The Final Countdown

Here we go! The final week of Taper...

Taking things easy. Staying active without over-doing anything. Erring on the side of caution. Getting a little more shuteye than usual....ugh! Just get me to the MCM start line already!

As luck would have it, Momma N felt it her duty to step in and give me some challenging weather. Or, maybe it was Fate? After all, if the weather outside is frightful, it may be in my best interest to stay inside and not risk getting sick.
Tapering is not for the faint of heart...

But, before I get to the nitty gritty of this week, 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 the run down on how things played out as I approached race day:

Monday - Post-13.1 recovery run
With the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon over and done (just a day prior), I wanted a short (VERY short) shakeout run, but the morning temps were chilly and windy. I opted for a brisk power walk in the early hours, and took a "runch" over the noon hour. Holy Wind, Batman! It was quite a challenge staying vertical against that 20mph wind! Although I nearly wound up on the other side of the Atlantic (only a very slight exaggeration), my legs felt good. Two miles run and I called it good.

It's finally starting to look like Fall (although it's feeling like Winter)

Tuesday -active rest/recovery
Guess what? More rain and wind greeted me upon wake-up...so I kept it inside. No sense battling the crazy weather outside when there's a dry (and warm) indoor option, right? Besides, I didn't want to take any stupid risks on getting sick so close to race day. I hopped on the elliptical for 20 minutes and all was well. I also spent awhile stretching and foam rolling before bedtime.

back with Ellie...

Wednesday - the weekly #5at5
Pleasant temps and a tranquil setting greeted me for my last early morning 5-miler before the big day. I met up with Barb, and both of us were feeling pretty recovered from Sunday's race. Onward!

another 5 miles at 05:00

Thursday - opting inside   
 Another cold, damp and windy morning outside. Not too keen on risking illness three days out from the race, I climbed back onto the elliptical for 20 minutes of fasted cardio. I also did some focused stretching afterwards. And, there may have been a short upper-body strength workout before bed.

TLC of the body

Friday - travel and GIRL TIME!
A rather early morning for me, I was up at 3:00 to get to the airport (an hour away) for my 6:01 flight to DC. I arrived in Dc around 9:30 and was met by Deb (from Deb Runs Fit) and we shared some coffee talk and lunch, and she introduced me to her adorable grand-doggie, Pablo. Later, there was an awesome blogger met-up for dinner.
           

Saturday - MCM expo and shakeout run
The expo was nothing short of spectacular! Lots of interesting vendors and plenty of photo ops. Later, I did a 3-mile run down to the Mall to loosen up the legs.
       

Sunday - The Marine Corps Marathon!
As this post goes live, I'll be getting ready to head to the start line. The weather is looking rather damp, but warm. Here's a peak at what I'll be wearing...I'll try to update this post sometime after the finish line, but it won't be until later in the afternoon (if at all). I'll be a little late in reading and commenting on all the linked blogs, but I promise to get to them as time allows (and WIFI availability).

So, it was an interesting week. I embrace all things taper when the time comes, but this final week was a challenge for me. The scaled back running was easy-peasy, but trying to keep my activity on the down-low felt so "off." I'm used to waking early and doing something every morning, often times opting for a second workout in the evening. Maybe all that cold (and damp) weather was a blessing because it kept me inside. Assuming a successful morning at the race, my running miles for the week will total out at 36 (and some change). Walking was (somewhat) bleak, due to the weather, but tallied up to about 10 miles (which includes some hurried steps across two airports and some DC walking. Biking didn't happen (#whomp #whomp).  There were 40 minutes of elliptical work, though, and some light upper-body strength work. I'm good with that.

In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
STOP! Taper Time
IMT Des Moines Half Marathon 2019 race recap

In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair!
Forgive me, but I featured my Tuesday outfit this week. I was on a plane at 6:01, Friday morning, headed to Washington, DC for my Marine Corps Marathon weekend....and no one wants to see another gal in leggings, boots, and a comfy sweater jacket, right? Anyways, we had some cold weather in Iowa this week, and plenty of wind! The trusty flyaway sweater saw some action, as did the favorite white skinny jeans and patent combat boots (I think my subconscious was embracing the military thing). As always, you're welcome to join the Friday fashion party...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag(#FridayFashionFlair) and tag me (@runningonthefly).

We all heard about Shalane Flanagan's retirement from our sport. What a career she's had! I got to meet her at the R'nR Chicago Half Marathon (2014). She's been an inspiration to me for a long time.

This weekend was all about fun, not just with the marathon, or visiting our nation's beautiful capital city, but also having a grand time with some awesome gal pals.

So, there you have it! How were things in your fitness world this past week? Autumn-like weather, or still Summer? Have you had a taste of Winter yet? Taper - love it or dread it?

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