While the calendar still says "Winter," I dare say we got a substantial taste of Spring this week.
In addition to the mostly mild temps, we also had the requisite wind (pretty much on the daily). You know, Momma N wouldn't want it any other way. Thankfully, she was generous with the sunshine and very stingy with the rain (no complaints on that!).
As for all things on the fitness front, I front-loaded the week in preparation for my first race of 2023...
But, before I dis on the deets, 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 8:00AM (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:
Super-charged Sunday...
A routine that has been working well is to do a short(ish) bike ride and a long(ish) ride with a strength workout sandwiched in between. As they say, "if it ain't broke," so Hawkeye and I rode for five miles, paused for a 30-minute full-bodyweight strength workout (Peloton), then tacked on another 10 miles in the saddle. PSA: all you tall peeps attempting jump squats in a basement - be sure to jump with caution, LOL. Don't worry, no ceilings were damaged and no heads were bonked, though I did have to bend my arms and not jump with 100% effort. Mid-morning, I got out for a 3-mile sunshine walk with Amy, and later took a 2-mile walk in the early evening.
Never-Miss-a-Monday...
The morning started with 13 miles on the bike (including 30 minutes of HIIT and intervals, via Peloton app), as well as some arms and shoulders strength work.
We'd had rain in the morning, but it tapered off by mid-afternoon. After work, I got out for a 3-mile run. Crazy how 41F temps (with 19mph wind) don't feel too uncomfortable this time of year. I tried to keep this run easy-paced, but my legs decided they wanted a moderately progressive run instead (splits: 10:01/9:40/9:35). Oh well.
Intentional Tuesday...
Pure bliss, anyone? That's how I'd describe my early-morning 2-mile walk amidst the sunrise. It had been a l-o-n-g time since I've been able to experience a sunrise in all its glory, and this made it worthwhile. Michele and I got in a couple of walks at work (1-milers) and I also did a short 8-mile ride with Hawkeye before the tipoff of the Iowa vs. Indiana basketball game.
Double Workout Wednesday...
The morning started with some Barre (lower-body) and weighted core work (Peloton), and another 2-mile sunrise walk. Honestly, I'd thought about doing a stair workout, but decided to take advantage of the optimal morning weather instead.
The spring-like temps were fabulous, so Michele and I were again able to get in two 1-mile walks during our work breaks. As the day wore on, though, the wind picked up. By the time I'd gotten home, things were crazy. Ironically, my 5-mile run surprised me with decently-paced splits, especially after the turn-around (9:42/9:38/9:46/9:47/9:39). Things that make you go hmmm...
Thankful Thursday...
Another virtual meet-up with
Deb, and this time we both showed up in (unplanned) matching outfits. My biking miles came in at 15, then I layered-up for a freezing cold 1-mile walk before getting to work. Another 1-mile walk at work, and a 2-mile walk before dinner, gave me four total walking miles for the day. I was good with that!
Friday's finale...
Keeping things low-impact, I started with 50 flights of stair work (you know, for a warm-up, LOL). Next I cued-up a 7-mile Tabata ride and a short upper-body workout (both via Peloton). The temps were pleasant, though windy (again), so Michele and I got in our walks (two total miles for the day).
Switch-It-Up Saturday...
I had every intention of doing an easy-paced bike ride (indoors), but when I saw the bright colors of the sunrise, I quickly bailed and went for a 5K walk instead. The pic doesn't do the colors justice. That was just the start to my day (see below)...
...and what's on deck for Sunday?
I'm hoping for a long bike ride in the early hours, and an outdoor walk afterwards. The afternoon is looking rainy, so we shall see ... but there's plenty of Iowa Hawkeye basketball to keep me busy (the women's championship game in the Big-10 tournament, and the men are hosting Nebraska).
All in all, my week is looking more active than it felt. I passed on lower-body work (other than Friday morning's stair workout) to keep my legs somewhat fresh for Saturday's 10K race. Running miles ended with just over 14. Walking took a huge turn for the better, with 22 miles (kudos to those sunrise walks!), and biking saw 58 miles in the saddle.
In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. March Madness is upon us, and I'm an avid NCAA basketball fan. The UofIA women's team defeated Purdue Friday evening in the Big-10 tournament...and also defeated Maryland Saturday afternoon. They play Ohio State, late Sunday afternoon, for the championship! BTW, the Iowa women won the tournament last year, just saying.
Week of Pi update. The fourth annual Week of Pi was due to begin this coming Wednesday. In light of a Thursday appointment with the pain specialist (with a probable steroid injection), I decided it was best to switch the start day to my actual birthday (instead of ending on that day, as I had in years past). So, Day-1 will be on Tuesday, March 14th this year. For those who are new to the blog, Week of Pi is a 7-day streak of daily 3.14-mile runs in celebration of my Pi Day birthday (previous recaps: 2020, 2021, 2022). If you feel like joining the party, for a day (or more), I'd love some company! You can run, walk or bike 3.14 miles (virtually) with me any day March 14th through the 20th.
Lastly, Barb and I road-tripped to Omaha Saturday for the
Leprechaun Chase 10K.We also drove back home afterwards (the race didn't start until 4:00), which made for a very long (but very fun!) day. Stay tuned...recap coming this next week!
