Join me by pulling up a chair and pouring yourself a cup of coffee. I’m splurging this month and enjoying a hot chocolate with a huge dollop of whipped cream on top. Let’s take a break and try to talk about more than just fitness-related topics. Sound like a plan? I’ll kick us off…

 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that…..

January was a success in the fitness department, despite being snowed in for the final week, and a huge shoutout goes to my new Peloton Bike+ and the All-Access membership for aiding in that success! While my total mileage might look modest compared to my 2025 monthly averages, those 30-minute, shorter distance high-intensity intervals on the Peloton left my legs feeling like lead by the time I climbed out of the basement. Speaking of cycling mileage, I managed to clock 59 of my 200 miles outdoors before the snow hit and that had a big impact on my standings in the Winter Warrior Challenge.

Also worth noting, I’m surprised by how much I’m enjoying the core and stretching classes—they’ve become a fantastic supplement to my regular strength training and cardio routines.

 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that…..

I finally managed to please the Garmin gods and was quite happy when this popped up on my watch. For a 68-year-old, I’ll gladly take a fitness age of 59! Considering Garmin’s usual cantankerous demeanor, I’m shocked it decided to send some good vibes my way for once.

 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that…..

Earlier today, we continued our trek south after an overnight visit with Pablo and his humans. They were just hit with 11 inches of snow during Saturday’s bomb cyclone; Pablo clearly had a blast playing in it, though I think he loved seeing us even more!

 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that…..

We added another little green tree to our national parks wooden map after visiting Congaree National Park in South Carolina this morning. Known for its oppressive heat, relentless mosquitoes, and trail-spanning spider webs, we decided it was best to visit in the dead of winter. Even though I was sporting a cold red nose and freezing fingers, it was still the perfect way to experience the park’s winter beauty without the notorious foul odors and the bugs!

 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that…..

The hot chocolate mug in the first photo has the most adorable snow globe lid with a single red cardinal inside. It was a Christmas gift from a client, but as soon as my husband saw it, he claimed it as his own! That’s alright, though—I rarely drink hot beverages, so I’m sure he’ll share on the rare occasion I do.

 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that…..

The Winter Warrior Challenge I created for our Dawn Patrol cycling group has been such a hit that I’m already planning a spring edition. This challenge was the exact push I needed; it got me outside on my bike for four days when I otherwise would have stayed in the basement.

 

  • Questions:
  • • My Garmin gave me some rare ‘good vibes’ with that fitness age, but we all know the numbers don’t tell the whole story. What is one fitness win—big or small—that you’re celebrating from January?
  • • The Winter Warrior Challenge definitely pushed me out of the basement and into the cold more than I expected! Do you find you’re more motivated to exercise when you’re part of a team challenge, or do you prefer flying solo? ~ In this case, yes!
  • • If we were having coffee, what would you tell me?

 

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Today I’m joining Deborah at Confessions Of A Mother Runner and Coco at Running With Perseverance for their monthly Ultimate Coffee Date linkup which goes live the first Friday of every month.  Be sure to stop by their blogs for a cup of coffee and to say hello; and while you’re there, be sure to check out some of the other bloggers who are participating in the linkup.