Ben gets ready to sled down the big hill at Markle early Sunday afternoon while Colleen and their cousin Mason wait their turn.Climbing up that hill multiple times felt like a decent Janathon workout, though not nearly as much as 2 sets of intense snow shoveling.
So far I am LOVING Janathon – and I think the holiday run streak makes me love it even more. They’re a great 1-2 combination in that during the holidays I embrace outdoor running – this year it almost felt like an extreme sport at times, given the weather – followed by Janathon’s fitness fun that makes me really appreciate cozy indoor workouts.
I love sandwiching a 6-mile indoor track run (Saturday) between days when my workouts consist of “sets” of snow shoveling and sledding.
Holiday Run Streak wrap-up
I knew there was no way I was going to beat last year’s total — 105.5 miles in the 41 days from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, an average of 2.57 miles per day. This year I ran only 72.5 miles in the 36 days holiday span. Knowing I was going to be low, I decided to at least make sure I finished with a 2-mile daily average. (Which I did, but just barely!)
Last year I had 18 days where I ran the 1-mile minimum; this year I had 15.
Both years I ran only one race during the streak, the 4-mile Galloping Gobbler.
Last year my most interesting experience was running a DIY half marathon to my favorite local bakery; this year it was doing a Christmas lights after-dark run with my daughter Colleen.
The biggest accomplishment during this year’s streak was doing every single run outdoors. It was a fun challenge that I like to think toughened me up a bit. (That being said, I’m really glad to NOT be running outside today, when the HIGH for the day is supposed to be MINUS-11!)
Yes, my sister and I took our kids sledding in a blizzard. From left: Cassie, Madison, Monroe, Ben, Mason and Colleen.
