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Sunday, October 28, 2018

DOMS? yes... Regrets? None!


It was bound to happen.

After all, there were a couple of big races, run on back-to-back weekends. It's a given the DOMS would be entering the scene eventually, at least in some capacity. I'm calling these the VDOMS - Very Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness - because they showed up much later than expected.

That's one of the things I actually love about running....it not only makes you proud, but it also keeps you humble. And I wouldn't want it any other way.


Here's what went down this week:

#nevermissaMonday
With chilly temps in the early morning hours, and a somewhat tired body from the previous day's half marathon, I opted to postpone the shakeout run until after work. The temps were forecast to be much warmer and my body would have a few more hours of recovery time. As I have said before (upon postponing a run until the afternoon), good things come to those who wait. The 66F temps felt great, allowing for another summer-like run in a tank top. The three miles weren't painful, but they were sluggish. The hammies and glutes definitely were feeling strained, but the weather felt amazing. Glass half full.
A brief lapse back to summer running...
Tiresome Tuesday
((y.a.w.n.)) Oh, major fatigue! Tuesdays are pretty much a rest day, and I planned to take full advantage. I rode with the hubby to the gym (on the college campus) and walked outside while he did his workout inside. It gave me a great opportunity to "break in" the new jacket from the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon, which coordinated perfectly with the stocking hat from the 2015 5K (don't you love it when that happens?).
there's even a hint of the impending sunrise because I "rose and shone" later than usual
Wednesday Wind Down
With the temps forecast to be in the low 20F's, the early-morning 5-miler didn't happen. Instead,  I took Max for a walk around the campus (again while the hubby did his thing inside) and did some yoga when we got back home. Nothing grandiose, but it felt good to do some deep stretching. After almost 16 months of not kneeling on my right knee, I can finally do some gentle stuff on it...like the child's pose. I still can't put direct pressure on the center of it, and I can't yet bend it as equally as the left, but I'm happy that it's almost there.
feels.so.good.
Thursday's return to the #5at5!
It had been a few weeks since Barb and I have done our weekly #5at5 (five miles at 5:00 a.m.). Finally, we were able to make it happen on Thursday. As much I miss my summer temps, I do appreciate the cool and crisp air of autumn, especially when there's not any crazy wind to battle. Seriously, we really haven't had any real autumn weather until this week. It's been cold and rainy, feeling more like early winter (minus the snow). Although it felt great to be back out on the road in the early hours, the hammies were putting up a fight for most of those five miles. Ugh. VDOMS, anyone?
opting outside always feels good
Finally Friday
Another rest day was on tap, so Max and I went for another early morning walk around the campus. As I have said numerous times, walking has been such a blessing for me. Even though I can easily do other things, I'm still a faithful walker, especially on the days I don't have any runs on the schedule. I'm also a strong believer in the power of fasted-cardio workouts, and walking is a no-brainer while in recovery mode. I'm an early-riser anyways; I'd rather be outside, in the fresh air, than vegging on the treadmill.
isn't he a cutie?
Saturday...
Even though all my big races are done for now, I still plan on doing some easy runs on the weekends. Barb and I met up and knocked out six miles. We got to run in total daylight, which hasn't happened since the early summer months. The "seasonal" temps have been a bit of a challenge, though, because they are ever-changing. So far, I think I have been successfully opting for the right layers. But, those hammies of mine. Ugh. Still not feeling great, but manageable. Heck, it's only been 14 days since the marathon, and six days since the half marathon.....I'd be foolish to not be expecting some residual after-effects. None the less, those six miles were tough. Thankfully, I had an afternoon of college football on tap, followed by an evening of World Series baseball. 
Even a tough run leaves me smiling, though, because I'm thankful that I can  choose to run. Not everybody is so lucky.
Sunday Slow-Down
Yikes. The VDOMS were definitely clear and present when I climbed out of bed.The hubby and I took Max for a 2-mile walk in the autumn leaves before heading to church. Much like the recovery runs that I love so much, I returned from the walk feeling much better than when we left the house. The fresh air does a body (and mind) good, and the swift walking made my fatigued body feel so much better.
Image may contain: one or more people, people standing, people walking, tree, outdoor and nature
This is my treadmill
All in all, the week went well, but definitely had its challenges. I'm no stranger to the DOMS, but they did take me by surprise with their unusually delayed appearance. I'm just thankful they waited until after last weekend's half marathon. Total mileage was around 14 for running and 15 for walking. I did some yoga (not as much as I should have, though), but there was a lot of foam rolling and stretching. No strength-training and definitely no HIIT'ing this week, but I'm hoping to slowly bring those back in these next few weeks as my recovery progresses. Onward!

