Keeping in Motion

There’s much to be said about the benefits of keeping in motion.

After all, we don’t gain much by remaining sedentary. This is true in terms of fitness, wellness, and emotional growth. This week was all about keeping things moving in the midst of busyness. I’d say mission accomplished! 

Before I dis on 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 this week, in terms of all things motion-related:

Easter Sunday - a full day with fitness, food, and family

With sketchy (aka rainy) weather in the forecast, I was able to sneak in a quick 2-mile walk before heading to church. I made sure to wear my psychedelic Easter-egg patterned vest to do so, LOL. I wasn’t expecting my guests until 1:30, so I had time to complete the final session of Tunde’s program after getting back home.

Never miss a Monday

My early morning 2-mile walk had the remains of several (Easter?) eggs on the trail. I also got out for another 2-mile walk over lunch (with much warmer temps).

Later, my run had all the makings of perfection. The temps were sunny and summer-like, and my splits were (almost) in sync.

Not my typical Tuesday

There were just a few things keeping me busy on Tuesday. The morning started with two miles of walking (with the weighted vest), which was followed by an Arms & Light Weights workout (via Peloton) with 8# weights instead of the usual 3# ones. Oof. It was a friend’s birthday, so I played hooky and went on a 15-ish mile bike ride with him. That evening I had the Grand Blue Mile (see below) and a plogging walk with Max.. 

Double workout Wednesday

As per usual, I met Hannah for our weekly #4at445 run. My legs felt really trashed (from the Grand Blue Mile, a mere 10 hrs prior). I’m not sure how we managed that 9:45  “easy” pace. I also got out for a 12-ish mile ride in the late afternoon because the summer-like temps were irresistible, and Max took me for a 1-mile walk as well.. 

Thankful Thursday

Both Deb and I were saddled-up and ready to ride five minutes earlier than usual. I rode 15 miles and also got in a 2-mile walk (before the rain hit), and did some glute/leg, and upper-body strength work. Then, I was off on a small roadtrip/mini vacation after dropping Max off at my sister’s place. Destination: Hard Rock Casino/Hotel in Sioux City, IA. 

Fitness and Fun-filled Friday

I think we all would agree the best way to explore a city is via ones running shoes. After a 1-mile warm-up walk, I ran a couple miles on the streets of downtown Sioux City. Ugh, my legs were still feeling fatigued (I blame the GBM and Thursday’s long car ride), and the hilly route didn’t help, LOL.

Simple Saturday

After a full day (and two late nights), Saturday morning had me feeling a bit sleepy. Nonetheless, there was a beautiful sunrise happening and I wanted to take full advantage before the long drive back home. The afternoon was busy with some catch-up tasks and a sunny 2-mile walk.

   …and what’s happening on Sunday?

The weather is looking somewhat mediocre (but progressively windy). I’m planning on an early morning walk before church and a 10K run (or thereabouts) sometime later. 

In summary, I’m giving this week two thumbs-up. The running was solid, with some decent paces and a solid GBM race; 10 total miles (with six more on-deck for Sunday). Walking made a favorable showing with 17 miles. Biking is slowly ramping back up with 42 miles (27 of which were outside). As for strength work - finishing Tunde’s program was a fulfilling accomplishment. Oof, those heavier weights are no joke! I’m glad to finally have lower-body workouts back on the agenda. Also, the three upper-body sessions all left me with a solid muscle burn. All good things! 

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

Where There’s a Will

Drake Road Races 10K - 2025 recap

Things that need Aprilfessing

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. I simply had to pull this handmade piece out of the closet for my trip to the casino. I designed it, several years ago, when I was in a bunko group (notice the dice?). Besides, it’s perfect for spring weather with the pink color and open-weave stitch pattern.

Earth Day:101. Max and I finally got out for some plogging Tuesday evening. I had every intention for getting in a plogging walk on  my own, but the day got away from me with all the other stuff I had on my plate. Thankfully, we still had plenty of daylight and the temps were still feeling nice. I even sorted the recyclable “trash” from the rubbish.

Finally, a few words about the Grand Blue Mile. The 70F temps were ideal (as was the lack of wind). This was my fourth time running the GBM. Not being a naturally gifted sprinter, this race always has me doubting myself. Like in years past, I had my previous finish times taunting me (my PR is 7:23, but last year I ran it in 7:50). My goal was to “simply” (as if, LOL) finish sub-8:00. Somehow, all the stars, moons, and planets aligned. I finished in 7:47, securing a 2nd-place AG. Stay tuned, there’s a recap coming! 

Whew! That’s a lot to write about! Trust me, it also was a lot to get done. 

This next week will be less busy as I prepare for the Market-to-Market Relay on May 10th. Never a dull moment (and that’s just the way I like it).

How about you? Is Spring keeping you in motion? Any races on the radar? Have you ever run a 1-mile race? Any plogging for Earth Day?

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