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Tricia
and I are thrilled that new ladies continue to join us here on the Weekly Wrap.
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I don't have much to talk about this week. I'll keep it short (why, you're welcome). It was another recovery week for me. I did get out for two bike rides. Thursday morning's short 12 miler was in the dark. I just had to try these cool Activ Lites I received from my sister for Christmas. I definitely think I need another set for my front wheel. Blue? Pink? Multi-Colored?
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| Heading out my back gate |
With my bright headlight and wheel lights, I felt plenty visible so I didn't use all of my extra flashers except the one red flashing LED band, which you can barely even in the above pic. I wore my usual flashing belt to carry my phone, but this time under my jacket with the light turned off. This ride was cold. Brrrr...
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| Just before sunrise. |
Saturday morning was cold and blustery but I really wanted to ride long. I'm contemplating a century ride (or maybe metric century ride) this spring and need to increase my mileage. The later I waited, the windier it would be and it was predicted to be even worse the next day. So, I headed out around 10:30. It was cold. It was windy. I got it done. 30 Miles. I only saw the sun very briefly. I wore a forgotten-about Columbia wind breaker PoPo had given me a while back. I adored the large interior pockets and it blocked the wind perfectly.
Sunday afternoon, I attended a Pure Barre class. I was curious to see what the hype was all about. Other than water skiing in the summer, I do very little strength training. I haven't attended a group exercise class since the early 80s when going to aerobics at Elaine Powers was all the rage. So, this was way out of my comfort zone. I can report I think I'm going to be sore for a few days...
One last thing. One of our kids is celebrating a birthday tomorrow and he asked for a homemade cake.
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| Any cake topped with cream cheese frosting is a hit in our house. |
And that's a wrap!
Have you tried a Pure Barre class?
If you ride, what's your temperature breaking point?
I'm probably what you might call a fair weather cyclist--once it gets below 55-60, it's too cold for me!
ReplyDeleteI think it's more of a desperation issue on my part. You do what you have to given the circumstances. And, I do NOT fancy my bike trainer. LOL.
DeleteCan I get one of those cakes for my birthday?? Dang, that looks good! You definitely need lights on the front of the bike too- very cool. My BF is a PB instructor, can't wait to hear your opinion and then I will share mine :)
ReplyDeleteSince I can't remember you talking about PB, I'm guessing you are not a fan. My ribs were so sore, I couldn't touch them for days... And it bothered my back.
DeleteMy youngest son's birthday is tomorrow, too!
ReplyDeleteI saw lights on a bicycle wheel earlier this fall while I was out before daybreak. His lights turned changed colors as he rode. It was super cool to watch!
Thank you for the linkup!
Color changing lights would be very cool! I'll look into that.
DeleteI've done ballet-inspired workouts at home & yes, they're surprisingly difficult!
ReplyDeleteOh sure, taunt me with a yummy looking cake when I'm still rungry. :)
It's amazing what a burn you feel at Pure Barre. It did both my back though.
DeleteThat cake looks delicious! Someday I'd like to get more into biking - windbreakers sound perfect for those windy rides!
ReplyDeleteYou almost have to wear a wind breaker in the winter even when you think it's not windy. You are making your own very substantial breeze!
DeleteThose lights on your bike look great! And OMG that cake- yum!!
ReplyDeleteThe lights are super fun. I sent the remainder of that cake back to college with the kid.
DeleteThose bike lights are fun! I have wanted to try a barre class...wondering how I'd feel afterwards (?)
ReplyDeleteThe places I thought I'd be sore, didn't get sore. My rib cage and obliques cried for days. I think I was swollen. It also bothered my upper back, which was weird.
DeleteBarre - sounds intriguing. I do no strength training either.
ReplyDeleteNow I know what it's all about. I wouldn't mind trying it again...maybe with a friend.
DeleteI love that you consider a 12-mile bike ride short! You should definitely do a century ride. It seems like you could do one now since you can ride 30 miles at one time so easily. Love the lights!!!
ReplyDeleteThe cycling mileage does seem to return quickly after taking a break. Unlike running. It takes a while to build that base.
DeleteThat cake looks awesome!! There is a Barre class at my gym that I love... it's not Pure Barre, more of a Barre/Pilates combo but its been great because normal boot camp strength workouts lead to injuries for me, and I love that this one is low impact.
ReplyDeleteI did love the low impact factor of this class. It's amazing what a workout you can get.
DeleteThat cake looks too good - cream cheese frosting plus chocolate on top?! Yum!
