Sunday, October 7, 2018

So, what’s up?


It's been another week of roller-coaster weather in Iowa.

The pendulum has swung both ways, and we've had both extremes of heat and cold (mostly cold!) as well as dry and wet (mostly wet!). Lovely, huh!

None the less, I kept it outside for the most part. Here's what went down in my fitness world this week...


#nevermissaMonday
I have been doing the never-miss-a-Monday gig for a few years now. For me, it jump starts the new week and it's always something I look forward to after the weekend ends. But, oh was my body (specifically the glute/hammie region) sore! Apparently, I had run Saturday's 5K harder than I realized, and Sunday's hilly 5.5-miler sealed the deal. Monday's recovery run was done in slow-mo...not a bad thing, really, because it allowed me to enjoy the fog and heavy mist at full capacity. Glass half full, right?
gloomy but not "doomy"
Typical Tuesday
As per usual, come Tuesday I was ready for a rest/recovery day. I got out for an early morning #fastedcardio power walk, and that's all she wrote. I try to not be a chronic complainer, but honestly...if we have to deal with the diminishing daylight and cold & damp weather, how about a little less cloudiness in the wee hours? Momma N, what say you?
Where's that clear, star-bedazzled sky?
Welcome-back-to-summer on Wednesday
The weatherman said it was coming, and the temps on Wednesday were absolutely perfect (in my ever humble opinion). It was warm and balmy for my weekly early morning 5-miler, and it felt good to not be in long sleeves or arm warmers or under a fleece headband. By Wednesday afternoon, the temps had climbed to the mid-80's. Total bliss for this heat-loving gal.
A brief return to summer!
Back-to-reality on Thursday
I don't know who requested the sudden 45-degree overnight temperature plummet, but it definitely was NOT me. Holy Brrrrr, Batman! Going from a tank and shorts to full-on fleece in 24-hours was such a cruel game that Momma N wanted to play.
I have no words...
Freaky Friday
Friday had all the makings to be a total mess. The hubby had a spur-of-the moment  idea for us to road trip to Minneapolis for the Iowa vs.Minnesota football game. With my marathon a week out, I wanted to squeeze in a final 10-mile run. Not too keen on running (in the forecasted rain) at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, I decided to try to do it after work on Friday instead. 

Actually. I was kind of excited at the prospect of an after-work 10-mile adventure since I'd never attempted that before. Of course, it was raining in the early morning, so I "opted inside" and started the day with an upper body strength workout.
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All day long, the forecasted thunderstorms kept getting pushed back...until 5:15. Since it showed "only" a 35% chance of said storms, Barb and I decided to head out and give it a go (with the plan to quit if it got too crazy or dangerous). I had a few sprinkles when I left the house, and full-on (light) rain when I met up with Barb (about 3/4 mile from my house). There were thunder rumblings, so we decided to do our 2-mile loop, then go our separate ways back home. Let's just say the heavens let loose (and so did the thunder and lightning) for the next 1.5 mile. By the time we got back to our meet-up spot, though, the rain had stopped and the lightning had ceased. We decided to head out on our "Wednesday #5at5 route." This would put us at almost 8 miles (when we finished) and I could maybe run the two remaining miles on the treadmill (back at home). We did get more rain (near the 5-mile point), but it was short-lived (and we were already more than wet by that point). We made it back to the park near my house, did a brief potty stop, and decided to just finish what we'd started. Another 2.5 miles later, and we were done! And I slept quite soundly that night.
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Can you tell I'm soaking wet and my braids are dripping?
A long day Saturday
We took Max for a quick walk (in the rain...again), and were on the road by 7:00 a.m., Minneapolis bound. Even though I had stretched and rolled out after the 10-miler, my glutes and hammies were not too eager for 4.5 hours in a car. The rolling stick came along, and I rolled intermittently from the comfort of the passenger's seat while en route to Minneapolis.

More rest and recovery on Sunday
Another cold and damp morning (seriously, Momma N, enough is enough!). The hubby and I took Max for a 2-mile walk before church and called it good. Even in icky weather, I still try to get outside, though...you never know what you'll find (at your feet) while on your journey,

Overall, the week was alright. I have been feeling tired (and that's rare for me), and my glutes/hammies were more ornery than obedient this week. No additional speedwork (last weekend's 5K was plenty LOL) and no HIIT workouts this week, either. I have been getting to bed earlier than usual, and hydrating like crazy. My running mileage this week came in at 17 and walking miles were approximately 14. I had considered doing a short run late Sunday afternoon, but decided a little more rest would serve me better. As I enter this final week of taper, I am going to play everything by ear, fitness-wise, and go with how my body feels. At this point, there really is no more training to do before the Cannonball Marathon on Saturday, and it's in my best interest to err on the side of caution.

