True Colors Shining Through

Do you ever let your true colors shine?

It's no secret I'm a #colorfreak (probably due to my #artgeek nature), but I'm not only referencing color in the literal sense (though I did wear some bright attire this past week). I'm also referring to one's "true colors," one's internal gut instincts. Those instincts are there for a reason, they pull one to do what's right or in their own best interest, despite what the main stream may dictate.

This past week was all about letting my true colors shine, especially in terms of my own well being. Having just run the Dam to Dam 20K on Saturday (June 2nd), this week was all about a proper recovery. Here's what went down...

I awoke on Monday morning feeling rather stiff, sore, and exhausted. Even though the race had been two days prior, it was pretty apparent the DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) wanted to pay me a visit. The temps were warm, though mild, so I headed out for my daily "fasted cardio." I knew it would be a long day at the office, and the temps would be even warmer by late afternoon, so if I was to get my #nevermissaMonday done, the early morning would be the ideal time to do it. I decided to walk for awhile, and if things felt loosened up, I'd try to run a mile and call it good...and that's exactly what happened. I've been doing 2-3 miles recently on Mondays, but only did the single mile this week. I felt much better after that walking warm-up, but didn't want to push things too far. No harm, no foul. Onward!

A single mile for #nevermissaMonday

Tuesday was an active rest/recovery day, too. The temps were a bit cooler in the wee hours, and felt nice in comparison to the hot and humid weather we'd been having. Max and I did a lap around the block, then I continued on for another 15-20 minutes on my own (and did some arm/shoulder strength work later in the evening).

Wednesday was Global Running Day... did you celebrate? I met Barb for our usual five miles at 05:00. Although the temps were only in the high 60's, the humidity was (almost) off the charts. It's a good thing we got our GRD celebration in early, though, because the weather turned rather nasty 12 hours later. A major thunderstorm came through, with 50mph wind and lots of rain, leaving a lot of downed branches and uprooted trees. It also knocked out our power until after midnight.

Happy Global Running Day!

Thursday morning, our town looked like the aftermath of a war zone. I got out for a couple of miles of walking before heading to work.

Striking a Warrior 2 among all the debris

The warm temps had returned by Friday morning. I contemplated doing some speed work, but elected to just take another rest/recovery day. Although my body was feeling much better, with a long run on tap for Saturday morning, I didn't want to overdo anything.

more pre-sunrise cardio,via walking

Saturday was an interesting day. I met up with Barb around 6:00 for an 8-mile run. Oh my, the air was super warm and heavy with humidity! My hammie (again) decided to show me some attitude, so it was feeling cranky (even after my warm-up and some pre-run foam rolling). We decided to try to keep our route on fairly flat terrain, so as not to anger the hammie further. I'm not sure if it was the heat, the humidty, or the hammie, but it was one of those runs that felt like a bit of a slow-motion struggle. Momma N even decided to bless us with a few sprinkles for the final two miles (which actually felt refreshing). But, we all know what happens when the air is heavy and rain also appears, right? We get wet...from the inside-out (and vice-versa). 

Yes, the medium grey top turned darker, and the turquoise shorts took on a deeper shade from all the "moisture"

Sunday morning had me (almost) screaming, "Oh my quads!!!" Never, and I do mean NEVER, have I experienced any DOMS in my quads. Sunday morning had me humbled. My only guess is that, due to my tight (right) hamstring, my body (subconsciously) over-compensated with my (left) quads on Saturday's run. I usually go for a short shakeout run the morning after long run, but waved the white flag on that and did a long walk with the hubby and Max instead. Yikes. Humbled again.

Early morning "shakeout" walk instead of a run

This past week did keep me pretty active, even if my running was on the conservative side (a grand total of 14 miles in the running shoes). I did walk every day (several times most days), and have been doing my daily exercises most days (wall sits, yoga, extra planking) as well as the current Abs & Arms Challenge (hosted by Rachel). I have a couple of smaller races happening in the coming weeks (two 5K's and a 15K) as well as the RnR Chicago (July 21-22), so I'm not needing excessive miles right now anyways. My body obviously needed some down time, and I'm always happy to honor that.

In case you missed out, here's my posts from last week:

The Heat is On

Dam to Dam - an epic ending of an era

5 "True Runner" Falsehoods

In other news:
My #FridayFashionFlair (on my Instagram page, @runningonthefly ) was all about color (I know, #shocker). Brown is a color that has been trending for a few years, but I usually try to pair it with something bright to give it some "wow." This purple cardi is another wardrobe favorite, and I was really happy to score this scarf a few years ago (at Target!). It has so many of my go-to colors, including the same purple and brown as my outfit. Are you a fan of brown?

As mentioned, Wednesday was Global Running Day. I made the comment that people may call me crazy, but CrAzy is better than LaZy. Oh my goodness...that comment received so much positive feedback (and was retweeted), so I made a special meme featuring it.

And, lastly, since I'm going with an artsy and colorful theme this week...here's my latest #artgeek creation. Our church's VBS theme this year is all about Babylon, and they asked me to paint a mural for all the festivities. This was what I came up with (based on some of the images they gave me). It's big, 4 ft X 8 ft., and doesn't even fit into my SUV.
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So, that's a wrap on last week. As I have said in recent weeks, summer is here! I am really embracing the longer days, the early morning sweat sessions in my running shoes, and am taking advantage of every opportunity to be outside.

How was your week? Any great training runs happening? Races coming up? How do you feel about running in the rain?

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!