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I'm choosing to embrace these "virtual" times we're living in right now. That's not to say I would have chosen things to be the way they are, but it is what it is. Better to go with the flow and celebrate the good than dwell on the coulda/woulda/shoulda beens.
Case in point, this past week. There were all kinds of virtual goings-on, and all of them left me quite happy and grateful.
Before I get into the details, 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 ;-)
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Monday - Never miss a Monday (or a virtual 5K)
The day started with a power walk with Milly (not properly socially distanced, just saying), and ended with a 2-mile walk with the hubby and Max. There also was another 5K time trial sandwiched in there (after work), courtesy of the Un-Canceled Project (this one being the Inspiration-themed 5K). Also, it was Boston Marathon Day, only there wasn't a marathon happening...but I did find plenty of inspiration in thinking of all the would-be Boston marathoners who had to sit-it-out this year.
Tuesday - My own (virtual) Grand Blue Mile
The chilly temps had me layering up for an early morning walk, doing all I could to loosen up my legs from the 5K (only 13 hours prior). Gosh, how I have missed those sunrise walks!
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Up and out the door for the weekly #5at5 ritual with Barb. There had been rain in the forecast (35% chance), but the sky was clear. We finished our run just as daylight was emerging...and then the rain came, about five minutes after getting back home. How's that for timing? Fortunately, the rain didn't last, and we were treated to a rather balmy day (mid-70F's) and sunshine by lunchtime...perfect for a FaceTime #walk&talk (with Deborah) while plogging (picking up trash). Also, another evening walk with the hubby and Max. I slept quite soundly that evening as well.
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After Monday's 5K, Tuesday's 1-miler and Wednesday's 5-miler (and all kinds of walking), come Thursday my body was ready for some recovery time. Typically, I save Thursdays for speed work or a HIIT session. I actually felt fine at wake-up, but I knew a recovery day was in order, none the less (plus I had a 13.1 virtual happening on Saturday). A 2-mile power walk, in the morning fog, did the trick. Also, there was a lunchtime walk and a short bike ride (five miles) with the hubby after dinner.
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It was cold, damp and yucky outside, so I stayed inside. I wanted to keep things low-key for my legs, so 20 minutes on the elliptical and some upper-body work was all that happened.
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A couple months ago, I received a free registration to the RUN CRANDIC Half Marathon. With the complex race course, involving a point-to-point route between two cities (Cedar Rapids and Iowa City), rescheduling was not an option. Thankfully, the race organizers elected to go virtual instead of outright cancelling. I met up with Barb and we knocked out 13.1 miles on a sunny (though windy) Saturday morning. It definitely wasn't a fast finish (probably my slowest 13.1 effort in recent years), but hello? It was a virtual gig, and my legs had taken a beating earlier in the week. Had we been under different circumstances, and on an actual race course, this conversation wouldn't be happening LOL.
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I awoke on Sunday feeling good (virtually no DOMS). For the first time in a very long while, though, I just wasn't feeling like a recovery run. There was no way I was staying inside on such a beautiful morning, though. I knocked out a couple power walk miles (with the hubby and Max), in the early morning sunshine, before our (virtual) church service.
So, virtually and otherwise, it was a productive week. As mentioned, my legs definitely got worked-over. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't do two back-to-back time trials in a week, especially with a 13.1 on tap for the weekend. Once in awhile, though, it's good to push oneself to see what you're capable of. My running miles capped out at 24. Walking took on a renewed life with 20 miles! There also was a short bike ride, 20 minutes of elliptical and a short upper-body session. No regrets, but I promise to keep things a little more balanced this next week.
In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
Humor: It's a Good Thing!
A Runner and a Friend: The Interview
RUNFESSIONS? I got a few...
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair! I'm still working on-site (on the daily), so "office attire" is still my go-to, albeit a bit on the casual side. Friday morning I was tempted to wear sandals, but bailed at the last minute. Anyways, I'm still loving the distressed denim...it can look (somewhat) dressy if paired with (somewhat) dressy pieces and accessories. Just don't forget your lipstick! As always, you're welcome to join me on Fridays...post a pic on Instagram, grab the hashtag (#FridayFashionFlair) and be sure to tag me (@runningonthefly).
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| Kim even ran part of my 13.1 (virtually) with me! |
No maintaining over here, all training! Like you say, I would not have chosen the world events of this spring but you better believe that I am making the most of the hand that we were dealt. Sure it would be "nice" to be on a race course with other runners but there is so much that I can do right now to improve my fitness on my own. Congrats on your mile, 5k, and 13.1!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely on the same page with training/maintaining ;-) This is such a great time to fine tune all of our strengths as well as develop new ones! Onward!
DeleteLoved chatting with you earlier this week and running virtually with you yesterday! It's nice to find new ways to connect with friends so that we all feel connected :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on another virtual half marathon - you are really rocking all of you virtual runs and races lately - it gives me inspiration to get my runs done!
Thanks, Kim, and ditto on our chats/runs ;-) I'm doing another 5K tomorrow after work...just saying ;-)
DeleteYou had another great week of runs and training, Kim! Can't wait until we do our virtual 5k "together"!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup and have a great, safe week!