In case you missed out, here's my posts from last week:
Running, Tapering, Chatting...over Chai

In other news:
My #FridayFashionFlair post had a lot of traffic this week. Other than Wednesday, it's been cold and damp...so I reached for a colorful flannel (and a favorite wool-blend sweater). Comfort clothing, anyone? As always, you're invited to join the Friday fashion party...post a pic of an out (it does NOT have to be your actual Friday outfit; any favorite outfit from the week is fine), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and give me a tag (@runningonthefly). We're all fitness lovers, but we're not dressed that way 24/7, right?

As mentioned, the hubby and I took a road trip to Minneapolis for the Iowa vs. Minnesota game. Despite the l.o.n.g. drive there (and then back home afterwards), it was a fun time seeing the TCF Bank Stadium for the first time. And, a Hawkeye victory is always sweet.

Lastly, I have new shoes on the way! These babies are due to arrive on Tuesday, and I am soooo excited! I have been wearing the Brooks Adrenaline GTS model for a few years and have had great luck with them. They are the only shoe that (for me, at least)  feel great immediately right out of the box.  With all the achy-ness of my glutes/hammies recently, I can't help but wonder if it's time for new shoes anyways. I have run approximately 500 miles in the time I've had my current "new" shoes (since late April). All of those miles have not been in just that one pair (I rotate older shoes in for shorter runs and use the newer shoes for long runs), and all my aches have been pretty equal on both sides so I don't think it's an injury issue. None the less, it's probably time to rotate a new pair into my arsenal. Aren't they pretty?

So, that's another week all wrapped up! This time next week, I will be on an airplane, headed home from North Carolina, and will (hopefully) have another 26.2 medal in my suitcase.

Enough about me, your turn! How was your week? Cold and icky weather, or is it still summer-like? Ever done a 10-miler at the end of your work day? How often do you get new shoes...after XXX miles or when your body starts to feel "off?" Are you brand loyal, or do you mix & match different brands/models?

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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46 comments:

  1. I love finding stuff on the run. On Wednesday, I found a blue marble. Today I found a kickball with a big smiley face on it. Glad it was the end of my run, because running with the ball made my run feel a lot harder.

    Take it easy this week.

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    1. Oh, rest assured (no pun intended), I plan to take things super easy this week ;-) I embrace Taper like none other ;-)

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  2. Love the new shoes that you ordered and can't wait to cheer you on virtually this weekend. I can't believe that your marathon is almost here!

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    1. I know...how did the marathon get here so quickly? It seems like it was just last week I was in Chicago, ready to start the "official" training. I"m feeling rather cal at the moment...not sure if I'm just overly optimistic or if I'm really ready for the start line. Stay tuned...

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  3. Still hotter than ever here. What's new right? Great job getting outside this week despite the roller coaster weather. Enjoy your last week of taper. I have no doubt you'll have a great race. Thanks for linking.

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    1. Thanks, Holly!!!! I have not looked ahead to see what kind of weather is waiting for me in NC....it can't be any more miserable than what I'm experiencing in Iowa...

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  4. I think it's normal to feel tired after a few weeks of much higher mileage. Your training this season has been stellar! Have a great week

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    1. Thanks, Deborah ;-) Funny how the lower mileage of Taper has me more tired than the previous weeks leading up to it LOL

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  5. You had a great training cycle and I cant wait to see how your race goes! It sounds like your weather has been all over the place. It's still been so humid here. I think if we had some cooler days mixed in then I would appreciate the warmer weather more.

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    1. Our weather this past week was dreadful (except for Wednesday). I'm trying really hard to like fall...but the cold temps and daily rain are really making it tough!

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  6. I got new shoes a couple weeks ago and wore them to my race today. I don't wait for a specific mileage. My body either feels off or I notice a lack of padding in the shoes. It's always fun to get new shoes and start breaking them in.

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    1. Fortunately, the Brooks don't need any "breaking in" time ;-) I'm gonna wear them for my #5at5 in Wednesday, and if that goes well, they may be going to NC with me ;-)

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  7. 10 miles on a Friday after work is complete and total BEAST MODE!! Running after work is not something I've ever done. Unless it was part of the WOD at CrossFit. LOL

    I am definitely brand loyal. I'm so picky that once I find a pair of shoes I like, I never stray. Until the company discontinues the shoe and then I cry like a baby. Dear Saucony, please do not discontinue my Kinvaras!

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    1. I run after work sometimes, but I've never gone farther than 5-6 miles. This was a true "grit & determination" test ;-)

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  8. Love the new kicks! I just got some new shoes too. They are Boston blue and yellow Nike Ari Pegasus. I have been wearing the same type of shoes for around 10 years. Your 10 miler was a great run! You are gonna kill your upcoming marathon!

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    1. Thanks, Laurie ;-) I'm hoping a little rest & relaxation (and some more TLC) will have these glutes/hammies back in prime condition!

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  9. I'm so excited for you! You've had a great training cycle and are more than ready for 26.2! We've had a mostly cooler week of wet weather but it's supposed to warm up a bit this week. Maybe the last time of the season? I feel like I said that the last time!

