Saturday, April 14, 2018

Just Run


Just Run.
That has been my mantra this past week.

In all reality, don't most of us runners already subscribe to it? After all, running is there when we need an escape. It makes us feel good. It's one of those "constants" that we can always rely on. And, it's something we can do (almost) anytime, in any place, and in all kinds of weather.

Such was the case for me. In the midst of all kinds of "reality checks" this week, running was its ever-so-reliable self.


Here's what went down:

Monday
Although my legs were feeling pretty recovered from the previous day's Fight for Air Climb, I decided to wait on the #nevermissaMonday run until the afternoon. Good planning! The temps were much warmer, the sun was shining (intermittently) and most of the snow had melted (yes, we received some snow last weekend...I know, #shocker).
Ahhhh, good things come to those who wait!
Tuesday
Nothing grandiose on tap for fitness (early morning walk and and 40 push-ups for the challenge), but it was the daughter's first home meet for tennis. Her and her partner rallied through the first set, winning by a tie-breaker. Then, they lost the second set (by another tie-breaker). Finally, after more than two hours of playing time, they won the match tie-breaker (yes, a third tie-breaker). This was followed by a 3-hour detour to the ER because she had pulled something in her shoulder/shoulder blade area near the end of the final tie-breaker for the match. The ER doc suggested a four week break from tennis (which will wipe out any more playing time), but we're hoping with rest (and plenty of intermittent ice) she'll be released to resume playing much sooner.
Victorious after 2+ hours of a vigorous tennis match
Wednesday
Finally, some spring-like weather arrived in Iowa! Barb and I did our ritual five miles at 05:00 and all was right in my world again.
Notice anything missing from the pic? How about the puffer vest!
Thursday
All kinds of weather reports were indicating the weekend was going to be a revert to winter (seriously???). With the Fight for Air Climb in the books, my Thursdays were no longer needed for stair training...what to do with my "free" time? How about substituting in speed work? With that revelation fresh in my mind, I did a 4-miler (in the afternoon sunshine) and finished with five hill sprints (each with a recovery jog back down the hill). Total mileage ended at five miles. All in a tank top and shorts. And, with 60 bonus tricep dips for a "cool down."
It felt SO awesome to be back in a tank, shorts, and a sun visor!
Friday
We had pleasant temps (though a bit chilly in the early morning), but as the day wore on the temps started to fall and the wind continued to increase. Another rest day for me, I took Max for a walk in the early morning sunshine, did my push-ups (60) for the challenge, and some hip-hop recital practice.
Mommy and Max
Saturday
Ugh. This winter keeps rearing its ugly head and refuses to completely leave for good. The temps were barely above freezing, the wind was psychotic, and there was continuous rain all morning. I had already accepted that my "long" run would not be happening outside, but I decided to fire up Milly for a few miles inside. Mind you, I had to mix in some burpees and jump squats before, during, and after...but I did get three miles done. I also had to head out for a couple games of bowling (Kids Bowling for Kids Sake event), and then there was more hip-hop practice afterwards.
stuck inside....
Sunday
Guess what was waiting for us upon waking up Sunday morning? Just as forecasted, there was snow on the ground (and it was still falling). I took Max for a walk around the block, then layered up and ran a couple miles. Admittedly, the snow did look pretty, and it was a most tranquil experience being out there all by myself before the town had come to life...but, this is mid-April. I have pretty much maxed out my snow tolerance for this season. This snow will probably be gone by tomorrow, but still. I really want some seasonal weather...is that too much to ask?
Yes. Snow  in April. I can't make this stuff up.
So, that's my week of fitness. Even with the crazy roller-coaster-like weather, I managed to "just run" and be happy with it. My running mileage capped out at 17. There was daily activity for Rachel's challenge (tricep dips, push-ups, jump squats/burpees), and (almost) daily hip hop dancing (which accounts for all kinds of cardio and core work!). And, a few strength-training sessions thrown in as well...just for kicks.

In case you missed out, here's my posts from last week:
"Spring" Training
Fight for Air Climb 2018 recap
5 Recent Aha Moments

In other news:
My #FridayFashionFlair post on Instagram featured more warm layers. The bright blue tunic and black and white cheetah print cardigan brought a little bit of sunshine to the dreary day outside. Go bright or go home, right? If you want to join me, post a pic of a favorite outfit from the week, use the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@Runningonthefly).

