Thanksgiving vacation fitness never goes as planned, does it? But we do what we can with what we have. (Plus some Cyber Monday deals!)
I debated whether I was going to post something today. I runfessed on Friday that blogging is starting to stress me out. But when I went to bed last night, I had a nagging feeling I’d regret not posting today. So here I am, blogging in real-time, because the nagging feeling never went away! I’ve got some special Cyber Monday deals at the end of this post as well, and I couldn’t miss that now could I?
Before we get to that, remember that time I said I was on a running hiatus and then ran 16 miles? Well, last week was a legit hiatus this time. On Sunday evening, we arrived in Phoenix, AZ to visit with my family for the week of Thanksgiving. We were finally in the land of warmth and sunshine, and I had high hopes of getting in some great runs while we were there. The plan was to focus on Thanksgiving vacation fitness. Unfortunately I did minimal running despite the best of intentions. Go figure!
Thanksgiving Vacation Fitness
Monday — .4 miles walking
Monday was a little bit exhausting. After an evening of travel and an early wake-up call from my kids, I didn’t have it in me to run. Instead, I took my brother and sister-in-law’s adorable dog, Ryder, for a walk/run. We walked a little bit and then ran a teensy bit. It was super fun, even if it was short.
World, meet Ryder. Ryder, world.
Tuesday — .5 miles walking
The advantage of living in the southwest is the abundance of playgrounds and outdoor space. My brother and sister-in-law have a really nice park in their neighborhood with a playground, grassy fields, and a walking path.
I planned to log some miles while the kids played on the playground. Ryder and I did a few laps but we didn’t get very far. He was far more interested in keeping an eye on the children than walking/running with me. At least we tried, right?
I also took my family on a wild goose chase for some hot Krispy Kreme donuts. Can’t visit AZ without those (or In-N-Out Burger)!
Wednesday — .77 miles hiking
Since my kids never adjusted to the time change (AZ is two hours behind CLE), we planned on getting up and out early on Wednesday morning. We had been waking up at 5:30 every day (which is 7:30 Cleveland time) which was just in time for the sunrise. Since the forecasted temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday were near 90?F, I thought it best if we headed to the mountains for a sunrise hike. And it did not disappoint. Check out these views:
We ended up hiking under a mile but gained almost 200 feet, which is a lot considering we were hiking with an 8 and 4 year old. It was such a fun morning and I’m so glad I convinced everyone we should do it. My only regret is that we didn’t go multiple times this year.
Thanksgiving Vacation Fitness
Thursday — 3.2 miles + HIIT workout
I hemmed and hawed about what to do on Thanksgiving morning. I usually run a Turkey Trot with my bestie, Julie, and I didn’t want the Turkey Trottin’ tradition to stop. There were a few Turkey Trots near where we were staying, but I honestly didn’t want to spend $40 on a 5K race. Call me cheap, call me whatever, but I knew I could run some easy miles on my own.
I joined a local MRTT chapter and found a running pal who lived literally 500 feet down the road from my brother’s house. It was so fun to meet a new friend (who, ironically, is from Ohio and her fiancé is from Cleveland — what are the odds?!) and run some pre-Thanksgiving miles. I finished up the morning with just over 3 running miles.
Afterward, my sister-in-law, husband, and I completed my no-equipment Turkey Burner Workout before we had to get ready for family pictures. It was a tough workout! I’m glad we did it because it was lots of fun to do in the AZ sunshine.
Looking ahead
I feel like last week was truly my running hiatus. I barely moved at all and ate terribly from start to finish. There was definitely very little Thanksgiving vacation fitness happening. This week I’m back on track and I have every intention of staying fit and getting back on a schedule.
Cyber Monday Deals!
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for… check out a few of these amazing Cyber Monday deals happening NOW! (No, this list is not all-inclusive. Yes, these are products I use and love.)
Momentum Jewelry
Momentum Jewelry is having a HUGE Cyber Monday sale. 50% OFF huge. Click here to snag the deal!
Honey Stinger
Honey Stinger is also having a huge sale with 50% off!! The Honey Stinger waffles are some of my faves — now’s your time to try them! You can also get free shipping with orders over $50. Use code FREESTING at checkout.
