Sunday, May 10, 2020

Winter Rewind?


A Winter Rewind? No, thank  you.

Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I thought we were well into May. 

It seems as if Momma N's memory is a bit askew and she's wanting to relive the cold winter-like weather. Granted, it wasn't that bad of a winter this year, but that doesn't mean I'm eager for an encore.

Thankfully, she did keep the precip to a minimum, and did bless us with a lot of sunshine. But the temps? That's another story...

First things first, though...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 ;-)

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

Never miss a (windy) Monday
My morning walks have been going well. Monday's walk was no exception...and the sky was every shade of pink and purple at sunrise. I'm glad I didn't sleep through that!  

Since rain was headed our way, and I still had my Monday 5K time trial on tap, I switched up my routine and ran it over my lunch break. Of course, there was the requisite wind (again, I ask you, What's new?), but this 5K didn't feel as rough or tough as the previous ones. I'm not expecting to break any PR's with these weekly 5K's, but I am hoping to get to a point where I can run them "comfortably hard" and improve my times (slightly) each week. Finally, this week gave me hope. I was able to sub-27, and ran it with negative splits. Now, if Momma N could just grant me a few Mondays with a little (or a lot) less wind, that would be much appreciated. 

Dodging the rain Tuesday
In keeping with my daily walk's goal, I grabbed the umbrella and headed out, first thing in the morning. As we all know...if you bring an umbrella, the rain will stop, right? It was a recovery day, and I was glad to get the morning walk done sans treadmill. The 42F "spring" weather didn't feel too painful either.


Sporadic weather Wednesday
The temps were chilly and the air was damp (from the overnight rain) for the weekly #5at5 with Barb. Then, Momma N threw us a wild card and gave us bright sun and warm temps for most of the day...only to take it all back and give us more wind and clouds late in the afternoon.


Impromptu recovery day Thursday
I had a pretty intense HIIT workout all mapped out for Thursday morning. Unfortunately, my cranky back (I blame too much NetFlix on the too comfy couch), said, "Let's not." I got all twisty and things straightened out nicely (literally) for me. Never underestimate what a little bit of yoga and a sunrise walk (with the hubby and Max) can do for you. BTW, temps were in the low-40's, so I wore my winter jacket, I kid you not.


#IRunWithMaud Friday
I had not planned on running Friday morning. Social medial exploded, on Thursday night, with news of the arrest of the two men who had shot/murdered Ahmaud Aubrey. There was all kinds of talk about doing 2.23 miles (he was gunned down on February 23rd) in his honor on Friday (which would have been his 26th birthday). Well, I'm a runner; runners rise up and support their fellow runners. So I got out there, before work, and ran 2.23 miles in Ahmaud Aubrey's memory. It was so nice seeing his smiling face everywhere, all day long, on social media.

Long (hilly and windy) run Saturday
It was 40F (with a 30F feels-like, courtesy of the wind) when I left the house at 7:30 to meet up with Barb. Eager for a change of scene, we headed out on the bike trail, west of town. Remember the bike trail? The hilly one I'd ridden several times last summer/fall? Yeah, THAT trail. We were only going to run part of the way, then turn and head back...but it had been several months since we'd run the hilly part of the route. So, we spontaneously decided to do an out-and-back to the halfway point, which gave us two long hills and a short (but steep) one on the return trip. Oh, and did I mention the wind? There was that as well, but we had non-stop sunshine and the temps continued to rise as we ran. Amazingly, the hills didn't feel too treacherous, so that gave me confidence that all of my stair training was time well-spent. We'd planned on eight miles, but after parting ways (just before the 8-mile mark), I got an energy surge and looped around the college campus for a bonus mile on my way back home. So, nine miles on a mostly beautiful day. Can't complain about that.

Back-in-the-fleece Sunday
There had been rain in the forecast, but it came overnight and was outta here by morning. None the less, Momma N was still having attitude with the temps and the wind. Oh well, it wasn't snowing, so there's that. I got out for a quick 2-mile recovery run just after sunrise (well, even though it was hidden behind the clouds, I know the sun was there LOL).  

So, it was an interesting week, weather-wise, but all played out well in the end. Total running miles capped out at 22 and walking saw 16 (possibly a few more happening Sunday afternoon, weather permitting). As mentioned, I took a pass on my usual weekly HIIT workout...and the sun still rose. No sweat (literally), and no regrets. I did sneak in a short upper-body strength session Saturday evening, and have been staying consistent with the abs/core work on Tuesday/Thursday evenings as well as daily push-ups. As mentioned in my Friday post, I signed on with the UN-Canceled Project-2, and will be continuing the Monday 5K's for six more weeks. If this was a normal spring racing season, I would not be doing 5K's each week...but I think we can all agree this Spring is the polar opposite of normal.  

In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. Believe it or not, we had a frost advisory on both Friday and Saturday mornings. It was bright and sunny, at least, though it also was windy (have I mentioned the wind...yet?) Anyways, I'm kind of done with my winter clothing, it it was too cold to reach for anything lighter...so, I was back in charcoal grey and army green. At least my cheetah print flats and lipstick were there for a little color punch. 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).