I'm still doing the early morning routine! I love getting outside before the sunrise (most mornings). If I'm not running, I'll be walking (alone or with Max). My morning chai tastes especially sweet after I've had some fresh air in my lungs and and gotten my heart a-pumping.
Early mornings are the bomb!
And, last of all, it's that time of year, again! This is my ninth (and final) year of serving on the Prom/After Prom Committee at our high school. For these past nine years, I have been in charge of the Presentation of Couples (the promenade, if you will, before the dance itself). I have the auditorium to decorate and stage decorations and details to oversee. The theme this year is "A Night under the Stars." Stay tuned....I'll unveil the final stage set next weekend. And I'll be getting plenty of "art squats" this week since I'll be stooped over vast amounts of cardboard drawing/painting/cutting.

Here's a preview...the start of the arch construction and the (rough) sketch of what it will look like
So, that's another week in the books. Hopefully this will be the last one featuring snow on the ground!

Did you have an action-packed  week of fitness? How's your weather? Has spring arrived or has it been a no-show for you, too?

I'm linking up with Holly and Wendy (and their guest host,Teresa) for the Weekly Wrap. This weekly check-in is such a great place to connect with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Please join us! 

By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:
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50 comments:

  1. It was a crazy week of weather here too! Glad you were able to make the most of the warm weather and get in a run in shorts and a tank top. Winter has to be gone for good eventually, right?

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    1. Right...I have to believe winter will not last forever...

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  2. So sorry that your daughter is going to miss out on the rest of her tennis season. That stinks.

    I can understand your frustration in not wanting to see snow into April. I would feel the same way. It was 84 degrees here at home this weekend but I missed out on that weather because we went to Atlantic City where it was nice but not hot like it was here. I prefer the heat...haha. Have a good week.

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    1. Well, hopefully the daughter won't miss the entire season. We're hoping a little more rest will do the trick and have her back on the court.

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  3. I love your Just Run bracelet - super cute!

    We also had a crazy week of weather - 70 and sunny on Saturday, 40 and windy, rainy and cold today. But what can you do? Just gotta roll with the punches!

    So sorry to hear about your daughter's injury :( I also hope that with rest she will feel better before 4 weeks

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    1. This weather is just nutzo! I'm glad I can have a sense of humor about it, but that is running out LOL

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  4. I have decided that I refuse to pull back out my winter clothes! It got super cold again today and I am not having it

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    1. Well, my winter running gear is at least accessible. But my "spring" street clothes? Yes, I agree...I'm done with all the heavy sweaters and winter jackets.

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  5. This weather! I think this has been the craziest week yet. MN needs to take a chill pill and pick one season at a time lol.
    Sorry to hear about your daughter's injury! Hopefully she bounces back quickly!

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    1. The weather has been so weird this year....this easily has been the coldest spring I can ever remember.

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  6. Sorry to hear about your daughter's injury but just my 2 cents--I wouldn't let the ER doctor make the call on that injury. Do you have access to sports medicine? Because they are the experts on those kind of injuries.

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    1. I agree on the ER doc.....I think she was going with the most conservative approach. Our family doc is not very aggressive in treating stuff like this (ahem...remember my episode?). And we don't have a local sports med expert (other than the traveling specialist who is probably 3-4 weeks out in scheduling). Sooooo, we're hoping with continued rest, our family doc will sign her off so the tennis coach will let her back on the court. At least we can be happy that she's undefeated thus far (they also won their first match the week prior). Glass half full ;-)

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  7. Your daughter is beautiful ...looks like her Momma! I'm laughing that 39 degrees feels like spring weather to you guys ....it's back in the upper 40s here and I'm freezing my tail off! Lol

    I admire you for being on the prom/after prom committee ...my youngest has been to two proms in the past two weekends. I would have zero patience for Prom organizing!

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    1. Seriously, upper 40's feels tropical to us, considering it's been in the lower teens (and colder) most of the winter ;-)

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  8. Ugh on the snow! You have a great theme for your final (!) prom work - I am sure it will be fantastic and can't wait to see pictures. That stuff can be back-breaking work for sure.

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    1. Fortunately, most of the snow is gone, but still. It's weird to think this is the final prom, in so many aspects ;-(

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  9. Your final year on the prom committee? Sigh. That must be bittersweet. Who comes up with the themes? I recently learned that our high school prom is at the end of April. Yikes! That sure is sneaking up. Congrats to your daughter! What a tight match. I hope her shoulder is okay.

