Even though I didn’t have typical training cycles this year, I still had some pretty intense periods of training. The winter is a good time to cut back, and this week I decided to back off a bit this month and make it my December off-season. It’s been harder to get outside early when it’s pitch black until 7 am, and the cold makes stroller running trickier. Oh, and we might get a snowstorm this week!
Weekly Run Down: Starting the December Off-Season
- Monday: Strength Training + 3.5 Treadmill Miles
- Tuesday: Rest Day
- Wednesday: Strength Training
- Thursday: 3 Miles + Core
- Friday: 3.1 Miles + Mobility
- Saturday: 7.3 Miles
- Sunday: 3.1 Miles + Core
Stroller Running in the Winter
It was pretty cold for most of the week, especially in the mornings. On the days we went for stroller runs I tried to push them back a little bit. I prefer going first thing, and obviously I can’t wait around too long because of work. I bundled up Grayson in all his layers and I think he was nice and toasty. It’s so much work to get him ready for a run in the cold! (And I thought it was alot of work getting myself ready for a run in the cold!)
I wasn’t doing as many stroller runs last winter so I didn’t have to deal with the cold and other elements as much. And I think we are going to be doing less stroller runs because of the weather, especially if it snows and the sidewalks don’t get cleared.
Strength Training
One nice thing about running less is I put more of my energy into strength training. I have more time, so I’m not tempted to rush through the exercises. And I don’t feel like I have to “save” my legs for a run. I’m thinking I’ll push myself a little more with lifting heavier weights this winter!
Saturday “Long” Run
My Saturday run wasn’t as long as usual, just 7.3 miles, but it was a pretty good one. Since I was running less I started later than usual, but it was still pitch black out the whole time, and really foggy. But 38 degrees felt like a heatwave after the colder weather we had this week!
I ran 1 mile easy, then alternated 1 mile hard/1 miles easy for the rest of the run. It went by pretty quickly!
Snow in the Forecast!
So right now there is the chance of a snowstorm here on Wednesday. I’m hearing we might get like 8-12 inches! I am not sure how that will impact my running, but I know there won’t be any stroller runs for awhile if we get that kind of snow. I might have to suck it up and get on the treadmill a few times, but we’ll see!
Stroller Issues
On Sunday we were planning to do a stroller run. When we got outside and started running I noticed that the front wheel of the stroller wouldn’t lock correctly. It was moving too much and shaking even in the locked position. We went home so Rob could look at it.
It seems like we need a new part but we don’t know what it’s called or where to buy it. So we have put in a ticket to Thule and hopefully we hear back soon! Once all that got figured out I headed out for a solo run. It was 55 degrees and sunny! I got to leave my neighborhood which was a nice change. (I’m always running in the dark or with the stroller). It felt great!
And that’s a wrap for this week! Follow me on Instagram as the week unfolds in terms of snow and stroller drama, and as I continue my December off-season!
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- How were your workouts last week?
- Any snow in the forecast for you?
- Are you adjusting your training this winter?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
I moved my early morning Tuesday run to Monday, my day off. I just can’t (waaaa) deal with that 430 am wake up call and the cold, dark morning. I mean, if I have to I will, but right now, I’d rather get up early do the WOD. Once it gets warmer and the sun starts coming up early again, I’ll revisit it. Call me a wimp but I love my warm toasty bed!
It’s definitely been harder to get out early lately! I can’t wait for the days to start getting longer again.
I’ve gotten really spoiled with the pandemic fitness lifestyle. In any other year I would have been strictly on the treadmill since September on weekdays and it was nice enough to run outside 3 days this week. Unfortunately I’m working on a project that has early morning meetings so it’s been a bit of struggle to get my fitness done first thing again.
I’ve definitely been spoiled with getting to have more time to work out in the mornings! Its going to be an adjustment whenever I start commuting again.
I love the new holiday Brooks sneakers – so festive and fun!
I’m not looking forward to the snow on Wednesday 🙁 I don’t mind the cold but hate the snow because the city always does a crappy job of shoveling and stuff.
Agree about the snow! I don’t mind it for a few hours if I don’t have to go anywhere, but then it seems like it sticks around forever.
Grayson has gotten so big! You are lucky he still likes to go into the stroller. My kids were not having it too much once they could walk. Looks like you are in for some wacky weather this week. Have a good one!
I’d say he tolerates the stroller:) He does pretty well for about 30-45 minutes but beyond that he gets antsy.
Winter seems like a perfect time for a little cutback. 🙂 So sorry about the stroller troubles!
Yes, possible storm here, too, although I hear that you guys may get more. We’ll see.
