Here Comes the Rain...Again

 Yes, there was a lot of rain happening this past week.

Fortunately, we didn't get as much rain as forecast, but we did get plenty. And that rain was happening in rather chilly temps, so it didn't even feel refreshing. How's that for a buzzkill?

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.

We runners are nothing if not adaptable, so I did my best to make do with the less-than-optimal weather. Here's what went down this past week:

Not Another Manic Monday
Oh it was a cold morning! How does 41F (with a 32F feel-like, with the nutzo wind) grab you? I immediately postponed any running until after work (when it would be a good 20-degrees warmer), and I bundled up for a 2-mile power walk instead.  Late in the afternoon, on a whim, I decided to head to the college track (approximately 1/2 mile away). Not a fan of track workouts (hello? numerous circles? #notmygig), I decided to step out of my comfort zone (and hopefully seek a little shelter from the wind) and do some intervals.

I did 8 X 200m (with 200m recovery). My splits did get progressively slower, but I wasn't really gunning for any specific times (54:56 //56:84 // 54:66 // 56:56 // 56:56 // 57:66 // 57:78 // 57:62).  Since I had the entire track to myself, I ran the first four sets all proper (counter-clockwise around the track), and then ran the second set in reverse (clock-wise). What can I say? I like variety. Including my 1/2 mile warm-up run to the track (and the 1/2 mile cool-down run back home), I ended with three total miles. #nevermissaMonday done!

True Colors 
Tuesday was another cold, damp and windy day in Iowa! Thankfully, I have shoes, warm layers and determination...I refuse to let Momma N keep me inside. Sometimes you gotta create your own sunshine with bright colors, right? And the fresh air does us all good. The day's fitness fun included 1-1/2 mile walk before work, 35 minutes of elliptical time (later) and 20 minutes of relaxing yoga.

Blowin' in the Wind 
The morning temps on Wednesday were chilly and windy, but not unbearable. It did feel remarkably warmer than Tuesday, though. There was an impending sunrise and full daylight at that early hour so I headed out for 2-1/2 miles of power walking.

Later, Barb and I met after work for a #5at5PM (five miles at 5:00 p.m. instead of our usual 5:00 a.m. meet-up) The temps were oh-so-much better (but oh-so-humid), and the wind was still a bit strong. This run wasn't as easy as it should have been (probably an acclimation thing to the humidity/heat), but I was thankful to be outside and not smothered in layers. I've said it many times...I'll choose a hot & humid run, any day, over a cold one.

Here Comes the Sun!
There had been rain in the forecast, but that all changed overnight. Thursday's morning temps were nice, so I took it outside for an early morning upper-body workout. Seriously, this beats a gym or an enclosed workout room. I even was able to use the French door windows as a mirror, to check my form, while Coach Max watched from inside. I also took full advantage of the unexpected dry day and went for a 2-1/2 mile walk after work.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on my Head 
Ugh. It started raining late Thursday night, and continued storming until dawn. The rain was still coming down when I woke up Friday morning (Did I say, "ugh?"). Thankfully, I have plenty of indoor options for fasted cardio, fitness and sweat equity. Ellie (my elliptical) and I hung out for 22 minutes, so all was well.

And I ran....

We had scattered storms in the forecast ((again!)) for all day Saturday, but things looked pretty clear and dry upon wake-up. Barb and I met up for an anticipated 8-mile run, around 7:15 a.m.. The temps were warm and humid, and it felt like a summer morning (which the both us were quite content with). We've all had those runs where everything just feels great from practically the first step out the door, and this was one of them. We ran a pretty hilly route, and battled some serious head winds out of the west, but when it came time to part ways (near the 8-1/2 mile mark), I didn't feel like quitting. I looped around a few extra blocks before heading home, and ended the day with 10 miles (I later learned that Barb did the same LOL). These "easy" runs do not happen all the time, but they feel euphoric when they make an unexpected appearance. Crazy how those 10 miles felt so much easier than Wednesday's five, even with all the hills, heat and humidity.

Walking (and running) on sunshine
We received more rain overnight, and Sunday morning dawned with very humid air. The temps were still pleasant (in the mid-60's), and there was bright sunlight filtering through the clouds. Let's just say a lot of multi-tasking played out...a short recovery run, wearing blue (again, as a tribute to our fallen heroes), a lucky penny was found, and my manicure had time to dry and set. Also, a walk with the hubby and Max before church. All kinds of stuff to love! 

So, despite the icky rain and cold wind (most days), I'm pretty happy with how the week played out. Total running mileage came in at 20. There was a lot of walking (16 miles), a great upper-body workout, some yoga and 77 (cumulative) minutes on the elliptical. I have a 20K happening this next Saturday, so I will probably go light on lower-body stuff this week to give my legs a bit of a "taper."

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

Ending on a Bright Note

Five ways to honor Memorial Day in your running shoes

In other news:

#FridayFashionFlair on Insta...

Friday's rain was crazy in the morning, but low and behold, it all ceased by lunchtime. The sun came out and the humidity sky-rocketed. Warm and humid outdoor air translates to cold temps in the office. My solution? The tried and true denim jacket! On a whim, I added the dragonfly brooch a few years ago...and just never removed it. I think the brooch gives the distressed denim a shabby-chic nuance. It's rather ironic how a "casual" jacket can actually "dress up" an outfit.

Finally, it's Memorial Day weekend. A time to honor and pay tribute to our fallen heroes. Do you have any Memorial Day races, runs, or events happening?

How are things in your world? Anyone else getting all kinds of rain, too?  We had 4.75 inches of rain in our rain gauge this week! Thankfully, our house is on high ground, so flooding isn't a concern...but our yard is like a swamp.

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