Keeping it Low-Key

Things had been a little crazy of late, fitness-wise, and my body was ready for a well-deserved break.

So, how about a week of (somewhat) easy-peasy recovery?

While my recovery looks different from that of others (as it should...none of us have the exact same routine, nor do our bodies need the exact same recovery regimen), I could tell it was due time for a low-key week. I kept the running mileage ultra conservative, I scaled-back on the biking, and I even caught a few extra hours of snoozing (yes, me!).

Are you curious how that all played out?

Before I share some of the highlights, 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, in my little corner of the fitness universe:

Sunday, sunny Sunday...

No doubt, my body was feeling fatigued from the previous day's DAM to DSM half marathon. There's no need to sugar coat that, LOL. None the less, I knew a shake-out run would (probably) help loosen up my legs. The morning air was crisp, the sunrise was golden, and the birds were singing as I made my way around a familiar 2-mile route with a very easy-peasy pace.  Mission accomplished! A short while later, I saddled up Krystal for a 10-mile ride and then met Amy for a 3-mile walk over the noon hour. Although I still was feeling tired, my legs felt much less achy.

Never miss a Monday.

We'd had rain all night, so the air was somewhat cool, but very humid upon wake-up. I did a short 2-mile run (the legs were feeling good, but I didn't want to over-extend the distance). There was some walking at work, then Barb and I met up for a 5-mile walking "happy hour" after work. And, yes, I slept quite soundly Monday evening.

Mixing-it-up Tuesday

I usually keep the Tuesday strength workouts more "upper-body" focused, but opted for a full-body endeavor with Peloton's newest instructor, Logan. There were more squats than I'd bargained for (remember that detail, LOL), and some decent upper-body moves. Also, there were a couple of 1-mile walk breaks at work.

What-to-do Wednesday?

The weather was looking iffy in the early morning, so Barb and I postponed our #5at5 for after work. Instead, I allowed myself an extra 90 minutes of sleep (you heard that right!), and opted for some walking (and also squeezed in two walk breaks, later, while at work).

After work, the #5at5PM was on! All I can say is Oof. Remember those squats from Tuesday morning? Well, the DOMS staged a mighty appearance by mid-afternoon on Wednesday. Not only did I have to step lightly (because, ouch!), but the temps had climbed (to the mid-80F's) and the wind had picked up. Also, there's a lot more traffic to deal with at 5PM than we usually see 12 hours prior. But, at least it wasn't snowing (#GlassHalfFull). 

Double workout Thursday.

As mentioned, I decided to mix up my strength routine this week, so that meant some upper-body work was on deck (literally) for Thursday. The workout called for "medium" dumbbells, but I didn't feel like trudging all the way down to the basement to get the appropriate weights. Instead, I double-gripped smaller hand weights with the heavier ones, and all was well. I sometimes forget that option!

Later, I met Amy at the bike path, after work, for our weekly ride. This ride was more challenging than anticipated. The wind was minimal (5mph), but it was out of the southwest. so we had to fight it all the way out (in other words, no downhill coasting). Coming back, we barely noticed any semblance of a tailwind, and had almost non-stop pedaling on the return trip as well. The warm temps felt great, though, and we beat the rain...the dark clouds were chasing us all the way back into town.

Finally Friday!

More rain overnight, and it was lingering in the early morning hours. I'd hoped for a bike ride, but settled for a walk under my umbrella. By early afternoon, though, all the rain clouds had disappeared. I was able to knock out 12 miles, on the bike, after I got home from work.

 

Saturday had me on the go...

After a brief sleep-in (until 6:00), I went for a 14-mile ride amidst the sunrise and nearly-clear sky. Yes, I am wearing orange biking shorts, because why not?  I was also wearing lipstick...would you expect any less of me? Go bright or go home!

What's on tap for Sunday?

We have a warm day in the forecast, and a long bike ride (with some friends) on the roster. Bring it!

(in other words...I will be delayed in reading/commenting/replying to the link-up...I promise to get all that business done before bedtime, though #pinkyswear).

Anyways, I think I did well in keeping things low-key. My running miles were capped at 12. Walking was moderate, with 19 miles. Even biking took a brief sabbatical (early in the week), and finished with 51 total miles. The strength workouts were legit, but not overly strenuous. I'm feeling good!

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

Riding the Stride

DAM to DSM 2022  - race recap

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Is there any better color combo than the classic black and white? As much as I love all things colorful and bright, even I cannot deny the allure and appeal of these two color staples. Add some chunky and funky jewelry and silver sandals, and you're good to go.

Barb and I had plans for a mid-morning Saturday run in nearby Newton (about 20 miles down the road), but the sky suddenly clouded over and rain appeared just after I returned from my ride. This event was part of the statewide Iowa Brewery Running Series. I'm not a beer drinker, so this wasn't on my radar, but Barb found it. It was an untimed run that started and ended at the Gizellig Brewery. We had the rain. We had numerous hills. We had some narrow sidewalks, plenty of puddles, and a very scenic trail. And, we ran a very speedy 5K...and we were the first two gals to finish.  

And, finally, isn't it fun to get all glitzed up for an evening out? Barb, Kelsey and myself spent Saturday evening at the Des Moines Heart Ball, an event fundraiser for the American Heart Association. There was non-stop sequins, delicious food and drink, and many heart disease survivors were celebrated. 

So, that's a wrap on another week of fitness and fun. We have a hot week of record-breaking temps in store for us in Iowa. I can assure you, I'm looking forward to it as I ease back into maintenance mode! 

How did your week play out? Training, maintaining or recovery? Good weather? Any races?

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter