Rockin' the Rain Dance

Well, it wasn't a total washout.

But, it did come close (at times). After several weeks with little-to-no precip, the rain gods felt it was due time to send some of their love to Iowa... like, on the daily. Momma N also contributed summer-like temps, complete with summer-like humidity levels...also on the daily. Lucky us!

I'm not exactly sure how I managed to dance around all the rain, but I was able to get all of my runs done (outside) this week. Thankfully, on the occasions when I was able to sneak out for said runs, my energy level(s) and pace worked in my favor. No complaints, and no regrets. That's just the way I like it.

Before I share 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 ;-)

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

Never Miss a Monday (that's a given)

The week of rain commenced with rain coming down at wake-up. Ugh. I probably could have run in it, but I also knew there was a chance the rain would be gone later...so I reunited with Sebbe (my indoor bike) for a 5-mile ride instead.

 

The rain continued most of the day, but did clear for a bit...ironically right before my workday ended. I usually just do an easy-paced 2 (or 3)-miler on Mondays, but I felt like running a different route, and running a bit farther instead. So I did. It wasn't what I'd call a tempo pace, but it was a good clip. I did a 4-mile out-and-back route, and made it back in less than 38 minutes. There even was a quick peak of sunshine, and the rain resumed shortly after I was back inside. I was totally good with that.

Typical Easy-Peasy Tuesday (though a bit wet)

After Monday's speedier-than-planned run, I wanted to take things easy on Tuesday. I didn't want to be stuck inside, though, so I got out for a 2-mile walk in the early morning rain. Walking in the rain, so long as it's not a torrential down-pour, is actually a pretty nice and tranquil experience. And the neighborhood lilacs smelled so sweet! The rain continued off and on throughout the day, but I was able to get in another 1-mile walk after work.

Double Workout Wednesday (me vs. the weather)

Although the overnight rain had halted, the humidity (100%) had not. Barb and I met up for our weekly #5at5, both assuming the windy, low-60's temps would be (somewhat) chilly...and we couldn't have been more wrong. Holy yikes, I should have brought along my shampoo, because I was a complete saturated mess by the time I returned home.

The day's forecast rain was minimal, and by the time I was headed home from work, the sun was playing Hide-n-Seek. The temps were balmy, so I thought it would be a perfect setting for a bike ride. Barb wound up joining me for 11 miles. The wind gave us a little bit of a fight...it was cold riding into the wind, but rather hot whenever we changed direction and had it at our backs.  

Triple Threat Thursday (another 1-mile time trial)

Remember those weekly 1-mile time trials I'm doing for May? Well, all week, the weather had me wondering when I'd have an opportune time to squeeze in a quick trip to the track. Everyday, thus far, had shown early morning rain. The college team usually uses the track in the late afternoon, so that wasn't an option. When I awoke on Thursday, the rain forecast had shifted from 50% to 19%. There still was a bit of mist in the air (and 98% humidity), but no actual sprinkles...so I promptly got dressed and headed out for a 1-mile warm-up run, and then hit the track. Ever since my second Covid shot (eight days prior), I'd been battling some nasty sinus gunk, and that still was present on Thursday morning as well. Oh, and did I mention the 13mph wind? Anyways, accepting the fact that this time trial would probably be disappointing, I started the Garmin and took off. I tried to run strong, but it felt like I was dragging. Initially, my 7:39 finish time was a bit of a disappointment (after all, I'd run 7:13 the previous week). Given the fact that the air was horribly humid, the wind was strong, and I could hardly breathe...that 7:39 reflected my best effort under challenging circumstances. It still was decently speedy for me, so I chose to celebrate what I'd accomplished instead of dwelling on what I hadn't. Onward! (BTW, it started raining as I walked home LOL)

   

Finally Friday (and it's still rainy!)