YES!!!! Our virtual will be a fun time...see what I did there? ;-)
DeleteGreat pics and lovely to hear how you've been connecting. I'm about to pop to my front step for a chat with a friend who's out for a walk ... I've run 21.7 miles this week so really pleased about that, and did a thing to support charities losing out on London Marathon not running today this morning, feels good to be doing something.
ReplyDeleteMy parents are feeling lonely, especially my mom (who hates being at home all the time). I walked over to their house with Max yesterday, and hung out in their driveway for about 30 minutes (while they lounged in the garage LOL).
DeleteI think it's so great that you and Barb are still able to get together for you regular runs. I wish I had a runner friend here that I could plan things like that with. What a blessing!
ReplyDeleteYou really had a great week! And that half-marathon time is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Looks pretty good to me! Especially after a couple time trials already in the books.
Those time trials kind of kicked my booty (BOTH of them, back-to-back, that is). I am truly blessed to have Barb...she's always ready and eager to lace up ;-)
DeleteYou are crushing the virtual races! Way to go. on that speedy one miler. Loved our walk and talk let's do it again soon. Have a great week
ReplyDeleteThe virtuals have been a fun distraction and a great motivation, especially for those 5K's that I'm not usually a fan of. And, I'm always up for a walk & talk ;-)
DeleteDo you have to wear a mask at the office, since you're still going in? I think I've mentioned that my younger sister lives in Cedar Rapids; she works at a Montessori school and was recently asked to come back to work again. Iowa is in a much different place it seems, at least right now, than Minneapolis! It's interesting to see.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, awesome job on the virtual half! You're covering a lot of miles with all these virtual races! Thanks for hosting the link-up.
Our on-site crew is very bare-bones (five of us on the "office side"of the building), so no masking required. We're not letting any visitors in the building, so the influx of anything "foreign" is almost non-existent. Iowa is very rural...we have a few "big" cities (which are small in comparison to more urban areas), so the state as a whole hasn't been hit too hard (yet).
DeleteNice job on all your virtual activities this week!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love the variety of everything, running and otherwise.
Delete2 virtuals and many more to come although I don't race them.
ReplyDeleteA lot of walking and getting outside everyday!!
I'm trying to run my virtuals strong, but certainly wouldn't consider my efforts worthy of a "race" LOL They have been a great incentive to stay in racing shape, though.
DeleteYou are doing such an awesome job with your virtual races! Loved catching up with you this week - let's plan another walk & talk soon :)
ReplyDeleteThe walk & talk was totally a great time! Glad we both had good weather for it (albeit a bit windy LOL).
DeleteWhat a great week. You really aren't slowing down at all! You're so lucky to still be able to rn with Barb!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Barb and I are able to maintain our running routine. I think she misses all the real races as much as I do!
DeleteGreat virtual runs for you this week! Glad the magnolia tree is showing some life in the blooms!
ReplyDeleteI was totally excited to see the signs of life on the magnolia tree! I did notice a few new buds (I think?). Not sure if they are just slow to open, or are actually new...maybe the freeze factor was enough to rejuvenate some new stuff?
DeleteWow! You did such a great job.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It was a busy week ;-)
DeleteYou are crushing those virtual races, especially that speedy mile!
ReplyDeleteThat 1-miler was tough! It's hard enough running that on a crowd of fellow runners, but really a challenge doing it all on my own.
DeleteYou are the queen of virtual races! Well done! My body was feeling a little bit beat up this week so I did whatever it wanted. It's feeling much better and I'm ready to get back to it this week.
ReplyDeleteMy body was really feeling beat up Wednesday evening. Thursday and Friday were easy days for me, by default LOL
DeleteWell done, especially on that 1-Miler. Amazing that you could beat your 2018 time. Also, getting out early on Sunday is a good idea. We went out in the afternoon yesterday and there were so many people out and about.
ReplyDeleteWow, lots of virtual races for you this week! Glad you could spend so much time outside too. Isn't it great to be able to see the sunrise in the mornings again?
ReplyDeleteAwesome job! That virtual 13.1 was great, congrats! You always know how to keep things interesting with all the workouts you do. I love the virtual walk idea too!
ReplyDeleteWOW! Amazing job out there this week! You rocked it! I've been doing a virtual run challenge and it's been such a huge motivator. We've been getting in plenty of walks too latey! Luckily we've had really great weather to get outside so it's helped a ton!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love your light up vest!! It's so cute!
Happy Monday!!
You are crushing it! When things get back to ... whatever they are going to be, you are going to dominate! It's always so inspirational how you throw yourself into everything with all your heart and soul, and rock it. It's beautiful to watch <3
ReplyDeleteDefinitely no mojo to push right now. I think between the weather and no goals, it just seems a fine time to maintain.
ReplyDeleteYou are crushing all your virtual races, Kim (even if they're not faster). Just getting out there & doing it is crushing it IMHO.
I think you are the only one that is doing a lot of virtual races. :-) Great job! I love that no matter what you still are active. Please send me your secret recipe.
ReplyDelete