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    1. It is bittersweet. I think the juniors decide on the prom theme (they usually do the bulk of the work in decorating the "dance site" and vicinity). The tennis match was SOOO long. I didn't think it would ever end LOL. We're hoping some TLC will do the trick and she'll be able to play much sooner than the four weeks.

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  10. I hope your daughter's injury heals quickly! Injured athletes are no fun :(

    The weather in the midwest was just nuts. I can't wait for some 60 degree sunny springs days!

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  11. We had severe weather down here yesterday. If it snows where y’all are, it’s severe thunderstorms and tornadoes for the south. Boo :(. I don’t like this time of year down here. Great job on all of your workouts this week! Hope your daughter’s shoulder heals quickly!

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  12. Oh man I hope your daughter's shoulder heals quickly. I cannot even discuss this weather any more - just so over it!

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  13. I don't envy you having to deal with such a crazy mess of weather. I'm having trouble just trying to figure out how to pack for my trip home tomorrow! I hope I get to see you wearing more shorts than tights in the days ahead.

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  14. I need to use that mantra more often "Just Run" - the last three weeks have been topsy turvy for me and sometimes running just fell by the wayside - but I think telling myself to "just run" would have gotten me out there a few more times! Hope your daughter recovers quickly.

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    1. Thanks!!! We're hoping the shoulder heals quickly, too! It's starting to feel better...so fingers crossed!!!

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  15. Oh wow I hope your daughter's shoulder heals quickly! Running is my constant too - this week's mantra was "rest, relax, and remember why you love it."

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  16. We did not get any snow this week, but we also did not have much nice weather. The ice storm arrived last night -- and I am so thankful for that & that I didn't have to DNS the race. I truly thought it would be my first DNS.

    Unfortunately the training group I'm mentoring does meet today. And it's supposed to rain much of the day -- hopefully that will wash away the ice!

    I hope that your daughter heals quicker than expected.

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    1. You got lucky with the ice! I'm glad your race went well!

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  17. Ugh about your daughter. Shoulder injuries are tough because the shoulders are so necessary in tennis. It's a tough call because if she ignores it, she may need should surgery. I have many tennis friends that took that route unfortunately. I would see a sports doc.

    We had one nice day but the rest of the week and this week is the pits - rain, sleet, cold cold cold

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    1. Just in the past couple days, her shoulder is feeling better. We're hoping by next week, this will all be but a memory...

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  18. Hope your daughter will be okay and will heal fast.
    It's been like winter here as well.....I'm done with it!

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  19. I cannot believe that you all got snow over the weekend. When will Mother Nature finally admit that it’s Spring?!?!?

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    1. There's a chance we might get a little snow tonight as well.....

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  20. That sounds like a grueling tennis match for your daughter :( Hopefully she's better soon! The prom committee sounds like fun but I'm sure it's a ton of work too.

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  21. Man your weather has been brutal! We need the snow to go away and stay away for good!

    Congrats to your daughter...I always wished I could play tennis. Hope she recovers quickly!

    I look forward to seeing your prom decorations!

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    1. the weather has been crazy....thankfully, we've had a few nice days, here and there, though

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  22. I hope your daughter doesn't miss too much time this season. I played through plenty of injuries because the seasons go by too fast for injuries. Ain't nobody got time for that!!

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    1. We're hoping by next week, she get clearance to get back on the court

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  23. I can't even deal with your snow! That's insane!

    I love your outfit - I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but it would be perfect for a Jacksonville Jaguars game! ;)

    Glad you were able to get back out there after your stair climb. I know my legs would have felt like lead after all the climbing you did!

    Great job!

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    1. Yes, the dang snow...just when it all disappears, and we get sunshine and warmth...BAM! The snow returns...

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  24. Spring has arrived and left and arrived and left here...I think I have weather whiplash!

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  25. What's this spring thing you speak of? ;-) I heard that when spring does finally arrive in VA, it's going to come in hot and summer-like...

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  26. What a bummer about your daughter's injury! I hope she's not really out for four weeks. That's an eternity in high school sports. Glad to see you're still getting after it, even with the chaos of prom season. What a fun way to be a part of the experience with your teens.

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  27. Wow, you sure have some crazy weather! I would definitely be over the snow already, but you have such a positive attitude! I wish I could do 60 push-ups! Great job!

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