In case you missed them, I had three posts last week:
Laying Low
IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2018
In other news:
This week's #FridayFashionFlair post (on Instagram) had a lot of traffic. I've been doing these posts for over two years, and they are a fun way to show another part of my life (I am not just a runner, after all) as well as give me a place to reference if I'm needing some inspiration putting together a new/different outfit. This week, I showcased a black and white combo, featuring my favorite white skinny jeans. Yes, it's well past Labor Day and I'm still wearing white. White is a color, right? As long as you're not blatantly wearing it with summer clothing or sandals, I think it's fine to wear it year-round. Anyways, as always, you're invited to join me....post a pic of a favorite outfit, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and drop me a tag (@runningonthefly).
black and white...a favorite color combo
I have already added a race to my 2019 calendar...the Drake Relays Road Races Half Marathon (April 20). Although I'm not the head guru in charge of prom stuff anymore, the 2019 half marathon is happening on Saturday morning (instead of Sunday)...and it's going to be a week AFTER prom. Wouldn't you know? I'm also probably gonna head back and do the Grand Blue Mile, the Tuesday evening (April 22) after the half marathon, to defend my 2018 3rd place AG finish

2018's Bull Dog Double...from running both the Half Marathon and the Grand Blue Mile
And, finally, how about a Halloween flashback? After running  my first-ever marathon (Quad Cities Marathon, September 2013), I was all about celebrating that conquest. I even carved it into a Jack o'lantern that year. Have you ever carved a running-inspired Jack o'lantern?
#ArtGeek
So, that's a wrap! 
How was your week? Are you experiencing true autumn weather yet? Any races coming up? Ever had the DOMS show up much later than anticipated? 

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!
WWSki-Orange

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62 comments:

  1. Oh the dreaded DOMS! It always wants to rear its ugly head just when you think you can beat it. I've had a late case of DOMS and it certainly threw me for a loop.

    Sounds like a cool race that you added for 2019. I've been giving next year's races a lot of thought but still haven't decided if I want to run a marathon yet.

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    1. I have several other races I'll probably be doing, they're the tried and true ones I do every spring, so I didn't give them a mention (and it's too early to register for them yet). Yes, those dreaded DOMS...they really threw me for a loop this time LOL

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  2. It seems like it worked out that the DOMS waited until after your half-marathon to make an appearance! Considering you did a full and a half 2 weekends in a row, it sounds like you still made out pretty well this week!

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    1. I'm quite content with how the past two weeks played out ;-) I got really lucky there wasn't much happening the week following the marathon, because that race was SO TOUGH.

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  3. Overall it sounds like a great week, although it's very weird about the VDOMS -- but good news that the knee is continuing to recuperate well!

    My big goal races are done for 2018, 2019 is a bit uncertain, but there should be a few shorter races in the next month. It's my favorite time of year to race!

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    1. yes, the VDOMS ;-) I wasn't sure what to call them...totally caught me off guard by their appearance after the 13.1. The 26.2 was so much tougher, that's when they should have showed up LOL

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  4. I do love your Friday fashion posts too. I should change out of my workout clothes more often. Oh the DOMS finally set in! Hope you get some rest this week

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    1. ha ha...yes, the DOMS finally showed up LOL Not sure what took them so long, but all is well. Package deal, right?