ReplyDeleteI've never done barre before but I've been intrigued by it. I don't think I could last a whole Pure Barre class though, it seems so difficult!
You could do a whole class. You put your own intensity into the movements. If something feels too difficult, you just back off of that particular one.
DeleteI am so going to need to get some of those bike lights but I am way to wimpy to ride outside in the winter time. Now I feel like a wuss because there you are riding in the windy cold. Doesn't your face get cold??
ReplyDeleteMy face does get chilly sometimes, but you get used to it. And it's not 20 degrees either (I'm not that tough). We are talking 40s. I do carry a buff in my pocket just in case but have never pulled it out.
DeleteLove the lights! I am a green light fan, but blue would be nice too~ I still haven't tried Pure Barre, but I know I would love it- lots of strength training for legs so a perfect thing to try when you aren't training for a race!
ReplyDeleteI do think blue would be a great complimentary color!
DeleteThose lights are so cool! Definitely get a set for the other wheel. Pure Barre didn't do it for my, but I have friends who love it.
ReplyDeleteI might give PB another chance. It's hard to know after only one session. I do think it was tough -- but it needs to be.
DeleteNice recovery week! Cool lights for the bike! Great miles on the bike...30 wow! I've never tried Barre yet, sounds hard. Happy Birthday to your kiddo!
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed a nice Hibachi dinner out for his birthday. I sent the cake back to college with him!
DeleteI much prefer cream cheese icing over sickening sweet ones. I took my first Barre class the other week as well. It was ok, but definitely not worth the price they charge.
ReplyDeleteI paid very little for my first class and they actually offered a great deal for new clients. I couldn't do it but probably once a week. Their schedule doesn't fit except for weekends.
DeleteI don't think I got my bike out at all last year, I really ought too, the cross training would be good for me. LOVE cream cheese frosting, I love all frosting as far as I can tell. I love those bike lights you got, those are sweet
ReplyDeleteIt is great cross training. You should get yours out in warmer weather and ride under those beautiful Montana skies.
DeleteLoving those bike lights! I think my "okay I'm riding on the trainer today" temperature is about 40 degrees, unless it's windy, then it's more like 50 degrees!
ReplyDeleteThe wind definitely makes all the difference!
DeleteWhat did you think of PB? I loved my first class, and keep going. It doesn't get any easier, but I like being tested, and I do feel like I have gotten stronger.
ReplyDeleteThe class schedule is not very convenient for me during the week. I did think the class was challenging but good for me. I could only go on the weekends though and those are usually pretty full.
DeleteThat is such a great gift idea! I've not seen anything like that around here. The coldest I've ever taken my bike out in was 28 degrees. I probably wouldn't do that again. Yes to cream cheese everything, especially frosting!
ReplyDeleteI was skeptical that the lights would work well or be bright enough. I was wrong. They worked like a charm.
DeleteAgain ...I do love those lights! There are a couple of Pure Barre studios around here and I've been curious about trying one but just a little unsure. It's definitely out of my comfort zone. What did you like about it or not like about it?
ReplyDeleteI think you will find it challenging. You get out of it what you put into it. I could not see the instructor well which made it difficult for this newbie. It also bothered my upper back.
DeleteI love the wheel lights on your bike! That's a great safety feature for early morning or late night rides. I haven't tried Pure Barre... I really want to try a barre class but the times at my gym just don't work for me.
ReplyDeleteThe class schedule for PB really doesn't work for me either except on weekends. The lights are so fun!
DeleteThose lights are awesome! I've never tried Pure Barre before! Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletePB is definitely different. There is no jumping around but you sure do work up a sweat.
DeleteI've never taken Pure Barre but I have done Lithe Method and currently go to a local barre studio. I LOVE it...it is not easy at all but a great challenge!
ReplyDeleteCycling in the cold weather...I wish I could do it but I'd freeze! Love those lights!
I've never heard of the Lithe Method. I'll agree the barre classes are a huge challenge!
DeleteOoh man, I usually wimp out once temps hit the 40's for the bike. Biking in the cold is SO MUCH MORE HARDCORE than running in the cold. So big props to you. Plus, I would be scared senseless from slipping on ice on my bike. I'm afraid enough running when I'm only 5 feet from the ground, let alone moving faster and sitting higher.
ReplyDeleteAlso, love those lights, was pleasantly surprised to find them so reasonably priced, so I'll definitely be outfitting my bike with them before spring!
No, no, no -- if it's cold enough for ice you won't find my riding outside. But I usually don't have worry about that. The lights are very reasonable!
