I still plan to emerge from hibernation in 2022, but this week I went back into my den and snuggled under the blankets.
With coronavirus cases surging and temperatures plummeting, I decided to go back to hibernating—working in my basement, running on my treadmill, laying low from the cold, cruel world. 😉
Back To Hibernating
Between my own coronavirus exposure and a fully-vaccinated friend spending the week in bed with a headache, throat on fire, and loss of taste and smell (unlike me, she tested positive), any cavalier attitude I might have been developing about covid was replaced with frustration at people assuming that if you’re vaccinated it’s no big deal. Sure, the odds of being hospitalized are low, but how you feel if you do get infected seems to be a crapshoot—and I prefer not to gamble with my health.
My office temporarily let up on its back-to-work policy and made coming in essentially voluntary again for at least another week. But why stop there? Now that we know how good omicron is at infecting fully vaccinated people, why should we have to expose ourselves to others when we can do our work at least as effectively at home? Until this surge is over, you can find me in my basement office.
One thing hibernating is good for is puzzle progress! I can’t believe how quickly this is coming together. I have a harder time discerning the different shades of pink than blue, so I think the rest might come together even faster.
Weekly Wrap
Did I mention it was cold this week? It was so cold I didn’t even walk Scooby every day. (Don’t worry, he got to run in the yard.) Luckily I’m not bored with my treadmill yet—I even logged an 8 mile ‘mill run on Saturday!
Monday: Lower Body Strength + HIIT Ride + Climb Ride
I was pretty tired after hitting it hard Sunday, so I only did a 10 min lower body strength class before hopping on my bike for a HITT + Climb Ride, skipping the 20 min class I also had planned to do. I am trying to do better at not overdoing it!
Tuesday: Upper Body Strength + 3.25 Treadmill miles
I loved this treadmill run with Daniel—the playlist was great and the cuing wasn’t crazy.
Wednesday: Core + Yoga + HIIT ride + Climb Ride
I struggled with the planks in the core workout, so I swapped a yoga class for the full body strength classes I had planned on. The joke was on me when the last few minutes had a plank flow, but by then I was warmed up and could handle it.
Thursday: Core + 5.9 Scooby Miles
Only outdoor run of the week, and I’ve obviously forgotten the mileage of my running routes. I was aiming for 5ish and surprised to log almost 6.
Friday: Full Body Strength + Amy Winehouse Ride
Another change in workout plans—maybe that’s the real theme of the week? I did the full body workout I’d skipped on Wednesday, but swapped the new Amy Winehouse Ride for my planned HIIT + Climb combo. It was such a good class! Hannah chose great songs for the playlist and managed to cue a fun ride without talking over the music too much.
Saturday: Core + SFR + 8.25 Treadmill Miles
I contemplated bundling up for an outdoor run, but then I saw the “Feels like 15 F” on the Weather Channel App. I put on shorts instead, let Scooby out in the yard, and went downstairs to my basement gym.
Ironically, I cracked the back door open to avoid overheating.
Sunday: Full Body Strength + Peloton Rides
OK, I admit I went overboard with the Peloton workouts, but it was a case of one thing leading to another. I started with 30 min of strength workouts before breakfast and church (via Zoom). Then I did the 20 min lower body workout I skipped Monday before joining Rad’s live 10 min class. Then I hopped on my bike and did Sam Yo’s Queen cool-down ride as a warm-up for Emma’s live Disney ride, which warranted a real cool-down ride and stretch.
I think I’ve earned my Sunday afternoon football/puzzle time!
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
Do you plan out your workouts in advance or decide what to do on the fly?
Look at all those Pelo classes! You racked up some nice workouts this week. I’m looking forward to Hannah’s Winehouse ride – I always appreciate that she doesn’t talk as much as some instructors.
I agree that I don’t understand why companies continue to push the return to office. I hope you’re able to stay home for a while longer.
It was a great ride!
I plan to stay at home for at least this week. I’m hoping to stretch it to the end of the month, but I might need to go in once or twice.
I agree there should be no rush on a return to the office with things as they are right now. I wish I could let Ozzy run around the yard, alas we have a “no fence” ordinance here and there are way too many coyotes around here to ever risk letting him be out without me right there. Great job on all the Pelo! I need to check out the Winehouse workouts and now the Bowie as well.
