Pre-Spring, Anyone?

Let's just say spring fever has hit me hard, even if the weather isn't quite there just yet.

Although we've had some cold conditions in the AM's, we've also had some pleasant PM's. The sun has been shining, almost on the daily. We haven't seen any of winter's "white stuff" in quite some time. And, the days just keep getting longer.

Yes, it's a pre-spring situation, and I'm eager and excited for what's yet to come.

Before I share all 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 this week in my little world of fitness, fun and whatnot:

Sunny Sunday - active recovery

I awoke to a feeling of post-Leprechaun Chase fatigue. I didn't think I ran the race especially hard, but there were several hills that saw battle and lots of wind. I got out for a 2-mile morning walk and the legs felt much better. I did keep a pretty low profile for most of the day, though, so there's that. I did another 2-mile walk, after dinner, and that' all she wrote.

Never Miss a Monday - mostly stairs

Let's just say my weather app was a big fat liar, LOL. It assured me it was cloudy, but a few blocks into my run also brought me some cold rain drops. Ugh. Not wanting to run in the cold and wet (and, of course, windy conditions), I called it after a mere mile. At least the sunrise was pretty spectacular (title pic, above). After work, I hit the stairs for 18-ish minutes (and 85 flights) of climbing fun. Why 85? Because that's what I'll be climbing on April 7th (my Fight for Air Climb fundraising page is HERE). Instead of doing intervals of singles, doubles and triples, I did all double-steps and only took one quick break near the midpoint.

Tuesday - Taking it easy

Still feeling the fatigue, I kept it low-key with "only" 20 minutes on the elliptical (about three miles). The temps were warm and sunny, so we got out for two different 1-mile walks at work. After work, I did another walk (this time two miles) and knocked out a short upper-body session with Tunde (Peloton app).

Wednesday - We're back!

Rising and running (and finally feeling back to normal), I met-up with Allison and Barb for the weekly #5at5. The temps were cold, but the wind was calm and the sky was clear; near-perfect conditions! We were lucky, because the wind picked up during the day. Both 1-mile walks (at work) had increasing wind to contend with, but also plenty of welcome sunshine.

Thursday - lots to be thankful for

Even with the previous day's early wake-up, I found myself awake well before 4:00 (almost 45 minutes before my alarm). After trying to relax and fall back to sleep, I finally surrendered any thoughts of more slumber and got up. I was on the bike, almost a mile into my ride when Deb and I met for our weekly virtual Hour of Cardio Power. Due to my early start, I was able to pedal for 18 miles, which is probably my longest weekday morning ride, ever (?). We played Show Me Your 'Dills, and (obviously) Deb won.

Afterward we parted ways, I did some chest and shoulders strength work, and finished with a core workout. The day was breezy, but the temps were comfortable, so Michele and I were able to get out for two 1-mile walks again.

Friday - Week of Pi kickoff!

With rain in the forecast for the entire day, I'd originally planned to run after work (there was a brief window of mere "overcast" showing on my app). Imagine my surprise waking up to damp streets, but no falling rain! I'd been awake (again, before my alarm), so the lack-of-rain circumstances had me gearing-up and hitting the street pronto. Well, the joke was on me. I was only a short ways into my 3.14-mile run when the rain started falling, LOL. It was a very light sprinkling, but it made for a chilly endeavor with the accompanying 11mph wind. At least it wasn't snowing, right? Fun fact: since I'd awoken well before my 5:30 alarm, I didn't think to shut off the setting. I left the house before the alarm went off, so it was buzzing like crazy when I returned home. Anyways, this wound up being a great impromptu decision because the wind really picked up and it was crazy cold after work (when I would have been running). Week of Pi, Day-1...DONE.

 

Saturday - sunny, but oh-so-cold 

With a mucho busy day ahead, the early morning was my best option for running (though the afternoon was going to be much warmer). The temps were sub-freezing, and the wind was fierce, so I waited for daylight and sunshine before heading out. All went well, but ((yikes)) my face was frozen! Week of Pi, Day-2...DONE! I also got out for a refreshing 2-mile walk in the late afternoon, with much warmer conditions.

...and what's happening on Sunday?

The morning temps are looking somewhat chilly, but much less windy. It'll be another busy day (see below), so the early morning will (most likely) have some indoor biking followed by the Day-3 Pi run (after sunrise). I'm also hoping for some walking in the afternoon or evening.

So, it was in interesting week on many levels. For the most part, the weather felt like (early) spring. There was plenty of sunshine, but also plenty of wind...but no snow, so all is well. After last weekend's Leprechaun Chase, my entire body needed a break. I didn't think I'd run the race all that hard, but apparently doing battle with the crazy wind (and numerous hills) had taken a toll. It's probably a blessing Monday's run was a rain-out. I didn't have any interest in biking, either, until Thursday's virtual ride with Deb (seriously, who am I?). It's all good, though, since I'll be running daily for the next several days. Anyways, this week had just over 12 miles of running, 14 miles of walking, and 18 miles of biking (with some stair-climbing and strength sprinkled in).

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

A Multiple Leap Week

Leprechaun Chase 10K - 2024 recap

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. The day was damp, windy, and downright chilly. My solution? Dig out the steadfast, tried and true, long-time fashion friend...the denim jacket. This wardrobe essential has been with me a long time (15 years?), and I love it just as much now as I did when I first snagged it. It's one piece that sees action year-round.

Sorry (but not really, LOL), I gotta give another shout out to Caitlin Clark. She's certainly getting a healthy dose of the spotlight these days. She's not only done the University of Iowa proud, but also women's sports. 

Finally, here's a little preview of what's happening in the household. Things are moving (quite literally) and shaking. There's been lots of time spent packing and organizing 22+ years of stuff recently. Stay tuned, more deets forthcoming in the next couple weeks...

Anyways, that's the latest!

How are things in your world? Is it feeling like pre-spring in your area? Any races this weekend? Any fitness highlights? 

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