I was craving some stairs, HIIT, and maybe a little bit of lower-body fun. I walked (approximately) a 1-mile route to the outdoor stairway and got busy. I did five circuits of 10 flights of stairs and 20 squats. Of course, as was the theme of the week, it started sprinkling not even through the first set. Oh well, I was already sweating, so what's a little (continuous) rain? The five circuits netted me 50 total flights of stairs (or, 900 steps) and 100 total squats. And a damp walk back home.

 

Long Run Saturday (still humid!)

It was one of those runs. The temps were moderate, but the humidity was (again) high. I met up with Barb at 7:00, with 6-8 miles on the plan. We decided to start out on the bike trail (you know, the hilly one) for a short ways and then head back. Only, we decided to go ahead and run to the bridge (which would give us the long hill coming back). Then, as we approached the bridge, we decided since we were already there, why not go ahead and run the next hill (which isn't quite as long, but is much steeper). So we did. Our reward was having that second hill (after we turned around) as a decent downhill. After we'd made it back to town, I was just over the 7.5-mile mark when we parted ways...so why not tack on an extra mile (or so) and finish with an even nine miles? So, I was a major sweaty mess when I finished, but these kind of conditions are my jam (though, even I would appreciate a bit of an acclimation period).

Not-Much-Sun-Sunday (recovery run)

Another balmy morning (temps in the mid-60F's and 98% humidity). My body was feeling a little fatigued after the previous day's long run, so my best remedy is a short recovery run. Just a couple of easy-paced miles is all it takes to make my body feel less fatigued and more energized. Of course, there's still some TLC on tap (foam rolling and Theragun fun), as well as walking with the hubby and Max (two miles, after my run). And, yes, I may have been a little celebratory...running rewards us with much more fun than anger, anxiety or fear, and I'm a firm believer in celebrating that (regardless of who may be watching). 

So, there you go. Although the rain and the heat (and humidity) are now a reality, they are a welcome treat after such an  extended cold spell...at least in my world they are. I'm glad I was able to get outside, daily, even though the humidity wreaked some havoc on my hair (I know, worse things definitely could happen LOL). Anyways, the running was strong (22 miles), but the walking was weak (only nine miles). Biking was adequate (16 miles), but that's going to be on the upswing from here on out (on the non-rainy days). Plenty of stairs this week (100 flights); even though the Fight for Air Climb is done, the climbing will continue since it works well with my HIIT workouts and I do 10 flights before all of my runs (as part of my warm-up). As for strength work, there was a short upper-body session Thursday and plenty of lower-body work with Friday's stair/interval workout.

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

Just A Jugglin'

Stepping Out, Literally - 2021 Fight for Air Climb

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair! Yes, it was balmy and humid outside, but that just means it's going to be chilly inside, at the office. Not a problem, since I always have a lightweight cardi at the ready. I'm still going to embrace sleeveless tops and sandal season. By the way, that chunky necklace is actually a belt that's never touched my waist. Care to play along? Share your Friday outfit on Instagram, and grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair). Also, be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly) and don't forget your lipstick!

Unbeknownst to me, Thursday was National Rescued Dog Day. When I got wind, it was only appropriate to share a pic of our beloved Max. He joined our family in January of 2015, and it's been such a fun ride. We love his crazy personality and energetic playfulness. His snuggles are pretty sweet, too.

And finally, here's a pic of this week's featured flowers-in-bloom. The Siberian Iris are on the verge of blooming (but look pretty cool in their current state). The Shasta Daisies came to life this week (thanks to all the rain). The yellow Iris always make me smile. And, the Spiderwort...it's no secret I love all things pink/purple/fuchsia. Life is good, and (currently) quite colorful.

So, that's the latest and greatest. The heat and humidity caught us by surprise, but I'll gladly embrace that kind of weather over freezing temps and psychotic wind. And, thankfully, the sinus gunk is finally on its way out of my body. No way of knowing if it was a Covid vax side effect or just an ironic coincidence (we're pretty sure it wasn't "just" allergies), but it's been a buzzkill the past 11 days. Oh well. Summer is knocking on the door, and I'm ready to welcome it back! 

Enough about me...how was your week? Lots of great fitness? Rain? Summer-like temps?

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