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  5. Wow! It's odd that the DOMS waited so late to make an appearance. Was your half marathon hilly? I love the marathon pumpkin. I always left the carving up to the kids so no running ones have been carved, yet. I'm jealous of all your cute toboggans (what us southerners call those knitted hats). I only get to wear those a few times each winter. Thanks for linking!

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    1. The half marathon was a pretty flat course, and so much easier to run than those 26.2 miles of North Carolina hills. I was totally expecting them to show up after the North Carolina race. Oh well....thankful everything played out well. I have always been the pumpkin carver, but the hubby carves the really complicated ones with his jigsaw ;-)

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  6. Well, VDOMS. It's always something. DOMS is bad enough.

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    1. Well, these special DOMS needed a category all their own ;-)

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  7. I am suffering major DOMS after for OTF workouts in a row. You can be proud of your DOMS -- more proof that you worked hard during your race. Now you can ^rest^ on your laurels.

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  8. That is really delayed! And of course that race would be the week after prom next year. It always seems to work that way, right?

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    1. yes, the half marathon and prom are on different weekends (when it doesn't really matter anymore LOL).

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  9. I thought of you on Monday during my run! I am not usually a Monday runner (because I am too exhausted from the weekend), but as you mentioned, the weather was just way too nice to pass up. That run gave me renewed energy and I thought perhaps I could actually become part of the #NeverMissaMonday club!

    Confession, I too wore white skinnies on Friday but for my #FashionFridayFlair pic I changed into the white crops because in the pic my jeans looked so wrinkly from wearing them all day! #DoItForInsta, right? Have a good week Kim!

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  10. I suffered from more intense DOMS this week too. I'm blaming the full moon. Sounds logical, right? ;)

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  11. Yes definitely a case of the VDOMS! Hope you get some rest this week and get back to normal DOMS-free :)

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    1. I'm taking the running easy...still running, just not very far and definitely not fast.

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  12. Agree re: walking's benefits. It's one thing I loved throughout the years because I didn't see it as evil exercise when I didn't want to exercixe. It's also so good for the soul
    Your pup is so cute.

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    1. Yes, walking is such a great option for fitness! I love it in the early mornings for a great "wake-up" on my non-running days ;-)

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  13. When I first started running I basically did it because it was twice as fast as walking and i wanted to get the workout done! Little did I know it would become a way of life for me. That being said, I do love a nice walk every now and then. Maybe it has something to do with getting older?

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    1. As you know, I developed a huge respect for walking last summer (when I was forbidden from running). It has served me well ;-)

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  14. The photo with Max is so cute! It sounds like you had a great week in spite of the DOMS. Hope your muscles feel back to normal :)

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    1. The DOMS aren't always a bad thing (though can feel like a burden)...they're usually a sign of a great workout (or race). Knock wood, I think everything is feeling much better already this week ;-)

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  15. We're finally getting some fall weather here (but Charleston standards, anyway). It's in the 70s during the day now and down in the 50s or 60s at night, and it's been awesome! The indexes are also under control. 72 feels like 72. I've never had super late DOMS, but I've definitely experienced them two to three days post-hard workout, which is more typical, I suppose. Looks like you had a great week!

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    1. I usually have them 2-3 days after a long run or race (or tough workout), this is the latest I've ever experienced them (if that is what was happening). I have to believe they were more from the tough hilly marathon than the (mostly) flat, easy-paced half marathon.

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  16. Crazy how late the DOMS was to the party. But in this case that worked in your favor!

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    1. So true! I'm not complaining how things played out...but it was SO odd....

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  17. Our weather did a 180 and we're getting temps in the low 80s this week. Super lame considering we actually had some decent fall weather last week. Fingers crossed it gets cooler again!

    I have been walking a lot lately too. That's crazy that all the soreness hit you late but at least you kept moving and it wasn't too bad!

