Sunday, April 28, 2019

Destination: Downtime


I have been racing, racing, and racing....now what???

After a busy late winter/early spring of (almost) nonstop racing, I'm in the midst of a fog. Kind of a racing hangover, if you will. It's like that period right after a marathon (or a major race/event), when you feel a sense of numbness because there's nothing immediate on the calendar, but you're quite content with how things played out in getting there.

None the less, my mind, body and spirit are ready for a brief session of n.o.t.h.i.n.g. In other words,
Destination: Downtime.

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.


Several of  my recent Weekly Run Downs have had a similar theme...rest and recovery. This week is no exception, but it also encompasses the start of an extended rest/recovery period. Here's the nitty gritty...

Never miss a Monday
After Saturday's tough half marathon, my lower body was still on fire (though the flames had dwindled). I got out for a couple of easy-paced miles, by the dawn's early light, and that was it for the day.
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#nevermissaMonday
Not my typical Tuesday
As part of the Bulldog Double (see recaps below), there still was one race remaining....the Grand Blue Mile. This took place at 6:15 p.m., in downtown Des Moines. I arrived on the scene with plenty of time for some dynamic warm-ups and a shakeout mile, and then it was a fast & furious 1-mile sprint to the finish line. The entire mile felt hard...I don't have a naturally-gifted sprinter's body, after all. I did manage my fastest mile ever (7:23, official), besting my previous mile by 30 seconds! A 4th place AG (in a field of 72 "old gals") was satisfactory.
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Bulldog Double 2019 complete
A wind-down Wednesday
I was up and out the door for the first official #5at5 (five miles at 05:00) with Barb since before Christmas! My body had felt achy when I'd gone to bed the evening prior, and was a bit cranky upon wake-up, but things felt much better after our run. After getting to work, and sitting at my desk for an hour, though, things took a rather ugly turn. The DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) hit my legs, and they hit them hard.
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back in the #5at5 routine with my favorite running buddy
Thursday...on the down-low
Even though I'd been doing a lot of walking (on my non-running mornings, and also after work each day), my hamstrings were so sore (still!). There was plenty of stretching, foam rolling, and some yoga while my running legs were on vacay for a few days.
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I love twisting and stretching
Finally Friday
...and, as if we needed one more winter-rewind, Momma N blessed us with barely-above-freezing temps on Friday morning! But, that sunrise....I never regret getting outside first thing in the morning and witnessing the sun come up. Whether I'm running or walking (and back in fleece & gloves), the fresh air is my caffeine.
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Simple Saturday
Even though my legs were still feeling less than 100% recovered, my body was craving just a brief run. It had been three days since my last run, so a short 2-miler would suffice. Of course, the cold temps were still at play, as well as intermittent rain and non-stop wind (thanks, Momma N!). The northern part of the state was entertaining snow, so I didn't complain too loudly about my non-spring-like conditions. The rain even lightened up (briefly) while I was running. Everything felt better upon returning home...sometimes a little bit of ((easy)) action works wonders for ornery muscles.
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a little bit of rain won't hurt you
...and a simple Sunday, too 
The weather has been so crazy.  Although my region of the state missed the snow, we did have freeze warnings...and Sunday morning greeted us with a light layer of frost and sub-freezing temps. Thankfully, there was plenty of sunshine. My body was still feeling cranky, and the idea of layering up for a short run didn't peak my interest. I did, however, get out for a 2-mile power walk with the hubby and Max, so all was well.
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can you see the frost?
Even with the 1-mile race on Tuesday, my week was very low-key (total mileage - 9 for running and 12ish for walking). I don't think the 1-mile race is the cause for my tired body, but a culmination of all the racing in the past two months. My gut is telling me to take things easy for now, and I'm choosing to obey. My next race isn't until June 1st (Dam to DSM 20K), so it will just be a matter of maintaining my fitness in the meantime. I do have a team relay event on May 11th, but I'm planning to utilize my three legs of the relay (total cumulative mileage of 15ish miles) as training, and I have no grandiose goals of "racing" while running on that day.  Easy peasy for the next month for me, and I'm alright with that.

In case you missed out, here's what happened on the blog this past week:
Waiting...it has its Rewards
Drake Road Races Half Marathon recap
Grand Blue Mile 2019 recap

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair...did you see it on Instagram? I'm all about bright and bold color, and I'm trying to get away from relying on black as the go-to color for "pairing with others." How do you feel about brown? It's not as bold as black, and certainly not as vibrant as the red shirt, but it holds its own without competing for attention. Of course, the cheetah-print flats go with almost everything, but really enhance the brown theme as well. As usual, please consider joining the party! Post a fashion pic (it does NOT have to be what your actually wearing on Friday), grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair), and give me a tag (@runningonthefly). Show us what you wear when you're not hitting the gym or sweating it out elsewhere.

Spring is in bloom!
It's looking every bit like Spring in Iowa. Most of the trees are sporting colorful blooms and the bulbs are bursting with all kinds of beauty as well. Now, if we can just get the temps to get back to where they're supposed to be (and actually stay there)...

I'm setting a short goal of doing daily yoga and stretching until my relay. I might throw in a few daily push-ups and burpees as well (you know, just to spice it up a bit). I'll still be doing 3-4 easy (emphasis on EASY) runs each week, but am gonna hold off on speed work during this interlude. My legs need some TLC!
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So, there you have it...another Weekly Run Down in the wraps.

How are things in your fitness world? Any big races coming up? Recent races that have left you very satisfied but quite exhausted? Spring-like temps, winter-rewind, or full-on summer...what's your weather feel like?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter

45 comments:

  1. COngratulations on the PR and 4th. Havign your race turnup in the book I was reading was just too funny.
    That downtime was me the last month and it made ramping back up so much more exciting.
    Off to catch up on your recaps

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    1. The Drake Relays are famous for the USATF championship events, like the Penn Relays. I'm always surprised more people have not heard of them. It's nice to have something so grandeur in the little state of Iowa LOL Yes, downtime....it's been awhile and I know I need it (and I feel like I've earned it as well, ha!).

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    2. That, and I happened to be reading it the same week they were going on. Total accident as I don't think Drake was in the back of book blurb so couldn't plan for it.
      ANd yes, more than earned

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  2. Wow, all that certainly does not sound like "downtime". I was thinking of you when I saw how bad the weather was going to get out there. I'm glad you did not get snow!

    I need to start participating in Fashion Friday again. My intention was to start after Easter, but as you see, I missed it.

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    1. The weather has been so psycho...we've had some decent warm weather, and then it reverts to winter-like temps again.

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  3. We started our week firmly in spring and ended firmly in late winter, but no snow (also no sun, either). We just don't get a lot of sun up here, and that definitely makes me sad.

    You're so good at listening to your body, Kim, and giving it what it really needs. My hat's off to you!

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    1. Thank you, Judy ;-) I'm done with trying to be a hero, regarding running all the miles or pushing too much when my gut tells me not to. There's nothing to gain by overdoing it, and it's frustrating nursing an unnecessary injury that could have been avoided. I seem to do better taking the "under-trained" approach LOL

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  4. Congrats on your PR! I've never done a 1-mile race but have just ran 1 mile to see how fast I could run it. I did this years ago and did better than I expected.

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    1. The 1-mile distance is nothing to sneeze at! I guess every distance does have its challenges, but I take for granted the shorter ones since I'm usually focusing more on distance/endurance.

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  5. You sure have been hitting it hard lately! And crushing it I might add. Sounds like taking some downtime is a great idea. have a fantastic week!

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    1. Thanks, Deborah ;-) Yes, the downtime is happening at a perfect time, and I don't feel too guilty is taking advantage ;-)

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  6. Congrats again on the cRaZy fast mile! That is awesome. You deserve from downtime, but I'll believe it when I see it. ;-)

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    1. Ha ha!!! I could say the same for you LOL We like the active lifestyle, don't we ;-)

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  7. You have been on such a great streak with your races! Congrats on your PR! You have definitely earned some downtime - enjoy the break.

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    1. Thank you, Michelle ;-) Physically, I know I need it...mentally, I'm kind of ready, too. It's a relief to not have to stalk the weather for races!

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  8. Wow! You deserve some down time. You have really had a full spring/winter racing season. Your yoga stretches look so appealing. I think I am going to do that twisty stretch right now. So good for my butt and core. Congrats again on your mile PR!

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    1. Thank you, Laurie ;-) I do some yoga, but I really need do MUCH MORE of it. Hoping I can establish a good habit with this rest period.

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  9. Glad to see you taking some rest time! Personally, I can't get enough of that!

    We had snow on the tulips!

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    1. I am glad the snow missed us, but the northern part of the state got hit pretty hard. UGH. I want my summer, and I want it now (but I'll settle for spring).

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  10. I am feeling the same way after a lot of races this spring. I need some downtime and a chance to regroup and see where I want to go next.

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    1. I have a few races on the calendar, but nothing for awhile. The temptation to find a race, though, in the interim is overwhelming!