Run Coaching
Interested in trying out a running coach? Now’s your chance. I’m giving runners 50% OFF one month of training*! Email me or fill out the online form to get started. *conditions apply.
Instant Pot
This may seem like a random addition to the list, but I just ordered my own Instant Pot and I’m extremely excited to use it! Plus this is a killer deal so if you’ve been considering one, why wait?
Garmin Watches
Amazon is featuring amazing deals on Garmin watches. If you’ve been in the market for a new one, you might want to take a peek and see what’s available.
Silicone Rings
My husband and I wear QALO silicone rings almost exclusively. Silicone rings are really comfortable, quite durable plus they’re also hypoallergenic. QALO is having a 20% off sale and buy 2, get 1 free sale in honor of Cyber Monday.
Road ID
Give the gift of Road ID this holiday season with 20% off IDs (and 60% off apparel). Road ID is a great tool to have in your safety arsenal. I never leave home without mine.
That wraps up my week of Thanksgiving vacation fitness and the Cyber Monday deals. I told you I don’t have a ton to share — but the ones I do have are pretty darn amazing. Happy shopping!
xo
Let’s talk!
Did you get in a decent amount of fitness over the holiday week?
Are you shopping on this fine Cyber Monday?
Linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap, and My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run.
This post contains affiliate links. This just means if you purchase something by clicking through one of my links, I might make a few cents here and there. Thank you. 🙂
81 Comments
I knew you were going to snag that insta pot! Can’t wait to see what you make with it
Haha, I couldn’t pass it up!! It was supposed to come last night but I think it’s en route now. I’ve got big plans for a minestrone soup tonight if it arrives on time. I’m so excited!!
Your hike was a good call!
I just spent $$ at Momentum – I didn’t that until I looked at your blog lol
We had a lot of fun!! It was beautiful.
Oh I’m so glad you purchased! What did you end up getting? There are so many great options!!
didn’t do that…
Sounds like an awesome thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks!
That hike in the early morning looked so fun and scenic! Maybe we outta find an AZ race to consider…..
I’m totally in for that. Phoenix Marathon in February…? I wouldn’t be ready for 2018, but definitely could consider 2019!
Love the idea of Thanksgiving vacation fitness even if it doesn’t go the way you would like.
I tried and that’s all that matters, right??
I did a turkey trot on thursday and a run + yoga on sunday. Not too bad for a holiday break!
That’s great! Good job!
Sounds like a great vacation! I loved seeing the family hiking photo on Instagram. I was toying with the Insta Pot but haven’t bought one yet.
It was such a beautiful sunrise and I’m so happy we went. I just wish we had gone multiple times!
I got the Instant Pot! It’s giant. I *think* I like it but the verdict is still out. 😉
Love AZ for the fabulousd outdoor opportunities. Looks like you had a lot of fun.
Ample opportunities to be outside, that’s for sure! We had fun.
Thanks for sharing those mountain vistas and AZ sunshine! Your family pic turned out great! My fitness activities were on the light side last week as well. Good thing I’m not training for anything….yet.
Thank you! There were a few outtakes but mostly due to blurriness. Somehow everyone looked at the camera at the same time!
I keep telling myself I’m not in training so it’s okay… but still…!
Looks like just the right amount of break. Glad you had fun!
Thanks, Kelly!
Ha. I’m glad that you took an actual hiatus this time. Looks like a great time with the family. 🙂
Haha, right! I did, I swear!! 🙂
That’s a beautiful Arizona landscape in your photo. I’m glad you got some sunshine and a family visit. I got in a decent amount of skating last week. While the rink is closed on Thanksgiving itself, I skated M-T-F-Sa, not bad for Thanksgiving week, and I did my PT exercises three times.
That’s impressive, Mary!! Good for you for sticking to a schedule. I definitely got a little lazy!
You know, sometimes you just do what you can over a holiday weekend… at least you got out there some!
I ran a solo 10k turkey trot around the neighborhood on Thursday (all motivated – haha) and then did NOTHING for the rest of the weekend. My long run on Sunday was literally rained out and I admit that I was too lazy to drive to the gym. So there is that. I just roll with it 🙂
That’s great that you ran a 10K on Thanksgiving! It’s okay to miss a long run every once in a while. 🙂 We do what we can, right?
