It’s finally the end of January! I wrote a few weeks ago about how we were only halfway through January. My husband and I have been joking for weeks now saying “is it really still January?” It has felt like the longest month ever! Not that February will be much better, but it’s one month closer to spring. But for now it feels like we’re running through the peak of winter.
This was a very typical January week. It was cold (although I got lucky with some of my outdoor workouts) and WINDY. Like the kind of wind you hear outside and are just grateful that you are indoors. This meant more treadmill miles and no stroller runs during the week. It’s supposed to snow quite a bit today- possibly through Tuesday.
Monday: 6 Miles with 5 x 1k at 5k Pace with 90 sec recovery
Tuesday: Strength Training + 4.1 Treadmill Miles
Wednesday: 6 Miles with 30 Mins at Threshold Pace
Thursday: Strength Training + 4.2 Treadmill Miles
Friday: Rest Day
Saturday: 7.5 Miles + Core
Sunday: 4.1 Miles
5k Workouts
The 5k workouts continued this week. On Monday I did 5 x 1ks, which I also did the first week in January. I ran them significantly faster this time (but I also aimed to do them faster) so that was good.
My tempo run on Wednesday was challenging but I just tried to focus on effort. I used to really like tempo runs and now they are my weak spot. I know I need to do them more often! I think it was just mentally challenging to know I was running hard for 30 minutes straight. I do better knowing I will have breaks in between sets.
Strength Training
My workouts have been really challenging, in a good way. I shared this one exercise in my IG stories last week. I don’t even know exactly what it’s called but it’s so tough! Before doing it this way I worked on doing it with the opposite leg raised which is a little easier. Having the same leg up as the arm you are working is a huge challenge for the core. I did 5 sets of 10 on each side and everything was shaking by the end. (The weight is 25 lbs.)
My workouts also included things like squats, Romanian deadlifts, rows, bench pressed, and chin-up ISOs. So tough but effective!
Brooks Gear
I got a few new things from Brooks that I was able to try out on the treadmill. Their new Chaser shorts are so comfortable! I got the 3 inch ones and I also have the older version which I wore pretty much every day last summer. I liked the old ones, but I think I like the news ones more. I questioned the waistband but it’s actually really comfortable! And there are so many pockets. They come in several different lengths.
Running Through the Peak of Winter
To me this time of year always feels the hardest for running. It already feels like it’s been winter for a long time, but we still have a while to go before spring. But I am very grateful for running! (And for a treadmill). It’s been tough to not get Grayson outside much lately. He’s also been getting his 2 year molars on the bottom which has been rough. Hopefully in a few more weeks it will start to feel like we are moving towards spring!
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Are you ready for January to be over?
Has it been cold and windy for your?
Try any good running gear lately?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
It is funny how we all have such different opinions about running in the wintertime. This month was one of my best months in a long time for running. I am looking forward to trying out some more of the brooks gear too!Have a great week
Overall the weather this month wasn’t terrible. Its just the wind I really don’t like! And when it’s super cold or snowing I can’t run with the stroller.
I felt the exact same way about January – started out super slow and then it ramped up!
That’s awesome that you were able to test out some new Brooks gear. I am all about shorts or leggings with pockets – anything that can help me avoid using a running belt!
Agreed! Although I usually bring my Koala clip to carry my phone. But I love putting keys, gels, etc. in the pockets of my shorts or pants!
Oh, that chaser shorts are cute! I might have to order a pair. Brooks stuff is so great as it lasts a long time!
Great job on those 1k repeats!
There are some items from Brooks that I have had for like over 10 years, and its still in great shape! Thank you!
Winter has most definitely arrived here over the last couple of weeks. I’m very ready for January to be over. I used to actually enjoy tempo runs. Now I can’t even imagine doing one. Ugh. The thing that used to really motivate me at this time of year was a March half marathon.
Its really hard to get through these weeks/months without any races to look forward to. Now I’m just hoping that in March the weather starts to get a little warmer!
It doesn’t seem like we’ve had the cold like you all had out east. I’m grateful for that! But all this snow…it’s pretty for a minute but it has limited where I can run. Yes, I’m ready for spring.
It sounds like you guys have had a ton of snow! I’m glad we haven’t had much because that really impacts my stroller runs. I probably won’t be able to use the stroller all week just because of the few inches we are getting today and tomorrow.
January always feels like a long month, I think because the holiday months go by so fast and there’s really nothing that happens in January most times. It’s kind of before race season starts, even down here in the south, and it’s after the holidays.
I LOVE winter running, but I live in a place where we get the best weather Dec-Feb. So I’m not really looking forward to spring in so far as the crappy running weather will be returning. However, race season is picking up down here so THAT I am definitely looking forward to!
