Can You Say Roller Coaster?

Well, this past week was a bumpy ride…

Much like that of a roller coaster, the weather had some exhilarating ups, breathtaking descents, and several gusts that left my hair windblown. No doubt, it was much in keeping with the strange winter we’ve had this season.

The calendar shows Winter’s grand exodus is only a couple weeks away, though. Let’s hope that holds true for our reality!

Before I dis on the deets from the week, 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 blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Anyways, here’s what went down in my little world of fun and fitness this week: 

Sunday, sunny Sunday

After a very late night, a nasty headache, and a much needed sleep-in (I’m looking at you, Mardi Gras shenanigans), I finally got outdoors in the late morning. It was a win-win-win situation, though. My 10-hour headache was gone, the sun was bright, and my legs were ecstatic to see some action. Maybe it was the Maradi Gras tights (?), but this 5-miler was its own celebration. And check out the map of my route…it looks like someone on a jet ski, LOL.

Never miss a Monday

I’ve been rocking the morning stair workouts, and this week was no exception. I just kept it to ”simple” double-steps (no added weights), and Max oversaw my 60 flights. The weather was beautiful (albeit quite windy), so I snuck out for a 2-mile lunch walk.

After work, Max took me for a 1/2-mile walk around the block, then I hit the pavement for two windy miles in the running shoes. Is it obvious I’m eager for Spring? I’m grabbing the shorts, and shunning the full tights, every opportunity I can.

Tuesday’s calm before the storm

The forecast was looking damp (very damp) with a potential (windy) winter storm on the way in the evening hours. It was still dry, though, upon wake-up, so I took full advantage and logged a couple miles of walking before heading to the office. Spoiler - it was a smart move, as the rain started just after I arrived at work, and continued to fall all day. Side note: apparently, March 4th is an annual day of wearing the ink-blot-patterned tights.

Wednesday was wild and windy

Ugh. With every intention of heading to the office like usual, I planned to get up  and hit the bike for five miles upon wake-up (the routine group run had been canceled). After letting Max out, though, I had second thoughts. I checked the weather apps and local TV stations, while on the bike, and changed my mind. There wasn’t much snow on the ground (maybe two inches?), but the current 35mph wind was producing whiteout conditions. With all the rain from Tuesday, there were hidden ice patches under the snow-covered roads, and everyone was advising no travel. So, I opted to stay home. When I finally headed outside to shovel my driveway (mid-afternoon), there was a 2-foot high drift across my driveway (about 6-foot wide). YUCK!

Thankful Thursday in full force

There was plenty to be grateful for. The crazy low-snow-high-wind blizzard had moved on, a nice 15-miler on the bike, and another fun tempo run with the running group in the evening.

Friday - lowkey and low-impact for the win

My Fridays have been more about recovery than hardcore fitness in recent months. I attribute that to Thursday morning’s usual long bike ride and the evening’s fast-paced group run. I kept things simple with some morning stretching, and then three miles of late afternoon walking (one mile with Max, and two on my own).

Busy day, Sunny day, Saturday

As planned, Deb and I had a virtual bike ride happening upon wake-up (on my bike by 6:30-ish, thank you very much). We rode 15 miles, and played another game of Catch-Up as we chatted while pedaling. It was a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day! Later, Max took me for a sunny 1-mile walk (mid-morning), and then I headed outside (early afternoon) for the Day-1 Week of Pi run (3.14 miles, see below). 

…and what’s on deck for Sunday?

There’s another Pi Run on the roster, but I’m saving that for the 60F afternoon temps. I might do a few miles on the bike, or go for a long-ish morning walk…or both. We shall see.

So, this week kept me guessing on the weather. Despite Wednesday’s freaky low-snow-high-wind blizzard, I’m really thankful it was contained to one day. Of course, the wind was (again) pretty much a daily reality (some things never change). The weekly mileage was satisfactory…13.14 miles of running, nine miles of walking, and 33 miles on the bike. I didn’t mentioned them above, but there were a couple of upper-body workouts as well (Wednesday and Friday).

 

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

Reveling in the Reprieve

Marching into a Coffee Chat

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I was back in black, so to speak, on Friday… but with a touch of burgundy. Although burgundy is a color we see more in the cooler months, I am not big on following such fashion rules, LOL. Granted, we’re still in the winter season for another couple weeks, according to the calendar, but that doesn’t mean we have to necessarily dress like it. In other words, this light weight burgundy top does see the warmer temps as well.

Did you know it was Dr. Seuss’ birthday this week? His books were, hands-down, my favorites to read with my kids. This particular spread, from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish totally speaks to me as a summer-loving runner.

As a reminder, I’m doing the Fight for Air Climb on March 30th. My fundraising page is HERE for those who are wishing to support the efforts of the American Lung Association (thanks in advance!).

Finally, it’s time for the Week of Pi (running 3.14 miles, daily, leading up to my birthday on March 14th)! It’s one of those quirky annual traditions I embrace. This year, the forecast is looking mostly sunny and decently warm, so I’m hoping this will be my first year of doing all seven Pi runs in shorts. Saturday was Day-1, and the weather was absolute perfection for those 3.14 miles. It’s the little things, am I right? 

Well, that’s all for now. It was an interesting week, but I was able to survive Momma N’s antics. Let’s hope we’ve seen the worst of her weather nonsense for awhile. 

How did your week play-out? Is it feeling like Spring yet, or is Winter still hanging on? Did you celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday? How about International Women’s Day…did you do anything special with any of your favorite gal pals? 

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