained every evening.
Ahhh I feel your pain – when you start a yoga vid just to find out 10 mins in it totally wasn’t what you were after! I’m always determined to see them through to the end, but it can be a real bummer when you’ve wasted that time.
After years of experimenting I know I hate evening workouts – other than yoga anyway!
Really gentle yoga is the only thing I can handle in the evening. I think I’ve learned my lesson about watching a video (or at least “skimming” through it) before committing to 45 minutes of it!
The weather in Austin has been very cold. I admire you for getting outside anyway. I hate the cold an it has disrupted my routine. I am not much of a treadmill runner and like to get in a walk or some running every day. I think I am going to have to explore some alternative cardio options to get me through.
I am really not a treadmill fan at all. I don’t have one at home (I hate them so why would I) so with very cold weather I either layer up and tough it out or arrange my schedule to avoid the coldest days entirely. Last winter I included an early morning spin class once per week and that helped me get through some of the snow and ice we had. Spin is okay but it’s not a replacement for running for me.
I always feel so strong when I get through a particularly difficult run.
I’m actually starting Yoga for my cross training today! It’s been months since I’ve done yoga, so I’m super excited!
The only good thing about getting caught in something like that is how much easier it seems when it’s just a typical 20 degree, clear day 🙂 Definitely makes us stronger! I think you will love the combo of running and yoga! I am wanting to do it almost every day and it counters all the build up of tension from running in a great way.
OMG! That is the WORST. Or when you leave the house and it is just a drizzle or a light snow fall and by the time you are half way it is a full on side-ways blizzard. I am the person who is always saying, “Its not that bad” until I am drenched to the core, freezing to death, and miles from home. Partly that happens because I LOATHE my treadmill and only use it in extreme (hot or cold) weather.
I made myself take a break this week because I have a seriously bad hip right now (tight hips, tight IT band, that I cannot “run out” in my first mile or two anymore). I think my form has been trying to accommodate and it has gotten worse and throbs for most of a run. Been trying to stretch and roll. Getting a massage this weekend. Considering chiropractor. Probably should check out this hip opener yoga video you keep talking about. We have been skiing every weekend also, which I think has been tough on poor little hip too (snow skiing with little kids sometimes means very awkward things happen to your body:)).
Sorry about your hip, a break for that will definitely help, stretching and foam rolling too. I think for all runners hips are always at risk and even when they’re not hurting, the yoga really addresses the tightness. I don’t ski but I imagine that is putting a lot of extra stress on it. Hope the rest helps 🙂
So I’m lucky if I get one work out in a day, so twice a days are not a thing for me. In all honestly, there are generally other things I’d rather do with that time, like cooking, sleeping, drinking (not water), reading, doing a puzzle. I’m actually considering this past week a huge win for me because I did yoga on Sunday and made it to the gym three times during the week. It’s more than I’ve worked out in a while and good number for me.
Hopefully you don’t have more runs like that snowy one. Geesh, no Bueno.
Prior to starting yoga I would never consider doing more than one workout, but yoga feels so good as a counter to running that I feel like I want to fit it in as much as possible, even if it’s 20-30 minutes addressing the tight areas. And yeah I’m going to be a bit more careful with weather forecasts (if that’s even possible) after that crazy run 🙂
I love running in the winter, especially the snow! Treadmills are the death of me. Anything more than 400meters and I quit!
I am so not a treadmill person! That is definitely not the type of running I’ve come to love, or how I want to spend time. That said I’m not a fan of snow pelting me in the face, as much as I like running outside all winter 🙂
I’ve been in my fair share of snow storms while out running! If it’s a sort, peaceful snow-I actually kind of like it. It’s the same as a light rain in a summer day. But a snow storm is completely different! It’s really like you cannot see and it’s annoying when it’s all in your eyes and stuff!!
Your yoga workouts sound pretty great and are making me want to start doing a few a week! I think you do a terrific Job of multi tasking and fitting your workouts in when you have time..it can get really tough to get in All The Things but it goes to show you that if it’s important to you–you will get it done!
I agree about the peaceful snow! It can be so pretty and make me feel awesome about winter running! Enter the winds and blowing snow and it quickly loses its charm 🙂 It definitely is a challenge to find the right time to fit workouts in but it’s true that if it’s important there is always something that will work.
I’ve been getting lots of hikes in in the last few weeks, which I love. I’ve also been doing yoga workouts at home (got a great livingsocial deal for yogadownloads a few months ago) as well as barre classes and power yoga at local studios (also discounted groupon, etc. deals). I’ll work hard at keeping up the schedule, which won’t be easy.
I’ve been living in a mild climate for 20+ years, and I know I couldn’t handle exercising in the cold and snow… Great job going out there! But sorry you got caught in the storm!
Hikes are great! I love feeling connected to nature but it rarely happens with me. It’s great to find workouts you like and that make you feel great, but, like you said it’s always challenging to find a way to keep up that schedule!
Wow! Good job at making it through that hard run. Oh, how I miss running (but not so much in those conditions)! I am 39 weeks pregnant now and I look forward to getting back into running this Spring. (When it’s warmer!)
Congratulations! 39 weeks means you are days (or even hours) away! I never ran while pregnant due to complications, and then afterwards it took me varying amounts of time to get back into it. After my last was the shortest and that was still 3-4 months. Better to skip the cold months anyway and get out once it’s spring already 🙂
Go girl! Looks like you had a good fitness week 🙂 I need to add a hilly route to my running schedule. I could definitely use a little yoga in my fitness routine too.
I usually get my runs in really early before my daughters wake up and then trade baby shifts with my husband later on in the day after his work so we can get some gym workouts.
Hope you’ve been having a good weekend!
Thanks 🙂 Sounds like you you guys have a pretty nice routine going with the gym!
i have done many double workout days, especially during my ironman training in 2013/2014. even got to 3 x a day, but certainly wasn’t the norm or a great time. these days i still can do a double ‘activity’ day and not even realize it, like i’ll go to the gym in the morning or out for a morning run/walk/spin/whatever. then in evening i will do a body pump class or take another walk to wind down, or will do a lunch time strength class or yoga at our office. i sort of like breaking things up like workouts, rather than doing it all at once. i like it seperate now, but maybe later when i need to workout less i will be better at workout efficiency lol.
last week i was all over the place, my running was non-existant so instead i did a ton of spinning and everything else. when i can’t run, i think i go a little bananas! need to work on that 🙂
glad you survived the weather! i would be on the treadmill, as much as i don’t like it, i still appreciate being indoors running rather than outdoors in weather that makes me want to cry. lol!
I can relate to going a little nuts when I can’t run! I probably went overboard with spinning and the eliptical when I was injured. Like I was terrified of losing cardio fitness! I can’t believe I haven’t been on a treadmill yet and it’s halfway through Jan! I might make it all winter, who knows!
Thank you so much for including links to such a great variety of online yoga workouts! I have been trying them and find them an extremely beneficial addition to my running! Much appreciated!
That’s great! So happy to help out 🙂