Sunday, April 5, 2020

A Great Big Week of Hmmm...


Things that make you go "hmmm..."

Suffice it to say I was hmmm'ing all week long. Not necessarily in a bad way, but definitely in a state of "what's next?"

Questionable weather. Additional race statuses changing. And, some more virtual goings-on.

Before I lay it all out, welcome to the Weekly Run Down!

I love hosting 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 noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's 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...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)





Anyways, here's what went down in my little world of fitness this week:

Monday - Hmmm, how about another virtual race?
Barb forwarded an email to me, Sunday evening, with info regarding the Crushing COVID-5K virtual race. It was hosted by our local parks and rec department. The caveat? It was to be completed by March 31st (you know, two days later), and this was the first I was hearing of it. We quickly made plans to meet up after work. My legs were still toast (after having done the Fight for Air Climb, also virtually, the day prior), but I was eager to take on the 5K distance anyways. I did a short (20 minutes) elliptical session in the morning, always a great recovery tactic. In the late afternoon sunshine, Barb and I rallied. We had a 1-mile loop (with no cross traffic) that we ran three times. We didn't run it with an all-out effort, but we definitely ran it hard, and finished feeling quite satisfied with our efforts. With a 1/2-mile warm-up (and a 1/2-mile cool-down), this post-workday excursion netted me four total miles...and some very cranky quads.


Tuesday - Hmmm, are those DOMS? #OhMyQuads
As predicted, I woke up in a world of DOMS Tuesday morning. Granted the spontaneous 5K wasn't the smartest decision, given the compromised state of my post-Climb legs, but I'd do it again. No regrets! I did 20 minutes on the elliptical before work, and then a 2-mile walk with the hubby and Max. And that was my recovery day.

Wednesday - Hmmm, shall we resume our weekly routine?
Thankfully, everything felt better upon wake-up on Wednesday. Although the state of Iowa is still not under a Shelter-at-Home mandate (at the time this post goes live), most are following the protocol. Barb and I are still running together, but are staying distanced from each other on the road. She and I did our ritual #5at5 routine and all was well.


Thursday - Hmmm, how about some hill sprints?
Even though my Spring 2020 race calendar is now null and void, I'm still #TrainingMaintaining, albeit in a modified manner. My strategy is to rotate between HIIT, Speedwork and stairs (still good training, even without another Climb on the calendar) each week. This week, I took on the "little block across the street." This little block has a couple hills (on opposite corners), and three laps gives me a mile in total distance. Hence, Thursday morning's six laps netted me two total miles and 12 "little" hills. Not bad for a wake-up-and-smell-the-coffee (without any coffee LOL) kind of experience.

Friday - Hmmm, How about some upper-body work?
It was cold, windy and rainy outside, so a perfect day for some inside action. I'm participating in a kettle bell challenge for the month, so I expanded on that and did some extra upper-body strength work before heading in to the office. Anybody else love a good upper-body burn in the early hours!


Saturday - Hmmm, a great morning for a (virtual) 10K!
Saturday morning's temps were an evil flashback to winter (Hello? 17F feels-like temps, thank you very much). Thankfully, all of Friday's rain had moved on and there wasn't any ice to worry about. We set out to run the UN-Canceled Project Gratitude 10K, but added a bonus 1.8 mile on after hitting the virtual "finish line."


Sunday - Hmmm, tis the season...
With a recovery day on tap, Max took the hubby and I for a 2-mile walk in the early morning sunshine. Look closely, I dug out the obnoxious Christmas tights. A lot of people are decking their houses with holiday lights, so I thought it only appropriate to follow suit with my athletic gear. Why not?

All in all, a decent week. The running mileage was in the normal range for me (19 miles). There also were 12 miles of (intentional) walking, two elliptical sessions (40 total minutes), and an upper-body workout. The forecast is showing a couple days with temps in the 70F's this week...there may be some Gustavas miles happening (he's my bike, BTW).

In case you missed out, here's what all went down on the blog:
Gloomy Is as Gloomy Does
Give Me 19 Minutes...
Coffee? Make Mine a Lemonade

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair! With the cold and damp weather conditions, I was embracing double layers on Friday. I've had this denim shirt for several years, and I love the challenge of dressing it up from time to time. Give me some sliver jewelry and my favorite pointy-toed shoes, and I was all set for a day at the office. As always, you're welcome to join me on Fridays...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).

This week saw my final two spring events getting the COVID-19 treatment. The Market-to-Market team relay (scheduled for May 9th) had to succumb to virtual status. Also, the DAM to DSM 20K (scheduled for May 30th) got moved out to September 5th. I've run this race (formerly the Dam to Dam 20K) for the past 12 years, so it will be really odd to toe the start line three months later than usual. I'm just relieved the event wasn't canceled. Glass half full.