That’s exciting! We still don’t really have races around here, but we usually don’t this time of year anyway. Its just sad to be seeing that some of our spring races are already going virtual. I’m just hoping for a better fall at this point!
Yeah, winter is the pits. It’s just too cold and too icy to run outside so I’m buddying up with the TM and making the best of it.
I just got a few new tanks from Thredup and and making moves on finding my next shoes. The Levitate didn’t work for me but I’ve got a pair of the new Launch headed my way. Shoes seem to last a long time for me so getting to try 2 new pairs in 2 weeks in pretty exciting stuff.
Its definitely exciting to get new shoes! I always want to get new shoes and really need to force myself to hold back and wait until I actually need a new pair.
It’s very cold and windy, for us. I’m over layering up. It’s so suffocating to be bundled up so much.
I don’t know if I’m ready for February, but it’s here all the same. Just have to make the best of it. Again.
I’ve had enough of the bundling up too. And the laundry. So much laundry!
Oddly, January seems to have gone faster than usual for me. I think that’s due to the somewhat mild weather we’ve had. It’s been cold and windy, but not as extreme as it usually is. Also, this year in particular, I’ve really noticed the increased daylight!
I bet that your optimism this time of year might also have to do with your return from your injury. Being able to run again after being sidelined always makes me appreciate everything a little more!
January wasn’t too bad weather wise until this week! And Feb is set to come in like Feb. It is what it is (and yes to the very cold and very windy).
I am so with you on tempos. I know they’re important, but one of my least fav type of workout! Sounds like you did a great job with yours, Lisa.
The tempos just feel so long! At least with speedowork, its hard but the intervals are shorter.
Yeah, I guess it would be hard to get out with the stroller in that weather! Sounds like you had a great week though with those two workouts. Tempos are hard, but they pay off!
Love the look of those shorts- i may have to get some!
We are getting snow today and tomorrow, so it might be a while until I can run with the stroller again. I will be spending some extra time with the treadmill this week!
Well, February will be three days shorter, so hopefully it won’t feel longer! I will have to try that strength move — sounds like a great exercise. I’m scared to wear anything but compression shorts for running, but my new Adidas shorts don’t get bunched up, so maybe I should branch out.
When I do long runs in the summer I only wear compression shorts because of potential chafing. But for shorter runs when its not super hot the Brooks shorts work well for me.
Congratulations on the improved 1K times. Your hard work is paying off!
MY only new run gear is the Ghost 13s, which I’m pleased to like as much as the 12s. I”m always wary of “upgrades” since so often they break something. I need to retire some old stuff including some that no longer fit (yay!)
I know what you mean abut the shoes…that’s great that you like the new ones! I’ve heard so many great things about the Ghosts but have actually never tried them.
I am over this month. I am over the cold weather and the snow. Hopefully we are done with the snow this Winter. January did feel like a very long month.
I was never a big fan of tempo runs but know they’re great to add in your workouts. A few months ago I had some great ones and was starting to like them. 🙂
That’s great that you were starting to like them! I think if I start doing them more often I won’t mind them quite as much.
Not a fan of super cold running but I guess I’m lucky that it never gets *that* cold here (I have in my memory still the cold, cold winters when I lived in Chicago; nothing here has come close!). But you won’t find me running in shorts (my husband… possibly).
sounds like your paces are coming up a bit so that’s great anyway! you will get there with your tempo runs, I am sure!
I bought a new running tight from Nike which I do really like. I would love to try different brands but I want to know that the items fit before I buy. We can’t shop in person right now so I stuck to the brand / sizing I know. And I also bought two new tops from InkNBurn <3
It can be tough to try new brands when you’re not sure how they will fit! I always just try to make sure I order from places that have a good return policy.
Yep, last week was a lot colder than previous weeks and now we have snow. I don’t mind running in the cold as long as it’s not overly windy. I loath the wind! Perhaps Grayson won’t mind going out in the stroller when it warms up a little.
I think he will do better in there when its warmer because he can wear less layers! Its always a battle trying to get him dressed warm enough.
My biggest challenge for winter running is getting the right amount of layers on. I always seem to overdress, which is a result of not going outside every run. But now that I have to run every Saturday for our training group, no matter what, it’s challenging me! New running gear is always so fun. Glad you liked the shorts!
Its so hard to find the right amount of layers! Every day I really question what to wear.
I’m constantly searching for the right amount of layers. I tend to overdress. Last week, we had some -15 degree F days and I was shocked that I was super warm. I recently fell in love with these merino wool leggings by Woolx, also my fav soft-shell by Patagonia and a windbreaker. SmartWool socks, a balaclava plus a fleece neck gaiter pull up over my nose. With my sunglasses, I had no exposed skin; take that weather! Love MN