Sunday, March 31, 2019

Hello Spring!


 Bring it, Spring! I've waited (what seems like) a long time for your arrival.

The snow is history, and the streets are dry. The temps have still been a little on the cool side, but the buds on the trees are starting to show and I have spotted some bulb stems poking through the ground. Things are looking more like Spring and less like Winter.

And I could not be happier!


But, first things first...

Welcome to the Weekly Run Down! I am so excited to host this link-up with Deborah (from Confessions of a Mother Runner). If you write a fitness-based blog, you're invited to join the party. The link-up opens at 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through Monday (noon). Please share your weekly fitness endeavors, training highlights (or low lights) and race recaps. We ask that you link back to both hosts, and we encourage you to read/comment on the other linked blogs as well.


So, anyways, here's what went down in the first full of week of Spring 2019:

Never miss a Monday
After a long weekend in Florida, we had a 7:00 (EST) departure for our return flight to Iowa...which called for a 4:15 wake-up. If you do the math, that's actually a 3:15 a.m. wake-up on this Iowa gal's clock. Our plane landed in Des Moines at approximately 8:30 (CST), and we pulled into our driveway just after 10:00. A quick walk with Max (who could not stop jumping on us), and I was seated at my work desk a short while later. Thankfully, the chilly morning temps were warmer by the time I got home from the office. I headed over to the college campus and did a series of intervals (approx. 200m of speed/200m recovery run) for a grand total of three miles (including warm-up and cool-down).
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Just enough time for the manicure to dry

Take it easy Tuesday
Holy Heavy Hamstrings, Batman. My hammies (and actually everything from the waist-down) were feeling pretty cranky come Tuesday morning. No doubt the speed workout was a major factor, as well as my lack of slumber from the previous day. The hubby and I took Max for a short walk, and I headed to work. Any thoughts of cross-training quickly evaporated because I felt so tired and achy. But, I had cause for celebration...by way of bib-transfer, I officially secured my Marine Corps Marathon registration! And, as Fate would have it, a new motivation bracelet had arrived in the mail, further making my MCM dream a reality.
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OORAH!

#5at5 for Wednesday
Up and out the door! Oh, how I have missed my early morning outdoor runs! Even without Barb (the other crazy local gal who frequently does these early morning runs with me), I'm ecstatic to rise and run anyways. The temps were moderate (upper 30F's), and the streets were all mine. The legs were feeling much better, but I kept the pace easy and just enjoyed the sheer euphoria of being back outside. It's really the simple things, right?
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I love those #5at5's!
HIIT'ing it early on Thursday
I finally was feeling the effects of limited sleep by Thursday. I did a short "mini" HIIT workout and, in less than 30 minutes, I was wide awake and ready for the day.

3 sets:
*20 jump squats
*20 triceps dips
*5 flights of stairs
*20 push-ups
*10 burpees
*20 sets of weighted Russian twists
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non-running day #1
Playing it safe on Friday
I don't know if it was the speed intervals from Monday (delayed DOMS?), fatigue (from the vacation and not getting quite caught up on all the sleep), or just some general wonkiness...but my hamstrings were feeling kind of "off" Friday morning. The temptation to run a few easy miles was overwhelming, but my gut was telling me NO. With the 10K happening on Saturday, I chose to listen. We all have a gut instinct, after all, and usually it's spot-on. I opted for 20 minutes on the elliptical, and felt much better afterwards.
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non-running day #2

A sensational Saturday
With the Chocoholic Frolic 10K on tap, I was up and ready to go early. The temps  were moderately cool (upper 30F's), but fortunately there was plenty of intermittent sunshine. But the wind was a major player. Oh, Holy Mad Momma N, the wind was brutal. Those two non-running days had served me well because fighting that 22mph wind was tough. Somehow (please don't ask me how, because I am still stunned myself), I managed to sub-54 those 6.2 miles (official time was 53:57), which landed me a 10K PR and a 1st place AG. More details to come on the race recap...stay tuned...
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A very windy Chocoholic Frolic

Slow-motion Sunday
Amazingly, my legs felt fine following Saturday's race, but my entire body was feeling the affects of the whirlwind weekend (see below). I got out for a couple of (hilly) miles near our hotel and felt rejuvenated upon my return. Funny how that works. No complaints.
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Recovery miles in Iowa City

Over all, I'm calling this first week of Spring 2019 a success, though it did feel like a week of recovery from Spring Break. My mileage was moderate (16 miles in the running shoes),  but I kept it on the low spectrum in anticipation of this weekend's race. I'm getting out for more walks (usually on the daily) now that the weather is less frigid (approximately 10 walking miles this week). Thursday's HIIT gave me a great workout without overdoing it. The one elliptical session was a nice change of (recent) routine. All went well. 