Anyways, that's the latest!
How did last week's workouts play out for YOU? Any crazy, windy weather? Any races?
By the way...are you following me on social media?
Looks like a great week of activity, as per usual Kim! Have so much fun with your Pi Week festvities! Spring is definitely in the air!
ReplyDeleteI have a week to get ready for all the Pi fun, so I'm hoping all goes well after my appointment on Thursday.
DeleteI can't wait to hear about the Leprechaun chase. Here's hoping that you get a pain-free SI joint for your birthday.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd LOVE the SI joint to be feeling much better by my bday! It's not debilitation right now (so that's a plus), but it's frustrating to bend or twist in a "normal" position only to have my back say "Don't even think about it."
DeleteRaces that I'm not running.. sigh!
ReplyDeleteBut congrats on your 10k.
Spring hasn't arrived here yet. Snowstorm twice this past week. A big one yesterday.
But I did ride 10 miles on the stationary bike yesterday... my longest yet but normally it's 5-6 miles each day.
I'm hopeful we've seen the last of the snow storms until the holiday season...though I expect we'll still probably have some intermittent snow.
DeleteWow you were busy this week! Hope the race was fun! You look very festive! Where are you getting the steroid injection?
ReplyDeleteThe injection will most likely be in the SI joint...that seems to be where the pain/stiffness is coming from.
DeleteThat wind was wicked last week! Yesterday was a little windy here in Cali and I had a little Mary Poppins incident with the umbrella-it blew out of the stand and when I picked it up, the wind tried to carry me with it! Of course, my sister and i got the giggles lol.
ReplyDeleteAnyhoo, nice week of training for you! Good luck with your Pi challenge.
Hoping the Pi challenge goes well next week (not starting it until the 14th), and that Thursday's appointment with the pain specialist will be a game-changer!
DeleteObviously Winter is still very much in action here. I don't have to worry about touching a ceiling. Every. Even though the family room I work out in has a dropped ceiling.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you saw plenty of activity this week! Yes, even with Winter still in effect here, it's not as bad as January or February. Those longer days help so much!
The longer days are SO nice!
DeleteCan't wait to hear all about your race! I will try to do at least one Pi walk or run in honor of you from Charleston!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb! I'd be honored to have you join me for Pi ;-)
DeleteI was wondering when your race was — a 4 pm start would be hard to plan around!
ReplyDeleteI definitely will try to join in on some Pi day runs — Scooby too!
Yeah, this race is always a late afternoon event; probably due to its location at the SAC Museum. I used to do the Des Moines venue (until it ended in 2222019), and that had a 9:00 start time (I think?).
DeletePi week! I forgot about all the fun you do for that. I need to get in some Pi workouts this week and next too :)
ReplyDeleteWell, the actual Pi challenge isn't starting until next week (this year), but I'd be excited to have you join in on the fun!
DeleteEnjoy Pi week! I hope the race was a blast- a 4pm start would be challenging, but still fun!
ReplyDeleteThe race was fun, but the 4:00 start time is a bit awkward...especially after a 3+ hour car drive to get there. But, it was totally worth it!
DeleteThat sounds like a fun week, and I'm looking forward to the race recap! Good thinking to switch up the week of Pi- starting on your birthday works. Hopefully by then you'll be pain-free.
ReplyDeleteI've never been able to get into basketball, but I've been trying! I've seen some exciting games lately. I'll see if I can tune into the Iowa-Nebraska game. It's more fun when I have a reason to root for one team over the other!
While I'm not a gifted basketball player (despite my height advantage), I do like watching it. I've always loved the NCAA tournament and Iowa Hawkeye basketball ;-)
DeleteWe've apparently got some snow coming on Tuesday (British snow, though, so half an inch and the place will grind to a halt). I'm still not running but am up to over 5,000 steps a day walking at least ...
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot of walking! I hope the snow isn't too much of a mess!
DeleteI love how varied your workout regime is... a little bit of everything :) I am glad you had a blast at the 10k with your friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I like to keep the workouts varied. I get bored doing so much of the same thing, plus the variety keeps my muscles guessing what's next, LOL
DeleteI may try to join pi day this year! It sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteThat basement ceiling is LOW! Watch your head for sure.
The weather here is nuts. We had the big Gate River Run 15K this Saturday and it was the hottest in history! Boo!
Yes, do join in on the Pi fun...it starts next Tuesday (the 14th).
DeleteI definitely don't need to worry about hitting any ceilings ;) We've had some really crazy wind around here. I'm always concerned that our basketball hoop is going to blow over again. One more fall for that thing and it's a goner! Great workouts this week. Your running miles are increasing!
ReplyDeleteMy running miles are gradually increasing, but I've kept it a very slow process. I have found my body does better with low/moderate mileage as opposed to high mileage. I wish I could sustain higher-mileage stats, but UGH...it's a recipe for disaster for me.
DeleteSo basically you were blown through happy hour run? :D
ReplyDeleteI still giggle at the basement jump. We need a side by side pic at Cherry Blossom since I think you're a good 6-8 inches taller than me!
~Cari
That wind on Saturday sounds nuts!
ReplyDeleteI meant Wednesday, lol
Delete