There was a lot of celebrating going on this week. There was Mother's Day (A sincere Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!). Our granddoggy, Lola, celebrated her 4th birthday (isn't she such a sweetie!). And, long before it was the Star Wars May-the-4th Day, it was my father's birthday... and this year was his 80th celebration!

      
                    

Finally, this meme came across my Facebook feed Friday evening, and it totally struck a chord with me. I have seen so much evil, hate, rudeness and self-righteousness in the wake of all the COVID-19 stuff going on. Apparently I'm not the only one disgusted by it...I shared this on Insta, and it almost went viral. We are all experiencing this in our own unique ways, and we all come from different upbringings with different "baggage." Let's be kind to one another, and respectful...I don't think that's too much to ask.



So, how did your week play out? Did the weather take a turn backwards? Any good workouts to brag about? Virtual racing, yes or no?


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56 comments:

  1. Yesterday was the coldest May morning in 50 years! I had to dig out my winter coat, hat, and gloves to walk Scooby! The disagreement on social media is stressing me out. I’m glad I don’t have to make these decisions and am praying that the leaders who do are guided by the right principles.

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    1. Yes, it has been cold! It's not fun layering on the gloves and fleece hats! The disagreements are stressful...everyone is "right"in their own mind, and all the name-calling and insults just widen the gap between all of us. UGH.

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  2. Friday's snow storm was uncalled for. I'm dreaming of the day that I can run in shorts again. High 5 for another Wind Challenge 5k and your 8 miles that somehow became 9 miles;-)

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    1. Yes, I should be calling these 5K's "the Wind Challenge Series." Whatever ;-) They are making me stronger...right?

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  3. I really think we've had a seasonal shift. Looking back over the past few years, it really doesn't get truly warm here until mid-June. Then it stays "summery" through September. April and May just aren't what they used to be. Sigh. Happy 80th to your dad! Happy Mother's Day to you!

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    1. I hope you had a great Mother's Day, too, Marcia ;-) I"m ready for it to just be summer. Spring has been a bust.

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  4. Wow, what crazy weather you're having! I am sure that's all going to come over to Europe in 2 weeks.
    I really love that beautiful Monday morning sunrise.
    Sometimes the body needs an improptu rest day - yoga for the win!

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    1. Well...we do have several days of 70F temps coming, but we got to get through some rain first LOL

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  5. Ugh, the weather this week was not as warm as it should be! Normally I'd be planting my flowers and garden by now. Nope, not yet! Maybe it was because we opened our pool last week :) Happy Mother's day to you, and Happy Birthday to your dad! Great workouts this week.

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    1. I procrastinated on planting some of my flowers, and I'm glad I waited. They would have all been goners with the frost advisories on Friday/Saturday morning.

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  6. That respect meme is great and so true. Getting angry at friends, family, the internet does nothing to fix the situation and/or make you feel better. It's just not worth it either and it's going to get worse over the next six months.
    xx

    I love your Friday necklace.
    I know I said it somewhere on social - but love the bumble bee look from Monday too. Fun with matching.
    What a great way to celebrate your father's birthday in these odd times

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    1. and meant to say, the run for Ahmaud reminded me of Miles for Mollie shortly after we blog met. It's so sad that these are necessary, despite the very differing circumstances

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    2. I agree...all the anger on social media is NOT solving the problem, nor is it bringing anyone over to the "other side."

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    3. Yep. Especially with as polarizing as the two "sides" are, no one is going to be converted by an all caps drama fest. And yes, I actually don't think there are two sides rather than some loud fringes, with mostly good people-who might lean one way or another- caught in the middle.

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  7. I was in my winter coat for our walk yesterday & it did flurry, but truth is I didn't actually need that heavy a coat after all. OTOH, I was wearing fleece lined tights & I truly thought I'd washed those for the last time.

    Ah well. Sounds like you had a great week, Kim! Happy Birthday to your Dad & Happy Mother's Day to you!

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    1. I'm hoping the winter garb can now be stowed away...we're supposed to be in the 70F's after Wednesday.

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  8. Love the pink purple beautiful sky pic! Wow!

    I can't believe it got so cold in Iowa...weird! No one wants to pull out their winter hats again in May!

    Happy Mother's day to you!

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  9. you had a busy week! We have had tons of rain the last few weeks so I have been navigating that and the much colder temps. Looks like this week is going to be much better. Happy Mother's Day my friend xoxo

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    1. Our temps are supposed to be much warmer as well. YAY!!!!! Rain Wednesday and Thursday, but we actually need it....

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  10. I'm also doing the Uncanceled Project this time around! I'll be doing weekly 5ks as well, though not tomorrow. I ran the last 5 days in a row haha tomorrow is going to be a much deserved rest day! Will probably work it in on Tuesday.

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    1. The 5K's were very intimidating for me...they are going better, though. Even with all the wind I've had to battle, I think I'm finally feeling my groove.

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  11. I get really upset with stuff I see on social media, especially on FB these days. There are all these conspiracy theories about COVID and it is really a slap in the fact to all my colleagues on the front lines. I don't respond, but it does wear on me. Sometimes I just have to stay away for a few days.

