I Got This (virtually)

Virtually, things are pretty decent on the home front.

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 ;-)

Here's what went down in my (virtual) little world of fitness this week:

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!

Later, after work, I headed out for my 1-miler. This would have been the Grand Blue Mile, a crazy fun (though fast and furious) race on the streets of downtown Des Moines. I've run this both in 2018 and 2019, both times surprising myself with what my awkward body can do in a short mile (and how long that one mile can take to recover from LOL). Although I had done some speed training this Spring, I haven't had much for races. I really doubted I'd be able to beat 2019's 7:23 (and I was correct), but I did manage a faster time than 2018's attempt. I ran a mile for a warm-up and walked the mile back home afterwards. Then, the hubby wanted to go for a walk, so he and Max got two more miles out of me. I slept well that night.

Wednesday - Earth Day with a side of (virtual) plogging
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.

Thursday - A real (non-virtual) recovery day
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.

Friday - Another (non-virtual) recovery day (sort of)
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.

Saturday - The RUN CRANDIC (virtual) Half Marathon
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.

Sunday - (virtually) feeling good, feeling fine
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).

Remember my distress over my magnolia tree? We had a couple of very late-season snowfalls, and the tree looked like it had been through a nasty war. All the blooms were trashed. Well, this week, I noticed a few lone survivors coming to life! All hope is not lost!

Finally, can I just say that the running community is like none other? I have really been enjoying a lot of extra support and encouragement from my runner gal pals recently. Several of us have been FaceTiming while walking "together" over lunch. It's been a great way to enjoy some lively conversation, break up the day and get in some awesome cardio! This week, I was able to walk and talk with Kim, Deborah and Michelle...and I look forward to many more of these virtual get-togethers!

Kim even ran part of my 13.1 (virtually) with me!

So that's the latest rundown. What's been happening in your world? Are you training or maintaining? Any virtual races? Mojo to push outside of your comfort zone? 

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