Bankin' the Taper

Taper. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

With the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon one week out (as this post goes live), this past week was Week-1 of my taper. I use the word taper quite loosely, though, since I'm kinda/sorta always in somewhat of a 13.1 condition (at least this time of year). That being said, this week I made a concerted effort to take the taper seriously in terms of scaled-back mileage, lighter strength-training, and extra ZZZ's.

Gotta say I'm pretty happy with how things played out...

Before I dis on the deets of the week, 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 blog as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Anyways, here's what went down in Week-1 of Taper:

All things summer-like on Sunday

Still in the midst of summer-rewind temps, I got out for a refreshing 2-mile recovery run (after a slight sleep-in...#taper LOL). About halfway through my run (title pic, above), I got a text from Amy asking if I wanted to join her and her hubby for a ride. Well, I don't need to be asked twice. I made it back home, took a very quick shower and we had my bike loaded a short while later. It was a typical hot summer ride, with a menacing 12mph headwind after our turn-around...but I loved every minute of those 24.5 miles. 

 

Never miss a Monday

Sunday's hot ride had left me feeling a bit sleepy, so I allowed another (slight) sleep-in and got in a 2-mile walk before heading to the office. After work, I debated about doing an easy-paced 3-mile run or if I should attempt one more final progression run. We all know I love the heat, but the 88F temps were pushing my comfort level. I decided to go for it anyways. When I saw the 9:47 split for the first mile, I had doubts if I could pull off two progressively faster miles, but I remembered I was totally in my element with the weather conditions. Everything came together, and the second (9:14) and third (8:46) miles had me absolutely giddy upon finishing. I'm so grateful the heat is (usually) my friend, and this run gave me a huge oomph of confidence!

A very typical Tuesday

I usually keep my Tuesdays low-key, and this was no exception. The day began with a 2-mile walk in the early morning darkness, followed by some upper-body strength work (outside, still embracing the heat). There also was a 1-mile walk at work and two more walking miles in the evening. And that was it. Easy-peasy. Low-impact for the win.

Double workout Wednesday

I met-up with Barb and Allison for the weekly #5at5. We had a beautiful clear sky and nearly perfect 63F temps. There were a couple of 1-mile walks at work as well.

After work, Amy and I met for an in-town ride. Although the route was relatively easy, we did have double-digit wind to fight for much of those 14 miles (it's a good thing we're well-acclimated to those conditions, LOL).

Thankful Thursday for the win

I've said it before, but I'll say it again...busy early mornings make my day. Case in point, the weekly cardio hours with Deb, which are usually followed by bonus fitness fun. I kept my three miles evenly paced (and somewhat "progressively slower" with splits at 9:58 / 10:01 / 10:06), and the 2-mile cool-down walk even required a jacket (50F temps). Afterwards, I did my first Barre workout in a few months (long overdue, just saying) and some light upper-body strength and core work.

A nearly freezing Friday

Granted, I saw this coming, but Holy Brrr, Batman! Friday morning greeted Iowa with temps in the mid-40F's...you know, only a 50-degree drop from the the heat of a few days prior. I made it out for a chilly 2-mile walk and barely beat the rain. As the day wore on, the wind increased to 22mph, and the temps climbed to a staggering high of 51F. Totally not my gig!

After work, I was craving some fitness, but had ZERO desire in heading outside. My solution? The spin bike! Although I sacrificed the last of the daylight by being inside, I was nice and toasty for 16 miles. I'm not sure what my Garmin was thinking, though...I must have been moving my arms quite dramatically because I swear I never left the seat of my stationary bike. 

Simply sensational Saturday

On a whim, I decided to postpone Saturday's longish run to Sunday (with the hope of slightly warmer/less windy weather). I still wanted to get outside and log a few miles, so I cued up a Guns N' Roses run on Peloton (not the best idea for keeping my pace conservative, FYI). Just a 5K distance, in the 43F temps (with a 37F feels-like), but in a new pair of shoes. Dang. What is it with new shoes that make you feel like you're flying???

...and what's on deck for Sunday?

As mentioned, there will be a moderate run (I'm thinking 6-7 miles, max) in the morning, and probably some walking as well. Temps are still gonna be chilly, but seasonal (though slightly warmer than Saturday), so there may be a short bike ride in the afternoon hours.  

Anyways, this was a good week. After the previous week's 30+ miles of running, this week's 16 felt just right. Walking wasn't as stellar, only 19ish miles for the week, but not a deal breaker. Biking also was fairly conservative, with 54 miles, but given the fact that I'm in taper mode, I'm totally fine with that as well. Strength work was mainly upper-body focused (other than Thursday's Barre workout), and I'm doing daily core workouts this month (I'm calling it Coretober). Feeling good, feeling fine!

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

Summer's Extended Stay

A Coffee Catch-Up

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Well, I had to bring out the puffer vest for the first time this season, but at least it's in an appropriate color for this Hawkeye fan. This may have been the first day, in a long time, that I had to succumb to actual shoes instead of sandals. 

Garmin predictions.

I do not play around with most of the bells and whistles on my Garmin, but I saw this little feature this week. Hmmm, Garmin has pretty lofty predictions for me! Although I have come close on some of these, all of these predicted finish times would be PR's. We shall see what's in store for me, next weekend, on the Des Moines streets.

Finally, we all saw the drama with the Twin Cities Marathon cancellation a week ago. It's nice when other marathons rise up and show support to the running community. I know the IMT DSM site crashed a few hours after the TCM announcement, due to being inundated with registrations coming in, but it was later restored. This post made me smile...I love the sense of humor in the midst of a frustrating situation.

So, that's the latest and greatest in my little world of fitness. Onward!

What's happening in yours? Any races on the roster, this weekend or upcoming? Did your weather turn suddenly cold as well? Do new running shoes make you feel like you're flying?

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