Sunday, October 4, 2020

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? 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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38 comments:

  1. One morning last year on a run I found a $20 bill out in a deserted street and my conscience was clear about picking it up. I've also found a good bit of change of the years, so I'm sure it all adds up to a 5k registration. Fingers crossed that you will get good news from the podiatrist <3

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    1. I think I found a $20 last spring (?) one day, floating in a puddle in the street. I've found random singles, but this is the first time I've found an actual cluster of bills.

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  2. Way to go on all those miles last week - and last month! I don't know if I've ever biked that much.
    Good luck with the foot this week!! Sending you some healthy vibes.

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    1. Thank you, Melissa ;-) As I said, I doubt I'll ever crank out that many biking miles in a month again. Without being able to walk or run, biking has been my only cardio option...so thankful to have it in my arsenal!

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  3. You have definitely been making lemonade quite well, and I think biking will also remain in your fitness routine. WTG, Kim!

    Bandit & I had a walk with rain that wasn't forecast, naturally. But no white stuff here yet either, so I'm ok so far!

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    1. I agree, the biking is here to stay! It became a fun cross-training gig last year, so I'm glad it was ready and waiting for me this year as well ;-)

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  4. Figuring out what to wear for cycling in colder temps has always been a challenge for me. I usually put away my bike in October bc of the winds etc. it's very different from running. Way to finish the month w some serious mileage!

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    1. Cold weather biking definitely is a very different gig than cold weather running. The wind is so unrelenting, no matter which direction it's coming from...BUT, that does add to the challenge ;-)

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  5. Glad you were able to run and ride Drake. I haven't broken out the Nox vest yet, but I need to soon. Upside of two car-free running routes definitely keeps me spoiled there.

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    1. I considered just being content with the two Drake runs I'd done. Since biking has been such a big thing recently, it was a no-brainer to give Drake a "ride" for its money ;-)

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  6. That is amazing on all of those miles!!! I usually find spare change (I like it my laundry money) but never that much. Ugh, no white stuff yet here either. Not ready for it.

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    1. I find more spare change than dollar bills, so this cluster of bills was a nice surprise.

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  7. Best of luck for your x-ray this week and well done on another epic week!

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    1. Thank you!! I'm eager to get back on the streets on foot, though I know it will be a gradual transition.

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  8. Sorry that it was so windy there this week. Our weather kept alternating between spring and Fall temps, with some crazy rainstorms sprinkled in, lol.

    Awesome job on all of your biking miles last month - that's awesome! I love how much you have embraced your bike over the past few weeks.

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    1. Thankfully, the rain was pretty minimal, but the wind was another story. The good news is we have some nice return-to-summer temps in this week's forecast. Happy Dancing!!!!!

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  9. That's awesome that you found some money while you were out! I don't know how I feel about riding in the rain. In my opinion, the rain is just awful for running, so I can't imagine I'd enjoy being on my bike for it.

    You have really become one with cycling. I love it!

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    1. Riding in the rain is definitely not ideal. If I had a road bike, I'd be a lot more cautious, but my mountain bike's tires have great tread.

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  10. How cool to find some cold cash! I think I found a $5 bill during a Ragnar but that's about it. Trust me when I say 40s are not bad on the bike compared to what is too come. It's all about how you gear up!

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    1. I agree, gearing up is key. It's just a bit more tricky on the bike...but I'm game for it as long as the streets are clear of the white stuff ;-)

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  11. That's a lot of money to find on the ground- wow!

    Incredible bike mileage, but I'm sure you're happy to be 'back on your feet' so to speak soon. 7 weeks! That's a long time without walks/runs, but you are almost there!

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    1. Yes, seven weeks is a LONG time to not be running, and especially not walking. So thankful for the bike!

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  12. It is so hard to dress for cycling! Plus, it’s harder to discard extra layers as you get warm. I think twice before riding in the 40s, and definitely not unless the sun is out. Yay on a great week overall.

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    1. I'm glad we had plenty of sun for our ride today. The constant "breeze" really puts a chilly twist on the air temps.

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  13. Congrats on some great bike mileage! I hope the wind settles down for you - I can imagine trying to figure out what to wear is a challenge.

    Always nice to find some cash! :)

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    1. The wind has been pure evil recently...glad we had all kinds of sunshine today ;-)

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  14. Sorry about the wind! I bet that's extra tricky on the bike. Glad you could still get out there. Good luck at your appointment!

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    1. The wind is pretty unrelenting on the bike, unless it's a tailwind.

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  15. We've had a bunch of days in the low 40's, but no 30's yet. Dressing for biking is so different than for running, isn't it? I'm slowly running and slowly adding to my fall cycling wardrobe.

    Hope you get great results from your doctor's visit!

    As always, thanks for the linkup and have a great week!

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    1. Yes, the layering is really tricky to figure out for bike riding. I'm tempted to get a long-sleeved jersey (or a couple LOL), but in all honesty, I'm not sure how much use I'd get out of them in Iowa. So far, I'm doing alright with my short sleeves (with arm warmers) and a top layer (that can be tied around my waist or shoved into a drawstring backpack). In another month, it may be too cold or (ugh) there may be snow/frost on the streets...

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  16. Riding in the wind is no fun! Look at it as resistance training... :P

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  17. Wow! Sounds like you had a great week - you did a 4-minute mile (with Gustavus' help) and found $16. I hope you did something fun with the found money.

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    1. The found money is still nestled in my wallet...for now ;-) I did order a funky gel bike seat cover that cost in that range...I guess that's sufficient!

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  18. Congrats on the huge biking mileage! $16 is a pretty great find. I still get very confused when my watch gives me miles splits in time when I'm biking. I wish it would just give me what my speed was, like it does for my running. I'm like "3:38, was that good??"

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    1. And, since I'm on a mountain bike (as opposed to an actual road bike), I have no idea what is "average" or "fast." Doing that 1-miler in the dark was a near-fail because I couldn't read the computer very easily, and then stopping at the 1-mile mark was nearly impossible as well LOL

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  19. I hate riding in the wind! I once did an out and back century ride, the first half into the wind, the second with a tail wind. I had about a 2 hour negative split! And really enjoyed rolling along at about 30 mph without ever trying. :-) Nice job on the mileage!

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    1. The wind can be a vicious best on the bike. Even a strong tailwind is tricky because it can have you going faster than what you can control. A head wind, though, is probably the worst...

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