In A January Fog

This week I experienced frozen fog, thick fog, low-lying fog, and yes, even brain fog! Our weather bounced from the frigid teens to the freakishly balmy 60s and back again, with some wind and rain thrown in for good measure. 

January Fog

Although I was busy at work, I took time to appreciate the views out my window.

In A January Fog

These first two pictures (above and below) were taken only 15 minutes apart on Tuesday. Although it was getting warmer, the river was still partly frozen.

January Fog

Friday was another super foggy day. In the morning, the visibility was near zero.

January Fog

Even after the fog lifted, some low-lying fog lingered.

January Fog

It was so eerie, the Capital Weather Gang posted an article (with more cool pictures) about why it looked like the river was boiling.

As for brain fog, my schedule was off from our ski vacation last weekend (I’ll share more on that on Friday!)  and I had a hard time getting in the groove at work after the slower pace I enjoyed over the holidays. I’m not sure this week will be any better, since three-day weekends usually mean I just have to get more work done in fewer remaining days.

Weekly Wrap

I’m proud to report that I am keeping my promise to not run for a few weeks–as long as you don’t count the treadmill blocks at Orange Theory Fitness. 😉

Monday: Rest day–if you can call at day that starts with a 3:45 am alarm and includes a cross-country flight a “rest” day!

Tuesday: CyclceBar
After a night of freezing rain, I was worried the weather would keep me home, but the roads were fine. On the other hand, the sidewalks were really slick–I was glad to be doing my workout inside .

Wednesday: Orange Theory Fitness 
I got a decent number of splat points (for me) despite my flaky heart rate monitor. They think it may be time for a new one (I’ve had this one for 1.5 years) but will check how I’m wearing it first.

Thursday:  CycleBar
I was debating a strength workout at home, but felt that Wednesday’s OTF workout had covered major muscle groups, so I went back to CycleBar. I love that you can get your CycleBar playlist on Spotify–there’s a link in your post-class email.

Have you heard this version of Love is a Battlefield?

Friday: CPY2 at Core Power Yoga
The peak pose was transitioning from tripod headstand to crow. I’ve never done any version of tripod headstand before, so I was pleased to be able to get to tripod headstand with knees on elbows. I couldn’t make it into crow, but I did a clumsy transition to chaturanga (low plank).

Saturday: Orange Theory Fitness 
I actually earned a few orange points on the water rower! I  am trying to work harder during that segment, but find it so tough.

They confirmed that I was wearing my heart rate monitor correctly, but it still jumped around a bit–going from 86% to 76% to 86% in a few seconds–so they gave me a new one. Hopefully I’ll be back to smoother data on Monday. 😉 

Sunday: Hot Power Fusion at CorePowerYoga


It was 17F when I got to the Core Power Yoga studio for Hot Power Fusion. The hot room (~105F) feels good most days, but felt extra good today. 

It’s hard to have a long weekend without a solid workout outside (it was too windy and cold for a bike ride), but this really is the best time of year to take a break from running. I’m going to try to hold off for at least one more week–still not counting those Orange Theory Classes. 🙂

Do you participate in the Weekly Wrap link up hosted by Holly and (now) Wendy? It’s a great way to stay accountable and support other women in their fitness goals!

Did you experience crazy weather this week?

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59 Responses to In A January Fog

  1. Thankfully I do not get up as early as you do so I did not see much of the foggy stuff. The weather has been insane!

  2. It was SO warm here on Friday that I could not wait to go for a run. It started to rain which didn’t bother me but than got really foggy and I deemed it probably not safe to run in.

  3. I used to really enjoy my hot yoga classes in the winter. I like your tights! Ever since I downloaded that HIIT app on my Garmin I am trying to hit those zones during my treadmill interval workouts.

    • Coco says:

      Thanks. I really love the look and feel of these Athleta tights–the fabric is soft and smooth. 😉 So fun that the Garmin app is motivation you! If I don’t get into my OTF class tomorrow I might try it at home.

  4. Sara says:

    We had the same crazy weather with an ice and snow storm! Great job with your workouts this week. Hot yoga is the best in cold weather! I’m going to try and catch a class tomorrow!

    • Coco says:

      I caught a teaser for a news story about changes in the jet stream — or about how dramatic changes are more frequent, explaining our schizophrenic weather. Hope you enjoy your yoga class as much as I did!

  5. Oh yes, absolutely crazy weather. All the snow melted in one night, then the next day an inch of ice covered by snow. Good times (NOT!).

    I’ve only trained through the winter twice. And this year is not one of those times — thank God!

    BTW, I can’t do crow. At all. Maybe if I every took a class, but on my own — nope. Not happening. All in my head, no doubt.

    • Coco says:

      I think a class can make all the difference! Often the sequence is designed to build up to the peak pose – warming up the right muscles and doing similar easier moves. Plus the instructor giving you tips and tricks and boosting your confidence. 😉

  6. Kim G says:

    That’s some serious fog! We had some fog on Friday but nothing that bad. Mother Nature has been very confused this week, lol

    Awesome week of workouts! I always loves that you have a bunch of variety.

