Sunday, May 6, 2018

Running on Empty


It's almost like all the stars, moons, and planets (and quite possibly the sun itself) all aligned with perfection in recent weeks. And then they all scurried off, in their own directions, immediately afterwards.

I'm talking adrenaline here, and how it all ran out (quite literally) on me this past week.

Apparently, my body has a knack for drawing on the last miniscule reservoir of  the stuff when it's a do-or-die situation (or, in my case, a crazy 2+ weeks of nonstop activity). When all the crazy said activity came to a halt, so did my energy source.


Here's how I coped (without crashing and burning)...

Monday
Fresh off from my weekend of dance recital and late night hours, Monday rolled in with mucho wind but pleasant temps. A short walk in the early morning before work, and then a nice 2-miler in the afternoon with the warmest temps (thus far) for 2018! Yes, I had been waiting a long time for a run like that in those kinds of temps! I also did some arm/shoulder work and ab/core work in the evening.
How's that for a #nevermissaMonday! Even the first tulips of the season were in bloom!
Tuesday
Even with a fairly light Monday, my body felt pretty fatigued on Tuesday morning. It was a regular rest/recovery day, but I barely had the energy to even do my daily planks and May Goals exercises. A little bit of extra ab/core stuff in the evening, and that's all she wrote.
Side planking with my favorite furry coach
Wednesday
Barb and I had been hoping to rise and shine early Wednesday for our weekly #5at5 (five miles at 05:00), but the weather app showed rain/storms all through Tuesday night, as well as continuing on in the early morning. We elected to postpone. Since I was needing some extra shuteye, I set my alarm for a little later wake-up.....only to awake to clear skies, dry streets and an impending sunrise. What the WHAT???
How do you like those 'thunderstorms?'
I took Max out for a walk, and just shook my head at the reality of the situation. Weather is one of the great uncontrollable factors when it comes to running.  Later, though, I was able to get out for three miles at lunchtime. Those three miles were fairly slow and somewhat uncomfortable. Ever since the half marathon and 1-mile race (both of which were in the previous week), my right hip/piriformis has felt a little wonky. It doesn't hurt (thank goodness), but it does feel tighter than usual, especially when I'm running on an incline.
A delayed #5at5 which turned into a #3atlunch
Thursday
With more rain in the forecast, and another rest day calling my name, I kept things pretty light for Thursday. I also took a short 20-minute nap in the afternoon, which goes to show just how fatigued my body was still feeling. It had been muggy and cloudy all day, but I decided to take a 2-mile walk...only to get caught in a major downfall about a 1/4 from finishing. Even with that nap, I was able to fall asleep faster than usual that night. Trust me, I never nap because if I do, I'm almost guaranteed to NOT fall asleep later. Maybe getting caught in the rain had something to do with it?

Friday
Well, Momma N messed with our postponed #5at5 plans again. We had rain through most of Thursday evening and overnight (there were even tornado warnings in the surrounding area), but the rain was forecasted to stop by 04:00. Barb and I (again) were hoping to get that #5at5 done...but when I got up around 4:30, it was still raining...and the weather app showed it continuing until after 6:00. SO not good; another #5at5 not happening. Eventually, I made it out around 6:15 for three miles in the humid post-rain air, dodging hundreds of night crawlers along my route. And, the hip/piriformis still felt cranky and tight. But, I was able to get a few easy-paced miles done, so glass half full, right?
#3at6 instead of #5at5...I'll take what I can get
Saturday
For the first time in forever, I slept in. I didn't wake up until after 7:00 (which is a good 90 minutes later than usual). All week, my hamstrings had been kind of achy, as well as my lower back, and Saturday morning was no exception. I took Max around the block, then headed out for an exhilarating 2-1/2 mile power walk. It had been a long time (like, since late last summer) since I've had such a vigorous walking adventure first thing in the morning. The air was warm, the sunrise was beautiful, and I could feel every muscle in my legs flexing with each step. It's the simple things, right?
Ahhh, that felt good!
Sunday
No alarm set, but I was awake before 06:00. I had been tempted (for a fleeting moment) to tag along with Barb to a half marathon in Iowa City...but in light of my achy body (and impending graduation preparations), I opted to stay home. Instead, I hit the streets for an easy two mile run...and was pleasantly surprised that the tightness in my hip (which I had been battling all week) felt better! I kept the pace easy and didn't want to push it and go any further (what would that prove anyways?). And, a bonus? I was able to dress in summer running gear!
Image may contain: one or more people, shoes, shorts and outdoor
Back in a tank and shorts for an early morning run!
So, how's that for a scaled back week? It's almost like I'm in taper mode without a race on tap. My mileage (Monday-Sunday) was a mere 10 miles, but I am quite content with that. It was obvious I needed some rest, and I felt ZERO guilt in honoring that. Besides, I do have a team relay happening this next weekend (on Saturday). The total distance of the route is 76 miles, and I will be running approximately 12.4 miles (over the course of three legs of the relay). Onward!