Oh, gosh, not having a fence makes it hard to have a dog. We don’t let Scooby out much because he tears up the yard with his running, but when it’s frozen solid (or dry as a bone) he gets to run and romp.
Yes, I would say you’ve earned your football/puzzle time! We’ll have to start calling you “Kim” (aka Kooky Runner : )
Yes, this omicron variant is weird. I keep hearing about people who have it really mildly and are able to keep working out and working throughout- but that wasn’t my experience. I missed an entire week of work and didn’t even attempt to work out. And I know someone who was vaxxed AND boosted, and he was sicker than me. You never know. Do you really want to be sick for a week (with a HORRIBLE sore throat?). Probably not.
Anyway, enjoy your hibernation! Maybe your word for the year will come to you when you emerge again.
I’m glad you’re getting back to 100% now!
You sure did rack up the Peloton minutes this week! I understand your reluctance to return to work and stay in your basement. i get very depressed if I don’t get outside for my runs. Our weather has been challenging this month so far for sure. Way to go on those long TM runs
Staying in the house 24/7 does wear on me. I’m hoping today’s weather doesn’t make the sidewalks slick for long.
Wow… that’s a lot of peleton.
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Sorry you’ve had to hibernate.
I’m still working from home but able to socialize outside or indoors with a masks.
Knock on wood, no contact with COVID infected persons.
I’m laying low until our covid surge settles down. Hopefully just a few more weeks.
Yes. I hope the worst is over
COVID was definitely part of why it had been so long since I visited my mom. I took an at home test, wore a K95 + double layer mask with filter the entire time was there, and couldn’t wait to rip it off when I left, LOL!
Bandit hasn’t been getting a lot of walks either, and looking at next week I don’t see many in his future. Good thing he’s an older dog.
Nice way to rock out your workouts this week, Coco! I did consider running outside today. It’s not windy, which makes all the difference, but since I’m beginning to feel more normal really don’t want to set myself back.
Stay warm & healthy!
Scooby enjoys his walks, but he’s fine with playing in the yard. I can’t risk a slip and fall on icy sidewalks, and don’t want to freeze!
I hear you!
Preach, sister! Obviously, I can’t work from home but I’m definitely over all of this. I DO NOT want covid, even the supposedly mild strain. Glad you are standing firm on WFH. Great week of workouts for you, as always.
Thanks! I hope the surge ends soon and isn’t replaced by a new one.
Way to go on the Peloton workouts this week! I need to checkout the Ed Sheeran stretch with Robin, thanks for the idea!! I’m really spoiled with my WFH home gig this month (and not having to answer ANY phone calls). My on-site work station is in a pretty secluded place, so I don’t really have any worries (other than having to leave my warm car to walk into the building).
It must be a nice change of pace for you. I’m glad they didn’t decide to forward the calls to Florida!
I totally agree with you about returning to the office AND about the total mix of experiences for different people. Way too many people testing positive right now and some have pretty extreme experiences, even if not hospitalized. I am still so thankful for the booster and vaccine, but that doesn’t mean I want to get it! I don’t want to be sick for 1-2 weeks, mild or not. Yes, I know it doesn’t totally align since I still travel, but that feels different to me that being required to go into an office vs. controlling your own risks by choice.
Nothing wrong with hibernating a bit! I’m sure Scooby still gets plenty of love and exercise. It’s harder for us when its really cold to wear Ruth out, but we try with more playing and some puzzle type treats and occasional doggy daycare!
Luckily Scooby is a happy couch potato in between walks/backyard romps.
I have a lot of control over my work situation, but try to stick up for others who don’t!
I like your home office set-up in the basement, Coco! At least you have a window right next to you so you get some daylight.
Nice that you have two screens to work with, that makes it a lot easier.
My workouts are defined on an app at the beginning of every week. I just have to open it and I get to see the 4-5 workouts I need to do on that day. I prefer it that way! 🙂
Your puzzle is really coming along!
I pulled back a bit on my going out and about. I was THISCLOSE to trying the movies again, and just couldn’t do it. Of course, down here, it’s like nothing is happening, so I have to be extra cautious for myself and the family. My trust issues coming out of this are going to be huge.
I hope that your friend is feeling better. I couldn’t agree with you more about return to office. I hope that more companies give employees the option to WFH until at least the end of this month. this variant is just so contagious and I’ve lost count of how many people I know that have gotten Covid – it’s scary.