Spring Has Returned!

After several days (or was it weeks?) of almost constant rain or cold or wind (or all of the above), it feels like Spring has officially returned. Can I get an "Amen?"

This was a crazy week (I think it falls right in succession with several previous weeks), but that seems to be the norm. Such is my reality. All is good.


Things started out well on Monday. I met up with my gal pal, Barb, and we knocked out our #5at5. The temps were moderate (mid-40's with some wind), but we got it done with a good pace in between some rain (lucky us!). I had felt a little stiff and rickety (following the Drake half marathon, two days prior), but by Monday things were feeling much better. It's amazing what 24+ hours in compression socks (and plenty of foam rolling) can do! #nevermissaMonday

Another successful 5 miles at 5:00 a.m.

Thankfully, Tuesday was a day of rest/recovery because there was more rain in store. I did my May goals for Tuesday (planking and hip/glutes) and some additional arm work.

don't call me skinny...

Wednesday proved interesting because we had an evening race in a nearby town, Pella (IA). I had heard of the Klompen Classic 5K, but had not run it before. I was enticed by it being an evening race, though, and the fact that it was a 5K made for a perfect mid-week speed work session. The hubby and I drove up with Barb, and we met our friend, Chuck, there. Full details are on the recap (see below), but I was very happy with how the race went for me. I don't think it was a 5K PR, but it definitely was my the fastest 5K in several years. I managed a 4th place age group finish...kind of a bummer to not make the podium, but placing 4th out of the 72 women in my group was pretty satisfying.

26:05 = a pretty speedy 5K for this middle-of-the-pack runner

As a result of Wednesday's speedy 5K, Thursday was pretty much a day of rest/recovery by default. My hamstrings didn't feel too bad for the wear and tear of the 5K, but my lower back  was very angry with me. I did my May challenge exercises and called it good.

Friday arrived, and that had Barb and myself doing our second #5at5 of the week. Typically, this would have been done on Thursday, but given the 5K on Wednesday and another 13.1 happening a few days later (on Sunday), Friday was a much better option. It's awesome to see how much more daylight we are getting now...it's only dark for the first 15 minutes or so!

Back from my #5at5...and we have daylight!

Saturday was another very low-key day. Our son graduated from Iowa Central Community College Friday night, and we didn't return home until midnight...so, for the first time in forever (?), I did not set my alarm. I woke up around 5:30 (out of habit LOL), but fell back asleep until about 7:00. I did a 2-mile power walk with my sister and also a 5-ish-mile bike ride. And that's all she wrote.

my first (short) ride of 2017...

It's not very often it works out (or I'm crazy enough) to have two half marathons on back-to-back weekends. Such was the case with Sunday...The Des Moines Womens Half Marathon was on tap and the weather was absolutely amazing! The recap is coming in a few days (#staytuned), but I finished in 2:03:10 (and 1:10 of that was waiting for my turn at a porta-pot near the 6-mile mark, just saying).

With Barb, waiting for the start-line festivities

So, that's what went down this past week. My mileage (Monday-Sunday) came in at 28. The weekly mileage is steadily increasing and somehow all of my races are fitting nicely into the mix. Life is good. I have a relay event next weekend (with a group of co-workers), and that will involve approximately 15 total miles for myself (broken into three legs of the relay). I think that will be a perfect fit for getting a few extra miles for my "long" run, but since the miles will be divided, it won't be as much stress/strain on my body as 15 consecutive miles would be. We shall see.

In other news:

My #Fridayfashion post was all about the return of spring-like weather and temps. Doesn't everyone love a peacock-print dress? Are you following me on Instagram (HERE) or Pinterest (HERE)? Play along! Post a pic of your Friday outfit and tag me...I'd love to see what you're wearing!

As mentioned, it was another #proudmom moment watching our son graduate with honors. He's now on to his next adventure...continuing his education at the University of Iowa, his parents' alma mater (he may be the favorite child now).

Most of my tulips are fading, but there are plenty of other beautiful blooms taking their place:

We had peonies, irises, and lilies of the valley all blooming this week

...and, in case you missed them, here's my posts from last week:

The NonStop Running Continues...

Drake Road Races Half Marathon Recap

Can we talk about the Klompen 5K?


So, talk to me! Has spring returned to your location, or did it ever leave? Have you ever done back-to-back half marathons on consecutive weekends? 

As usual, I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Please join us!