Many of my running friends are doing the UN-Canceled Project virtual series for April, so I jumped on the band wagon as well. After all, it's not like I'll be doing any real races. Every week there's a different theme (to include Gratitude, Hope, Humor and Inspiration). I had two half marathons I was planning on running later in the month anyways, so I'm already in peak condition. I'll probably sneak in a 5K each week and probably a 10K on the other weekends. I'd call that a win-win.

So, it was another interesting week, in more ways than one. Knock wood, I've been very fortunate thus far. My routine (home, work and fitness) hasn't been affected much, but I'm aware that could very well change any day. For now, I'm just forging onward, taking each day at a time. Also, as much of a technology moron I am, I am thankful for what we have available. I've been ZOOM'ing and Face Timing with family and friends more than ever. There was a fun ZOOM session with numerous members of my awesome blogging/running tribe this weekend. And, I enjoyed an especially great virtual power walk, with my awesome WRD co-host Deborah, over one of my lunch breaks last week. Life is, indeed, quite grand...you just have to focus on all the good that's out there and not let the bad bring you down.


How are things in YOUR world? Have things changed dramatically, or not much? Are you able to keep up with your fitness routine? Any virtual races on tap?


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47 comments:

  1. Love the idea of a virtual power walk! Work has been busy here, but I could use a midday walk break!

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  2. It was so good to see you yesterday!
    Hmm indeed. So many things require thought that were on autopilot before. Love the Christmas tights at any time of year

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    1. The Christmas lights kind of took me by surprise! A nice pick-me-me up ;-)

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    2. I didn't know they were A Thing at first as the only one I see regularly is up year round anyway. Now I like them like the rainbows

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  3. You are definitely #trainingmaintaining. Still haven't heard about my half end of June, although pretty much guessing that won't be happening. So a little undecided about how far i actually want to take "training".

    Glad that things are still good were you are. I know whatever hand you're dealt, you'll deal with it with gratitude.

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    1. Thank you, Judy <3 I learned (almost three years ago) it's far better to go with gratitude than "what-if's"....the gratitude is something I can control, the other? not so much

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  4. I haven't been in on any Zoom meetings or Facetimed with anyone :( I'm starting to realize a lot of my friends are all just connected via FB anyway, so I haven't really missed seeing them, because I always hear from them online! I just got an elliptical!! I'm excited to have a new workout tool available to me. Good job on your virtual races this week! It's nice that you can still work out with your friend (safely).

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    1. We've done a few ZOOM family meetings (in place of the temporarily-halted Sunday family dinners). I have not done any "professional" ones for work-related stuff, though ;-)

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  5. Way to conquer fitness this week! Great mix. Glad you and Barb can still enjoy each other's company from a distance. I am surprised Iowa isn't in a shelter in place- do you think they will?

    I love how Zoom virtual hangouts and whatnot are our new norm; I hated facetime before but now I don't mind it!

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    1. We're still not in official "shelter" mode, but pretty much everything is shut-down at this point. I think most have been following the protocol anyways. Even in states where the shelter has been mandated, I doubt it's 100% followed, unfortunately.

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  6. Loved our virtual walk together. Let's do it again this week!

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  7. I did the first race in the Un-Canceled project too. What a nice thing for the race company to do! I think even though I am trained for half marathon distance all of my virtual races will be 5ks. I don't have another race in my schedule until the end of June. Still keeping my fingers crossed for that one!

    And Yay for Zoom! I did a happy hour, a family reunion and a cocktail party all this week on Zoom!

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    1. All of my official races are out of the picture, except for Air Force Marathon (Sept. 19th). Fingers crossed.....

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  8. I keep seeing different posts about the Un-canceled project so I'm going to check it out! I love that there are so many challenges to help keep us motivated during this crazy time.

    It was so good to see you on the ZOOM call yesterday!

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    1. All of these virtuals are kind of overwhelming, but such a great alternative. Totally glad we could chat briefly over the weekend ;-)

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  9. #1 I love your Christmas tights and #2 brrr...we both ran 10ks yesterday but I was in 50s and sunshine. C'mon warm up already Iowa! And high 5 to a great week of UN-canceled fitness!

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    1. Our temps finally warmed up in the afternoon Saturday...but I wasn't running then LOL

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  10. All things considered, I think I'm more grateful than ever to be a runner. Loved our Zoom chat and am looking forward to the next one!

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    1. Agreed! I'm very grateful for running, and fitness in general. I feel like it's our little secret LOL

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  11. Running has really helped me manage my anxiety about the virus. Really grateful to be a runner right now.

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    1. Absolutely!! Running serves us well, in so many capacities ;-)

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  12. I love the Zoom meetings! We did our first one this week and it was so nice to see everyone's faces! Social time is one of the things I miss most about all this.

