Sunday, April 14, 2019

Recovery: Take 2!

Let's try this recovery thing again...

I have had three great weekends, with three awesome races, in three fun and fabulous locations. But my body and my brain are tired. Oh, and there was that cough that came from out of nowhere, and it morphed into a nasty head cold.

First world probs aside, it made for a much needed week on the down-low...



But first things first...



Welcome to the Weekly Run Down! I am so excited to host 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 1:00 (EST) on Sundays and remains open through Monday (noon). Please share your 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 blogs as well.



So here's the latest Weekly Run Down....

Never miss a Monday

Another early morning wake-up (from my place of lodging in DC), and I was at the airport around 4:45 a.m. for check-in and TSA, and in the air by 6:15. My (connecting) flight touched down in Des Moines around 10:30, and I was back home (for a quick wardrobe change) and seated at my work desk around noon.  After work, the temps were ideal (at least in my world), so I headed out for a short (and very easy-paced) 2-mile run. Yes, I was a little fatigued from being awake and (mostly) alert for nearly 15 hours at that point, but that time spent running in warm temps totally recharged me.

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Another time-out Tuesday

Nothing grand on the schedule (fitness-wise),but I did get out for a short walk with Max. Gotta love this crazy Iowa weather...the temps dropped almost 40F overnight, so I was back in a fleece jacket. But, that sunrise? I definitely would not have seen that from my treadmill.

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Wind-down Wednesday

Another cold and rainy morning greeted me upon wake-up. I was still feeling icky from the cold and cough, and still quite fatigued from all the other stuff in previous weeks. I didn't think heading outdoors would do my body any favors, so I fired up the elliptical. Besides, I had not shown dear Ellie any love recently, so it was a win-win.

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Thrillsome Thursday

The cold and windy and rainy weather conditions continued in the morning. It seriously sounded like a blizzard was brewing outside (minus the snow). But.....good things come to those who wait. By the end of day, the temps had warmed significantly, the sun emerged from a 3-day hibernation, and the wind had subsided. After being pretty inactive most of the week, I was craving some fitness, so I got out for a couple post-workday miles. And guess what? There was a random $10 bill waiting for me along my route.

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Finally Friday

And, the weather roller coaster ride continued. Look closely, the green grass would indicate a warm season was at play (like, for example, Spring), but the winter coat and full-length tights (and fleece headband) certainly would tell a different story. Notice my hair is also blowing? Thankfully, it wasn't raining or snowing (like it was in much of the Midwest), so all was well. I'm just grateful that I can get outside, without risking frostbite, for power-walking before heading to work.

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A Sunshiny Saturday

After three weekends spent elsewhere (Florida for Spring Break, Iowa City for Mom's Weekend, and DC for the Cherry Blossom), it felt so grand to not have an alarm to answer to. I did need to log some miles, though. After all, I had been rather inactive most of the week and there is an upcoming half marathon (Drake Relays, this next weekend). I didn't get out until after 9:00, but it was progressively warming up the longer I waited. I had to fight the wind for most of those eight miles, but there was so much sunshine! I could tell my body was still somewhat tired, but the miles didn't take too much effort and it felt so good to be back outside....even if it warranted winter-like running gear.

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...and a simple Sunday

Our High School's prom was Saturday evening, and for the first time (in the past 10 years), I didn't work the after-prom festivities. I did help a bit with some of the planning and set-up for the Promenade (since it had been "my baby" for all those years prior), but that was it. I actually got a full night's sleep on prom night! Sunday morning was very low-key for me. It's been a long time since I have NOT done a short shake-out run (following a previous day's long run), but my body said NO. I did get out for a brisk 2-mile power walk, though, in the winter-like temps. I had to gear up in winter-like attire, but look at that sunrise! My frosty glass is still half full.

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All in all, it was a major week of recovery. I had spent the previous week in recovery mode as well, but I definitely needed this extra week. My mileage was low (12 miles running, 10+/- walking), and there wasn't much else happening (one elliptical session, but ZERO anything else). My cough has (finally) all but left the confines of my body and the head cold is clearing up. UGH. For someone who seldom ever gets sick, this recent cold/cough did a serious number on me. 

In case you missed out, here's what was posted last week on the blog:



Recovery. Adventure. Fun. Mix and Repeat!

Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run

Rainy Race Day RunningTips

In other news:

Friday. Fashion. Flair. Yes, it was a cold week, so my featured outfit came from earlier in the week before the temps had plummeted too much. What do you think of black and brown? They are a tricky color combo to pull off, but if you go with a "lighter shade" of brown, it can work. Throw in some cheetah print, and you have an outfit, right? This fashion party happens every Friday, and you're invited to play along....post a pic of an outfit, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and tag me (@runningonthefly). 

I'm a huge advocate for listening to one's gut instinct. We all have a gut instinct, after all, and it's usually spot-on. With the past three weekends (and ALL the activity, travel, and races), it's probably no surprise this cough/cold crap hung around so long. I don't think it affected my racing ((much)), but after I got home from DC, I could tell I needed some major down time. I try to get in some form of fitness very morning, but there were a few mornings that I took things very easy. And, I had ZERO guilt in doing so (again, proof that I really needed to rest and recover more than I had been doing). I can't help but wonder if Fate (or, Momma N???) was intervening by giving me such nasty weather? I certainly didn't feel bad staying inside for a few of those cold, rainy mornings.

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 And finally, even though this winter-rewind (as of late) has not been pleasant, I know it will not last forever. We ARE journeying towards summer (my favorite season), so all is well.

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So, there you have it! Another Run Down on another week.

How are things in your world? Are you experiencing a winter-rewind in terms of weather? Ever had a cough/cold that took up residence in your body and was stubborn about leaving? Ever done three back-to-back weekends of traveling and racing?

44 comments:

  1. Kudos for running that same day you travel back from DC!! I need a whole day to recover. :-)

    We got snow today but it supposed to warm up this week.

    Bummer that you were sick but glad you are feeling better.

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    1. Amazingly, I think I'd been awake for so long that day that I had some serious adrenaline going LOL AS I said, the run really felt invigorating and my legs appreciated some movement.

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  2. I took my recovery very seriously this week too and did not run until yesterday. Rest feels good sometimes! sounds like crazy temps you have this week. It was so humid here yesterday I was caught off guard!

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    1. Like you, I have a tough time being inactive. This week, though, I just let my body dictate my activity. No regrets ;-)

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  3. Great work and recovery! I had a terrible cold last year that hit in my taper for my Manchester Marathon and stopped me doing the race!! I'm usually quite resilient but that knocked me out. Hopefully my races being later in the year I won't get that this time round. Love your pics and bright outfits as always!

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    1. I seldom ever get sick. I made it through our crazy winter with barely a runny nose, so this gunk really took me by surprise. I'm glad it's on the way out!

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  4. Woo hoo! Another week closer to summer! I am a summer kind of girl too. It sounds like you really needed a recovery week, although I can't imaging getting up super early to get home, flying, then going to work, then RUNNING!!! You are tough!

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    1. ha ha ha, I don't know how tough I am, but I definitely function well on little sleep.

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  5. Nope, never had 3 weekends of travel for races. That's a lot! I was never very sick, really just barely one weekend, but I have (and still am) been tired. Just more tired than normal. Seriously, I need a lot more vit D in the form of sunshine!

    I think you usually listen to your body really well & it shows. Sometimes we just get sick -- no one is super human.

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    1. True, we all are just human. I may have picked up something from the airplanes, as well, and that just prolonged the other gunk from leaving sooner.

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  6. SO cold the past few days but it slowly warms up as the day goes on. I will take it! I am not ready for the humidity that midwest summers bring.

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    1. It stayed cold all day Tuesday and Wednesday, but Thursday was pleasantly warmer later in the day. But still UGH. I want my warmer temps back. Pronto!!

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  7. Wow, you did have an early flight home. To think you'd covered all those miles (in the air) before getting to your desk! I bet that run felt good even though you were tired. I am 99.99% sure I won't need a winter hat here until fall/winter.

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    1. Yeah, it was a similar scenario when we flew home from Florida a couple weeks prior. I'm glad all that traveling is done for awhile...though I had a great time on all of my trips ;-)

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  8. You've been a racing machine lately! I'm glad you're listening to your body and giving it what it needs to rest and recharge.

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    1. Thanks, Marcia! All of these races have been fun, and all have gone quite well, but I knew it was a lot to do in such a short period. I'm glad for this past week's recovery time, and plan to take things pretty easy this week as well.

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  9. Glad to hear you're taking it easy and letting yourself heal. I've still been super busy at work--it seems like the cold and flu season isn't ready to let go yet.

