Sunday, March 27, 2016

Wrapping up Easter week in Iowa



Here we go again...another week of unpredictable (and irrational) Iowa weather to deal with.

Theme? Maybe "buckle your seat belts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride."

Monday was kind of dreary, but I still wanted to get in my "nevermissaMonday" run, and since it wasn't raining (or snowing), I headed outside after getting home from work. Holy wind, Batman! I briefly considered doing a couple miles. Briefly. A couple minutes into my run and I turned it around and went a different direction, and finished the minimum mile and called it good.
One mile in the crazy wind...and my hair was a hot mess 
Tuesday brought with it much nicer weather and (dare I say it it?), a lack of wind. Wednesday's forecast looked less than desirable, so I elected to take it outside on Tuesday and postpone my stair workout to Wednesday. I met a friend after work, and we ran five glorious miles in the dry (and sunshiny) weather.
Happy to be back in a tank top and shorts!!!
Wednesday, as predicted, was just plain cold, damp, and nasty. I didn't even feel like leaving the house to drive to the downtown office building for my weekly stair-running excursion. Also, all of my stair-training has been pretty "fast," so I decided to slow it up a bit and do some triple-climbing (you know, taking the steps by three's). This I could easily do without leaving my house...so I did 50 "flights" of three-step climbing.

Three-step climbing is a different ball game than doing singles (or even doubles) because that third step really changes it up (no pun intended). It's a much bigger (longer? higher?) step and requires a lot more strength work in the hamstrings and glutes (because it's a much more slow and controlled motion), and it also utilizes a lot of balancing as you're making those slow, high steps.

Another challenge was my chosen wardrobe. Since I wasn't going anywhere, I changed into yoga pants and a tank top. Not usually a problem, except these pants are low-waisted, and after the first couple sets of three-stepping, the waste band decided it wasn't gonna stay in place any longer. Thankfully, Max (our dog) was the only one privy to my "posterior smile," as if the confusion of me constantly going up and down (50 times) wasn't bad enough.

Thursday was another cool and damp day. Ugh. I even had to dig out my boots and leggings. Not necessarily a fashion-forward thing to be wearing "winter" clothing during the "spring" season, but I knew it would be a chilly day at the office.
Yep, back in the winter leggings and boots
Ironically, I had a bit of an extended lunch break, so I decided to hop on the 'mill (speed set on 4.7 and incline on 4) and do some power walking with (intermittent) 12-pound hand weights.  That got my heart pumping!

Friday was another beautiful day, with ample sunshine. I also had an extended lunch hour, so I was able to suit up and lace up and get a couple quick miles done before heading back to the office.   I also was feeling a little restless in the evening, so I headed back outside for six laps around the block across the street form my house. This block is situated on the side of a small hill, so essentially, it's like doing two (small, but steep) hills each time I complete a lap around it. Three laps is equivalent to a mile in distance...so that mini workout got me two miles of hill work (and sore legs the next morning).
Being outside in the sunshine always makes me smile
Saturday. Oh boy, Saturday had me spending upwards of six hours with the two daughters...on a shopping excursion. The oldest daughter is graduating college in six weeks (HOW is that even possible???), and needed several new dresses for various upcoming events.

I awoke to some unexpected stiffness in my legs and lower back. Not especially eager for a long day on my feet, I did the unthinkable: I dressed like a runner (without having any running on my agenda). Typically, I'm not one to "dress like a runner" when I haven't even broken a sweat (or foresee any sweat happening), but since my legs (and back) were in recovery from the previous day....I made an exception to that self-imposed law of fashion.
Fashion no-no...dressing like a runner when you're not running
Sunday was Easter, one of the big holidays in the Christian faith. We went to church, and hosted my parents and sister for dinner. Later, after the two college kids left to head back to their respective schools, I met up with my friend, Barb, for some long distance miles.

As mentioned in numerous prior posts, I am coming off of my off-season. My last long-distance race (a half marathon) was in early November, and I had not run any farther than a 10K distance since (well, except for that somewhat spontaneous 15K on New Years Eve while on vacay in California). I have a couple of half marathons coming up (and an Ultra happening in July), so it's time to ease back into long-distance running on the weekends.
And we're back in fleece-lined tights and stocking hats
The temps weren't ideal (high 30's, with some wind and damp air), but we did have a little bit of sunshine. We ran seven miles, and those seven miles went fairly fast and felt great. So far, most of my running has been pain-free in 2016. Granted, there's that usual stiffness in the first mile or so, but it's only been lasting for one mile or so (and not the typical 3-4 miles) and the stiffness has been very minimal at that. Although the off-season was difficult (seriously, what runner actually WANTS to run less?), scaling back my mileage was one of the smartest moves I've done in my (almost) 11 years of running.  

What else? Well, I posted this funny pic on my Facebook page, Running on the Fly, and it almost exploded with numerous funny comments in support of my distaste of Peeps. I love all things sugar, but these did not make the cut. Even as a kid, I rejected them as "proper sweets." Crazy, huh.

I got a new haircut recently, and have been experimenting with different styling options. I don't want to be one of those gals who sticks with one "tried-and-true" hairdo for decades (believe me, we have a lot of that in Iowa LOL). My latest find is the straightener one of the daughters gave me (when she upgraded to a more expensive model). Did you know you can use a straightener to curl your hair? And the waves actually stay all day?
Curls from the straightener (#whodathunk)
Lastly, our dog, Max, is due for a grooming appointment, but I think his wavy hair looks so cute when it's long! 
Max loves having the brother and sister home from college

How was your week? Do you have any long-distance events on your spring calendar? What do you think of Peeps...Yay or Nay? Ever dress as a runner when you're not running?

As usual, I'm linking up with my gals, Holly at  HoHo Runs  and Tricia at  MissSippiPiddlin  for the Weekly Wrap. Lots of great blogs, and lots of great reading...head over and take a look!


























38 comments:

  1. Wow, you had a great week of training ! But crazy weather... we have been having crazy weather too. It is now calling for wind and rain for 4 days, then close to 70 degree weather. I think the treadmill will be my friend this morning.
    Have a great week !

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    1. I want spring to get here and set up homestead for awhile...this coming and going stuff is annoying ;-)

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  2. Wow, an ultra in July so yes, I guess you have to start increasing your mileage. I can't imagine doing one of those but will enjoy following your training. College graduation is a huge milestone and how fun that your daughter wanted you to shop with her for dresses.

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    1. Well, I think the daughter really wanted me more for my purchasing power than my fashion influence....but she did ask for my opinion (and take it!) several times ;-)

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  3. You are killing your stair workouts! I get tired just reading about them. So funny, I think I"m in shape but I get winded taking the stairs at work. All the time.

    I loathe peeps, but my boys have always loved them.

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    1. Peeps are the worst waste of perfectly good sugar. And, the stairs...we're gonna have to do a Climb sometime (maybe I'll actually have a chance of finishing faster #longerlegs) ;-)

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  4. I wish it would just stay warm. It will be warm one wkend then cold the next.I want to put my boots and sweaters away for good! I used to love those peeps as a kid. Haven't had them in yrs!-L

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    1. I'm craving warm weather something fierce.....Summer would be ideal, but I'd settle for spring if it would just stick around for awhile...

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  5. Congrats on a great week of training! Way to go! I hate the damp and cool weather, too. That's what we've had here in North Carolina the past few days. Also, I've tried many times to curl my hair with a flat iron but I'm just not very good at it. It definitely takes some technique...which I don't have :D

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    1. I'm not too gifted with curling my hair...but I wrap sections around my fingers (like pincurls), then slide them off and press the rounded sections with the flat iron. It goes quick because I just do random sections (so it looks more natural) and none of the sections have to match.

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  6. Happy belated Easter! Can I just say I love your workouts? The powerwalking on the treadmill with weights plus the stair climbs up 3 both sound killer! It's nice you had some great time with the family for the holiday. I look forward to seeing you in full-blown training mode!

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    1. ha ha ha...I tend to whine a lot more when I'm in full-blown training mode (but I disguise it as sarcasm) ;-)

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  7. I'm so ready for the weather to just be consistently nice. What the heck, weather? I've totally had the low-waist band pants issue - but I was at CrossFit - doing burpees... yea... haha

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    1. seriously, who invented these low-waist yoga pants? The fold-over waistband ones did not need "perfecting" ;-)

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  8. Steps in 3's oh wow I bet that does get he ol' rump a burning! So you did 50 flights, how do you keep count? I would loose count lol! I love your new haircut and even the "winded" look. See I would be one of these that has had the same style for well just about all my life. You see my curls have a mind of their own and I've learned to just let them be!
    I struggle this time of the year with what to wear to work even when I'm not bitching about it being so cold in the office. It's usually too cool in the morning for short dresses and you look stupid, but it warms up so in the afternoons til you look stupid again if you wear boots so mostly I just look stupid all the time! lol! #struggleisreal
    Thanks Kim for linking up!!