  7. Wendy says:

    Those are some really amazing pictures! I wish I had gotten one of the wind blowing the rain across the pond on Thursday but it was just so miserable I wanted to be done! What a wild week of weather, right?

    • Coco says:

      I almost pulled the car over on the way home (in a parking place) to get one more shot of the fog rising off the river, but I didn’t want to set that kind of precedent for myself. I need to draw the line somewhere.

  8. What is going on with the January weather??? We never got as warm as the 60’s (I think we made it to the low 40’s),but the sudden switch back to sub-ZERO feels-like temps (within hours) is just cruel.

  9. carla says:

    oooh the metaphorical fog is bad here too 😉
    BUUUUT I went to the grocery yesterday and there was a man standing outside “selling” OTF and I jumped at a free class.
    ALL THANKS TO YOU.
    <3

  10. Marcia says:

    This is one of the weirdest Januarys in terms of weather that I can remember. So extreme in all directions! We have a “snow event” today followed by sub-z and then 40s on the weekend. What is up with this pattern?

  11. Snow and ice and the beginning of the week and then 70 degrees by the end of the week (with some piles of snow lingering around. so strange!) and then, boom, back to cold. I’m over it. lol I’d love to try an Orange Theory class but I’m not sure we have a studio down here? I’d have to look.

  12. HoHo Runs says:

    Those are very cool fog pics but that’s one weather condition that really messes with my mood. I’ll be the first to admit I need to see some sun – even if it’s from my office window. I hope you get better data from your new HR monitor. My regular Garmin acts wonky at times. I wonder if a new one would be better? 😉 Thanks for linking.

    • Coco says:

      You know I”m an enabler when it comes to getting a new gadget! For Garmin, making sure the software is up to date and doing a reset can help sometimes.

  13. Yep, the weather was all over the place lately. Those pictures you captured of the fog are pretty cool. We’re back to snow and ice again here so it looks like the indoor workouts will continue. I miss being outdoors!

  14. Our weather in Chicago has been all over the place as well. 58 degrees on Thursday, then 23 degrees on Friday. I had a foggy run on Thursday and it felt pretty eerie…not to mention balmy for this time of year!

  15. Have you ever had “freezing fog”? I had no idea this was even a thing but it is! I experienced it (well, it was forecasted) last year for the first time but I couldn’t really tell the different.

  16. Karen says:

    Those OTF class are very intense! They’ll keep you in good cardio fitness 🙂
    That fog is really cool looking.

  17. Rachel says:

    That fog looks so cool!

    I’m glad you’re sticking to workouts without running. Way to go!

  18. Clarinda says:

    Wow! That fog. Kinda cool to look at out the window, for sure! Winter weather can be so unpredictable. I agree it’s a good time for a running break. 🙂

  19. Denise says:

    We’ve had some crazy weather here in So. Cal. Hot 1 day and cold the next. Not your kind of cold but nonetheless. You are so inspiring with all your different workouts. My plan is to try OTF this week and maybe squeeze in a yoga class.

  20. Lesley says:

    We had some good fog over New Year’s weekend. I know it’s bad when I can’t see the road behind my block of townhouses.

  21. Kelly @ Noodle to the Rescue says:

    Coco! I’m sorry it’s taken me forever but THANK YOU for the card & Starbucks from the Fairytales & Fitness Christmas exchange. I do love Starbucks so it was put to good use ASAP.
    Looking forward to following along with you this year. 🙂

  22. We had some crazy fog in San Diego this past week too!

  23. The fog is so pretty, even if it is dangerous and annoying. I’ve never been to Orange Theory. I need to try it one of these day just so I understand about splats and orange points! ????

    • Coco says:

      I’m sure you’d have lots to say about it! It’s not for everyone, and you have to be smart about how hard you push yourself, but I really like it.

  24. Jenn says:

    Now that you mention it, we did have some serious fog this week. It was freezing last weekend, then got up in the 60s and 70s and now we are right back in the 30s and 40s. I’m looking forward to spring!

  25. Elaine D says:

    Everyone seems to be talking about crazy weather! The river photos look eerie and cool at the same time. I’ve been hearing a lot about Orange Theory but haven’t tried a class yet. Do they offer trial classes?

    • Coco says:

      OTF is taking over, LOL. Every studio should offer a free class. If a new one is opening near you they usually offer a free week of classes.

  26. Chaitali says:

    Sounds like a great variety of workouts this week!

  27. Hannah says:

    Yes, our weather has been everywhere recently! It’s supposed to get back to more normal winter weather later this week.

  28. The view out your work window is beautiful! Yes very foggy weather and I was in a tank top running at the beginning of the week, then tights for my race Sunday!

  29. Orange Theory is on my list to try…and I need to figure out how to get more strength training in my regime!

  30. You captured some great pictures of the fog. This roller coaster weather has been absolutely nuts and I’m more than ready for winter to come to an end.

  31. Jessica says:

    Goodness gracious. A 3:45 a.m. wake up call is never fun!! I get tired of my 4:20 alarm as it is lol

  32. I am already over winter. Especially because I’m writing this from Chicago, lol!

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