Sunday, April 21, 2019

Waiting ...it has its Rewards


Sometimes, the simple act of waiting has its advantages.

Case in point : this past week (at least in terms of weather, DOMS and running).

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.


Anyways, here's the latest Weekly Run Down:

Not another Manic Monday
Nothing grandiose for me in the morning, other than a walk with Max before work. The temps were kind of cold, damp and yucky anyways. But as the day wore on, the temps climbed (into the high-70F's) and the sun came out (#score). With another race coming up in a few days  (half marathon on Saturday), I wanted to get in a little bit of speed work, but thought it wise to do it early in the week (rather than later). After a 1/2-mile warm-up, I got to work on a nearby hill. I did 10 intense sprints up the hill (approximately 1/10 of a mile) and 10 recovery jogs back down. Back and forth, up and down, for two hilly miles. I also did a 1/2-mile cool-down run back home. Three cumulative miles, and I could already feel the strain in my hamstrings when I went to bed that night.
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Never miss a Monday!
Tuesday Timeout
As predicted, the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) were  in full force upon wake-up. I did a 2-mile power walk before work, and that's all she wrote. There also was some stretching and foam rolling.
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Holy Hurting Hamstrings
Double Workout Wednesday
Well played, Momma N. Well played. We had heavy rain and storms in the forecast, and every time I stalked my weather app, it showed the rain starting sooner and sooner. Finally, upon bedtime (on Tuesday evening), I made a command decision to postpone the early morning run (my usual #5at5), and summoned Plan B (besides, the DOMS were still a bit of an issue). I did 20 minutes of elliptical time and some upper body strength work.
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Plan B in action...
Turns out, the rain never came. As the day progressed, the sun eventually made an appearance and the temps warmed up. Also, after spending most of Tuesday standing at work (I have a convertible, stand-up desk), the DOMS finally eased up and I was able to sit without cringing. I decided to attempt a PM version of a #5at5 (five miles at 5:00 p.m.). There were some nasty clouds rolling in, though, so I headed out for a 4-mile route, with the plan to do add a 1-mile mini loop as I got closer to home (if the rain held off). Well, I made it two miles out, turned to head back and it started sprinkling in the 3rd mile, and was a total downpour by the time I finished the 4th mile (and the 1-mile bonus loop never happened). Oh well...I didn't melt in the rain and the DOMS were gone!
4 wet miles at 5:00
 Thursday...
With two cardio sessions the day prior (one of which was rather spontaneous), I decided to take things easy. That said, I did get outside for an early morning walk before heading in to the office. Even with cool temps and wind (yet again), there's no place I'd rather start my day than outside!
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Opting outside
Finally Friday
Another rather chilling morning (seriously, this IS April, right?), I was back in fleece and a stocking hat for a short shakeout run. But seeing that sunrise, outside and in person, was pretty breathtaking. It really was a Good Friday.
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Super Sunshiny Saturday
Ahhhhh, at long last! The temps were perfect and there was all kinds of sunshine to be had. It was the 51st Annual Drake Relays Road Races, and I was one of over 4,000 participants crossing the finish line on the famous Blue Oval on the Drake University campus. I ran the half marathon (there also was a 5K and 10K), and although much of the race felt tough (it was very hilly), I surprised myself with a course PR (2:04:32). Stay tuned, more details to come on the race recap in a few days...
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Another 13.1 in the books
A Simple Sunday
Although I ((surprisingly)) felt recovered upon wake-up, I know better. I usually do a short recovery run the day following a long run or a race, but opted to take a pass. Besides, I have the Grand Blue Mile race happening on Tuesday night and thought it best to save a little something for that.
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So, all in all, I'm quite happy with how everything played out. The weather had it's moments (both good and less-than-ideal), but I chose a few opportune times to wait it out and was rewarded. Fitness-wise, it was a very low-key week as I prepped for Saturday's half marathon and kicked the remainder of the cough/cold out the door. My running mileage was moderate at 22,  but 13.1 of that was from the race. There was plenty of walking on the warm days, and I'm quite good with that.

In case you missed out, this is what was posted last week:
Recovery: Take 2!
Spring Races...A Few Of My Iowa Favorites

In other news:
My Friday Fashion Flair post featured a fun color combo...teal, turquoise and lime green. The pic was taken live from packet pickup for my race! Look closely...I'm wearing sandals. That's how crazy our weather was this past week. As always, you're invited to join the fashion party on Instagram...post a pic of an outfit, grab the hashtag (#fridayfashionflair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).