I’ve been thinking about when my next little running break will be. 🙂 Not quite sure yet — maybe weather will decide it for me, but I don’t think it’ll be this month.
If the weather is bad this winter then my cut back may last much longer than just a few weeks!
Great week for you! A cutback this time of year is perfect. I think I jinxed myself after writing in my recap that we were snow-free and now its coming down in Minneapolis! Ugh…might be some treadmill time in my future too.
I have those Brooks Christmas socks! They were a recent free Gift with Purchase!
The Christmas socks are so fun! I got a few holiday items this year and its nice to be a little festive on my runs.
We’d had zero precip for a few weeks, then got rain most of the day Friday and snow. Now, this next weeks is looking dry again LOL The temps are hovering in the 30F’s, so the snow will probably be gone soon as well. No complaints from me. January is usually my declared “off season,” which translates to less running (frequency and miles). With the stress fracture, I’ve kind already had an off=season, so I’m not sure what’s gonna happen this winter. Stay warm!!
It’s tricky when you are coming back from an injury! I may end up taking a long off-season if we have a really bad winter!
Love all your festive Brooks gear! I was just thinking about how I’d change things up this winter. I’ll probably focus on heavier weight as well. I have no recollection of very cold or snowy stroller runs. I’m guessing I did not do them. Haha!
It seems like it would be pretty tricky to run with a stroller in the snow! Not sure if that’s even safe. Running with the stroller in the cold is doable, but alot of work!
Gosh, I think it’s hassle getting myself dressed and Scooby’s stuff together. I can’t imagine if I had to bundle up a toddler too — but I’m sure the fresh air is good for both of you. I’ve heard bike shops and REI can do stroller repair — hopefully Thule will help you. I bet we will just get rain on Wednesday. We’re usually south of the rain/snow line.
Good idea about the bike shops! We were hoping to start with Thule to make sure we use the same part they recommend, but if that doesn’t work out it might be worth trying a repair shop. We will see about the snow! It sounds pretty promising for here but I’m sure that could change or they may be wrong.
I am not looking forward to the day when we get snow. I don’t have a treadmill so I will have to either suck it up or skip it.
Hopefully this winter isn’t too bad! I hate dealing with the slushy and icy sidewalks for days after the snow initially falls.
Yes we may get the storm here too. Hopefully not much. But cold weather is on the way. Very cold…like single digits.
I still have not been able to get myself outside in the mornung – sometimes at lunch but then I can’t run long. And after work = darkness.
Woe is me!
Anyway, I plan to keep up the same – 2-3 three milers mid week and 10 on the weekend. No races planned as of yet so we’ll see how it goes for the winter.
Sounds like a good plan to keep with the same routine! I hope we don’t have a rough winter but its not looking good so far.
Eek! Snow!
Our off-season is technically July-August. That’s when it’s just too hot to function out in the world. Although I complain, I’m super thankful that the cooler weather has come earlier this year, so I can take advantage of it. Usually, it doesn’t hit us until January, so this is nice.
Hope you get the stroller figured out quickly!
I bet it’s nice to have a break from the heat! I am a little worried about what this winter will bring here.
I love how 38 degrees is a warm front for you lol. We have gotten down to the 40s here a few days but its freezing for my wimpy Floridian butt. :-p
I usually like to dial it back a little during the “off season” which for us is normally summer, but this year had sort of a forced off season with my injury, so I’m looking forward to being able to run higher mileage months again!
Haha a few months ago 38 would have been super cold, but now it feels pretty warm! Especially because when we get alot of wind it often feels like its 20 something in the mornings. Hope your higher mileage months go well!
Definitely a good time for cutting back. I’m looking forward to putting more time into strength training as well – it will certainly pay off in the spring!
Those holiday Brooks are so much fun 🙂
Totally agree! I keep reminding myself of the long term benefits of backing off now and focusing on other things.
We got a little bit of snow here, but only enough to make everything white. I would have gladly taken more! I did get to run in it this morning and wore my festive tights. I hope the snow sticks around for Christmas.
I’ve heard we might get more this week but it’s still too soon to tell. If not I don’t think much of this round will be left, but we’ll see!
We were in the 6-12 inch range for snow, but only got 4 inches before it turned over to freezing rain. We have a 40% chance of snow in the forecast for Sunday, but I’m not sure how much is expected.
Hope you get your stroller fixed quickly!
I think we ended up similar to you with snow…it looked like more on Wednesday night but when I woke up Thursday it looked more like 4-5 inches. And the freezing rain made it really hard to walk in or play in!