Well, here we are...entering October and "enjoying" the early stages of the fall season.
If the first few days of Fall 2022 were any indication of what's to come, it was not looking pretty. Thankfully, things turned much warmer as the week wore on.
This week brought me a tad bit of frustration with lingering aches, pains, and discomforts aplenty. If that wasn't enough, the weather had me questioning why I call the Midwest home. But, it is what it is...and we soldier on, right?
Before I dis on all 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 this week, in my little world of fitness:
A sunny (and windy) Sunday...
The temps were a bit chilly, though comfortable...but the sunshine was full-on. I took Max for a walk around the lake (two miles), then remembered the Mollie Tibbetts tribute run was happening (20 miles away). Well, I hopped in the car and arrived as they were doing the National Anthem (how's that for timing!). I had ZERO plans on running the hilly 5ish-mile course, due to all my glute/hip wonkiness, but walking the 5K portion was a perfect option. Later, I also took advantage of the nice weather and walked another 2-miler. If you do the math...that would be seven miles of walking for the day. All good.
Never miss a Monday.
It definitely felt like the fall weather had arrived (46F, with a 41F feels-like in the 11mph wind). After running the
K2K5K (Saturday) and walking seven miles (Sunday), I was eager to test out the compromised body parts. I did a short 2-miler in the wee hours...things felt alright, but still a bit iffy. Later, at work, I got in a couple 1-mile walks and another 2-mile walk in the evening.
Taking-things-easy Tuesday.
I have really been LOVING the Peloton Barre workouts, so I stacked one of those with a core workout and some arms (light weights) upon wake-up. More walking at work (two total miles) and and I added a 10-mile bike ride after the workday ended. Low-impact for the win!
Double workout Wednesday.
Well, I had all the best intentions meeting Barb for our weekly #5at5 (in the near-freezing 34F temps), but the hip flexor just wasn't playing nice. I called it after three miles. UGH on the hip...but, I nailed the layers with perfection for the 40-degree temp plummet from the previous week.
After work, I met Amy for our weekly bike path ride (this was #21 of the season!). Although the temps had warmed up considerably since the early morning hours, it still was a chilly endeavor on wheels. None the less, we got it done, and 16 more hilly miles were added to the arsenal.
Thankful Thursday.
Sometimes a "spontaneous" sleep-in is just what the mind and body need. I seldom ever sleep past 5:30, but this particular morning was the exception. I had a low-key, low-impact day on the roster anyways, including a hip-focused yoga workout, cued-up on the Peloton app. There also were a couple more miles of walking logged...and that's all she wrote.
A fun-fitness-focused Friday!
Since I'd inadvertently slept-in on Thursday, I moved those intended workouts to Friday morning. How does a 40-minute stack of upper-body (strength), lower-body (runner-focused mobility work) and more arms (light weights) grab you? I also got in more walking at work (two total miles), and a 16-mile post-workday bike ride.
A (non-typical) Saturday...
Since the glute/hip flexor region was still feeling a bit iffy, I decided to break my streak of Saturday running. With the exception of the knee recovery (2017) and stress fracture (2020), I've pretty much had some form of running on my Saturday roster since forever. Max and I got out for a few miles, in the crisp morning air, to start the day. I ask you, who needs coffee?
Later in the afternoon, the temps were feeling wonderful (umm...low-70F's), so I took Krystal out for a 14-mile ride. It was a blessing to have such nice weather, especially after the cold week we'd just had. That said, I know these temps will not be around much longer, so I plan to take full advantage, on the bike, while they're still here.
...and what about Sunday?
I'd love to try for a short run (2-3 miles?), but am not gonna bet the farm on it, LOL. I will definitely be doing more walking, and probably more cycling as well, since the forecast is looking like a repeat of Saturday. Stay tuned.
So, in summary, this was a strange week, in all sorts of ways. The sudden winter-like temps were a major buzzkill. Thankfully, things were much better when the weekend arrived. Running was very much on the down-low this week, with a whopping five miles total. It is what it is. There is nothing to gain by forcing the miles when the body needs a reprieve, so I am totally alright with those numbers. Walking was on the upswing (22 miles) and biking was decent as well (56 miles). As for strength workouts, I kept the lower-body work to Barre and mobility-focused moves, so as not to anger anything further.
In case you missed out, here's what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. After such a chilly week, Friday's temps felt more like the real fall season. Although we tend to see more floral prints in the warmer seasons, I think they have a year-round appeal. This brightly colored top is actually a bodysuit (remember those from the 70's?). I seldom ever try tucking in my shirts because they NEVER stay put...but that is not the case with a bodysuit. Problem solved!
This week, two especially significant "National Days" were in celebration of daughters and sons. Lucky me, I'm tripled-blessed.
So, that's another week all wrapped-up and tied with a pretty bow. Onward!