Looks so beautiful! And sounds like you had such a nice holiday 🙂
We had a great time! It was really nice to be with family.
It looks like you had a wonderful trip to AZ. The hikes look amazing. There is a Krispy Kreme (one of those old retro ones) just a hop and a skip down the road from our neighborhood. It is next door to a Captain D’s (do you have those?) Anyhoo, the smell of donut grease and fish grease are an interesting combo. Thanks for linking.
Ew, that sounds interesting to say the least… 🙂
We have one Krispy Kreme (or used to?) but it’s kind of far, so we make sure we stop when we’re in AZ. There used to be a ton there but now there are only a handful left. The real fun is at In-N-Out Burger. Mmmm…
We don’t have Captain Ds. Any good?
That’s so awesome you were able to be so active! The weather was awesome, and I wish I could have gotten out more, but it wasn’t in the cards.
Seems like that’s how it went for a lot of us! Ah well, not for lack of trying, right?
Sounds like a great week! And I keep hearing so much about the instal-pot, I’m intrigued!
I just got it! So far so good, but it’s not quite as “instant” as I was hoping it was!
I love that you found an MRTT group to run with in AZ! I probably would have just done my own thing. This weather keeps me motivated.
We need to plan that Wisconsin trail race!
I considered running on my own but everything looks the same out there and I was a little worried about getting lost! Hahaha. It was fun running with a new friend. 🙂
YES! We definitely do. Let’s seriously look at calendars and see if we can make something happen.
it sounds like you a little bit of everything during the weekend 🙂
Yes, lots of fun!
Looks like you had a nice Thanksgiving! Great Cyber Monday deals!
Thanks! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving as well!
So happy that you had a great Thanksgiving with your family. Although it’s nice to get in some workouts when you travel, sometimes it’s just better to spend time with family and enjoying eachother.
Thanks for all the Cyber Monday deals. I definitely took advantage of the Momentum Jewelry deal earlier today!o
It was really nice. I would have liked to have taken better advantage of the sunshine and beautiful weather, but sometimes just hanging out is great too. 🙂
I love Momentum jewelry! There are so many amazing pieces now, too.
What a fun week, and so cool that you did all that walking and hiking! It’s been a slow week for me, but lots of cyber shopping today!
Cyber shopping is the best way to do it, right? 😉
A hiatus is sometimes the best thing for us. Gets us energized and excited to get back to it! I know it’s hard because we eat a lot of goodies over the holidays but hope you enjoyed it! Also somehow I just now am realizing you’re in Cleveland. I’m in Cincinnati!!!
Oh how fun! Hey neighbor!! 😉
A hiatus was definitely in order. I feel much better now! Though I’m still tempted by all the goodies and now the holiday cookie recipes making the rounds on everyone’s blogs!… 😉
Great job on the 5k and HIIT workout! And absolutely love hiking. It’s relaxing and a great workout!
Thanks, Christine! Hiking is my favorite. It’s so relaxing and there’s always something to explore!
Ryder is too cute! It looks like such a fun week, and those views are amazing!
Stunning views. I wish I could keep the views in my pocket. 🙂
Ryder is adorable — I also want to keep him in my pocket, too. Lol!
Sounds like a nice relaxing weekend! We take our kids hiking all the time! We always run a 5k on thanksgiving morning and this year my oldest ran it with us (while we pushed the other 3 in the strollers lol}!!she ran the whole thing! We were so proud of her!
Awww, that’s so amazing! Good for her!!
We *almost* did a family Turkey Trot this year — and we probably should have — but it was a 30 minute drive from my brother’s house so we skipped it. Maybe next year they will join me!
Love the pics. The hike looked awesome.
I didn’t buy anything on Black Friday…it was tough to resist.
I did run on Thanksgiving – a 10K and a 5k …so glad I did.
Wow, that’s impressive! But why split distances? Two races?
I only purchased on Black Friday because I was stuck on the plane… #excuses
Sounds like a great Thanksgiving! The views from the hike are so pretty. Glad you enjoyed your time.
Thank you!
Sounds like an awesome Thanksgiving holiday! Family time is the best 🙂
It was a great time, I miss them already!
