Sunday, August 13, 2017

Upping the Mileage


Yikes. This walking stuff is tougher than marathon training. It definitely hurts so good (in several places).

I oughtta know since I've trained for five marathons (and two ultras).


It's been exciting to see my mileage grow, almost exponentially, in such a relatively short span of time. Although it's ever-so-tempting to continue with this routine, it might be in my best interest to take either a recovery week or scale back the mileage a bit. After all, marathon training isn't constant high mileage days everyday....there is usually a base-building phase, then a maintenance phase (with some increased long runs on the weekend), and there are recovery days during each week as well as scaled back "recovery weeks" periodically (more on this later).

Anyways, here's what went down this past week:

Monday was another cool morning, but not as cool as it had been. Don't get me wrong, I like being outside in ALL temps, but these October-like temps in August are just not what I'm wanting right now. After missing out on a big chunk of my prime summer-running in June and July, I'm just not ready for fall temps just yet. I prefer these October-like temps in October, thank you very much. None the less, I did have a nice walk in the wee hours (#nevermissaMonday), and finished the day with a total of five miles.
And I found a quarter shining under the glow of a street lamp!
Tuesday, the hubby surprised me and came downstairs as I was putting on my shoes...and joined me for the morning outdoor adventure. We left the house at 5:10 and had a beautiful full moon to light our path for the first 10-15 minutes. More cool temps in the morning gave way to warmer temps by late morning (as has been the norm recently). We walked 2.5 miles that morning, and I headed back out in the evening for a few more miles...ending the day with six cumulative walking miles.

Wednesday had me adding a short out & back segment to my "usual" route, giving me 3 miles on my early morning walk. The body was feeling kind of tired and groggy after dinner, so I only did a 1.5 mile walk that evening...4.5 total miles walked on Wednesday.
The moon was still high and bright in the early morning sky
On Thursday morning I met up with Barb, my main runner gal pal. We have been able to get in a few walks now and then, but it's strange not doing our usual training runs (and those #5at5's) together.  The temps were in the low 60's, which felt more like "summer morning temps" than what we've had these past couple weeks. Six cumulative miles for the day.

More of the same on Friday...moderate temps in the pre-dawn hours and warmer temps as the day wore on. I did my 3-mile route and was back to the house before 6:00, just in time to take Max out for his "rise & shine" walk. Five total (walking) miles for the day.

I just love the deep blue of the sky
Saturday was such a beautiful day in Iowa! The hubby and I headed out around 6:15 for a quick 2.5 mile adventure after taking our (slow-poke of a) dog around the block. He headed to spinning class and I continued on for another 4.5 miles. That's right, Friends, I did my longest walk (probably ever)....seven miles! I was tired when I walked back into the house, almost two hours later. The approximate 1:50-ish endeavor also included three potty stops (UGH!), so my pace was pretty decent. I ended the day with a total of 10 miles...a new PR in terms of cumulative daily (walking) miles. And I slept quite soundly that night.
Aren't filters fun to play with?
Sunday was another beautiful morning for a few miles. The sunrise was simply breathtaking....the silhouette pic does not do it  justice. There is a lot of construction happening on the college campus (which is usually on my route each morning)...we've been told the gargantuan crane will be there for at least another year (seriously???).

This was another week of increased mileage, but it also came with a few increased moderate aches and pains. My total mileage (at the time this post goes live) is almost 42 miles...and I expect there will be a few more miles added before bedtime. I have started to notice my hamstrings (on both legs) are really feeling the strain from all of these miles. As I noted above, my gut is telling me that it's time to fine-tune the walking now. It's quite possible I could be over-training (or on the verge of it) by doing too much of this good thing.To give you some perspective...for me, walking 5-6 miles is roughly the equivalent of running 8-10 miles in terms of time spent in aerobic motion while (1) taking longer strides and (2) using more muscles . Even though walking has less impact on the joints than running, it feels like my leg muscles are getting more of a workout (due to my longer strides).

My thoughts are to continue the early morning walks (usually 2-3 miles), but take a pass on doing the evening walks every night (maybe just doing those on MWF). Also, I'd like to incorporate a longer walk on the weekends (similar to race training). What are your thoughts?

In case you missed them, here's my blog posts from last week:
*#ONWARD
*Are YOU Race Day READY?
*Running: It's a Family Affair

Road to Recovery update:
***Mobility is good. I can walk like nothing ever happened to me. I'm still leery of when the running will happen. I don't have clearance to run yet (and I don't expect to get that for a few more weeks at the minimum).

***Range of motion is constantly improving. I have noticed I can get in/out of my car easier now...these long legs (especially the right leg with the compromised knee) are kind of high-maintenance when it comes to getting this body into confined spaces.