In case you missed  them, here's the posts from last week:
Moving and Grooving
Every Picture Tells a Story
Can we talk?

In other news:
#FridayFashionFlair on Instagram.
I can't help but wonder how long camo print with be in vogue (for non-military peeps). I have to admit, it has grown on me. These jeggings are dark enough that the print is pretty subtle, but since they have double seams along the legs and pockets on the back, they are a tad bit more stylish than ordinary leggings. And, they are so comfy! I paired them with a basic black cami and cardigan, but I may try to play with something brighter next time (red? teal? white?). Your thoughts? As always, feel free to join me on Fridays...post a pic of a featured outfit, use the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair), and drop me a tag (@runningonthefly).
camo and black, yay or nay?
Change in the weather.
You all know I'm a hot weather worshiper, right? Yes, I much prefer the heat (even if it brings humidity) over the freezing cold (which we had for far too long this year). Even I appreciate a bit of an acclimation period, but I don't think that's happening in 2018. Spring quickly morphed into full-on summer, but I am alright with that. I'm just thankful to have consistent temps above freezing. Again, it's the simple things.
Yep! This happened in Iowa!
Flowers and color everywhere!
With the jump in temps and the rainfall Wednesday and Thursday, my flower gardens have suddenly come to life. This bleeding heart bush was barely above ground a week ago, and now it's full of blooms.
Isn't it pretty?
May goals.
In an attempt to maintain my endurance, but also give my body some TLC, I have a few daily goals I'm working on this month. I brought back the daily leg lifts (like I did last summer when I couldn't run). I'm doing some extra ab work and planking because my abs are feeling kind of soft. And, I'm doing some clam shells to help the hips feel better. So far, so good. These daily exercises don't take more than 10-15 minutes to do, so it's not much of a time commitment but a great investment in myself.

So, that's a wrap. Although I felt a little beat up going into this past week, I'm feeling so much better as this new week begins.My energy is back, and the aches and pains have eased up considerably. Crazy how that happens when we step back and listen to our bodies.

How was your week? Are you training for any big events? Napping...yes or no? Are spring flowers making an appearance in your area yet? Any monthly goals you're working on?

I'm linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. This weekly check-in is such a great place to connect with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Please join us!


51 comments:

  1. I was pretty exhausted this week as well and I think it had something to do with the temps being in the 80's and 90's. My body is not use to that yet..lol We were suppose to get thunderstorms here on Friday but no rain ever fell. It''s funny but I love sitting on the porch watching a good thunderstorm when the weather is warm! -M

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't mind thunderstorms happening so long as I'm inside (and not anxiously waiting to get outside for a run).

      Delete
  2. I'm like you - I pretty much only take naps if I'm sick. I have a hard time napping during the day anyway and if I do get one, then my night sleep is usually wrecked. I'm not against taking a "chill" moment in my rocking chair, though. :)

    I think you played this week exactly the way you should and gave your body the break it needed!

    I need to add in those clam shell things. Why am I not doing that already?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha...yes the clam shells! Funny how I don't think of doing them until I have issues, instead of just doing them periodically for maintenance. You'd think I'd learn...

      Delete
  3. I feel like it usually takes my body a little while to admit when its tired and then all of a sudden I crash and burn. It sounds like you needed a break so hopefully so lower mileage will help you feel better! I can nap on the weekends but it does usually mess up my sleep at night.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the lower mileage was key for me, not that my usual mileage is crazy anyways. I just figured since I had nothing major coming up, there really was no need to push things.

      Delete
  4. Weeks like that really catch up to you! I have a week like that coming up and I am going to try to make sure I sleep enough between the chaos. Glad to hear you got some much needed rest!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. May is gonna have me busy with all the graduation things (we're three weeks out as of today. YIKES!). We'll see how the sleep goes...there's a lot of stuff on my mind, so it's tough to get my brain to shut down at bedtime.

      Delete
  5. I hope you feel better, but even your scaled back weeks are loaded with activities!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm already feeling better, so all is well. Now if I can just get the last of the hip crankiness to relax...

      Delete
  6. I love naps. I wish I napped more when I was younger, or maybe as I get older I need more rest. It's definitely moving towards summer with the sun waking me up early. It's nice to have sunshine driving to work, but I would like to sleep a little bit more in the mornings.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have never been a napper...they totally mess with my nighttime sleeping. I do take periodic time-outs (ha!) but they seldom involve shuteye.

      Delete
  7. My goal for May is to survive. I'm so happy to see SPRING!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have earned SPRING this year! Oh gosh, I hope to never see winter again!

      Delete
  8. It’s always best to listen to your body. There is plenty of time to train later on. I routinely do clam shells and leg lifts, etc. to keep my hips happy. So far so good (knock on wood). Hope your energy returns this week! Thanks for linking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree...there is plenty of time to train later, when I actually "need" to for an event. ;-)

      Delete
  9. It sounds like you really were worn down. It's important to take a break when your body needs it. I used to nap a lot. Now I try to keep going but if I stop, I will crash!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think when I finally slowed down (after the final dance recital performance) is when I realized just how tired I actually was. Glad I had a great week of minimal activity.

