STOP! Taper Time

...and the Taper goes on...

I am not one to dread the Taper. In fact, I look forward to it with bated breath (quite literally LOL) with every training cycle. It's like a small reward for all the hard work that's gone into the race I've been training for.

That said, things have been a little different this go-round. Much like the training itself has been different in terms of long-run-schedule-juggling (more so than I ever have before), this Taper has thrown me for a bit of a loop as well. I'm still enjoying the Taper, but just this week I experienced a subtle taste of burnout...in terms of weather (ahem, #wind #cold #rain) and not wanting to exert any extra effort in making workouts happen in said weather.

But, first things first...

Welcome to the Weekly Run Down! I love hosting 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 noon on Monday. We love reading about everyone's 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...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Here's what went down this past week:

Monday - #recovery #shakeout #cool&crisp
You all know I'm not a fan of cold temps. It was 32F when I headed out...quite cold, yes, but when the wind is MIA, it's actually quite tranquil and nice.There also was a full moon, and I had all the streets to myself. Since I had run a fast 10K the day prior, though, I wanted to take things slow and easy with this run. Let's not forget I'm also tapering, so I called it good with two miles.

never miss a Monday!

Tuesday - #activerest #moonlit #windblown
After a refreshing 24-hour reprieve, the wind was back in full action by Tuesday. Momma N just won't cut us Iowans a break. Thankfully, the temps weren't too cold. A couple of power-walked miles in the hilly 'hood in the early morning and 30 minutes with Ellie (remember her? My elliptical?) before lights out that evening.

                   

Wednesday - #5at5 #windblown #again
Barb and I met up for our weekly 5-miler at 05:00. Guess what? It was windy, again. Honestly, I'm really trying to enjoy the autumn season, but it has felt more like winter in my area. And as for the never-ending wind...I can't decide if I prefer a steady wind to battle or intermittent blasts of the arctic-like air. Truth be told, I really don't like either.

Thursday - #odarkthirtycrew #freezing #literally #triplethreat
Temps were 32F at 5:30 on Thursday. Thankfully, the crazy wind was a no-show (I heard it escaped to the east coast LOL). Another 2-mile hike in the 'hood, and I didn't need any caffeine to feel fully awake and alert. As luck would have it, though, the wind did return in the afternoon (but not as intense as it had been earlier in the week). I had a grandiose plan of saddling up Gustavas (remember him? The bike I've been neglecting recently?). The wind was just strong enough that the six miles weren't very enjoyable (#buzzkill). I also did a short 15-minute arm/shoulder workout in the evening (because I have been slacking on strength-training, too).

Friday -  #windblown #yetagain #thisisgettingold
I've been doing a lot of Friday runs, usually fairly short in mileage. I'd thought of doing four miles, but as soon as I felt the wind, my enthusiasm went south. The temps weren't bad at 45F (40F feels-like with the wind), but the wind has really outworn its welcome. It seems like I have had to battle the wind on (almost) a daily basis and it's not even winter yet (according to the calendar). Anyways, within the first half mile, I made a command decision to run three miles instead of the planned four. Honestly, at this stage of training (umm, #tapering), one less mile is not gonna make or break my race day. Ironically, the run went alright (my energy was fine, no aches, no frustrations), but the run was a bit on the "meh" side and I had no guilt in finishing early.

Is this burnout?

Saturday - #justwalking #lotsofwalking
With the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon on tap for Sunday, I thought it best to save my legs from any excess wear and tear. I walked a bit in the early morning, then the hubby and I headed to Iowa City for the University of Iowa Homecoming game. While there, we did all sorts of walking...back and forth to different tailgate gatherings, climbing hills, descending hills, over gravel paths, and through the rain (post-game). All told, almost five total miles logged for the day.

Sunday - #raceday
Not much to say as this post goes live...temps are forecast to be in the 40's at race start and climbing throughout the morning for the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. This will be my eighth time running the 13.1! I'm still second-guessing my outfit (as seems to be the trend, via many of the other runners on Insta LOL). Check back...I'll update this post after the finish line.

I may or may not add a thin long-sleeved top to the mix...

***UPDATE*** The race went well...2:04:14 was my finish time. Things felt great, the weather wound up being picture-perfect (mid-40F's and sunny skies), and my splits were pretty consistent and steady. Onward!

So, that's what has been happening. All told, the running miles capped out at 23(+/-), which includes the half marathon. Walking had around 13 miles (a few more will probably be added Sunday afternoon, as a means of recovery following the race). Biking? Well, not much (six miles #whomp #whomp). I did add a good 30-minutes of cardio, via the elliptical, and a short upper-body strength workout. As mentioned, the mojo wasn't quite on-point this week. I have been scaling back the running miles, and getting more rest, but it is a weird change of reality when one is used to being more active. I find it ironic that I almost feel more tired from NOT working out (as intensely) during this Taper. And, the weather has really been a buzzkill...my motivation to get outside has not been very strong. But, this is Taper, so I'm alright with the lighter activity. Glass half full.

In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
No Breaking  My Stride
Run for the Roses 10K
Autumn 2019: What's on Tap

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair...Most know I'm a fan of cheetah print. It's one of those prints that's a classic, but it's really been trending in recent years. One thing I really appreciate about it is the fact that it showcases both black and brown, which gives you lots of options in pairing it with other colors. It looks just as bright and bold alongside its own (solid) colors as well. Now, that's a win-win! You're always welcome to join me on Fridays on Instagram...post a pic of a featured outfit, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and tag me (@runningonthefly).

Another epiphany I had this week involves my time with Gustavas. I really grew to love bike riding in recent months. There's no doubt the positive effect it has had on my training as well as my recovery in between my long runs. But as the weather has grown cold (rather abruptly), the rides have gotten shorter and much less frequent. Thursday's ride was anything but enjoyable in the cold wind. We have a stationary bike, but I have serious doubts I will get much satisfaction from using it. I like being outside, and actually going places (which is why I dread the treadmill so much). I have to believe it will be a similar scenario with an indoor bike. But, do stay tuned...I will give it a fair effort before I completely dismiss it as an indoor alternative.

And finally, I mentioned this weekend was Homecoming at the University of Iowa. The hubby and I both are proud Iowa Hawkeye alumnae and were able to get tickets to the football game (Iowa hosted Purdue). Our son is also a Hawkeye (on track to graduate in December with a degree in Finance). We did have some rain to endure (like, for most of the second half of the game), but it's always a fun time in Kinnick Stadium. As a bonus, the Hawks won!

And, while in Kinnick Stadium, there's the famous Iowa Wave at the end of the first quarter. A new tradition (started two years ago), the crowd, players (from both teams) and the officials all take a few minutes to wave to the kids at the Stead Family Children's Hospital, which overlooks the stadium. It's quite a beautiful thing, and gets me teary-eyed every single time.

Anyways, that's the latest! Another week of Taper is done, and I have one week until the Marine Corps Marathon. This next week will be all about keeping things on the down-low. I fly out early Friday morning for all the MCM festivities and the race is on Sunday (October 27th).

How was your week? Crazy cold weather for you, too? Have you had an unusual amount of wind? Did you race this weekend?

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