How did your first "official" full week of Fall play out? Did you get slammed with winter-like temps as well? What's the lowest mileage your running has ever had, while navigating unwelcome discomforts? Have you ever taken a "Saturday sabbatical" from running?
I feel you on the glute and hip flexor issues. Not fun at all. Really hope you can figure out what is going on for you and start to feel better. Love the body suit top! super cute.
ReplyDeleteOverall, things are feeling better, but def still not back at 100%. It is what it is, so there's no sense in panicking about my race in two weeks. But, yeah...UGH!!!
DeleteUgh so sorry about hour hip and glute.. we had fall weather here suddenly and it is chilly!! I don't mind it but it did seem like it just came on.
ReplyDeleteOur Fall seemed to fast-forward a good two months into the future...it felt like late fall/early winter weather most of last week. Not ready for that stuff!
DeleteWe had weather in the mid 30s with the "F" word (frost) being bandied about, but I'd hardly call that winter here. It'll be so much colder. We got nowhere near the 70s this week. 64 felt warm! Haha! Hope all the aches and pains resolve soon!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, the real winter will MUCH colder...this "early" winter happened much too early for my taste, LOL. I'm glad the real fall returned by the weekend!
DeleteWe were cool, but not THAT cool (or that warm, either) and plenty of clouds. I'm sorry you had to break your Saturday streak, but it's always good to listen to your body. You'll be back running before you know it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy ;-) I'm not worried about the running returning, but it may be a bit before it's completely back to 100%. Despite all the cold temps, we at least had oodles of sunshine, so that made everything (somewhat) bearbale.
DeleteI'm so sorry you're still experiencing glute/hip flexor issues. I hope the TLC you're giving it helps. My Saturday's are for biking these days after years of ALWAYS being for long runs. When the weather turns too cold for cycling, I plan to start meeting my Cruiser and MRTT friends for Saturday morning runs. Here's hoping my body won't complain about two runs per week.
ReplyDeleteI love your floral top and I'd never thought about it, but you're right, we don't see a lot of floral prints in the winter.
It was pretty nice (weather wise) back home this past week, but it's a lot chillier in Maine!
I'm banking all the outdoor biking I can right now...I'm in no hurry to take it back inside.
DeleteYou're the queen of those Peloton stacks! Love the Tuesday barre/arms/core combo, sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteI hope the hip feels better this week. Thanks for hosting the link-up!
The stacks are such a great way to get in a good variety of workouts in a short span of time. The short workouts waste no time in keeping the moves flowing, so it's a "full show" when a few of those get stacked together.
DeleteOh body su its! Was just talking to someone about those since heels and jeans are back too. Love the pattern.
ReplyDeleteBoo on the hip/glute. Hope they resolve themselves
When I saw this top on FB (it's from a local boutique), I was a bit taken aback to learn it was a bodysuit. But I LOVED the color and pattern, the bodysuit concept makes total sense...so it had to go home with me ;-)
DeleteWell, I'm sorry you're still having your glute issues- but I think all the walking and cycling is the best thing you could be doing for it. All that blood flow to the area will help it to heal. I know- it's frustrating though.
ReplyDeleteI really feel you on the fall weather- I questioned living in the midwest every winter until I finally couldn't take it anymore. Are you coming down to Florida again this year? That's something to look forward to (we'll try to have better weather for you this time!). In the meantime I hope your get some beautiful fall weather- it really can be nice, if you can forget about what's coming next!
Isn't it a crock of #ish how these random injuries (?) pop up overnight, and then take forever to mellow-out? The walking feel good, and the biking really works the hip area (in a good way). Fingers crossed things keep improving!
DeleteI remember very well back in my honeymoon days of running how much I loved Saturday long runs, but one Saturday I woke up and just didn't feel like running. I did a power walk instead and somehow I got a ton of extra energy to put into my running for the next several weeks. Our bodies know when we need to take time off!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Our bodies know, and so do our minds, though the mind is a tough one to "give in" to the reality.
DeleteWell boo on the aches and pains this week. Especially when you had to break your Saturday tradition. You are keeping up with the movement and workouts quite well though. You always do such a great job of doing something! Hope this week is better for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! As long as I can keep moving and grooving, I'm alright with scaling back the running mileage.
DeleteI'm quite grateful for all the other fitness options at my disposal ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat job with all of your workouts this week. I agree with you that a random sleep in day is always much appreciated! So happy you were able to participate in the Mollie Tibbetts memorial walk/run.
ReplyDeleteI'm just I remembered the Mollie Tibbetts event. It had been on my radar, earlier in the week, but I'd (temporarily) spaced it off.
DeleteI'm so sorry about your hip. That's hard. Fall is kind of here. I am happy that humidity has taken a hike. That's really such a huge thing. I don't know how long it's going to last, but I'm here for it while it does. I do have some annoying pain in my ankle, but it is what it is.
ReplyDeleteever happy to read when someone is in pain.
ReplyDeleteHope yours is short-lived.
But you are so active. You'll lose l\none of your fitness.