In case you missed out, here's my posts from last week:
Breaking Into Spring
Heroes Memorial 10K Run
BACK at it...Runfessions for March

In other news:
My Friday Fashion Flair post (on Instagram), featured my favorite white skinny jeans (again). If it seems like I'm wearing these all the time, it's because I am. Literally, they go with everything. They can be dressed up or down depending on the accessories you pair with them. As usual, you're always welcome to join me on Fridays...post a pic of a featured outfit, grab the hashtag (#fridayfashionflair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly). Easy peasy.

 Finally, we're seeing some color in Iowa! I noticed the purple crocus blooming!


 Lastly, our son's fraternity (at the University of Iowa) hosted a Mom's Weekend. It was so much fun hanging out with him Friday night, most of Saturday after my race (which was scheduled before this weekend's activities were announced), and we had breakfast Sunday morning. My heart is quite full.







So, that's the latest run down of all things fitness in my life.

How was your first week of Spring? Better weather? Great training? Any races?

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58 comments:

  1. Yay on the PR/AG! I want to run that race just for its name
    I love your Friday top. Gorgeous color palette
    How awesome that the fraternity does that.
    How sweet that Max missed you two

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    1. Thanks, Cari ;-) They even had chocolate at the water stations, but I grabbed a fast sip of water and kept moving. I just wanted to get done and out of that crazy wind!

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    2. I'm excited for our first local Hot Chocolate race, but I'm not sure I could fully appreciate all the hot chocolate en route. Frozen Penguin has it at the finish & I love it

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  2. The spring weather has felt great! Even though I basically skipped winter running this year, its so nice to be able to get out for walks now. Glad you had a good time with your son!

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    1. I'm definitely happy to get out for walk now, too. I don't just spontaneously jump on the 'mill for a 20-minute walk, but I do go for walks outside when I can LOL

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  3. Congrats on your PR Kim! I was so pleased to come home from Antarctica to find all the snow melted in Minneapolis :) I missed all the melt/refreeze that runners hate...I'm just as excited about spring as you! Summer will be here soon!

    Glad you had a great weekend with your sun, it seems like you guys have a strong relationship, which is fantastic!

    I hope it's okay that I shared my marathon recap this week, I will be back to normal weekly recapping next week!

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    1. I bet it was nice to see all the snow/ice gone! I'm so glad you shared your Antarctica recap!!! We all have been waiting to hear all the nitty gritty of what went down ;-)

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  4. Congrats again on the PR! I was excited about seeing bulb foliage too, but there are yet to be any actual bulb flowers. But that's normal for us.

    Obviously you are doing something right when it comes to your running!

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    1. Thanks, Judy ;-) I have been very lucky, and am grateful I've had some decent races lately. As we all know, they don't happen all the time, so it's best to to be grateful when they DO make an appearance. Ahhh, spring! Even though the temps are a bit chilly (in my opinion), I'm just thankful winter is outta here!

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  5. you have been quite the busy bee lately! Congrats again on the pr. Looks like you are in perfect running shape for CB

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    1. I must have some major adrenaline on reserve, becusue that's two busy weekends (and a third on tap), and I'm still not feeling too tired. I might have some endorphins in my system, too LOL

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  6. Wow, well done on the AG 1st and some lovely outdoor running with sunshine and spring flowers. Our clocks have just gone forward which is always unsettling but there we go ... And we have flowers and sun, too, hooray! Hope those hammies continue to behave themselves.

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    1. It's nice to finally have some decent outdoor temps for running! As you know, I spent too much of my winter inside this year.

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  7. Boy, do you ever slow down to catch your breath! Congrats on a great race, a great week, and fun with your son. I LOVE that top from your Fashion Friday pic! Excited for CUCB this weekend!

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    1. Well, I suspect there will be a major energy crash following next weekend's extravaganza. I'm kind of looking forward to having some down time after the Cherry Blossom...you know, for maybe a week LOL

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  8. Congrats on the PR and AG win! Maybe taking those days off was a good idea? I woke up to 20゚ and snowy weather today so Spring is definitely on hold for now here. I can't wait until it's warm enough to run without a jacket!

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    1. I'm eager to get out side in a tank and shorts...done with jackets, too! Thanks for joining us for the WRD ;-)

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  9. Wow! You are on a roll. Congrats on the AG award and PR!

    Spring is here one day and gone the next.

    I LOVE those painting events. I go at least once a year.

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    1. This was my first time at a painting event such as this. I was really surprised so many of the guys actually did the painting with their moms LOL

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    2. That is cool. I've never even seen men in any of those classes.

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  10. Congrats on your PR and AG award! Even though you don't like the cold, it seems to be rewarding you...

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    1. I seem to be have a knack for crappy weather on race day....That wind was psychotic, though. I'm thankful I had a good finish time, but it makes me wonder what I could have done had I not been fighting so hard to just stay vertical against all those gusts.

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  11. I love the name of that race! Way to go! And whoo hoo on MCM!!! That's awesome!

