A Week of Biking on the Fly

Can you say "biking on the fly!"

When I call myself a runner who bikes, I'm not just giving that claim lip service. This week was an all-out biking excursion, with a few runs mixed into the adventure. 

I have to give huge accolades to Momma N on this one. With the 2020 Fall season being an almost near-miss, and with Winter knocking on the door, optimal biking (in Iowa) is winding down. But, this past week, the weather gods shined most gloriously on my little biking streak, allowing for my biggest biking week...ever!

But, before I share all 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 ;-)

Anyways, here's what went down in my little world of fitness this week:

Never, ever, miss a Monday!

Temps were a bit chilly at wake-up, but were forecast to be warmer later, so I postponed the Monday ride and took the hubby along for a 2-mile walk. It had been awhile since the two of us had done an early-morning walk, so this was a nice change in routine. It had been even longer since I posted a front porch selfie.

Later, after work, the temps were great, though a bit breezy. With the time change, I had to capitalize on the daylight, so I knocked out 15 miles on the bike immediately after work. After a quick change of shoes, I headed back out for my first post-stress fracture 1-mile run! Even though I had just upped my distance (from 1/4-mile to 3/4 mile) over the weekend, I just felt ready to go a bit further...and all felt great! FYI, running right after a long bike ride will ensure an "easy" pace, even for just one mile.

Double Ride Tuesday

After the previous evening's long ride, followed by that 1-mile run, my legs were feeling a bit cranky. I  decided to give the legs a break, and just do some stick rolling and stretching in the morning. The warm temps (and sunny sky) were just too beautiful to not take advantage of, so I did a fast & furious 5-mile ride over lunch. After work, Gustavas and I did another 12 miles...because, why not? So, 17 total miles for the day. 

A pretty wonderful Wednesday...

It had been awhile since I've done an #OdarkThirtyCrew run, so after taking Max around the block, I decided to do another 1-mile rally-back run. Out of curiosity, I timed myself to gauge my pace. I ran by feel, which is my main objective anyways (but especially now as I ease back from my stress fracture). I was really surprised to see a sub-10 mile, given the hilly terrain of my 'hood! Things, again, felt good in the running shoes. 

...and some riding was on tap, four miles over lunch, and another 16 miles after work, with Barb. Yes, I did wear the same biking jersey for both rides (#busted), but added arm warmers for the post-workday ride. But, check out that sunset!  

A very Thankful Thursday

More mileage in the bank...a couple of 2-mile walks, and 17 miles in the afternoon sunshine. I gotta say, the weather was simply phenomenal. The temps were in the mid-70F's, and the wind was a mere 4mph. I'll take these kind of November temps any day. 

Feisty Friday

Eager to run in the early sun, I did a quick 1/2-mile walk for a warm-up, ran a mile around the college campus, then walked another 1/2-mile for a bit of a cool-down. Afterwards, the hubby and I headed back out for a 2-mile walk. Oh, and there may have been a 14-mile adventure with Gustavas over lunch. 

An action-packed Saturday

We had cool temps in the morning, accompanied by a return of the crazy wind. Since the (three) 1-mile runs had gone well this week, I decided to up the distance a bit more. After a 1/2-mile walk around the block, I broke into an easy-paced run and headed to the college campus. Thankfully, the 1.5-mile distance felt effortless as well, so I called it good. Afterwards, I added a couple layers and knocked out 11 miles in the 18mph wind. Later, mid-afternoon (after the Iowa game LOL), I headed back out for another 10 miles. This time, the temps were 20-degrees warmer (73F) and the wind was similar (19mph)....but this ride felt so much easier. It's crazy how the wind is so much more bearable in warmer temps! So, that was another 21 miles in the biking streak bank.

Sunday Sunny Sunday

It's no secret I love my sunrise adventures. Having the hubby along for a long, (somewhat) early morning walk is just a bonus. More beautiful weather, albeit windy, greeted us Sunday morning. With a bike ride on tap for the afternoon, a 2.5-mile walk was the perfect start to the day. Stay tuned...there'll be another 25ish miles added to the #sfxbikestreak before the day is done.

So, this was an interesting week! When I saw the forecast, I knew this was the week to capitalize on some serious biking mileage...don't forget, I'm hoping to hit (and now, surpass) 1,000 miles with this biking streak. This week saw 104 miles on the bike (with another 25+/- happening Sunday afternoon). As this post goes to press, my biking streak mileage is at 930 (since August 22nd). With my running mileage still very conservative (only 4.5 miles this week), it really worked out well to log all these daily double digit rides. I took a pass on focused strength work this week (as if my legs needed any additional work anyways). My walking is gradually increasing, as well, with 17 miles this week. Let's just say, I'm really feeling blessed. This rally-back is going well, and I'm not taking any mile (or run, no matter how short) for granted.

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

Moving Ahead With Caution

Currently...over coffee

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair!  With the phenomenal weather as of late, I'm allowing the "summer" shoes one last hurrah before the seasonal weather returns. As much as I love color, I admit to having a weakness to black and white. This fun top caught my eye, and as soon as I saw the ruffle sleeves, I knew it was going home with me.  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).

I spy, with my little eye, somebody's lunch. I never got our pumpkins carved, but the squirrels are now enjoying them.

Anyways, that's another week, all wrapped up and tied with a bow! There are still a couple more days of warm weather (by November-in-Iowa standards), but then our regularly scheduled weather will return. I'd like to continue with the daily (outdoor) biking up to Thanksgiving, but that's really pushing it. I've made it this far (Sunday is Day 79!), so it will be tough to let this streak end. I know, first world probs.

How are things in your world? Has your weather been seasonal, or did a warming trend come through? Any pumpkin-munching happening on your front porch? Any bets on how long this biking streak will go? Should I try to suck it up and stick it out to Thanksgiving?  

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