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    1. I'm president of a "social club" that meets bi-monthly for lunch. Everything has ceased in the past month...I think I'm gonna organize a ZOOM "lunch" since we're not going to be meeting anymore this spring. DUh...can't believe I didn't think of that sooner LOL

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  13. LOL on the Christmas tights! It’s almost too warm for tights here, but the wind is keeping it on the chilly side! I wonder if Scooby would do hill repeats with me? I did some on the treadmill last week. So fun seeing you yesterday!

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    1. The Christmas tights just seemed like the right thing to do....we all need some laughter right now, right?

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  14. Things are always changing over here. My work schedule has been reduced even further and I'll be redeployed to the hospital at the end of this week. It's scary but I know I'm doing something to help. And I'm still getting a paycheck which matters a lot too.

    Love the Christmas tights! Our local running store is doing a weekly challenge and one day it was to dress up in a holiday outfit. I was so bummed when I forgot about it. I totally would have worn my candy cane outfit! Maybe I'll do that just because? ;)

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    1. Yes, do the candy canes just because!! I'm tempted to organize a Christmas de-Mayo virtual race (??)

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  15. Good job on those virtual races!
    Things have been both different and the same here. My husband is considered essential and still working, and we had grocery deliveries set up for a few months. It makes me anxious to have a baby in these times, but all we do is go out for walks and runs - other than that, we stay at home!

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    1. The virtuals have been a fun option. I'd be really anxious with a baby right now, too. Stay safe <3

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  16. Great job as always! Every week there is something new about COVID-19, it's crazy! I focused on getting back to work and working out and I'm just grateful! I am envious about your blogging Zoom meeting, I would love to join the next one!

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    1. We'd LOVE to have you ZOOM with us, too!!!! I agree...our governor has daily press conferences with more restrictions being added

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  17. It was so great to hang out with you and the other bloggers yesterday and I'm looking forward to our next one!

    Great job getting all of your your workouts done. You're a rockstar!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie! I'm glad I have the at-home routine down, it would be really hard to adjust from a gym setting (I know I'd really have a tough time if the situation were reversed).

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  18. Another great mix of runs and workouts! And I love that you broke out the Christmas light tights!

    The virtual power walk is a great idea! It was so fun connecting with everyone yesterday - can't wait to do it again!

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    1. Ahem...if you want to go for a virtual walk, I'd be glad to make it happen!!!

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  19. I'm running the Un-Cancelled Project, too! I did the 10k last Friday. For this week, I'm planning a half-marathon. I'm so happy to be doing at least SOMETHING.
    A rotation between HIIT, speedwork and stairs sounds like a great way to maintain form!

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    1. The Un-Canceled Project is a great thing! I just did the Hope 5K tonight (after work), and may do the Hope 10K later this week...why not? ;-)

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  20. I still can't believe you did a 5k on a whim like that! Especially right after your climb. Great job! Personally things aren't that different for me, other than now I'm working from home and don't have any help with child care. It's little things like not being able to get groceries easily any more that feel like they are impacting us. And not being able to see family. We facetime with my mom pretty much every day, and I've also had some zoom sessions with family and friends! And of course plenty of virtual work meetings....

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    1. Yeah, I can be spontaneous like that LOL We've started ZOOMing with the kids (and my parents). Our Sunday dinners are temporarily "on hold" for now...

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  21. Hmmmm is right LOL. Things are just weird. Wrong. I haven't been able to get my head right this weekend. It's kind of liek the adventure part of this is over, and now it's settling into real life. Ugh.

    Fitness has been the easiest part of it. I have all the time in the world to go for walks, and do PT and other challenges. There is tons of virtual options, many of them free. I'm even on point with eating. I wish I was able to work on more projects and whatnot, but it is what it is. keep up the great work, and I loved getting to chat on Saturday!

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    1. This is a really tough time! All of us are feeling it in some capacity; I don't think there's a right way or a wrong way...it's just so personal for each of us.

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  22. Wow, great job with that 5k after the stair climb! I love the necklaces in your Friday outfit :)

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  23. I'm feeling a bit of FOMO so I might have to jump on the Un-Canceled Project too, even if I don't usually do virtual races. You're killing yours though, so I guess I should join in. I loved our Zoom call. Even though I feel like I know all of you it was fun to hear everyone's voices, mostly for the first time!

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    1. I'm not usually a virtual racer, either. Desperate times...LOL

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  24. I am trying to get out there more but lately haven't been motivated. Is the kettlebell challenge the one by Rachel? I saw that and meant to print the page but then forgot about it. We're going on our 3rd week of shelter-in-place here in IL?? I am losing track already. So nice you guys had a Zoom call. Invite me to the next one!

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