Saturday, September 8, 2018

Give Me Some Zzzzz's


It's been a l-o-n-g week for this gal.

My body was tired, my glutes were sore and my mind was fried. I'm not a nap gal, but there were a few of those happening this week....which means they definitely were needed. If there's one thing I pride myself on, it's listening to my body (and checking the ego at the door). My body obviously needed some down time, and I obliged.

Here's what went down (literally) this past week...

#nevermissaMonday
Another thing I pride myself on is my devotion to never missing out on a Monday run. These runs are never fast, nor are they far, but they enable me to start my week on a positive note in my running shoes. Most of them are done in the early morning (before I head to work), but that wasn't the case this past week.

Having run a rather tough half marathon the day prior, my body was still in a bit of agony come Monday morning.The weather was also a bit iffy (#rain), and since I didn't have to work (due to the Labor Day holiday), I post-poned the run until later....which was a gold-star-earning maneuver. I finally got out after lunch (after a short nap), ran a couple of easy-paced miles (in the sweltering humidity) and all felt fine. I have been doing 3-mile runs on most Mondays, usually with a "moderate tempo pace," but I kept these two miles nice and easy and they served me well.

Not my #typicalTuesday
Tuesdays are usually a non-running day, but I have been sneaking in a HIIT workout now and then. Not this week, though. The glutes were feeling much better, but still were a bit achy. I got out for a couple of early morning (walking) miles, and that was all she wrote. I think I even took a nap when I got home from work.

Wednesday's workout
Momma N tried to not play nice...my weather app had showed rain happening through most of the overnight, and thunderstorms beginning around 5:00 a.m. Definitely not ideal for those of us hoping to run five miles at 5:00 a.m. When I got up around 4:20, though, all was calm outside. It was misty and damp, but nothing was falling from the sky. Barb and I decided to stay close by (our usual Wednesday route takes us slightly on the outskirts of town) and, instead, run a couple of laps near the college campus so we wouldn't have too far to "escape back home" if need be. Well, we did get a bit of light rain, but no heavy downpours, and I unsuccessfully navigated my way around a puddle (twice)...but we got our five miles done. The light rain actually felt quite refreshing given the humid air and muggy temps.

Thursday...what to do???
I have been doing speedwork on most of my Thursdays this summer. Although the glutes were FINALLY feeling almost recovered, I didn't want to risk a relapse. I also skipped my HIIT on Tuesday, don't forget, so I was feeling a bit antsy. I came up with a basic HIIT workout, probably not one of my more intense ones, but four sets of the circuit gave me 30+ minutes of action and plenty of sweat equity for the bank.

Basic HIIT on the side patio:
10 burpees
15 arm reps
10 push-ups
15 shoulder reps
10 "step" jumps
15 jumping jacks
1-minute plank (**different position for each circuit)


Finally Friday
Wouldn't you know? More rain on Friday! Not a deal, since it was a rest day, but a slight buzz kill none the less. I had hoped to get out for a 3-mile power walk, but settled for a 1-1/2 mile walk instead (with the hubby and Max) before the heavy stuff started coming down.

Saturday's redemption!
With a tough 15-miler (2 weeks ago) and last weekend's rough half marathon still fresh in my memory, I was a little nervous about Saturday's long run. We decided to shoot for at least 16 miles, but set our sights on 18 if all went well. Granted, 18 was a pretty aggressive jump in mileage, but we also knew our base mileage could probably support it. I left the house just after 5:30, and met up with Barb a short while later. As we ran, we discussed various strategies on possible routes...three loops of our usual 5-mile route (and add a few extra out & backs)? Do a 6-mile loop (three times), but risk getting burned out a few miles short and having to walk back? Just keep running until we reach 18 and hope for the best?

We wound up doing our 5-mile loop, added some out & backs, then ran the 5-mile loop in reverse, more out & backs, took a different 4-mile route, added a final small loop and made it to 18! My glutes felt a little stiff at the start (but nothing like they had been), but they loosened up and behaved nicely. The final four miles did feel a little tedious, and I caught myself doing a few awkward "dancing shuffle moves" with my heavy feet, but those 18 miles left me feeling like an accomplished distance runner again. They weren't easy, but they were manageable. Mission accomplished.

Sunday, sunny Sunday
Despite the 18 miles on Saturday, I woke up Sunday morning feeling pretty good. Still fatigued (probably from the previous week as well as all of Saturday's non-stop action), I slept in a little later than usual.  I kept my 2-mile recovery run simple and easy, and returned home feeling totally refreshed, recharged and rejuvenated. I'm a strong believer in recovery runs, and they always leave me feeling better than when I left the house.