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    1. Well, I can relate to the struggle with dressing warm...even in the summer when it's dreadfully hot I usually dress in layers because it's so freezing cold in any establishment with air-conditioning. #cardigansaremything #ineverycolor

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  9. I was thinking about you when I took a class the other day where they had us run up and down stairs and I almost died. 3 at a time sounds crazy! You rock

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    1. well, doing 3 steps at a time goes MUCH slower than singles and doubles LOL There is no racing in 3-stepping or I'd be face-planting repeadtedly

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  10. And I thought we had crazy weather - it's warm on day and cold the next. Today it is raining.

    An ultra?! Are you nuts???

    But anyone can, you can. Probably be easier than those stairs!!

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    1. The Ultra is a 12-hour endurance run...and the term "run" is used very loosely. It's not about how fast, but staying in motion (and keeping yourself vertical). I did the 6-hour event last year, and all the gals with me agreed to return and 'up the challenge" this year ;-)

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  11. Replies
    1. We rescued him last January...he's been a great little guy ;-)

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  12. Sounds like you had a great week! I have a small flat iron for my bangs, but I almost never use it. I just never mastered the art. And since I hate not having a ponytail, yeah, I AM one of those girls. But I've been pixie short and I've been mid back and I don't like either of those looks on me.

    The furkids really didn't understand the vivoactive-induced pacing at first. They'd follow me around. I think they've gotten used to it.

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    1. Hey, you have tried other styles, and that's a win-win!

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  13. As soon as it's warm enough, I wear Skirt Sports skirts pretty much all the time, including for running, so some days I wear two skirts LOL. I also work from home, so I'm in running clothes pretty much all the time.

    And I love peeps. So much sugary goodness.

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    1. I need to look into Skirt Sports....I've heard of them, but haven't taken the time to look for them.

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  14. Happy Easter! I do kind of like Peeps, but I can't eat more than one or two.

    The wind makes running so much harder! It derails you so easily!

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    1. In recent years, there have been new flavors of Peeps...like the sour watermelon. Those are a little more "swallow-able" but still the texture and grittiness is just not my thing. Every year, I try them (again), thinking they can't be so bad...but every year I'm reminded of my dislike of them LOL

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  15. Wow, an ultra in July?!? You're officially my hero!

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    1. Don't be too impressed with the "ultra" terminology...it's all about endurance, not speed ;-) (and there's a little bit of craziness involved...)

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  16. That is so awesome that you are doing an ultra in July!! I am so impressed with your stair workouts - 3 at a time is gnarly!!
    I have never been a Peeps girl... :)

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    1. The 3-at a time is not feasible for a lot of people...I'm tall with long legs, so I can do it (not very fast, mind you LOL), it's a great variation.

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  17. NO to Peeps. Ick. Last year, one laid in the road for months after Easter. I watched it on my runs. It didn't melt and no animal ate it. Go figure. My middle son does the stairs in our house. I need to take some inspiration from you and him and join in. I want to keep going up and not go have to go down, though. I like your hair! I've been living in pony tail world for years now. #shameonme Thanks for linking with us Kim!

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    1. EEEEEWWWW! That's disgusting! About the stairs...yes, it's more exciting (and challenging) to have several flights to do instead of constantly going up & down, but sometimes that's what I have (if I don't feel like driving downtown....we have limited hours that we can use the stairs in the office building). I have a video on my Facebook page showing different stair drills...but couldn't get the link to post to my blog (??).

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  18. I used to love peeps, but I dont eat them anymore. Stair workouts are awesome, I live in fourth floor apartment and I always walk up and down the stairs but it makes me not want to ever do actual stair workouts. Happy Belated Easter.

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    1. If you're going up and down the stairs routinely...you don't need an "actual" stair workout ;-)

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  19. Wow that is a crazy stair workout! Way to power through that one - I would have gotten so bored. My dogs would be very confused and would probably run up and down with me the first few times before just standing there and watching me like "what is wrong with you."

    I have a few long distance events on my race calendar. In two weeks I'm running my first ultra (a 50K), I have a half on the calendar the week after that, and then at the end of April I'm on an ultra team for a Ragnar Trail event. Oh and in June I have a trail 25K that goes up two mountains. I think by the time summer gets here I'm going to need a break!

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    1. My dog did the exact same thing...up & down a few times, then a confused look on his face. Then, he bailed and went elsewhere. You have an intense spring! I'd love to do a Ragnar event sometime, especially a trail! Go YOU!!

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