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    1. Honestly, it hasn't been that bad. I think it was more the surprise (?) of the late DOMS that threw me off LOL

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  18. You have put a lot of miles on the legs. I guess they needed a rest.

    I am not liking the cold temps. Not ready. Not ever!!!

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  19. I think I always have DOMS! If not from running, then from bootcamp, bodypump or falling on the ground and trying to save myself (yep, total DOMS today from that lovely trip over a large stone...)! it's gotten quite cool here - I don't think I'm ready for it! and as far as carving a pumpkin - nope! I didn't run until almost 10 years ago and we don't really do that here so... (so many things I have forgotten about completely!).

    I wish I had a Barb for early morning running! Good that you two have gotten out a bit more than lately!

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    1. I am SOOO thankful for my Barb ;-) Although I could probably do most of these runs on my own, it's wonderful having someone to chat with and share laughter. Runner friends are the best ;-)

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  20. I had some serious DOMS today, so I hear you, loud and clear. LIke you, I also have zero regrets. Totally worth it.

    I can't believe it's in the 20s! Brrrr! We had weather in the 50s and I was chilly and incredibly grateful for a break in the heat!

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    1. Yah, it's gotten chilly here...we have had some decent temps in the afternoons, but the mornings are brisk #brrrr

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  21. We are in the midst of fall weather right now. I love summer! But I'm enjoying the weather right now, as long as it doesn't drop to winter over night I'm good!

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    1. I'm in no hurry for winter either...in fact, I really wasn't ready for summer to end either.

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  22. Usually mine is always a few days post race or long run. But I'm sure one day it'll be more delayed. It likes to keep you surprised and on your toes!

    This weekend we got our first real taste of fall weather! In the 60s when I woke up for my run on Saturday and in the 50s on Sunday! That was literally our first day below 60 degrees since this past February so I was stoked! We're expecting weather in the low 60s all week and back down to the high 50s this weekend. The only rogue day is supposed to be Friday but I'm not running that day so I don't mind if its warm and wet haha.

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    1. My DOMS are usually the same...a few days after the tough race or workout, etc. This was a weird case, but it all worked out great with both of my races.

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  23. We're getting to that point in the season where getting to run in the daylight seems odd, right? Congrats on a solid week of workouts during recovery!

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  24. We seem to have gone straight into winter here - 32 when we got up this morning, snow on Saturday (not settling, but). I'm already fretting about my ultra training, however I reckon long walks in the snow will be good training for that. I'm with you on fresh air being better than being inside. I think that's why I love my officiating work so much!

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  25. DOMS is the worst. I had it after my recent half and took the whole week off (minus yoga). The temps are all over the place here...freezing one day and warm another! I'm still impressed by your 5 at 5!!

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    1. Our temps have actually been on the warm side this week (???)...feeling more like September LOL

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  26. Crazy how long it took for the DOMS to kick in! You still had a great week!

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  27. Glad your knee is healing! Looks like a great week of training. Here in NC the leaves are finally starting to change. I'll be hiking on Saturday. Happy Halloween! :)

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    1. Our leaves just started turning in the past two weeks...kind of late for them here

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  28. DOMS is a strugglebus! I hate stairs after leg day, haha.

    I hope you have fun at your race next year!

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    1. DOMS are evil, but usually a sign that a race was run hard LOL

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  29. Your jack o lantern is impressive! I think next year I'll make a cool one. Maybe it'll be MCM themed. :)

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  30. That is indeed very delayed DOMS! I'm always vaguely disappointed when I don't get the expected DOMS after a race...makes me second guess how hard I ran.

    Yay for knee recovery! I thought my injured knee was ready for child's pose yesterday, but nope, not quite there yet.

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    1. Child's pose works because the pressure is actually more on the upper shin (?) and not the actual knee cap. Ugh, still not easy, though

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  31. Amazingly, even though my hip was sore after MCM, I have little to no DOMS. I think it was because I really didn't run that hard due to the hip injury.

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    1. I look forward to hearing more about your MCM experience!!!!

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