All in all, it was a pretty good week. Granted, I felt more tired than energized most days, but by easing up a bit on the daily stuff and doing a whole lotta foam rolling and extra stretching, I made it through. My mileage came in at 27, but 18 of that was from Saturday. My walking totaled out at 20. I'm still not definite where all those aches/pains in my glutes came from last weekend, but I think they're on the mend. Saturday's long run was a huge confidence boost. I have the RnR Philly Half Marathon next weekend, then the big 20-mile long run the following week...then it will be time to enter the Taper Zone for the Cannonball Marathon on October 13th ((gulp)).

In case you missed them, here's my posts from last week:
Let There be Sweat
NewBo Run Half Marathon Recap
Falling our of Summer

In other news:
My #FridayFashionFlair post (on Instagram) was well received. As mentioned above, Friday was a rainy and rather damp and dreary day. My solution? Bright colors! Turquoise and hot pink do wonders to balance out the grey skies overhead, right? Cheetah print flats are always my favorite go-to when it's too chilly for sandals, and I never forget the lipstick (LOL). As always, you're welcome to join the Friday party...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and give me a tag (@runningonthefly).

Can you say, "Beautiful Sunset!!!" This was what we witnessed Friday evening after the dreary day of rain. No filter was needed for this colorful display in the western sky.

The NewBo Run pics were released this week, and the downloads were free. Not only are free downloads a nice perk...check it out! I actually look "normal" in both of them. No awkward bent legs or scary facial expressions. Other than my outward-striding feet, you'd almost never guess how much distress my glutes were feeling.

And, lastly, Saturday's adventures didn't end after the 18-mile run. Oh no, we headed to Iowa City (an hour away). We stopped in to see the college son briefly, ran a few errands in town, and met a few local friends at a tailgate. Our Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Iowa State Cyclones, our big inner-state rivals. We didn't go to the game, but listened to it on the radio in the car and celebrated with Max when we got home.

So, there's the latest and greatest from last week. How are things in your world? Any rain happening? Ever had an especially exhausting week? Recovery runs...yay or no way? Favorite college football team?

I'm linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. This weekly check-in is such a great place to connect with fellow fitness-minded peeps. Please join us!
WWSki-Orange

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52 comments:

  1. Your fatigue sounds pretty typical for this point in marathon training! Now's the time to dig deep!

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    1. Ha ha...good point! I should be feeling a little tired after those long runs ;-)

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  2. Nice distance and yes, there's always Nap Week in mara training! I'm a great believer in a nap.

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    1. I seldom ever take naps, and I'm usually good with 5 hours of sleep...not this week LOL

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  3. I felt the same way this week - fatigued and I had DOMS mainly all week. No clue why as I'm not even training for a marathon!

    I want to try to work in at least one HIIT workout a week. It's hard but I think that it's so beneficial, especially to help with endurance and leg strength.

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    1. I'm being careful with my HIIT's right now...limiting the squats and lunges so my legs/glutes aren't fighting the DOMS on my long weekend runs LOL #lessonlearned

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  4. Looks like a lot of us had tough weeks this week! I still need to read your half recap. Great job on the race & the 18 miler!

    Not so much rain here last week. That changes tomorrow . . .

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    1. I think we're finally set for a fairly dry week...up until a few weeks ago, we were in the midst of a drought in my area. Not any more...

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  5. I love when races do free downloads! The rain was also intense here this week - but it looks like we'll be lucky to have some sunny days coming up! Great week!

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    1. Free downloads are such a nice gesture. I wish more events offered them ;-)

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  6. This week was seriously no joke! I'm not impressed with the introduction to September and it's my birth month! I'm glad your glutes are feeling better and resting them was probably the best thing you could have done! And free downloads from a race?! I've never experienced such a thing - I'm jealous!

    Rain? Hmm... yep, lots and lots and lots of it with so much more on the way. By the time Florence gets here, we're going to be so drenched already. It's not going to be pretty.

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    1. Up until a few weeks ago, we were kind of in a drought, but that's all changed. Thankfully, our house is on high ground, but so many people have flooded yards and water in their basements...

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  7. This week was about listening to my body too. I got my 5miles in last weekend and felt pretty good. Then my legs were tired on Tuesday, so I only did 2 of the 3 miles on my schedule, stayed home sick on Thursday, and took it slowly yesterday. Things are tough at work too and I know that's playing on my mental state.

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    1. The body knows what it needs (most of the time)....it's so important to pay attention and respect what it tells us ;-)

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  8. Wow, you have every reason to be tired! Good job getting the 18 miles in!

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  9. Glad you're feeling better! I always know I'm extra tired when I need a nap or some extra sleep. Great job getting those 18 miles done!

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    1. I seldom ever take naps, or ever feel like I need them....it's odd to lounge on the couch for "a few minutes" and wake up 90 minutes later LOL

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  10. Solid week Kim! Yay for a confidence building 18! They forecast rain for the entire weekend here and we didn't get a drop. It's been gorgeous!

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    1. I think we're finally set for a dry week...fingers crossed! The temps are gonna be pretty cool, too.