      Delete
  10. You're not in taper mode, you're in recovery mode, and for good reason. Goodness girl, you've been in overdrive for weeks!

    My bleeding hearts are still so pretty - I love this time of year! Well, when it acts like this time of year and not winter/summer/winter...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was so happy to see my bleeding hearts finally show up! They literally just broke ground about a week ago, and now are full! They usually stay in bloom for quite awhile, so I'm really looking forward to enjoying them ;-)

      Delete
  11. I used to be a big napper on the weekends, but now they just seem to slip away so fast! Sounds like you had a lot of rain last week. Hope the skies stay sunny and clear for you this week. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have never been a napper...I just cannot make my body go to sleep in a timely fashion LOL

      Delete
  12. Sounds like your body really needed a much needed "time-out". Well done for listening and taking it a bit easier than usual.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! The "time-out" took me by surprise, since I had been going strong for awhile...but ((duh)), it was time LOL

      Delete
  13. I have been very tried this week - I think it was the extreme change in weather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had not even considered the sudden change in temps, but I'm sure that is a factor

      Delete
  14. I’m working towards my first half marathon right now. I usually do 5ks but I’m going bigger this season

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome! A word of caution....the half marathons can get addicting (been there...) ;-)

      Delete
  15. You were smart to give yourself a rest. Racing (especially on like an hour of sleep) takes a lot out of all of us and it's good to listen to your body.

    I think, with your love of hot weather, you really should be living here in the So Cal desert. We have plenty to go around!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to be where it's warmer ;-) That desert heat (in Las Vegas) kind of messed with me, though, back in November...I was so thirsty! I'm sure that's something you acclimate to...but for a tourist, it was tough LOL

      Delete
  16. I love that pink jacket in your Friday run photo :) Glad to hear your hip was feeling better by Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!! The hip is still not 100% better, but definitely much better than it had been

      Delete
  17. Definitely time for a break! I'm loving the spring weather here in Tampa but we're starting to see some summer temps and those are just no fun. Ahh well, as a New England transplant I just remind myself over and over that you don't have to shovel hot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha ha ha...don't have to shovel hot ;-) That's a great perspective!

      Delete
  18. I am not surprised, the crash always comes when you finally take a breather. No harm in scaling back! Since I decided not to do the marathon in Liverpool I’m no longer training, I’m just maintaining (I will do the half). I love naps, naps are my friend ! The flowers are definitely out here and truly amazing. I also have a May goal of AM exercises 30 - 45 max each session. Trying to get it to be more of a routine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try to do at least 20-minutes of AM cardio every morning...usually a quick walk through the 'hood (or stairs) on the days I'm not running

      Delete
  19. Sounds like a good recovery week was needed! Always smart to listen to what your body needs. And I'm happy your hip is feeling better and didn't turn into something more significant.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, the hip is also giving way to some piriformis tightness...but so far, it's not unbearable. Definitely annoying, though (as you well know)

      Delete
  20. Sounds like time off is what you need! I'm a big fan of naps. I'm about 2 weeks away from my first race of the year!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Glad you took it easy and are back at it this week! I went through a similar bout a few weeks ago. For me it was frustrating. I love that the flowers are blooming!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love all the trees blooming...but it 's so short-lived. Out magnolia tree was full just a couple days ago, and already almost half of the flowers have fallen and the green leaves are taking over

      Delete
  22. Well, I was pretty wiped out after our camping trip this weekend and would love a nap, but we will see if and when that happens.

    You still had a great week, even if it was scaled back. And I am with you on those mornings where it's supposed to storm but then everything is a-ok and you feel like you missed an opportunity. Super frustrating :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, those mornings with whacked weather drive me crazy!

      Delete
  23. It sounds like you gave your body the rest that it needed. I hope your hips and hamstrings continue to feel good. I feel like I've been playing catch-up for the past couple of weeks from all the traveling we've been doing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have been traveling everywhere...it's been tough to keep track of where you are! But, you've certainly been staying active!

      Delete
  24. Great job listening to your body! I'm sure it was cumulative fatigue catching up with you. Glad you are feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know it was cumulative fatigue...funny how I didn't even feel it happening, until BOOM, down for the count LOL

      Delete
  25. Hot weather worshipper here as well, especially after the awful winter we had. I've had weeks where I just had to stop and listen to my achy, tired body. It's always a good thing to stop and take a break rather than risk injury. Sounds like you were smart this week in taking that break.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yay! So glad the weather improved and the planets/starts/sun/moon aligned so you could have a good week. We are actually having a gradual climb into spring here and I am loving it. I hate when it goes from winter to summer with no in between!

    ReplyDelete
  27. I feel ya with the non-stop and then the fatigue. I've been crashing pretty hard on the weekends lately because my schedule has been so busy! It's all about that balance, right?

    ReplyDelete