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    1. Social media is a convenient little blanket for people to hide behind and say things in print they'd probably never say to someone's face, FB especially. Regardless of who is "right" and who is "wrong," I think it's best to agree to disagree.

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  12. It felt like March this week! What crazy weather we are having. I hope at least we get a mild summer from all of this. Happy Mother's Day!

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    1. I am hoping for a beautiful summer...we certainly have earned it!

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  13. So many awesome celebrations this week! It looks like your dad had a very fun birthday :)

    Winter rewind is a nice way to describe this week's weather - just super crazy!

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    1. The winter crap can go, that's all I can say. I think my dad had a great day, they even made a big deal about him on the local radio LOL

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  14. We also had a return to winter this weekend - it was snowing yesterday and in the 30s. Brr! Thank goodness today's a little warmer (50!) but still not the best weather. Can't wait until spring is back!

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    1. Thankfully, we didn't see any snow in my area, though they may have had some in the NW corner of the state.

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  15. I loved that meme you posted - somethings on social have gotten so ugly lately :(

    You had a great week despite Mother N's antics! It's gotten so cold here again...and yesterday I saw snowflakes :0

    Happy Mother's Day Kim!

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    1. I agree, some stuff on social media is downright ugly. I think a lot of people are so on edge that everything provokes an argument.

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  16. OMG, it was so cold here this morning, too! I think all of yesterday's wind blew in the cold. Our temps were about the same but we didn't have the wind. I'm sorry that stayed with you. I think you've had enough but I'm not saying I want it here. lol

    Smart to pass on the workouts when your body is telling you to! There's always another day. :)

    No virtual races for me. I'm not sure I'll do another. We'll see.

    Happy Mother's Day!

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    1. The wind has been simply brutal this Spring. There's no excuse for Momma N's bad behavior...

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  17. The weather has been crazy here, we had at least half an inch of snow when I woke up Saturday. Thankfully it cleared up but seriously it's May I'm ready for warm temps.

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    1. I'm ready for SUMMER temps! Spring has been a bust LOL

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  18. It was COLD here yesterday. Even though the sun came out in the afternoon, snowflakes were happening. Thankfully, I was able to bring back my shorts for today's run!

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    1. I almost wore shorts for my run after work today...almost. But it was just windy enough that I defaulted to capris.

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  19. So cold yesterday!! And windy. That's not how I expected it to be on my birthday. Hopefully spring will return. it was warmer today but not warm at all.

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  20. Happy Mother's Day, Kim!

    Yes ma'am, I can finally say I've run (actually walked) a virtual race. It was cold enough here that since I was walking, I chose to stay indoors on my treadmill. Had I been running or even run/walking, I would have gone outside and braved the elements. Mom said they had a heavy frost this morning where she lives.

    Have a great week!

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    1. NO doubt, it's much colder walking than running. Well, you'll be doing another virtual race in a few weeks ;-)

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  21. It felt like winter here too for parts of last week. I'm so over it! Every once in awhile we will have a warm, sunny day and it feels like such a tease. Its just not right to have freezing temps in May. Great job getting in all your workouts this week!

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    1. I agree...those warm days are a tease! We had frost advisories for Friday and Saturday morning...just not right...

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  22. Great job! Your 9 miler sounds like it was a great challenge. We had some colder days later in the week and it was so weird!! Thankfully it rebounded for a wonderful Mother's Day.

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    1. Thanks ;-) The 9-miler was a challenge with the hills (and wind LOL), but it went much better than anticipated.Maybe I've built up a tolerance for wind (???)

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  23. You've had so much wind lately! We get that way sometimes but it's usually hot and dry. Nice week of running in spite of Mother Nature's tricks!

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    1. UGH, the wind has been nutzo. It just never seems to stop blowing, and the gusts have been tough to withstand.

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  24. Boo to the cold weather in May! We had high winds and cold weather too, and it looks like it’s continuing into the beginning of this week. Fingers crossed that we get Summer soon :).

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  25. Love those colors in the sky for your Monday walk! Hopefully spring weather is here to stay — but here in Maryland, I saw the high is 84 on Saturday! That's too warm for me!

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    1. I think we're supposed to get 80's next week. Myself, I'm ready for some serious heat ;-)

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  26. I know you'll laugh, but our weather has been pretty crazy over here, too. I'm wearing a sweatshirt right now. It's bizarre.

    You got in quite a bit, in spite of everything. And I love your adorable cheetah shoes! You have the cutest outfits!

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    1. Thank you ;-) I love my cheetah print LOL The weather is always so tough to dress for (running and otherwise). The wind is such a game-changer.

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  27. Happy Birthday to your dad and Lola!! Ugh, the weather and the wind is not being kind to us either. Oh, and I know what you mean about people being rude and mean on social media. I couldn't take it anymore. I installed the Facebook app again on my phone but try not to check it too often. I haven't installed Instagram again and don't really miss it at all.

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    1. Facebook has always been bad, but it's downright ugly these days. I don't understand the rudeness...don't people realize it reflects more on them than their "targets" when they are so rude and disrespectful?

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