weekly workouts // december 24

Monday, December 24 – merriest Christmas, friends! A few pics from the Klegstad Christmas 🙂

Tuesday, December 25 – after not doing much of anything besides relax, visit and eat on Monday, Nick and I needed to move. So, in the middle of the living room, we pounded out 100 sit-ups + 50 squats + 50 push-ups. OMG. Do I need to start lifting again. I planned to do another 50 squats after the push-ups, but my hammies severely protested; the pain that shot through halfway through the squat nearly took my breath away.

About an hour later – at a balmy -4F – we bundled up for a quick run before Christmas Day dinner. The brilliant sunshine made it feel a tish warmer than Sunday’s run, though by the end, my legs were numb and cheeks frozen. Nonetheless, it felt so good to get some fresh air and MOVE!

Run stats: 2.8 miles, about 25 minutes.

The rest of the day was filled with family, turkey, pinot, smorbakkles, peppermint tea and playing with Zoey. The only thing that would have made such a fantastic day even better: If my sister and Cory could were home (it was their turn to celebrate the holiday with Cory’s family). I already cannot wait for next year when their little bambino will be there!

Grandma always insists on washing dishes.

Wednesday, December 26 – after a few tearful goodbyes – rubber lips all around! – Nick and I were on our way late morning back to Saint Paul.

It was far too nice outside to not ski, so we stopped at Andes Tower Hills near Alexandria for a quick glide through the woods. Awesome for two reasons: 1) It was my first ski of the season (how is that possible?!); and 2) I got to see my former cycling + ski coach, George Odio! He’s the reason I fell in love in road biking and the peloton as well as with Nordic skiing. I’m so grateful!

Andes, where I learned to Nordic in 2007, was just as beautiful as I remembered… rolling hills, glistening snow and a canopy of trees. Thanks to dwindling daylight, our ski was short, but we will definitely be back this winter.

As far as skiing for the first time this season… I was definitely rusty and out of ski shape. Hill climbs were tough and left me winded! I have a looooooooong way to go before the Birkie on February 23 (which is also my sister’s due date!)!

Ski stats: 5K, about 30 minutes.

Thursday, December 27 – I got to the Highland Park studio early, so I had a blissful 15 minutes before class to relax in savasana. Within minutes, I.was.out. Between a lovely flow – airplane to crescent lunge to warrior two – and a challenging balance sequence – big toe pose into dancer – I babied my right big toe because it still hurts. Transitioning from revolving chair pose to twisted crescent lunge is painful when it’s the right leg floating back. We also attempted tittibhasana (firefly pose), which, thanks to my so not flexible wrists, is crazy hard for me.

Yoga stats: vinyasa, 60 minutes.

Friday, December 28 – no workout today, but we did enjoy king and snow crab and filet mignon during Christmas dinner with Nick’s mom, sister and brother-in-law.

Saturday, December 29 – we had Christmas brunch with Nick’s dad’s side of the family this morning, so it was mid afternoon before we made it to Como Park to ski. The wind was a bit brisk and the flat light made it tough to see the trail, but skiing felt amazing. It was one of those skis where you quickly find your groove and don’t want to stop despite cold fingers. But, it was nearly dark after one quick loop, so we cut it short. Snow conditions weren’t bad… a bit icy from the morning’s ski race, but there was good coverage. A light dusting and it would be perfect.

Ski stats: 5.3K, 23:29.

Sunday, December 30 – today started early with a ski at Como. Advantages to Sunday morning skiing: Most people are at church, and there are no high school teams practicing. It made for a quiet, lovely ski under bright blue skies – and, a fantastic way to start the day.

Ski stats: 9.24K, 42:01.

Weekly stats

Skiing… finally! I was a little skeptical about the Birkie during Wednesday’s ski, but am slowing feeling better about the 50K race…

Run: 2.8 miles, 25:00
Ski: 19.54k, 1:29:48
Yoga: one class, 60:00

This week: It’s January 1 tomorrow, which means new goals! I’ve been hard at work on my 2013 goals and will be posting my monthly goals on New Year’s Day as well as my 2013 goals later in the week. Workout-wise… more skiing, back to the pool, pedal for pancakes and running. It’s gonna be a fantastic year!

Have a safe + fun NYE, friends!