Finally, we're seeing all the color of Spring in Iowa! My daffodils are in bloom, and the tulips aren't far behind.

Lastly, how about a little fashion hack? I'm always in search of fun, funky, and colorful stuff. On a quick trip through Target (following my race on Saturday), I saw these cute capri leggings, only they were in the children's section. On a whim, I looked through the sizes and saw one remaining pair of XL ones. And, guess what? They fit! Now, I'm a tall gal, so if they would have been full-length leggings they would have come up quite short, literally. Also, I wear a size medium in most women's clothing and have a slender build, so my situation is unique. But, if you have a similar build, this may be an option to consider. You're welcome.

We all know what was happening in the world of running on Monday, right? That little race known as the Boston Marathon? Although I couldn't watch the live stream (ahem, #working), I did manage to sneak a few peaks at social media via my phone. I am just in awe of all the athletes who make it happen, especially the two guys and their sprint to the finish line. I can count on ZERO hands the number of times I've finished a marathon in a dead sprint.
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SO, that's the latest Weekly Run Down in my little corner of the universe.

How are things in your world? Spring flowers? Any races? Did you catch some of the action in Boston?

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47 comments:

  1. I watched the Boston Marathon in my classroom with my students. I was screaming towards the end of the men's race.

    Congrats on your course PR!

    It looks like you had almost all 4 seasons in one week?

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    1. That men's race was exciting, even though I saw it after the fact. Our weather was really crazy last week...everything but snow (not that I wanted any of that!).

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  2. Our weather is being just as wonky! It was so hot at the beginning of the week, and then storms rolled in on Thursday night (hail) and Friday (tornadoes) and now its back in the 50s. What? We had a beach day yesterday, and the wind was so bad that little man's towel was completely hidden by sand in about 90 minutes. Stop it, MOther Nature. Pick a lane.

    Hope you have a lovely Easter Sunday!

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    1. Those storms are scary! WE had a threat of thunder storms, due to the suddenly high temps, but all we got was some rain.

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  3. OMG that men's race was intense! I'm glad conditions in Boston overall were way better than expected. Such an epic day in running!

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    1. They did luck out with the weather shaping up throughout the morning. When I saw the video clip of those two men at the finish line, I was just spell-bound.

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  4. our tulips bloomed last week in KS and I love seeing them! I am so glad I don't suffer from allergies because I LOVE seeing everything in bloom!

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    1. I used to have major allergies, but after several years of allergy shots, I'm pretty good now. I love being outside, so it was a major drag for a good nine months every year before the shot treatments.

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  5. YAY for the Course PR, can't wait to read the Race Recap! Glad it turned out to be a gorgeous sunny day and really love your outfit, the yellow top and the headband work so beautifully together :-) Happy Easter!

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    1. I LOVE warm weather, so I was overjoyed to see we'd have good weather for my race. The sunshine was a mere bonus ;-)

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  6. A good week, great outfits as usual, and hooray for your course PR. Love your rain run photo, too - very familiar.

    Lots of flowers and blossom out now - daffs are over but the bluebells are going strong, as is the cherry blossom still.

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    1. All of our trees just started blooming the past few days. I love all the colors and greenery everywhere!

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  7. I start late on Mondays, so I live streamed Boston on my computer. That finish was unbelieveable!\

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    1. Those two guys are major forces to have all that stamina at the finish line!

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  8. how amazing is it that the weather was PERFECT for the race???? incredible!

    unfortunately I didn't see any of the race but was following the app closely for all the runners I know.

    spring has sprung here for sure! it's been glorious! started out chilly but nice and spring-warm towards the end of the week.

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    1. I was over-the-moon excited for the nice weather on race day! I love warm weather...I'd rather be too hot than too cold, so Saturday's weather was perfect in my little world ;-)

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  9. yay glad it finally became spring in Iowa! congrats again on what sounds like a fabulous race for you. Looking forward to reading all about it

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    1. I'm glad Spring finally settled in, too LOL Those crazy winters just want to hang on far too long...

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  10. Nice job in your half! We had a lot of rain this week, but also some lovely warm temps (eventually). Makes running a joy (when it's not super humid -- it's too early for that s*#t!).

    Those capris would probably be leggings on me -- and no doubt I wouldn't be able to get a leg into them, either.