DeleteI have always been curious about Barre! but I have not found a class that fits my schedule!
ReplyDeleteI love the lights on your bike! they are soo cool!!
Happy Birthday to your kid!!
It would be really nice to do a lunchtime PB class but the studio is too far away. And I really don't like doing anything after work.
DeleteLove the Activ Lites on your bike tire! Very cool! I have not tried barre yet but it seems like it would be a great workout! Cool cake, hope he has a good birthday!
ReplyDeleteWe ate Hibachi style for his birthday and I sent the rest of that cake back to college with him!
DeleteThat cake looks amazing! Love those bike lights - wish they made something like that for running that would actually stay on (we've all lost lights) and was lightweight.
ReplyDeleteI've seen vests with rope LED lighting before, although I haven't tried one.
DeleteI took a Pure Barre class once a while back - I really enjoyed it but there's not enough time in the day to do all the classes I'd like to! I think those Activ Lites are great -- would be awesome for bike commuting!
ReplyDeleteLiving where I do, it's very unusual to see someone on a bike. And, especially a bike all lit up. I'm pretty sure I was very visible. LOL.
DeleteI have yet to try out a Pure Barre class. I feel like I'm the very last person in the universe to not have given it a try yet.
ReplyDeleteI thought so too. But from the comments I've read so far, most people have not tried a class.
DeleteThose bike lights are awesome! I don't ride anymore (I sold my bike this July after about three years of not riding it :( ) but I will definitely recommend those lights to my husband!
ReplyDeleteI've done pure barre before I think it's fun, but I don't see the results that I do from working with a trainer and lifting a bit heavier.
Yes, I think working one on one with a trainer would definitely give you better results. This is a cookie-cutter class, although it was very challenging.
DeleteBarre does leave you sore in some unusual places. :) That cake looks great! Cream cheese frosting is always a winner in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI stayed sore for days in some unexpected places! I'm glad I sent the rest of that cake back to college with him so I wouldn't be tempted all week.
DeleteI went to Barre today for the first time since December - oh man, I'm going to hurt tomorrow! I love those lights for your bike!
ReplyDeleteBefore my first class, I naively thought that if I liked it -- I could go multiple times a week. Now I realize there's no way I could do that!!
DeleteI'd like to give Barre a go but there aren't any classes near me. I imagine that it's quite tough!
ReplyDeleteYour lights are great. I really need to get out on my bike more!
Unfortunately, the Barre classes aren't very convenient for me either. They are quite the challenge.
DeleteI've never done a Pure Barre class but have tried a Pilates Barre mix - not sure what the difference is, but I can attest to the fact that I was sore for days after!
ReplyDeleteI asked the instructor if the routine was always the same, and she said it was. (UGH!) But she also said they were getting ready to add Pilates into some of their classes.
DeleteLove the bike lights - I have something similar for mine, but never ride anymore. Whoops. I think anything under 30 is no-bike weather for me -- especially if there's a breeze. Cake looks great!
ReplyDeleteUnder 40 is probably my no-can-do. I guess if the wind was calm, I'd get it a try...once at least.
DeleteMmmm that birthday cake looks DELICIOUS! How about hot pink for your other bike wheel? Those lights are the coolest!
ReplyDeleteThey have pink! I checked. And blue. And multi-colored. And white. And red. (Christmas colors!) LOL.
DeleteHappy birthday to your son!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you could take good ol sanity for the longer miles this week. ( love the tire lights btw! Any color would like great on the front tire)I've never tried the barre classes. How did you like it,aside from being out of your comfort zone?
It was difficult to see the Barre instructor in this set-up. I think they should put the new students in places where they can see. I was constantly having to turn around to know what to do.
Deletecake looks awesome and I love the lights on your bike!
ReplyDeleteI had to get that cake out of the house and send the leftovers home with the college kid. LOL.
DeleteSo fun about the bike lights, haven't seen anything like that before!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried Pure Barre, one of these days it will happen... maybe LOL
Have a great week!!!
I didn't know these fun lights existed. I'm very happy my sister gave them to me!
DeleteWow! No group exercise class since the 80s? That's both crazy and impressive to me. :) Nice job getting out of your comfort zone. I've never tried Pure Barre, but it definitely seems all the rage right now.
ReplyDeleteThose wheel lights are amazing!
Obviously, group exercise hasn't been my thing. My DIL and I tried a spin class and we were unceremoniously kicked off our bikes after about 10 minutes when the people who reserved them showed up. Maybe that's why...
Delete