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    1. I made it through this crazy winter with nothing really happening, so this 2-week cough/cold has been odd for me. I don't think all the travel and racing helped...but I have ZERO regrets ;-)

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  10. Nicely done on MOnday's run despite the long day.
    We had the crazy swings last week too, although I don't think we got as warm as you did Monday and definitely not as cold. So weird to go from winter coat to skirt and tee in less than 24 hours
    Glad you were able to enjoy relatively quiet weekend & no alarm

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    1. The weather certainly keeps us humble! I hope the worst of the cold is done...I have bulbs ready to bloom and a magnolia tree that does not like freezing temps.

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  11. Woohoo on $10!! I had considered helping out at my daughter's HS after prom event (she's not going to prom yet), but when I saw the hours for it, I knew there would be no way I could stay awake past 11pm!! :) LOVE the tights you have on for Saturday! What brand are those?

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    1. Our after-prom stuff goes until almost 5:00 (including a pancake breakfast the local fire fighters cook and serve for the kids). Hard to believe the hubby and I did that for so many years LOL The tights are from Old Navy (Christmas gift from one of my daughters last year).

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  12. Traveling does run you down...hope you are feeling better.

    Our weather has been super crazy...winter one day...summer the next.

    It was summer for my race on Saturday...what a shock. Now it is nasty and raining.

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    1. I have another half marathon on Saturday, and the weather (at the moment) is looking warm (which is perfect for me!), so I'm hoping that sticks. This winter stuff is nutzo!

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  13. You've been super busy these past 3 weekends so you definitely made the right call by taking it easier this week. I hope that you are starting to feel better - those head colds can really suck all of your energy :(

    I'm super impressed that you flew back home on Monday, went to work and still got in a workout!

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    1. I'm glad to have had an easy week, my mind and body desperately needed that! Yeah, last Monday was a long day LOL I slept quite soundly that night ;-)

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  14. I think crazy swings in weather always exacerbate colds. Sometimes extra recovery is needed!

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    1. I agree...the crazy weather did not help with my cold/cough leaving any time soon. I'm glad I could take this last week easy.

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  15. You had a great week! I can't get over the fact that it's still so cold by you! We are pretty firmly ensconsed in spring/summer. I'm missing the cooler temperatures.

    Taking some time for recovery is the smartest thing to do, for sure. I always struggle to remember that.

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    1. Our spring was looking pretty normal until a few days ago. I think things are going to be on the upswing this week, though...

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  16. So sorry about your cold - glad you're feeling better! I'm sure taking it easier this week was a big help! Hope Mother N finally plays nice for you this week!

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    1. Mother N (so far) has sunny & warm weather on tap for my half marathon on Saturday.....I hope she's stabilized now LOL

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  17. Glad you kicked the cold- I had one since Antarctica that just would not go away :( I think it's finally gone, though I still feel it when I run at a hard effort...argh!

    Similar weather in Minneapolis this week- 70+ in the beginning of the week and then cold and very windy at the end :( Glad I could escape to Boston and I'm hoping when I return it's back to spring weather again.

    Thanks for hosting the link-up!

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    1. I'm just glad we didn't get any snow (at least in my area). Ugh. Winter needs to give it up and go home, right?

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  18. Nice recovery week! Our family has been sick on and off since Thanksgiving, so training hasn't been great here either. Gotta listen to your body!

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    1. The timing worked well for the recovery this past week. It's no surprise I needed it considering how crazy the previous weeks had been. Onward!

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  19. what a bummer that you still aren't feeling that well, Kim. Good that you pulled back a bit. what the heck is going on with your weather???

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    1. Our weather has been so crazy in 2019. Winter is really refusing to pack up and vacate LOL I'm finally feeling better....almost back to normal (ha! as if!).

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  20. I'm so glad you managed a great and chilled recovery week after that head cold and an intense (even if fun!) few weeks! I once did 2 weekends of back to back travel/ racing - and I don't think I could manage 3!

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    1. I never get sick, so this totally set me back a bit. Thankfully, I'm pretty much over it, but I think all my busy stuff kept it from healing. Oh well, no regrets! ;-)

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  21. Glad you're cold is clearing up :) I'm so impressed that you can go straight from a flight back to town to work, and then manage a run afterward!

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    1. ha ha ha...sleep is SOOO overrated ;-) I seem well to function on limited sleep. I did most of last week, though, to finally get caught up on all my rest.

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  22. Good for you for taking it easy after three busy weekends! I'm impressed you got in a workout after the flight! A good shakeout does feel good after travel.

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  23. I'm so impressed that you ran after working half the day after your flight home from DC. I'm pretty sure I would have taken the day off from running.

    Hope this week is going well and you're getting some rest as you recover from your cold.

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