So.....Now WHAT?

So...anyone else looking at a big question mark for the Summer of 2020?

You probably heard that my marathon has been cancelled. Yes, I'm bummed, but I'm not heart-broken. Don't worry, I will not be hanging up the running shoes or giving up on my fitness. Things are going to be different from what I've come to know for the past 12 years, though.

Honestly, this is going to be way out of my comfort zone. I'm not afraid of all the unknowns or lack of schedule. But with no big Fall race on the calendar, I feel like I'm embarking on a journey into the great unknown.

It's both exciting and a bit eerie, but it is what it is.

Fortunately, I'm pretty well-rounded with fitness options. Since I do the bulk of my workouts at home (other than running/walking/biking), I won't have to go searching for things to do. Plus, I have a few scheduled events to look forward to...should they stay intact.

Here's a peak into what I have on tap thus far:

First and foremost, I'll be maintaining with a side of training. I have a pretty consistent routine of workouts I do year-round, but I am going to tweak it a bit for the next few months:

Monday: easy run, 3-4 miles

Tuesday: rest/recovery...walk/biking (or elliptical if it's raining), abs/core/balance

Wednesday: #5at5 and outdoor stairs (after work) if the weather is nice

Thursday: intensity day (HIIT/speed work/strength), abs/core/balance

Friday: active recovery (biking/elliptical)

Saturday: long run

Sunday: optional recovery run (2-3 miles, easy) or biking

**daily:1-2 mile walk (outdoors), push-ups (10-20), leg lifts

***Some days may get rotated or swapped, depending on the weather

****long run distance will vary (usually around 10 miles, with a scale-back every few weeks)

There will be a lot of biking. Last year, I really came to appreciate bike riding as an excellent recovery vice. I have a lot of rolling hills to choose from (which are nice for the day following a long run). There's the hilly bike path (about a 15-mile out-and-back route). And, I have numerous 5-8 mile options if I just want 30-40 minutes of low-impact movement. Just this week, I got a new toy for Gustavas...a bike computer! It has a few bells and whistles that don't really interest me (calorie burn and speed, for example), but the most important feature is the odometer. My Garmin had sufficed, but it "thinks" my fastest 10K is 35 minutes (which is about 18 minutes off LOL). I could have used an app on my phone, but I didn't want to suck the battery life out of it...so this CatEye VELO 9 is what we went with.

  

I do have a Plan B for the cancelled marathon. I will be registering for the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon (October 18th) because the race officials are confident the race will be able to happen as scheduled. Of course, no one knows how (or if) the COVID situation will change by then. Thus, I can maintain my 13.1 fitness...or, if things are looking and feeling especially good in a couple of months (ahem, when the 26.2 training would need to commence), I have the option of upgrading my registration to the full marathon. For right now, though, that is a big IF. My gut is telling me the Air Force Marathon cancellation was a blessing, and an opportunity to have a summer without any 26.2 training...something my body has not known since 2012 (well, except for the summer of 2017, but by then I had already run my marathon). Stay tuned...the jury is still out on that final verdict.

2019 with Ramona and Barb

There will be some new things to try. There are a couple of different running clubs (somewhat) nearby; both are about an hour's drive (Des Moines and Iowa City/Cedar Rapids). With the lack of races happening, all of my weekend runs have been in town. Let's just say, I'm eager for a change of scenery. Barb and I have been meaning to try some of their group runs, but we've always had weekend races or other obligations that didn't fit well with the extra time and travel of needed to make any of the group runs feasible. Well, that won't be an issue this summer. We're heading to Des Moines on Saturday, to "test run" one of the running clubs. It'll be nice to meet some fellow Insta friends in person, as well have a different locale for running.

I'm virtually working my way across the state of Iowa. Yes, I fell victim to the "run across-your-state" craze and registered for the Great Run Across Iowa. I'm bib #1564, and I have until August 10th to complete my 249-mile journey. As of Thursday (June 18th), I've completed 96 total miles (45 walking, 51 running). I plan to run all 249 miles, but am also tracking my walking miles, as well, with the goal of surpassing the 315-mile mark (which was the longest option of race distances). 

And, last but not least, I do have a real race happening on the 4th of July! I've run the Sully Freedom Fun Run several times, and the race director recently announced the 2020 race is still a go. They are limiting the registrations to 500 total (includes both the kids' 1-mile run and the general 5K). There will be no race day registrations allowed, and no after-party. But, ladies and gentlemen, it's a live race!!! 

from 2018 (with Barb)

I still have a half marathon (postponed in April) that has not yet been rescheduled, and a 20K that is  rescheduled for September 5th (now with an altered 10K "looped" course). Even with these limited races, it will be a summer like none other. Truly, I'm alright with everything. It's our reality for now. With not many races happening anywhere, there's no FOMO, right? 

Anyways, that's how things are looking for my 2020 summer. Have you had to rethink your summer training, due to rescheduling or cancellations? Are you stepping back from your usual summer mileage, or keeping things similar to years past? Do you have any summer races still happening?

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey for the Friday with Fairytales and Fitness link-up. 

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