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  11. I think we got your rain this weekend -- but not until after my stifling humid long run Saturday morning. Nothing makes me want to sleep in more than listing to the rain! I hope you feel rested and ready for the week ahead.

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    1. I agree...rain is pretty relaxing to listen to (Max, however, would strongly disagree LOL)

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  12. It was raining really hard when we got home today so we didn't go pick up my bike. :-( Apparently, it rained a lot all weekend here because our creek was way up out of it's banks and into our back yard. My favorite team is the VT Hokies (my hubby's and my alma mater) and we're 2-0. I wasn't expecting us to look so good against FSU on Monday night, but we certainly did look strong!

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    1. We have tons of standing water in the ditches, which is slowly receding. We're supposed to be dry for most of the week, I think, so everything can dry out

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  13. Your rain must be heading our way because the forecast is calling for a early wet week. Great job on getting 18 done!

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  14. Loved seeing the pic of you and hubby! Your marathon training is going well. It is normal to be tired. I have to admit, I read about your 18-miler and I am kind of (OK, very) jealous. I have started running 1/2 mile at a time, but I can do the elliptical. Planning on doing a 3 hour (ugh!) "run" on the elliptical early this week.

    And I am a nap girl - 15 minutes is all I need to revive myself.

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    1. Ooooh, good luck on the elliptical! I have never been on one, but fear I would be dreadfully bored. I do not do well on treadmills, so that's kind of my barometer LOL

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  15. Way to go on 18 miles, glad your glutes are on the mend.
    4:20 in the morning. That's just painful, but kudos for always getting out there.
    #TeamNap forever

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    1. ha ha...the 4:20 wake-ups are not a big deal. I've been doing them for a couple years now LOL

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    2. Wow! Do you just conk out early the prior evening or you don't need much sleep?

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  16. I am not a nap person either so when I feel I need one, I guess my body really does! Killing it on the 18 miler this week :)

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    1. Naps are hard for me...if I do crash and take one, I'm usually messed up for bedtime later

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  17. Sorry about all the rain but it sounds like y'all made the best of it! Great job this week, especially with your long run!!

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    1. The early morning rain actually wasn't a big deal...it helped that we were already 1.5 miles into our run when it started LOL

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  18. Love the cheetah flat sandals. I am a huge fan of fun prints on shoes, clothes, whatever. Way to go on the 18 miler. I am still working on bumping up my mileage.

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    1. I love my funky shoes...one time I heard someone on a fashion show remark that if you have a shoe that "doesn't go with anything, it WILL go with everything LOL" and I embrace that theory ;-)

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  19. Congrats on that 18 miler! I'm glad that the aches and pains are feeling better :) I feel like a lot of rain sometimes makes my aches feel worse. We had a lot of rain this past weekend too.

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    1. You know, that's an interesting point...it has been outrageously humid lately.

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  20. I just posted how exhausted I am and how this week has wrung me out! I really struggled to stay on top of everything.

    Awesome work on your 18 miler. I got my longest run in on Sunday, logging 8 miles. Since I'm not actually registered for any half marathons, I just haven't had the drive to push those long run weekends, but I need to get over that quickly.

    We are Miami Hurricanes fans over here. Our first game did not go so well, but we made up for it on the second game!

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    1. It sounds like a lot of us were feeling a bit run down last week...

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  21. Nice job this week, especially the long redemption run! I hope you have a great race in Philly! As for rain, it's been a very wet summer...we haven't had our sprinkler system on since April. But here, it rains mostly in the afternoon and not the mornings when I typically run. Thanks for linking!

    Oh...And...ROLL TIDE!

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    1. We get rain at any given time, but it seems lately we've been dumped on in the early hours...when I want to get outside LOL

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  22. I hear ya on the fatigue. My body finally told me last Thursday that it had had enough and needed the extra rest. I haven’t run since last Wednesday, and am getting quite antsy. We’ll see if I can muster up the energy to run tonight. Fingers crossed!

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    1. The body seems to know best when it needs rest...it sometimes takes awhile for our minds to figure it out

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  23. Nice job on your training. You're getting it done. No wonder you're a bit tired. I only ran 10 miles on Saturday and I lay down and ended up napping for an hour and a half!

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    1. I was like a comatose in the car coming home from our trip on Saturday afternoon. Then, I konked out on the couch a short while after we returned home...#downforthecount

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  24. So glad your 18 miler went well! I'd say you have every right to be tired at this point in your training. Awesome week!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle ;-) It felt so good to get those 18 miles knocked out!

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  25. What a week of hard work! Rest up lady!!! I've actually switched my rest day to Monday from Friday and like it a lot better weirdly, maybe because Monday is my busiest day at work!

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    1. I usually take thing "light & easy" on Tuesdays, and Fridays...I like that rest day before my long run LOL

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  26. I dont know how I would function without a daily nap. I cant imagine functioning without it. Your a trooper.

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