Can you say WIND?
If so, you'll have a solid grasp on how this week played out for me. We're talking chilly temps, intermittent rain, and all kinds of stuff blowing through the air and against my face.
Yes, there's a reason (actually, several LOL) I don't particularly like the fall season, and this week's weather was at the top of the list. It is what it is, right? Besides, if we didn't have some cruddy weather, we probably wouldn't appreciate the truly beautiful days.
Trust me, I had that mantra on repeat this week...
But first things first, 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 8:00AM (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 this week, amidst all the wind...
Sunday morning with Sebbe
As forecast, there was all kinds of precipitation coming down and all kinds of wind a'blowing. For the first time, in a very long time, I saddled-up Sebbe (remember him...my stationary bike?) for 20 miles of intervals. I did get out for a late-afternoon walk, but I had to cut it short at 1-mile because the break in rain was much shorter than anticipated.
Never miss a Monday!
Well, the good news was that the rain was outta here; the bad news was that it still was cold, damp, and windy in the early-morning hours. None the less, I got out for a vigorous 2-mile walk on the still-wet streets before work, and saved my 2-mile run for after work. I was even able to sneak in a 1-mile walk, mid-morning, on my morning break.
Another easy-peasy, Tuesday Schmooze Day
Nothing too intense...an easy 5-miler with Sebbe, a 1-mile walk at work (mid-morning) and another 2-mile walk after work.
Whacky Wednesday Weirdness...
The weather forecast was looking rather chilly, rainy, and windy (I know, BIG surprise). It was showing 15% chance of rain and 49F temps (with a 42F feels like, courtesy of the18mph wind) for our #5at5, with rain starting by mid-morning and continuing indefinitely. Barb and I decided to just go for it, but altered our usual route to avoid as much of the fierce wind as possible. And it worked! We made it back to our meet-up spot and parted ways unscathed. Only, as I was taking the requisite post-run selfie, a concerned campus security officer (see his car, on the right side of the pic?) pulled over and asked me if I was alright (Yeah, that's right, #busted in a selfie). I assured him, twice, that I really was fine and "just stretching" after my run.
Bringing back the HIIT for Thursday
With the hilly bike path rides now over and done, I thought it would be an opportune time to bring back some HIIT workouts. Holy bum burner, Batman! My lower-body was worked over, to the max...
Here's what went down:
*5 flights of stairs (double-stepped)
**20 burpees
*5 flights of stairs (double-stepped)
**20 sets of walking lunges
*5 flights of stairs (double-stepped)
**20 jump squats
*5 flights of stairs (double-stepped)
**20 sets of mountain climbers
*5 flights of stairs (double-stepped)
** 20 sumo squats
***Take a deep breath, grab some water and do it all over again
***Two sets netted me 50 flights of stairs, 40 reps of each exercise and very tired legs. I was also sweating profusely, LOL.
Going with the flow Friday
With some travel on deck for the weekend, there wouldn't be any "longish" running happening, so I wanted to get out for a few recovery miles, per se. Remember Thursday's HIIT workout? I knew I'd be feeling some after affects (Hello, DOMS!), and the hammies and bum were already feeling cranky by Thursday afternoon, and were thoroughly on fire by Friday morning. The early morning rain was more of a thick drizzle for the two miles I ran, so it wasn't much of an inconvenience. As predicted, my post-HIIT achiness felt better afterwards (yay!). Our neighborhood skeleton was in a rather jovial mood considering he'd spent the entire night outdoors. I think we all could take a cue from him --> smile anyways (so I did).
Game Day Saturday
As mentioned, there was travel on the roster. The hubs and I left late Friday morning and headed to Madison for the Iowa vs. Wisconsin game. Saturday morning had me up and running (literally) by 6:00 on the streets of nearby Middleton. I'd forgotten my Noxgear vest and my Knuckle Lights (which don't typically come along on short weekend trips), but I had plenty of streetlights and a very clear sidewalk through (and around) the business park by our hotel. Three miles of running (somewhat) helped soothe my still cranky glutes. Later, there was approximately three miles of walking to/from Camp Randall Stadium. The game was less than great, but alas, our Hawkeyes only have two losses for the season and are still bowl eligible. Glass half full.
