Weathering The Week

Let's just say it was a windy week in Iowa.

I think most people know I'm a huge all-things-summer gal, so this intro to Fall 2020 was a bit of a challenge to embrace. I can tolerate the cooler temps, but Momma N was insistent on also blessing us with wind on a daily basis. And it wasn't a warm breezy kind of wind, either.

Oh well, at least she's not dropping any of the white stuff on us yet (knock on wood).

Before I dis on 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 little fitness world this week:

Never miss a (double ride) Monday. So what if Monday's morning temps started with a "4?" At least there wasn't any white, frosty stuff on the streets. Gustavas and I got out for 4.5 chilly miles before work, and caught the start of the sunrise.

After work...my Drake Relays Road Races Half Marathon swag had arrived in the mail, so I did what any self-respecting sidelined runner would do, and suited up in the event jacket and grabbed the bike. Temps were still chilly, and rain was threatening, but I felt a strong compulsion to get this ride done right away. I pedaled hard and I pedaled fast, and I fought the 15mph wind (with 25-30mph gusts). Some rain broke through around mile 11, but didn't last long. I made it back home in 1:01, which was a good 10 minutes faster than my best-case-scenario prediction. My quads were fried, but the rush of endorphins felt oh so sweet. I had run these 13.1 miles (virtually), back on the race's original race date, so this biking virtual was more for the fun of it than anything. 

yes, another 13.1 virtual "race" with Gustavas

Another typical Tuesday. My legs were feeling a bit DOMS-like from the intense 13.1 miles, 12 hours prior. I thought it best to give them the morning off. So, it was upper-body strength in the morning, and the hubby and I did an easy 5-mile bike ride after work.

Low-key workout Wednesday. After last week's 100-miles of biking, I promised myself this week would be less intense. I got out, at o'dark thirty, for five easy miles and that's all she wrote (and rode) for the day.

Twisty TLC Thursday. I had plannied an early-morning ride, but the unexpected rain kept me inside...and I admit that it was a blessing. Even though the past couple days had been relatively low-key, my body (especially my back) was feeling cranky. Besides, I really wasn't looking forward to another battle against the wind, so some easy-does-it stretching was a decent option. After work, the temps were a bit warmer, making the wind less ominous, so the hubby and I did a quick 5-mile ride before dinner. 

Double-ride Friday, with a Drake bonus! As part of the Drake Relays Road Races, there's also a 1-mile race, called the Grand Blue Mile. All racers who do the 13.1/10K/5K and the GBM are awarded the Bulldog Double medal in commemoration . The GBM usually happens on the Tuesday evening following the half marathon (and 10K/5K races). With all things COVID, this race was postponed, and succumbed to virtual status as well. I also had run this virtual mile back in April, but since the swag had also arrived, I felt obligated to attempt a fast mile on the bike. The challenge was doing it in the dark, early Friday morning, when I wouldn't have to worry about traffic. I rode a couple of miles as I plotted where an ideal 1-mile stretch could happen (with strategic street lights to see my bike computer). It took me three attempts to get the 1-mile distance timed correctly, I kid you not. My final mile clocked at 4:04, and (again) my quads were beat when I finished. I wound up with seven miles for the morning, due to the warm-up/cool-down and two start-overs. After work, the hubs and I did another (chilly) 5-mile ride.

Saturday's Switch-Up. We'd planned another group ride, but the "late afternoon rain" arrived in the morning instead. Whomp Whomp. Not wanting to break my biking streak, I tried sneaking out when the rain drops halted...only to get treated to more light sprinkles while I was riding. Well, Momma N may have rained on my ride, but Gustavas and I found some cold cash (literally) as we raced to get our wheels back home. How does $16 sound for a consolation ride? 

Sunday (long) Ride Day. The morning began with a short 3-miler to do a cross-check on my layers. Temps were 37F, but the sun was rising and the sky was clear. Even the wind was MIA for the most part! But, holy brrr. I'm pretty sure this was my coldest ride, ever. With a 30ish-mile ride happening later in the morning (postponed from Saturday), I wasn't sure how to dress. Temps were forecast to be in the upper 50F's, so stay tuned! I'll update this post later Sunday afternoon.

**UPDATE** The ride was a fun adventure in beautiful (sunny!) weather. Our intended 30ish miles, however, wound up being 34 miles instead, due to an accidental detour. So many trails converging, and we chose the one with the longer route...oh well. At least we had good company. Worse things have happened.

Despite the crazy wind, and several cold mornings, this week played out nice. I'm treating the two Drake virtual "races" as my lower-body strength work, and my quads were quite thankful there weren't any more tough rides demanded of them. In addition to Tuesday morning's upper-body session, there was another short-but-sweet one Friday evening. As for biking, the miles totaled out just under 88...and that includes the bonus miles from late morning/afternoon Sunday. 

In case you missed out, here's what else went down on the blog this week:

Rewinding Back to Summer

Running Mistakes...Anyone?

Chai and Chatter and (bicycle) Chains

In other news: 

Friday Fashion Flair!  Friday was one of the nicer days last week.  The sunshine gave way to much more pleasant fall-like temps. We all know I love cheetah print, so why not pair it with a funky color combo of teal and cinnamon? The cheetah print blends with the cinnamon pants, making the teal cardi really pop. Go bright or go home! 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).

My September miles were like none other! I doubt I'll ever break this number, since I'll be back walking soon (and hopefully running in the near future). I guess I should never say never, huh. What can I say? Gustavas has been a loyal companion through this stress fracture experience.

So, that wraps up another week of stress fracture recovery. I go back to the podiatrist for follow-up x-ray this week, and we're going to discuss the next game plan. Hard to believe this has been my reality for seven weeks now.

How are things in your world? Has Fall been treating you kindly so far? Any new workouts or fitness routines? 

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