Riding the Storm Out #Literally

Yikes. Can you say DERECHO?

Trust me, that's a word I'd never heard of prior to this past week. It was a week that demanded a lot of juggling and some rearranging, and a lot of attention to priorities. It definitely gave me a good test of patience and grit...but that's all good (I say that in retrospect LOL).

Before I share all the details, 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 this week:

#nevermissaMonday

With a new week on tap, I was eager to hit the pavement running. As I said in my Insta and FB posts...Never underestimate (1) the value of a shakeout run, (2) the power of a Monday morning, and (3) the beauty of a sunrise. Coming off a rather intense, fitness-full weekend (48 miles on the mountain bike and a hot and humid 10-mile run), my body was ready for an easy day.

 

 ...then, things got rather ugly. My recovery day came to a crashing halt, quite literally, when the derecho hit. We lost power at work at 11:41 a.m. and almost immediately the wind went psycho. After about 90 minutes, we were sent home from work (those who felt confidant enough to drive home). The destruction was unbelievable, resembling that of a war zone after a rather unsuccessful battle. Most of the streets were closed off, and covered with downed trees, power lines and utility poles. Thankfully, our house was pretty much unscathed, but our yard was another story. The hubby and I dove in and spent a good five hours with yard clean-up.

front yard...can't even see the driveway!

#themorningafter - Tuesday

Still without power (the entire town, not just my house or place of work), I knew there would be a full day of yard work on the agenda. I got out for a short 5-mile ride because my entire body needed some movement to work out the kinks from the previous four days of non-stop action...that is, before day #5 began (LOL). After the ride, I spent the morning at my parent's house, helping my dad and sister haul branches and brush to their curb. The afternoon was spent doing more of the same at my house...all kinds of deep squatting, power lunging, intense dragging and #badass lifting and tossing downed branches to our curb.

#TLC4meDay - Wednesday

The hubby left town Tuesday evening for a couple days (for work). With the bulk of our yard clean-up at a standstill (until the bigger branches and power lines could be dealt with, via professionals with proper equipment), I finally got my much-needed recovery day. The day began with some stretching and yoga. Everything was feeling strained and worn-out. We'd gotten power back at work, so I had a full day at my work desk. I took a walk over lunch, and that was it for physical activity.

 

#TwilightZone5at5 for Thursday

With only a few random lights (courtesy of even fewer generators) and the waning crescent moon to light the way, Barb and I met up for our weekly early morning 5-miler. It was rather eerie with no street lights, yet oddly tranquil among the scent of fresh-cut lumber and fallen pine trees. Both of us were feeling rather ragged from the extensive yard work we'd undertaken (courtesy of the derecho clean-up), but there's definite strength in keeping up with a routine and spending time with friends. And, seeing another sunrise always brightens even the darkest of days. 

 

#IsItFridayYET?

Going on Day #5 sans power, I got creative and did a stair workout by the light of a battery-powered lantern. I was craving a bike ride, but the streets aren't safe right now with debris everywhere... especially with limited early-morning lighting. So, 50 flights of stairs for breakfast. Good times. 

 

Somewhat #longrunSaturday and more #derechocleanup

Barb and I were eager for a few miles, but neither were eager for heavy miles. And, neither wanted a super early start. We met up at 6:45, with the plan of running a few miles, but maxing out at eight total miles. Thankfully, the temps had plummeted (67F), though the humidity was still a bit high (80%). The derecho destruction was still very apparent everywhere.  

More yard work happened on Saturday as well. Out of curiosity, I kept my phone on me to track my miles...would you believe it showed over 3-1/2 miles walked as I hauled/dragged more tree branches to the curb over the span of 3-4 hours?

power lines!

Sunday? #tobedetermined

With power yet to be restored (yes, we're on Day #6 as this goes to press), this post is coming to you  live from the our oldest daughter's house as I await the final load of laundry to dry. We've been keeping the phones charged via work and our vehicles, and I have been able to keep some milk in the fridge at work. I'm really getting tired with grilled food and "fast food" snacks, but it could be so much worse. Power is tentatively due to be restored by Tuesday or Wednesday (fingers crossed it will happen sooner). Iowa was hit hard with the derecho, but other towns (and families) were affected worse than we were. Stay tuned, I am working on a post (hopefully next week LOL) with more details on the derecho experience, and how we've been able to cope with less-than-ideal (temporary) conditions.

**update**

I did get out for a 16-mile ride to greet the morning! We're still without power, but the sun was ever bright and just s beautiful as ever. #onward

So, another interesting week! With the derecho ordeal front and center, it was a challenge to keep on task with my fitness routine. I was able to get a walk done every day, but there weren't any bonus miles in my "free" time. Walking saw 11 total miles, and running only had 16 this week. Biking? oops...only one ride for five miles, but possibly there will be a ride Sunday morning. With all the yard work this week, that sufficed as my strength work...seriously, don't ever discredit yard work as an "easy" fitness option.

The only blog post this week was from last Sunday (Kinda Outta Kilter). Since I was without power (since 11:41 a.m. Monday), and had numerous other tasks to attend to, blogging had to take a back seat. It happens. 

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair...Well, I cheated (kind of) and shared my Thursday outfit because it was much more eye-catching (that happens from time-to-time, too). Anyways, I'm a big fan of pairing non-traditional colors together...and royal and chocolate brown is just one example. What do you think? Ever tried mixing different colors together?

Oh yeah, did I mention Monday was also our 30th wedding anniversary? After several hours of yard work, we did have a nice (grilled) dinner on our deck, with all the downed backyard trees as a scenic  backdrop. 

And, let's not forget about Max! His recovery is going well from his surgery two weeks ago. The sutures came out on Wednesday, and he wears the cone just at nights (for a few more days). He was a good sport, being leashed up on the porch while we did our derecho clean-up.

And, he got to go for his first (outside) walk in almost a month!

So, that's a wrap on another crazy week. Somehow, these tough weeks keep happening, but they are bearable. One day at a time, and keep the focus on the big picture. And, I respect that things are tough everywhere for everyone...after all, there is still all kinds of COVID stuff out there, right?

Anyways, enough about me. How was your week? Still rocking those summer temps? Staying fit and  busy? Did the derecho pay your area a visit, or have you ever experienced one?

**Just FYI...due to my lack of electricity, and never-ending yard work still awaiting, I may be delayed in reading/commenting/replying on the blogs for a few days. My apologies...

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter