In Search Of...

Ever have one of those weeks where things just seemed...slightly out of reach?

The weather turned on me (faster, and more severe, than forecast), the full moon did its best to avoid me, and my race weekend's recovery was uneventful (as it should be). The reality that Fall is here - in full swing -  always hits me hard, but it is what it is. Summer's going to end and Fall is going to happen... might as well make the best of it, right?

So, I did...

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 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 ;-)

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

Sunday - in search of a finish line (without a watch)

It was my 9th time running the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon, but my first time without a functioning watch. I'm just ever grateful for (1) my legs' ability to carry me steadily, (2) my mind's ability to keep me entertained along the way (I didn't have any music with me either), and (3) to be back at one of my favorite races. I finished in 2:03:16, feeling very good despite some leg fatigue and early-stage cramping in the last couple miles. Race recap is HERE.

Monday - in search of a proper recovery day

After Saturday's speedy 5-miler and Sunday's strong 13.1, my legs were feeling pretty weary and tired. I'm usually game for a short and very easy-paced recovery run, but opted for a 2-mile walk in the early Monday hours instead. I also walked a couple miles at work (on my breaks). I spent the greater part of those post-finish line 32 hours stretching, trigger-point massaging, and foam rolling. When  I got home form work, I decided that it was an optimal time for a short run, and my gut instinct was spot-on. The temps were (again) summer-like and two easy miles were just what my legs needed. Another successful Never Miss A Monday!

Tuesday - in search of continued recovery

I'd seen the (nearly) full moon out my window, but it had sunk below the tree line by the time I got outside for a short pre-workday walk. Still, the crisp morning air afforded me much tranquility. After work, Gustavas and I enjoyed a 10-mile ride and caught the last of the sun before it set for the day.

Wednesday - in search of surviving a #TripleWorkoutWednesday

With plans for a short Full Moon Run in the evening hours, Barb and I decided to skip our weekly #5at5, but I was still awake and alert in the o'dark hours, so I opted for a #5Kat550 (I mean, why not?). There had been rain in the forecast, but it had halted...only to return in the final 1/2-mile of my run.

As the day wore on, the forecast kept shifting (and not in a favorable way). We've been doing the hilly bike rides, usually on Wednesdays after work, and Amy and I decided to just go with it as planned. The weather was looking much colder for Thursday, but Wednesday's was far from ideal... temps in the low 60F's and crazy wind, thank you very much. Holy Wind Resistance, Batman! This was ride #20, and most likely the final one for the season. Talk about a grand finale...the 20th ride, on the 20th of the month, with 20mph wind. Oorah!

...and then, an hour later, there was that monthly Full Moon Run (this was the sixth one already!). I met up with Barb and Allison, and we all were in agreement to keep it short. All of us were still, technically, in recovery mode from Sunday (Barb had also run the 13.1, and Allison had run the 26.2!). Only, the full moon was MIA, so it was a Fake Full Moon 5K, but still a fun time with friends. No regrets! 

Thursday - in search of another recovery day (and, where's that full moon, anyway?)

I thought it best to go easy on the legs (again), so I layered up and hit the street for a short 1-mile walk in the morning mist/light rain and requisite wind. Thankfully, I had Max waiting to greet me when I returned home. The full moon was still MIA (that's the streetlight posing as the moon in the title pic above). Turns out, this was a perfect day for low-key recovery action. While the wind wasn't as bad as Wednesday's, the temps were a good 15F colder and the air was miserably damp, all of which would have been most unpleasant on a bike.

Friday - in search of the full moon (#MissionAccomplished)

Momma N had kept the moon hidden from me, but there it was Friday morning! She also gifted us an especially cold morning, with winter-like temps (see the "3" in the temps below?) and a frost advisory. I broke out the winter jacket for its seasonal debut and got in a brisk 2-mile walk under the full moon's light. By mid morning, the temps had risen to the low/mid 60F's, so my friend and I were able to get in a 1-mile walk over our morning break. I also did some upper-body strength work in the evening hours.

Saturday - in search of surviving the first frost!

Long run Saturday, anyone? How about a "7-mile run Saturday" instead? And, since the full moon is finally visible again, let's take a pic under it...and use our shoe for a tripod. Desperate times, right? Barb and I joked about how we'd forgotten how to dress for winter weather, so it was a bit of a guessing game getting the layers right. At least the wind wasn't much of a factor.

What's on tap for Sunday?

Ugh...the forecast is looking rather wet and dreary, so I may be opting inside via the elliptical or stationary bike. Stay tuned...

So, kind of a low-maintenance week of recovery (at least for me). Running looks a lot more intense than it really was...28 miles, but 13.1 of those were last Sunday's half marathon. Walking was marginal at 17 miles. And biking...easily my lowest biking week in several months...how does 25 miles grab you? Also, plenty of foam rolling, stretching and self-massage with the Theragun, as well as some upper-body strength work. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to getting back to my normal activity level this coming week!

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

A Topsy-Turvy Taper

Back on Pace - 2021 IMT Des Moines Half Marathon

MercyOne 5-Mile Run - 2021 Recap

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair! I'm not really into the Halloween spirit like I was when our kids were little, but I still love a fun themed shirt. Every year, I dig this spider web creation out from the back of my closet (yes, I did the decorative stitching myself #ArtGeek). Friday's temps were chilly, though, so it was time to pull out the shiny silver puffer vest as well.

Most know I'm a huge Knockaround Sunglasses fan. In recent weeks, I've been playing around with a few new-to-me styles (as part of my gig with BibRave). Stay tuned, there's a review coming soon. In the meantime, you can use code BRKnocks3 for a one-time 20% savings (good through 11/12/2021). Head on over to their site (HERE) and take a look!

Finally, RoadID has brought back their limited edition pink collection for October. For every Pink ID sold, $10 is donated to the American Cancer Society. These are available for you, your loved ones and your furry friends. Last year, $40K was raised towards finding a cure for breast cancer...wouldn't it be great to surpass that number this year? But, you need to hurry! These are only available in October!

So there you go. Another week all wrapped up. Fall is definitely here for awhile...hopefully for longer than normal because I am in NO hurry for what comes after.

How was your week? Any exciting workouts? Races? Cold temps? Frost? Full moon basking?

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