***The suture site is looking good! I had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon this week, and he said it's continuing to heal well. There is a tiny spot (at the very bottom of the scar) that continues to have fluid draining from it. The spot is now the size of a pin head, and the drainage is barely enough to cover a small bandage every 10 hours or so. None the less, it's still not 100% closed. Also, the scar (which is 6-inches in length) sometimes feels tight, so I have to continue to be careful to not force any excess knee bending. I can tell the scar has shrunk a little in size and is already starting to fade slightly, and most of the puffiness in the area surrounding it is gone.
Progress...from the day the stitches came out (July 11) to Saturday (August 12)
In other news:
Thursday, August 10th, was our 27th anniversary of (mostly) wedded bliss.  Hard to believe we're old enough to have been married that long and have three grown kids. I'm thankful for running (and fitness in general) for keeping us active and feeling good.
dinner with my dude of 27 years
My #FridayFashionFlair post on my Instagram page reflected my love for casual funk....frayed denim! Denim is probably one of America's favorite fabrics because it's so comfortable and versatile. In recent years, the distressed and frayed look has made a huge resurgence on the scene, and I am loving it! Although it's more casual with its "imperfections," it's also easy to dress it up if you wear it with the right stuff ...in my case, I chose a top with a lot of detailing, chunky jewelry and the never-forgotten lipstick. Care to play along? Post a pic on Friday, tag me (@runningonthefly) and use the #FridayFashionFlair hashtag ....I'd love to see what you're wearing!

And, one last thing. My latest undertaking is the start-up of a local rock painting group (you can find us at Grinnell Painted Rock Project). Have you seen the popularity of painted rocks? I haven't seen any in my hometown, so I wanted to do something about it. The concept is quite simplistic...you paint a rock (or several) and place it somewhere in hopes that it will brighten someone else's day when they find it. Pay-it-forward, if you will, but with an artsy flair.
Some of my creations

That's the latest and greatest in my little corner of the universe. Tell me about your week...how's the weather? Training? Recovery? Any painted rocks in your area?

I'm linking up with Michelle (on behalf of Holly and Tricia) for the Weekly Wrap. Please join us!

52 comments:

  1. Overtraining? You? :p Glad you're enjoying the walking. I'm not sure I agree that walking is tougher than marathon training, though. Some people do walk marathons!

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    1. For me, all of this walking is tougher than marathon training because I'm doing it everyday (most days, I'm doing it twice)...when I've trained for marathons, I've at least had rest/recovery days filtered into the mix ;-)

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  2. Happy Anniversary! It's been so impressive to see how you have embraced walking and other exercises to do while you are injured.

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  3. I've heard of the painted rock craze, but if it's hit here. I haven't heard about it.

    Walking can definitely make you ache and yes, you can overtrain doing it, too. But how sweet of your husband to join you! I almost fainted one day last week. I was headed out for a run before dinner, and I told my husband I was sure the dogs would enjoy a walk (never expecting he would actually do it). But he did!

    Always loved to walk & have put in quite a few miles some days. But the dog walks tend to "crap out" at 2 miles tops and are super slow (imagine one dog's pee breaks. now multiply by two).

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    1. ha ha ha...true about the dog walks ;-) Max has a good fast pace...but then abruptly stops every 100 feet (if not more frequent) to sniff & mark.

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  4. Wow, so I know Im a little behind on the blog following, but I am so impressed with all the walking you have been doing! I find it SO hard to walk for even the same amount of time I would run. This morning Rob and I went for a walk and I said we should try to do 35 minutes, because he had planned to run 4 miles. Well after 7 minutes we were already wondering how much time had passed! Major props to you for getting in that kind of mileage just with walking!

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    1. The time definitely goes slower, and I think the body works almost as hard (and more "parts" are working, but in different ways)

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  5. Happy anniversary!! I think that you are smart to think about a cut back week. You have come so far with all of your training to recover and get back to this point! It's been a very impressive journey.

    I haven't heard of that rock trend before but I think that is really cool :)

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    1. The cut back week is probably a crucial move...if I was training for a race I know I'd not be doing "everything" everyday, right? ;-)

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  6. Happy Anniversary! it goes by fast doesn't it?! I think you are smart not to over do the mileage with the walks. You never fail to amaze me with your perseverance and positive outlook

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    1. Thanks, Deborah! I think Voldemort is ready for an active recovery day ;-)

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  7. Love the rock painting idea!! One of my student's mothers made one for me last year. She painted it as a strawberry. She made that one especially for me, but made many more to hide around town!

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    1. The rocks are gonna be a fun adventure...there's tons of images & inspiration all over Pinterest

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  8. Your walking mileage is pretty awesome - it's been great to watch your recovery going so well! I think the idea of a cutback week sounds like a good idea.

    Happy Anniversary! My hubby & I will be celebrating 25 yrs in October - time really does fly by!

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    1. Congrats to you and your hubby ;-) The time does go fast!

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  9. Happy Anniversary! I think you're smart to be cautious with the increased walking mileage. Also, do you think you have the right shoes? Are you stretching after these walks? Take care of yourself!

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    1. I have thought about the shoes, actually. I'm wearing some of my "running" shoes that are getting phased out of distance running. I am not stretching or foam rolling as much as I should (my bad)...I know that's a factor. I'm gonna start cutting out some of the long evening walks this week...I think my base is sufficient that it doesn't need any more "build-up."

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  10. Another killer week of walking! I know something that might give an extra twist (or goal) to your walking. A heart rate monitor! That way you can see how much time is spent in an aerobic zone. You might find you don't need as many miles if you can get enough time in the right zone. Just a thought... Happy Anniversary!