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  11. Sensible lady (as always). Well done on all your work this week! I have my marathon coming up in 28 days so prepping for that myself, then the ultra. Seems to have come along quickly!

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    1. I always find with my marathons, the training drags on until the final 5 weeks or so...then it's fast-forward through a couple final long runs and taper and race day.

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  12. Congrats on your super speedy mile in that race, AND getting a new PR!!

    Love your goal to do daily yoga or stretching until your net race - I should really do that too!

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    1. Many thanks, Kim ;-) Well, you know, we do have this #KimTwin thing going on...why not do the daily yoga/stretching? Seems like a no-brainer to me LOL Thanks so much for linking with us!!

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  13. Nice work on the mile!!! Although we haven't had any snow threats, I'm so over the rain. I think it's rained 21 of the past 25 days. ugh! This morning was in the 30s which had me reaching for long tights and gloves but thankfully the sun made it better.

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    1. Rain is such a buzz kill, especially this time of year when it's usually a cold rain. I didn't run today, but went on two walks with the hubby and our dog, Max. It's hard knowing what to wear in those cold temps because walking ALWAYS feels so much colder than running. I just want summer to get here...spring is too iffy LOL

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  14. WOW no wonder you're still recovering from that mile! Phew!! Sounds like you had a good week my friend. I did a hard 3 miles today that I'll probably feel tomorrow! No races for me till July. I start Marathon Training in June though. Till then I just get to run when I want to and do strength training.

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    1. Last week felt like a constant walk in slow-mo after Wednesday morning LOL

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  15. Congrats on your PR!! That is super speedy.

    I laughed when you said not until June 1. That would be frequent for some ...but not for us.

    I ran a 15k for fun this weekend and it was fun!!!

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    1. It's a huge gap in action...at least in terms of racing.

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  16. You have certainly earned some downtime! What an incredible year you've had so far but yes, if your body and gut is telling you to slow down a bit, I would listen. Now as for that 1 mile sprint --- my eyes popped open at your time and the fact you shaved 30 seconds off!

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    1. Thanks ;-) I'm still a bit in disbelief at that fast mile, as well as the entire season. I'm quite grateful for everything and have not taken anything for granted ;-)

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  17. Rest is good for you, and I love that you are always so ready to listen to what your body is telling you.

    Brown and gray are great base colors instead of black. Navy also looks great with those bold colors you favor, if you want to try something different.

    The weather here has been gorgeous! It's almost like spring, which we never have.

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    1. For the most part, we've had spring weather...but that brief winter rewind was cruel!

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  18. Nice work on your fastest mile. The mile is hard! Such a great accomplishment. Enjoy your rest!

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  19. Hey! Is Barb running again?? I keep dreaming about a 5at5 - though mine is going to be KM thankyouverymuch. After all this waiting, it's GOING to happen. That darn waking up thing has always held me back.

    congrats on your fastest mile!!! That's like REALLY FAST!!!

    I am certain you totally pulled off your brown trousers, but brown is definitely NOT my favorite. I'm a blue jean girl or black pants. You can take the girl out of goth but you can't take the goth out of the girl ;-)

    we have amazing weather right now with the occasional showers. it's ok though. we need it for the flowers!! we were worried about rain Sunday in Dusseldorf for Ron's marathon but it turned out to be PERFECT.

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    1. Barb is rallying back! She's been wisely taking things slow, and is easing back to her regular activity.

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  20. Congrats on the PR! We've been in the spring weather for a while, though we have had some cooler mornings intermittently. I'm in the middle of forced downtime right now, but really I don't have anything on the race calendar until mid July, so I would be maintaining as well. It's weird when race season dwindles to a close!

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    1. Yes, it does feel odd to have an open calendar for the time being...but I know it will go fast.

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  21. Dang, speedy mile!! Well done. Looks like your half was pretty good too! It is finally spring around here I think - although we are all scared to put away our boots and winter coats because we don't want to jinx it. haha! I missed the link deadline this week :( but I'll be on time next week! I love seeing everyone's motivational posts. Like yours!

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    1. Spring has been kind of hit and miss in Iowa. We've had some decent temps, but it keeps reverting back to winter-like cold...I will be thankful when summer officially hits!

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  22. Congrats on your PR! Enjoy your downtime -racing is fun, but resting is so enjoyable and valuable also!

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  23. Congrats on your mile PR! I was so excited for you when I saw that on IG! I equate finishing up a busy race season and feeling let down to post-holiday blues. So much buildup and then what...

    Thanks for the linkup!

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