Weather = Wildcard

I’m not kidding when I say the weather is a wildcard.

This week blessed us with a little bit of everything (except sweltering heat). It is what it is, and we have zero control of what Momma N chooses to send our way, unfortunately. The best we can do is deal with it.

So I did my best to keep pace with what was thrown in my direction…

Before I divulge the deets from 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 as I did battle with this week’s weather and whatnot:

A cool & breezy Sunday

After Saturday’s long day and late night (I’m looking at you, ISU tailgating and football, LOL), I thought a morning walk was in order to get some movement and fresh air. Max was only too eager to join me. I also did some lower-body strength work later in the day (fingers were crossed the DOMS wouldn’t be as evil as the previous week).

Never miss a Monday

The forecast was looking increasingly colder, windier and rainier (#triplewhammy) as the day progressed, so I opted to just get the Monday run done upon wake-up. You do what you gotta do, am I right? My workday was crazy long and super stressful, so once I got home, I was out of commission for the rest of the evening (Ted Lasso to the rescue!).

Taking things (kind of) easy on Tuesday

I started the day on the ‘mill with a couple miles of power walking, then hit up the weights for some upper-body work. The day was windy, but also more on the warm side (in comparison to recent days), so I drove over to a nearby trail for a 2-mile lunch walk. Yes, that feel good!

Wednesday - when the gamble on the weather plays-out well!

Oh, did the forecast look dreadful (we’re talking cold, wet, and windy, with a chance of the winter “white stuff” flurrying around). Ironically, the early morning temps were actually the warmest (and least windy) of the day. Hannah and Kelly and I got in our early morning four miles (with negative splits!), and we were glad to have beat the bulk of Momma N’s wrath.

Thursday had a little bit of everything

The near freezing temps (with substantial sub-freezing feels-like conditions) had me thankful to be inside for the weekly cardio hour of power with Deb. After four miles of intense power-walking (though the Garmin “thinks” I was running, LOL), I hit the weights for more upper-body work.

Thanks for the high-5 collage pic, Deb!!

That evening’s group run, ironically the warmest part of the day, saw three miles with a decent tempo pace. The final mile even had a sub-9 split. That’s teamwork!

Ahhh, Finally Friday!

Another chilly and windy early morning had me inside, this time on the bike (for the first time all week, #oops). Friday’s fitness saw five miles of biking bliss for the morning, and a 1-mile walk with Max before dinner.

Saturday - Hmmm, and here’s the season’s first frost…

We all knew it would eventually be showing up, and there it was Saturday morning: the first frost of the season. Silly me, I layered-up for the sub-freezing temps, but with the bright sunshine and ZERO wind, I overdid the gear. Yes, I was a hot sweaty mess by the time I reached the first mile mark. Let’s just say the puffer AND fleece zippers both were substantially unzipped soon thereafter. Given the fact my sleep had been less-than-stellar, I was surprised to see a 9:26 average pace for those five early morning  miles. After returning home, I hit the bike for a 10-mile cycling cool-down.

…and what’s on deck for Sunday?

Tough call. The temps are forecasted to climb to the mid-50F’s by the afternoon, so there may be some serious outdoor activity happening (weather wildcard, anyone?). That said, most likely I’ll be opting inside in the early hours. I’m really liking the garage set-up for my treadmill, so I’m foreseeing a good old-fashioned power walk for breakfast and (maybe) some biking as well. Stay tuned.

So, as mentioned, the weather had its own agenda this week. Iowa definitely had a little bit of everything happening. The running was mediocre, with 14 miles. Walking was a bit meh, with 11 miles. Biking was really low, with only 15 miles in the saddle. What can I say? This week was jam-packed with a lot stress, long hours at the office, and some ridiculous traffic (on several days) after work. First world problems, but frustrating situations nonetheless. At least I got in a few strength sessions, and the DOMS stayed away. I’m calling that a win!

In case you missed out, there was only one post on the blog this week:

No More Wind!

In other  news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Ugh, Friday was a chilly, cold, and mucho windy day! I had multiple layers, by necessity, going on. The Iowa Hawks were playing Maryland this weekend, so I simply had to go with the black and gold school colors. I can’t take full credit, but I do think my black and gold mojo was a small factor in their win over the Terrapins on Saturday.

Off the road, my place of work had a team outing at Top Golf in Des Moines, Friday afternoon. It’s been a good 15 years (maybe?) since I’ve had a real golf club in my grip. I am a pathetic golfer, and that’s being generous in speaking of my skills, LOL. Not sure how I pulled it off, but I came away victorious in one of the games with my co-workers (all of which were men, just saying).

I started decking the halls at my new place this weekend. I’ve been long overdue for a new tree. I’ve never had a flocked  tree before, and the “pencil” trees are perfect when space is limited, so this little 7-ft beauty found its way to my dining room. I love decorating for the holidays! 

Anyways, that’s the latest! Onward we go, headed towards a short work week and all kinds of thankfulness to celebrate. 

How did your week play-out, in fitness and otherwise? Have you had your first frost (or, gasp, snow) yet? Any plans for turkey trotting this next week?

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