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    1. I have thought of HRM, but don't have a monitor. That's something I've never implemented in my training, but have heard a lot of positive feedback on it. ;-)

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  11. I had to walk my last half marathon, and the training was no joke. It was frustrating, and I was on my feet longer to cover the same distances. It's good to stay active, and hopefully things will keep healing well.

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    1. The time on your feet is a lot longer than if you were running the same distance. I think a lot of people think walking is "easy" because you're not going as fast, but my walking is pretty fast-paced...and all the time on my feet is no joke. I totally get it now ;-)

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  12. Can I commission you to paint a rock for me? I've been sprucing up my deck and have been wanting one. Kudos to you for your commitment to walking. I always say I could never walk a marathon but with this recent injury I have to get my head around that possibility.

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    1. I'd be honored to paint a rock for you! PM me the details ;-) The seven miles Saturday were tough, believe it or not. The last couple of miles felt like miles 12 & 13 of a half marathon...with no finish line fanfare or crowd support LOL

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  13. Wow, I am impressed with all of your walking. Great job! Oh, and congrats on your anniversary!!

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    1. Thanks!! Both the walking and the marriage have been quite the adventures ;-)

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  14. OMG! I am so excited right now! I see you are based in Iowa! I am from Botswana and my hubby was in Iowa for six weeks. He just got back last Friday! He was selected as one of the fellows for the Mandela-Washington Fellowship Programme for young African leaders! He was based at Iowa University and absolutely LOVED Iowa, its, values, philosophy, people. He also did some running and cycling while he was there!

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    1. That's great to hear! The husband and myself both are graduates of the Univ.of Iowa, and our son is a student there now.I'm glad your husband had a great time in our little humble state ;-)

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  15. Wow! Do you ever take a rest day??

    I heard on the news that a child was doing that not too far and in another HS as a memorial for a student who died.

    Nothing in my town though. I'd love to paint rocks.

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    1. I'm gonna continue the daily walking, but definitely cut back on the evening walking. I think I may be over-doing it a tad....

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  16. 42 miles is a lot! No wonder why you're feeling some aches and pains. I would definitely take a cutback week and rest a bit. Same training principles apply!

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  17. You are doing so awesome! Most people would't wake up that early to go walking! It's my favourite time to walk my dog as well. I'm up at 6 with him and out the door for 20 minutes while my kids and husband sleep.

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    1. Although I wouldn't be running everyday, I would be running most of my runs in the early mornings....I'm glad I can still at least go walking then.

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  18. Happy anniversary! Glad you are able to get out and walk...you seem to be progressing nicely! I would love to have temps in the 60s in the morning for runs...it would make my 16-18 milers go so much better!

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    1. I do like the 60-degree temps, I just feel a bit cheated out a summer LOL I want a couple more months of summer-like temps...not ready for winter...

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  19. I've reloaded this page several times and your painted rock pic is the only one that does not load! did you post that pic on IG?
    Happy anniversary!

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    1. I did not post it anywhere other than here.....maybe I can DM it to you?

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  20. I've seen so many anniversaries being celebrated in the last week or so. A lot of weddings take place in August apparently. One of mine did lol.

    BTW, you have more walking miles than I have running! And I'm pleased with my 28 miles this week. Keep it up!

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    1. I know...the miles are coming easy, but that doesn't necessarily mean I need that many. Too much of a good thing?

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  21. Happy anniversary! We are coming up on 11 years - so much to celebrate :)

    You are doing amazing with your miles! Congratulations on hanging in there despite your injury.

    We have painted and hunted rocks in our city. I just need some more time to paint and hide. Time is the one thing I have in short supply :(

    I am way jealous of your cooler temperatures. At my Friday night race, my phone actually turned itself off because it was too hot to function. That's not ok.

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    1. WE usually have a lot warmer weather here than what we've had recently (obviously, no where near what you have, though).

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  22. Kudos to you for keeping up with all of the miles by walking! And congrats on your anniversary. We will celebrate 29 years in October.

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    1. Woot!!!! Congrats to you on the upcoming 29 year celebration!

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  23. My 8yo is doing a kindness rock project :)
    Amazing walking mileage! I feel like walking long distances takes more out of me than running!

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    1. Oh gosh...that's the honest truth! Walking does take a lot more energy than people give it credit for because it takes LONGER to do LOL

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  24. Glad all is healing well! Happy Anniversary!! :)

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    1. Thanks ;-) I'm glad things are healing...but I still have a ways to go. My patience is starting to wear thin...

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  25. Happy Anniversary!!! And I'm glad that you are healing up and able to be active. Also I LOVE that filter that made your hair rainbow colored!!! Which one is that?

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    1. The filter is from the Prisma app...I think it's Servers (?). Those filters look so different on each pic....I never know what I"m gonna wind up with LOL

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  26. That morning run with your husband seems awesome, Kimberly! Do you prefer running solo or with company?

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    1. I wish we were running! I'm just walking right now as the suture scar heals...but the company was great ;-) I like running/walking both alone and with company ;-)

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