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    1. This has been probably the best training cycle I've ever had, so I'm really hoping that momentum continues through Saturday! We have more rain in the forecast...until I leave on Thursday for NC LOL

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  10. What a crazy weather week for you! My knees usually feel tweaky when I need new shoes and then I double check my Strava (it automatically tracks miles) and they're usually overdue.

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    1. Crazy how I just had this revelation this weekend about the shoes...I had already ordered the new shoes before the light bulb went off ;-)

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  11. Still waiting for the temperatures to drop here -- a few more days, I think. This week is definitely the time to focus on rest and minimal movement to keep your muscles ready for the weekend!

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  12. I once found $20 when I was running. Usually it's the people I'm with that find the money, though. Nice training week. I need to get some new shoes soon too. I track my mileage (you can set that up on Garmin Connect, which is nice), so I know it's almost time.

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    1. I have thought about tracking my mileage with an app...but I am pretty old school LOL I log my miles faithfully, so I have a pretty good idea which shoes are getting the most wear & tear. I think I found a $20 once...but maybe that's just wishful "remembering" ;-) I am good at finding coins, and tucking them under where my laces are criss-crossed.

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  13. Love the Friday Fashion. My sister in law and I were just saying that fall should mean that kind of outfit, but weather here has been all over the map too. I can't recall the last time I could wear sandals for my nephew's birthday, although they weren't the brightest idea for a farm.
    I know what you mean on the changeable weather - I went to school in Western New York and it was nuts even within a day.
    I love that you can just road trip to Minneapolis. For years, Rushmore was on my bucket list and a friend I know from another online community just mentioned she was taking her sons for a long weekend. So not fair. :D

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    1. Well, the Minneapolis was a fun last-minute adventure, but involved almost 10 total hours in the car. UGH. My post-10-miler muscles were not enjoying that LOL

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  14. Yikes, that's quite the shift in temperature you had mid week! Great job getting your runs done with all the crazy weather. I love that Friday outfit!

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    1. Our weather has been all over the place! It was cold and rainy this morning, but got surprisingly warm later in the day...but now it's raining AGAIN....

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  15. I hate getting caught in thunderstorms, but it does make me run faster. :) Sounds like you had a super busy week -- hope it's calmer this week and all the stars align & you have a great race -- good luck!

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    1. Oh...our first three miles were run WAY TOO FAST on Friday...that may be why my glutes/hammies were so angry on Saturday

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  16. we've been having crazy weather here in Michigan too. Had to dig out my cold gear!

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    1. Yeah...I am so NOT ready for winter gear. The fleece is enough...but even that is more than I'm wanting right now.

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  17. Oh my gosh! I can't believe you've practically had winter cold already! Here in NC we're still melting. I'm not sure if I'm ready for sweater weather yet though :D

    I'm a Brooks Adrenalines girl, too!

    Have a great week!!

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    1. I'm heading to North Carolina on Thursday..hoping the weather forecast holds! Right now, it's looking mid-60's and partly sunny ;-)

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  18. Get some good rest/sleep in your final taper week!

    Running shoes are possibly the only thing I am brand loyal about. I have picky picky feet, but they are reliably happy in Altras.

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    1. My feet are picky, too...I got to have support and stability or my body is not happy.

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  19. Oh,, lucky! I want to find money on my run!

    Awesome shoes! I keep an eye on mileage, and once I get to a certain point, I start paying attention to feeling. I've had some shoes last well beyond their mileage and others just give up early. Those Adrenalines are amazing! You will love them!

    Adorable outfit!

    You've had some crazy yo yo weather. We are still holding strong in the hot and humid. Tomorrow, we will add possible hurricane side effects for fun. At least we know what we are getting from day to day.

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    1. All I can say is that this has been the sucky-est fall on record. I want my summer back.

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  20. Best of luck on your marathon this weekend... I do wish I was closer to NC so we could meet up. One day it will happen. You are wise to listen to the body and take a little extra rest ...you know the routine, you're no rookie to this marathon thing. :)

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    1. SO far, so good. I think the icky weather has been a good thing...my motivation to head outside for a run is ZERO.

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  21. Sounds like a great week, good luck at your marathon! Weather down here in the south is still HOT (leaves aren't even changing yet)! I'm brand loyal and get new shoes around 250-300 miles!

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    1. Just this past week, our leaves have changed...practically overnight.

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  22. You had a great week! And I love that you were able to get 10 done on Friday. I have no doubt you're going to crush your marathon!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle! I heard the weather (at the moment) is looking perfect....

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  23. I've had every excuse in the book not to work out the last two days. And your Friday summary just put me to shame!! Talk about getting those 10 miles in, no matter what! After reading this, I am not missing this evening's run.

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  24. Love your pic with your roller stick. And seeing all your photos always makes me smile. I had a snarky comment about the number of selfies on my blog posts the other day but I love everyone else's!

    You're almost at the race by the time I've caught up and commented, so best of luck: go go go!

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