I was on a hiatus too. I did some core work, but no cardio. I got the itch for cardio last week, and I don’t this week. I think I’m tired from getting back to work and getting back into my weekday routine. I liked taking my time in the mornings and not worrying about work.
I hear ya!! I started waking up early to run again and it’s kind of rejuvenated me to be honest, which is not at all what I was expecting!
Krispy Kreme donuts are so delicious when they are warm. I have never been to an In and Out Burger though. I don’t really like ground beef so I probably wouldn’t like it.
If you ever make it to In N Out you could always just order fries. I don’t even like fries but theirs are AMAZING!
And yes, Krispy Kreme when it’s hot is the best. The first one we went to didn’t even have the belt going. So I made us pile into the car and drive to another one 20 minutes away. My family thanked me for doing that. 😉 Haha.
What a lovely trip! That hike looked amazing! I wish we had more stuff like that to do around here.
Fitness wise, this was a busy week, despite the holiday. I had my regular miles during the week, plus a Thanksgiving 5K plus he Space Coast Half Marathon. I’m feeling it today for sure!
You definitely had a busy week!!! Good for you for staying so active. 🙂
It looks like you had a lovely holiday! I did a lot of running over vacation as I was traveling and it was all I could get in.
That’s great! Glad you stayed busy and active!
Your family is beautiful! 🙂 It’s wonderful you got to spend the holiday with them. I tried a honeystinger waffle once. It was sooooo good. I ran a 30k on Sunday so I did get in some fitness. But I have been resting since so my body can repair. I’m going to run tomorrow morning and I’m excited. I got my period today so I am feeling soooo bloaty and yucky and I know a run is what I need!!
Thank you so much! 🙂
Congrats on the 30k!
I usually skip runs when I first get my period. I just feel gross and would rather not do anything. The second day is much better. 🙂
Way to go staying active on vacation.
Thanks!
Looks like yall had a wonderful time! What a great picture of your family. You no doubt will cherish that for a long time! I just gotta ask how tall is your husband?
I saw the Instant Pot on your list and I do love mine!
Thank you! He’s 6’4″. I’m 5’1″. We’re quite the pair. Lol!
I have to hit you up for Instant Pot recipes! I “like” it but not “love” yet… I’ve only made two things so far, though!
Good job getting some movement in on your trip. Sometimes it’s nice to just take a break.
I like my Instant Pot, but I confess that I use it as a slow cooker more often than I use it as a pressure cooker…
And see, I’m wondering if I need it? I love my slow cooker…
Sometimes that running hiatus is so necessary to refresh. I ran some and crossfitted during the holidays!
It really is! It helps to reset for sure.
I logged a lot of shopping hours on Monday. I finally had some time & there were indeed some good deals. Including the Honeystinger. 🙂
I definitely like my Instantpot’s first outing, and tonight I’m going to try cooking frozen fish in it. I have high hopes . . .
I already have a 6 qt slow cooker (which sees a lot of use) so the size didn’t surprise me & it’s a great size for soups or whole turkey breasts (could just be working next Thanksgiving — we’ll see!). I did read the comments, though, so I knew that it would take some time to come to pressure & also to let the pressure off after everything cooked, too. I think my first meal took about 15 minutes to prep, 12 minutes to cook, but maybe about 20 minutes for the pressure to build & come back down? But I’m okay with that — just 15 minutes of prep, then I got to sit down and relax and dinner was done for me. In fact, I wish I’d doubled the recipe but there will be a learning curve, for sure.
Way, way back I used to have a humongous pressure cooker that I used for canning. It got a lot of use, but eventually it was just gathering dust and I donated it before we moved here. No regrets. A very different creature; even though I never had problems with it it was slightly scary (and big. Really, really big).
The InstantPot is much larger than my slow cooker. Not in terms of the cooking space, more in the overall size. It’s still sitting on my counter because I don’t know where else to put it yet.
I think had I known it takes so long to pressurize and then depressurize, I wouldn’t have been so taken aback. But you’re right, it’s so much better than having to actively cook! And quicker than a slow cooker recipe. Can’t wait to try another recipe in it!
That is a beautiful family picture! Happy to hear you enjoyed your time out west.
Thank you!! We had a blast.