    I am hoping ot get inot a race by lottery or bib transfer, and it's so exciting waiting to find out what's going to happen.

    My white jeans are such a staple for spring and summer. You're right - they do go with absolutely everything!

    Love that you had such a wonderful weekend with your son. What a sweet way to spend time together.

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    1. The lottery system makes me nervous! I'm glad I didn't have to worry about it for MCM. And, yes to white jeans! I wear them year-round ;-)

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  12. LOVE your colorful shirt! And congrats again on the stellar race

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    1. Thanks! I was really surprised with my finish time, given the crazy wind

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  13. My first week of spring was great, even though incredibly busy. It sounds like you had a great weekend with your son. I loved those weekends when our sons were in college. Congrats on your race! Can't wait to read your recap!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. The weekend was so much fun, but non-stop action. I think I'll sleep quite soundly tonight ;-)

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  14. Another great week for you! Congrats again on your PR/AG! So glad you enjoyed the time with your son :)

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    1. Thanks, Michelle ;-) The weekend was a whirlwind of excitement, but a lot of fun.

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  15. I love the idea of a mom's weekend! So fun! I'm a little jelly of that blooming crocus We've got nothing of the sort here. Woke up to wind chills in the teens. Ugh. Can't wait to hear more about that epic 10k!

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    1. I think our wind chills were in the mid-20's yesterday. It was nutzo, the wind was brutal!

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  16. The weather here has been so hot and cold - one day feels like winter, the next day feels like Spring, lol.

    Love that you had a mom's weekend with your son - how fun!

    Congrats on your awesome race this weekend. You've been kicking butt with the AG awards lately too :)

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    1. Thanks, Kim!! This race really surprised me. I didn't realize my finish time until afterwards, when I was checking the results. It didn't feel like I was going that fast because I was fighting the wind for so much of the race.

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  17. So...you woke up at 4:15 (3:15 Central Time), got a flight to Des Moines, drove home, went to work later the same day and then DID INTERVALS?!?!?! You are just amazing!

    Yay for you for an awesome race! You work so hard. You deserve it!

    And...Oorah! Bring it, MCM!

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  18. Spring? It snowed here today!! A sad joke for sure. Hopefully it will warm up because I have to work at 2 track meets this week. You are so flexible! (touching the ground) The paintings turned out really good. I did that with my Mom one time. It was so fun! Wish I needed more "art" for my house so I could go there often :)

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    1. I'm a total art geek, but this was my first time doing a painting event like this. It was a lot of fun!

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  19. I ran in shorts on Saturday and today! It felt so good! The only problem was that I didn't have a short sleeve or tank so I cooked in a jacket up top. But spring feels here and it's wonderful! Congrats on your great race!

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    1. Well, I haven't quite been able to wear shorts (other than our vacation in Florida, a week ago)...hopefully soon! I'm not wearing the gloves as much, and I've packed the puffer vests away, so that's progress ;-)

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  20. Congrats on that PR and the AG win! Did I read it correctly that you went to work on that same day you arrived from your trip? Wow!

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    1. Yes, you read that correctly...I was back at my desk around 10:30 that morning LOL

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  21. Congrats on a great race! I don't know how you stayed awake Monday, if my flight was that early a nap would definitely have ensued when I got home!

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    1. Well, I'm not much of a napper, so it worked best for me to NOT try to close my eyes until bedtime. On the rare occasions I do get a short nap, I'm awake even later those evenings...

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  22. WOW Kim! what a great build up to race day!! it seems like you really did all the right things to get that 1st Place AG award! way to go!

    I can't believe though that you went to work directly after such an early start/ early flight! no wonder you were a bit tired!

    glad you had such a fun weekend with your son - i love it!!

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    1. Ha ha...I HAD to go to work after my flight home...I'd been gone since the previous Wednesday afternoon ;-)

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  23. Whew, that sounds like a brutal first day back from vacation. Congrats on the PR/AG win!

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  24. Congratulations on that 10k PR, especially with that wind! And I'm impressed you were able to get right back to the office after flying back from your vacation.

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  25. What a PR! And an AG award as well! You've been killing these 2019 races! Huge congratulations Kim! And what a treat to have a special Mom's Weekend too!

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    1. Thank you ;-) I've been very fortunate in 2019 thus far ;-)

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  26. Wow!!! Congrats on the PR and AG win - that is fantastic!! We have some sun (finally) but the wind is brutal so I can't imagine having to deal with that on race day but obviously you nailed it. Nicely done!!

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    1. Yeah, that wind was mucho brutal. It is what it is, right? ;-)

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  27. Congrats on the PR and AG win - that's so awesome!

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  28. Yahoo on getting to run MCM and your PR and AG win!
    Looks like listening to your body was just what you needed (as we all should do).
    Love the painting you did with your son! So fun!

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    1. Thanks ;-) I'm a huge advocate for listening to the body when it whispers to you...or else it will scream and by then it's too late

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