Whiplashed by the Wind

Wind. Too much wind.

Let me start by saying WIND is a 4-letter word, and quite an evil one at that. Let me add that we had a lot of it, this week, in Iowa. 

We even were under a severe wind advisory most of Thursday evening. That crazy wind continued through most of Friday as well. 

It’s a good thing I’m #IowaTough. 

Before I dive into the nitty gritty deets from the windy 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 this week in my little world of windy fitness and fun.

Sunday - sunshine & stairways 

Another chilly morning, I opted to hit the stairs (obviously indoors). I had forgotten to reset my clock (old school clock radio, LOL). Being an early-riser it was non-issue, though a little more slumber would have felt especially nice. I wanted to try something different on the stairs, so I strapped on the 15-pound weighted vest. I did three sets of 20 flights (single-stepped), with a 1-minute recovery walk in between each set. Let’s just say I will not be bringing said weighted vest to the Fight for Air Climb on the 29th, but it did provide some extra resistance on the stairway..

I waited until the temps were fairly warm, after lunch, before heading out for the 2026 Week of Pi’s Day-1  run. In three words? The run was warm but windy. 

Never miss a Monday

With a very warm afternoon in the forecast, and extra daylight, I eagerly postponed the Day-2 Pi run for after work. Instead, I summoned the bike, and pedaled eight miles before heading to work. 

After work, ahhh it was pure joy! It truly felt like my long lost summer had returned with the 73F temps! 

Taking things easy on Tuesday

Nothing grandiose to report. The early morning had me passing on the usual elliptical, and doing a 2-mile walk instead, followed by a short upper-body strength session. I just wasn’t feeling the intense elliptical cardio, and the brisk walk through the ‘hood was a much better choice.

After work, Max and I took a short walk, then it was back out for another Pi run. Yikes, the weather was still somewhat warm, but the temps were definitely headed downward…

Another wild & windy Wednesday 

What’s better than an early morning Pi run? A Pi run with friends! Hannah and Kelly appeased me and ran the bonus .14 with me after we finished the 3-mile route. Thankfully, the wind wasn’t too treacherous, but by the time I left for work, there was snow coming down! What the WHAT?!? (Spoiler: the snow stopped by mid-morning, and we had bright sunshine all afternoon, with wind, LOL) I had grand intentions of taking Max for a longer walk, after work, and walking again on my own…but bailed on the solo walk after he and I got back to the house. 

A very thorough Thursday 

The chilly (and windy) morning began with 15 miles on the bike. As per usual, I had great company with Deb, who had damp and dreary weather to battle.. 

After we parted virtual ways, I hit the weights for some intense shoulder/back and biceps work. 

Then, after a several month sabbatical, I joined forces with the Thursday evening running group. The temps weren’t too cold, and the wind actually didn’t feel as fierce as forecasted. But, as usual, I ran those 3.14 miles much faster than necessary, LOL. Easily, this was my fastest run of 2026!

Friday the 13th…

My body was feeling a tiny bit fatigued from the previous day’s antics. I did seven miles on the bike and things felt better before heading to the office, and called it good. I didn’t get the daily skywalk done because some friends treated me to lunch for my birthday, which was totally fine!

After work, it was time to get the Friday Pi run done. This may have been the windiest Pi week on record, LOL. Nonetheless, the run went pretty well despite the fact my splits were all over the place (I blame the wind).

Saturday, the Grand Finale

The morning started with 15 miles on the bike, followed by my first-ever weighted vest standing core workout. I even added 8-pound dumbbells to up the intensity a little more. Then, I added a few layers, and got the final Pi run done. Oof, the wind was crazy, but I somehow managed negative splits. 

…and what on tap for Sunday?

We’re under a strange winter storm watch (possible warning, as the day progresses), so there may not be much time outdoors after lunch. I might get out for a pre-church walk, and save the stair workout for the afternoon. We shall see…

Anyways, overall this week went much better than anticipated. Obviously, running was the main focus, rewarding me with my highest mileage week since the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon (last October). This week saw a cumulative total of 22 miles, via the running shoes.  Walking had 14 miles, and biking saw 45 miles in the saddle. I kept the strength work fairly light as well. 

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

Damp and a bit Dreary

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Isn’t everyone Irish when St. Patrick’s Day is in our midst? I know I am! Side note: my due date was actually March 17th, but I had other plans with my Pi Day arrival.

Garmin dolled out a a few badges this week. I especially like the Rise and Grind badge because it’s repeatable. Being an early riser, cranking out daily workouts, before 7:00, is kind of my game. It’s nice getting rewarded for it, LOL.

So, that’s a wrap on my week!

What went down in your life last week, fitness and otherwise? Crazy weather? Any wind? Pi runs? 

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