*maintaining*

 

You know the drill...

We (or shall I say "I?") run a race, bask in a bit of recovery, and hang-out in maintenance mode until the next race. At least that's been my gig in recent weeks, and this past week's fitness fell right into place quite nicely.

It can be a bit of a tight rope, for lack of a better metaphor, keeping the strength and endurance in peak form while being cautious to not over-do things. Did I find a healthy balance? Let's take a look...

So, before I dis' on the deets, let me welcome you 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 this week, as I hung tight in maintenance mode:

A low-impact SUNday...

You can't really tell from the pic, but my capri's tie-dye pattern resembles that of  an Easter egg, LOL. It was only proper that I wear them for my 2-mile walk amidst the stunning sunrise (wouldn't you?). The day kept me busy with dinner with the family and an impromptu trek to Des Moines for a bonus dinner with the son (who hadn't felt well enough to join us earlier in the day). I capped off the day with a 10-mile bike ride before bed.

Another Never Miss a Monday...

After a chilly (spring-like) weekend, Monday's weather catapulted us into summer-like temps. I started the morning with 12 miles on the bike. Later, there was a late-morning 1-mile walk at work and a post-workday 3-mile run (title pic, above).

A low-impact Tuesday...

How about we start the day with some mobility fun (Barre, core & yoga, via Peloton app) and a 2-mile walk? Then we add a couple more walks during our work breaks (two total miles). If that's not enough, there's always the option for a 3-mile walk in the early evening in the warm, though windy, high-70F temps? Or, all of the above? Sure, sign me up!

A return to a Wednesday ritual...

After a 6-month sabbatical, Barb and I resurrected our early-morning 5-mile routine! With the summer-like weather, the timing was ideal. I also had to hustle off to a PT session before work (lots of glute/hammy work #ouch). My friends and I were able to get in two walks at work (during our breaks). I simply had to take advantage of the awesome weather, and walked another three miles after dinner.

A very thankful Thursday...

Gosh, I think it's been almost four months that Deb and I have been doing these weekly virtual rides together. So, yes, that was another early morning wake-up for me (4:30AM), but somehow my body wakes up before my alarm anyways. After 15 miles of biking (and passing the 1K mark on the "new" bike's mileage), I did a 20-minute upper-body workout before heading to work. Again, with the warm weather, my friends and I took full advantage and walked for both our breaks. When I got home, I crashed on the couch, LOL. I guess all the week's activity (and the suddenly warm weather) finally got to me.

 

A "Finally Friday" finale...

Nothing grandiose, but plenty of walking. Two miles amidst the sunrise. Two miles at work. Two miles in the evening. Sigh. I wish this summer-like weather was here for the long haul, but the weekend is showing a significant drop in temps and an increase in precip.

A Saturday surprise...

The forecast was showing all-day rain, starting with storms in the pre-dawn hours. I went to bed, Friday night, anticipating I'd be stuck inside on the bike (which isn't necessarily a bad option). I awoke to a colorful pre-sunrise sky and no rain (but patchy clouds that looked like rain was on the way). I thought a 3-mile run would suffice (though I'd been hoping for 8-10 miles prior to the rainy forecast). Once I got moving, the thought of increasing the 3-miler to five miles entered my mind, though, because things were feeling good. A short while later, I decided to hit another out-and-back street, which further extended my route to about eight miles in distance. I simply just kept going...and the rain stayed away until the final mile or so. Boom! Eight miles that I had not expected when I'd left the house! I really like it when that happens! Afterwards, I hopped on the bike for a 10-mile leg flush-out and called it good for the day. 

 

...and Sunday?

Well, the forecast is showing more rain (all day), and a major temperature plummet (with the chance of snow???). The odds are ever in my favor of hitting the bike in the early hours, then seeing how the weather plays out. I'd like to get outside for some walking if possible (I still have that daily #optoutside streak to maintain, LOL).

So, all things considered, this week had just enough action to keep my endurance in check, but plenty of low-impact recovery-friendly fitness to stay active. We all know I'm an active-recovery gal, so this week played out well for me. Running wound up with 16 total miles. Biking saw 47 miles of pedaling (still a bit conservative, but no regrets). Walking sky-rocketed to a count of 23 miles, due to the wonderfully warm temps. Despite the warm temps this week, the wind was insane...which is why the biking was all done indoors. Sorry, that 18mph wind is NOT cycling friendly.

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

Riding the Stride

Is Spring My (current) Favorite?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. The summer-like temps were absolutely fantastic, but I'm still not quite ready to break out all the sandals. My solution: open-toed booties...kind of the best of both worlds when you're looking for something less "wintery," but not too "summery" just yet.

Remember my amaryllis bulbs? Well, Friday morning saw the first one bloom on the tall stalk! The shorter stalk looks like it may bloom soon (next week perhaps?). The other bulb has some leaves appearing now, so I'm wondering if that means a stalk will soon appear? 

And, this magnolia tree. Sigh. It started blooming this week, so it's only a given we should have snow in the forecast, LOL. In the 21 years we've been here, this poor tree has only made it to full-bloom status a handful of times. It seems there's always a late snow/ice mishap that comes along and zaps all the buds or blossoms. Fingers crossed this weekend's weather plays nice.

So, that's another wrap-up of a week's adventures in fitness and fun. I'm grateful for the warm weather that aided in keeping things low-key (hence, all the walking). 

Did you get a taste of summer this week as well? How did your fitness fair? Any races coming up? Training highlights? 

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