Riding the Stride

A lot can be said for the fine art of prepping for a big race.

There's the taper, but also the daily fitness "fixes" that we all know and love. Finding that perfect balance, which is an individual thing, is tricky. It's also well worth the trial and error in seeking it.

Thankfully, for me, I have my trusty bike(s) to keep me happy when I'm scaling back on other vices. It was an active week of tapering, so to speak. And a week of eager anticipation of a favorite race... 

Before I dis on the deets, 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 in my little (fitness) corner of the universe: 

Sunday Fun Day

I was up and out the door, shortly after the sunrise, for a 3-mile walk. 

Then, upon my return back home, we'd gotten an invite to road-trip to Omaha for the Big 10 Baseball Tournament (our Iowa Hawkeyes were playing the Michigan Wolverines). So...after the 3ish-hour drive there, several hours in the hot sun (on hard stadium seats, LOL) and the drive back home, I was an exhausted mess. But, it had been a fun-filled day with our friends.

Never Miss a Monday (even on Memorial Day)

For the past several years, a group of us have met at the lake, which is right next to the cemetery. We run a lap around the lake, then run the hilly trails through the cemetery. It's always beautiful seeing the numerous American flags on display. Later, I spent several hours doing several "garden squats" and a lot of vicious weed-yanking. After a 2-mile walk (in the evening), I was more-than-ready for bed.

Tuesday's Upper-Body Bliss

With the race coming up, I opted to avoid lower-body-focused work...which meant I could focus on upper-body strength instead. I did a short strength session, on the patio in the early morning, then did a couple of Tunde's toners in the evening (all from the Peloton app). There also was a combined total of four miles walked for the day.

 

Double Workout Wednesday

I met up with Barb for our weekly #5at5 adventure in the early hours. After work, I met Amy, at the bike path, for another windy expedition on the hills (15 miles). Also, walking weighed in with four total miles.

 

Easy-Does-It Thursday

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my sunrises? Whether on foot or on wheels, there's just something magical about experiencing the sun just after it breaks the horizon. 10 miles on the bike, then another four miles of walking (at work and in the evening) for the day's totals.

Friday's Leg Flush-Out

Not everyone is a fan of a short run the day prior to a race, but I am. A 2-mile shake-out run felt oh-so-good in the morning! A short 1-mile walk at work, then a 2-mile walk (for my "happy hour") and all was good.

Saturday? Just my favorite DAM race...

My day started rather early, with a 3:45 wake-up and a 4:30 departure. The shuttle buses got us over to the start line (the Saylorville Dam) for the 7:00 race start of the DAM to DSM Half Marathon. Let's just say my performance wasn't my greatest. I had a major energy crash in the ninth mile (dehydrated and probably under-fueled) along with some unforeseen knee crankyness (ITB?). I had to walk. A lot. That said, this race is one I look forward to every year, and this was #15. My glass was more than half-full, and I still enjoyed this iconic event. I am ever grateful for what my body can do under adverse conditions, and still cross the finish line with a genuine smile. I crashed for a few hours after getting home, and then did a 10-mile bike ride (and my legs were ever thankful!). Recap coming...stay tuned!  

What's on tap for Sunday?

The jury is still out...I may go for a short recovery run (or I may not). I do plan on some early morning biking to enhance the leg recovery, though.

All in all, the week played out nicely. Now that D2D is done, I don't have any long-distance races on the calendar until October (but that could change, LOL). I am looking forward to relishing "maintenance mode" for awhile. This week's miles: 23(ish) of running, 35 of biking, 21 of walking.

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

Just Keep Movin' & Groovin'

Global Running Day: Let's Do This!

What's in my Cup?

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Friday was a beautiful, sun-kissed day in Iowa! Your thoughts on distressed denim, and/or frayed hems? While more on the casual side, I like the edgy look of this skirt. Pair it with a bight-colored top (and some chunky jewelry) and you're good to go.

Global Running Day. Wednesday, June 1st, was a grand day! I was privileged to share it (virtually) with some of the best running friends ever. Thanks to Cari for the collage!

How about a peek into my garden? This week's bloomers were peonies, Siberian irises and spiderwort. I'm loving all the color! My daylilies are taking over (but won't be blooming for several weeks), as are the numerous hostas.

So, that's it for now!

How did your week go? Any significant workouts or achievements that need mention? Did you race this weekend, or do you have a big event coming up?

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