As for Sunday?
The weather and temps are looking nice (finally!), so there will definitely be some walking and maybe some late season biking.
Well, this week was such a buzzkill in regards to weather. I did get outside everyday (that daily outdoor cardio streak is still going strong, 11 months and counting). Things were pretty much on the down-low: Walking had 12 miles, running had 12 miles, and biking (all indoor) had 25 miles. I was able to squeeze in a short upper-body strength session after we returned home Saturday evening. It felt great to be doing HIIT again, even with the DOMS. As I've said, the DOMS are always earned and never given LOL. No regrets!
In case you missed out, here's what else went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair! It definitely felt like a spooky Halloween-like week with all the wind, rain, and chilly temps, and Friday was no exception. This sparkly pumpkin shirt has seen a few Halloweens. It's actually an XL kids shirt (not sure why they don't make many of these for adults LOL). I also had to give the spider web leggings one last hurrah for the season (though I may sneak an occasional run or walk with them after Halloween because they're so comfy and funky).
Sorry, Fall-loving friends...I think I post this meme every year. Even though the leaves are looking beautiful, and the extreme humid heat of Summer is long gone, I'm still not a fan of this time of year. Momma N does not play nice with the fall weather in Iowa. At least she hasn't blessed us with any of the white stuff yet this season.
So, there ya go! Another week of fitness is in the bank. As I mentioned in my Runfession post, I'm at a bit of an impasse in regards to running and racing. I love running just for the pure joy of it, but I also like having stuff on the calendar. I know, I know...first world probs. That said, I'm grateful to have ended (?) the racing season feeling good, and with two strong races for the grand finale(s).
What's been happening in your world? Any races still on the calendar for the fall? Any big races that you're looking forward to in 2022? Was your weather a bit of a washout (and/or blowout) like mine this week?
Our weather was kind of all over the place this week too, but luckily it hasn't been too cold yet. I'm just trying to enjoy the fall colors while they last! That's pretty funny that you got busted by a security guard. At least you know they're around and looking out!
ReplyDeleteThe security guard incident was really funny! I know he meant well, but he didn't seem convinced I really was stretching (probably because I really was taking a selfie LOL).
DeleteYou all must be the biggest college football fans around! Hope you had a fun time at the game. I am still loving our fall weather (sorry not sorry) chilly mornings and warm afternoons make make me happy. The trees are really gorgeous right now. Happy halloween
ReplyDeleteYes, we love college football! We also love basketball, too LOL If our fall weather was like yours, I'd probably be more of a fan. It's just so cold and wet (and WINDY) here, it's really hard to enjoy all the nicer aspects.
DeleteYes we had the rain and the wind too. But during the clear weather mid-week, it got down to the low 30's here so we froze as well. Sigh. Still not complaining. It could be so much worse.
ReplyDeleteI had a couple of Facebook memories pop up, and we'd already had two significant snowfalls this time last year! So, yes, it definitely could be much worse. We'd gotten our first frost the previous week, but it wasn't a hard freeze...we still have that to look forward to ;-)
DeleteI missed much of the wind and mess while at the farm this week (it blew past north of there), but got a real dose of heavy cold rain and high winds all day Friday once I was back home.
ReplyDeleteYour Thursday HITT workout looks like a good (and tough) one!
Thanks for the linkup and have a great week!
That Thursday HIIT is still plaguing me, believe it or not! It hurt even to use the Theragun...and that usually gives more relief (than pain) to any aches or cranky muscles. Oh well, as I said, no regrets!
DeleteI missed that weather while I was out west, but we did have rain and wind on our day at Yellowstone. It didn’t stop us! Glass half full was it kept the crowds away. I guess you just have to make the best of every season, right? PS I thought the game was great, lol. We were in Madison too, but went to my youngest rugby game.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, we have to make the best of every season. That doesn't mean we have to love what Momma N hands us, though LOL
DeleteWe had some challenging weather this week too - wind, rain, etc. I even hopped on my treadmill twice and only did one outdoor workout — Saturday’s run with Scooby.
ReplyDeleteIf my treadmill was functioning (still in hibernation mode...awaiting a grand exodus, I think), I would have done some walking (and maybe some running) indoors. I'm glad to have the indoor bike, though. I haven't fired up the elliptical since late last winter/early spring. That may be happening sooner than I'd prefer...
DeleteYes, I can see how you would feel that fall is overrated! I don't remember loving fall either when I lived up north- it's only in retrospect that it seems so great.
ReplyDeleteThat HIIT workout- ouch!!! I would have been sore for days. Especially when you haven't done something like that in a while. Funny how the soreness goes away while you're running, but then returns immediately after- what's up with that???
Hope your weather improves a bit this week! No wind and no rain would be nice.
Finally, after two solid days of near-agony, my bum is feeling almost recovered. Holy! Even when you anticipate the DOMS, sometimes they really steamroll you!
DeleteCongrats on the Thursday workouts, a very though job!
ReplyDeleteHere, at the moment, fall is different: sunny and warm. Sometimes a little of rain. The colors are beautiful. Yes we have less daylight but I like the shorter days.
Our colors are really looking beautiful now...bummer it takes all those cold temps to make that happen, though.
DeleteI love seeing the workouts you come up with for your indoor time. They inspire me to try something different every now and then! The rain this week was a bummer, but I'm looking forward to a clear day today.
ReplyDeleteWe had mostly clear skies yesterday (In Wisconsin) and it's really sunny here (back in Iowa). Kind of chilly, and windy, but not as cold as it's been.
DeleteTuesday was the only awful day this week -- and the only outside time I got was going out with Bandit so he could do his business! Managed almost 3 miles inside with my cardio abs workout & my normal pacing -- it's amazing how much walking you can do from short bursts. :)
ReplyDeleteI do like Fall. Every season has its pros & cons -- even Winter, which you know I am not a fan of.
I hope you have fair winds this week, Kim. :)
Well, I'm not a fan of Winter either (but I'm sure you know that LOL). I do agree, every season has it's good and bad features, so it's on us to focus on the good as much as possible ;-) I'm hoping for fair winds, too!!!!!
DeleteYou may have seen my niece at the game, she's a Badger football cheerleader! Though vaccinated, she was sidelined for several of the games because she got Covid from one of the non-vaccinated cheerleaders and couldn't participate. So this was her first game out there! She did great.
ReplyDeleteWe had lots of rain this week, but I ran through it. Shoes are still drying out though :)
I managed to miss most of the rain (at least for my runs), but it was very damp and dreary most of the week. That's great that your niece was back on the field...bummer she had to miss all those other games.
DeleteThe wind was really bad here for a few days last week, and we also had a rainstorm. Luckily the storm wasn't too bad and there wasn't much flooding.
ReplyDeleteYour indoor workouts are always so good!
The wind is probably my least favorite outdoor "demon." The cold temps are a very close second, though...
DeleteOh that fall meme - I totally read it in the sad Charlie Brown voice even though I love fall.
ReplyDeleteLove your bright colors against the dark/gray. Glad the run helped the glute. Boo on the loss. My Irish this year. Ugh. Cincinatti is good, but ugh that loss
The running really felt great! I didn't notice much glute (or hamstring) achiness while running, but climbing the stairs and going from sitting to standing (and vice-versa) was torture!
DeleteI hate fall too except for the colors...more darkness and it means winter is coming!! ugh
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm glad there's plenty of beauty to be had because the weather totally sucks LOL
DeleteBusted doing your selfie! I've been doing quite a lot of walking and our local big park was lovely and autumnal yesterday although pouring with rain, as I marshalled a fund raising 10k.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a bunch of us have had a lot of rain recently. It always feels really cold this time of year (unlike during the summer months, when it's refreshing)!
DeleteFall usually means an end to rain here, so I am loving our cooler temperatures! I hope you had a wonderful Halloween weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe weather was a little all over the place here thanks to a Nor'easter, but I runfess that I'm still enjoying these cool fall mornings. Gotta try to soak it up while I can, right ;)
ReplyDeleteSorry Saturday's game didn't go so well - hope you still had fun!