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    1. I have bought "kids-sized" skirts before, but it had never occurred to me to do the capri's! I'm glad I had that light bulb moment, because most kids stuff is cheaper LOL

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  11. Your "light" weeks never look light to me. You were smart to hold back so your legs were fresh for that PR! Love the funky tights!

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    1. The speed work on Monday was a lot more intense than I anticipated...glad I had the sense to do that on Monday and not later in the week. I don't know...your weeks look pretty active to me!

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  12. I watched the Boston marathon live but was right around mile 25 and didn't see the sprint to the finish. So cool!

    Good luck at your half this weekend and thanks for hosting the link-up!

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    1. My half actually was yesterday, and went well despite how hard it felt. I'm glad my endurance can hold its own, because it was getting tough to keep my head in the game towards the end.

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  13. Our weather has been all over the place but I did get in all my runs this week. I was hoping to run long yesterday but it rained too hard so I did it today and it was perfect.

    Kudos to you on your half.


    You've been racing as much as me lol

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    1. See...waiting can have its own rewards ;-) I should write a blog post with such a theme LOL I've been racing a lot, and I'm ready for a breather. Thankfully, all of my races have gone pretty well, but I know my body needs time to regroup.

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  14. LOL I love that you got the kids leggings in target - that's a good score!

    We had a lot of crazy weather this week too, primarily lots of rain and wind, mixed in with some humidity, it was so odd! Congrats on another half marathon finish this weekend!

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    1. Knock wood, the humidity has not been much of an issue yet. You know I much prefer the heat, though, so I won't complain (much) when it gets warmer ;-)

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  15. The mens race was crazy! Nice hack on the kids leggings!

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    1. I'm a little bummed I didn't see the men's race live, but the video clips were awesome!

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  16. We were under tornado watch twice, and tornado warning once this past week, but after those later storms moved through, we had a gorgeous weekend!

    Congrats on your course PR at your half on Saturday!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. We had all kinds of rain and storms in the forecast from Wednesday evening through Friday evening...and the storms never materialized and the rain wasn't as much as predicted. And I was totally alright with that!

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  17. The finish of the men's marathon was unbelievable - who sprints at the end of 26 miles!?!

    Glad your DOMS subsided and you were able to finish your week strong. Congrats on your course PR - you've been on quite a roll!

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    1. I know! Those men...I could not believe that was the finish line approach, they were gunning it like it was the start.

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  18. Always fun to find a deal in the kids section!! Congrats on the course PR. Well done! Today it really felt like spring around here. Tomorrow's forecast will be more like summer! Welcome to Ohio. hahaha!

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    1. I think the entire Midwest has suffered from psycho weather this year! Finding those leggings is a Catch-22, because now I'm gonna be on high-alert every time I hit a store because I'll have two sections of clothing to conquer ;-)

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  19. I had to work so I missed most of the Boston Marathon but I did see that sprint to the finish. Amazing! You hate to see someone lose in situations like that.

    Looks like a great running week. I'm glad your weather is a little better. It's so much better to get outside.

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  20. Congrats on a great week! Sounds like you had a chance to get in several great workouts!! I didn't get to see any of the Boston Marathon due to work, but I did love watching the recaps!

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  21. I find it nuts how inaccurate the weather forecasting can be. I agree with you - no place better than outside to kick off the day!

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  22. I bought pansies and snapdragons this weekend for my front porch. I have been nursing some tulips and only got one bloom so far.

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  23. Sounds like a tough week with all the weird weather. Congrats on that course PR!

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  24. Congrats on your course PR! I took the day off to watch the Boston marathon. I knew a few friends running it and both of them had worked for years to get to that race. I ended up seeing both cross the finish line!

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  25. Yay on the course PR
    Love your Tuesday and Sunday leggings. LOL at the story of the SUnday ones. You know on me I"d have needed to hem :D

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  26. Hey congrats on running a great and hilly half!!! That had to feel great after all the DOMS and Mama N not cooperating...for the most part. Love that style hack and, being 5' 1" and basically built like a child, I can usually fit into the kids clothes at target too - score!! Looking forward to your race recap!

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  27. Congrats on the course PR! You are speedy!!! Thanks also for sharing the daffodil photos - my very favorite flower. When the daffodils bloom, spring is officially here.

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  28. I seriously need to get better at foam rolling. I have all the tools...I just need to use them!

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  29. How was the weather on Sunday? It was a beautiful warm day in Chicago and a great day to be outdoors. I love Targets’ workout clothes, they are affordable and of good quality.

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