Perseverance takes on a new meaning in dealing with the spring weather, at least in my little corner of the universe.
We’re talking erratic temps, intermittent precipitation, and nonstop windy conditions (emphasis on the windy, LOL). Facing all that nonsense, especially on the daily, does build character and strengthens one mental strength and tolerance. Not a bad payout!
At least that’s what I tell myself (also on the daily).
Before I delve into 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, in terms of fitness, as I persevered through the week:
Persevering in the stairwells on Sunday
Sunday morning had me arriving at the start line, at 8:30, with the EMC Insurance building’s stairwell at my feet. This was the first of four stairwells for the
Fight for Air Climb (recap). I persevered through all the heat, the shortness of breath, and fatigued muscles for the next 34-ish minutes (18:03 of that was actual climbing time), finishing my 12th FFA with much gratitude for my ability to do so. Later, Max took me for a chilly 1-mile walk and I did the Week1:Day-3 workout for Tunde’s upper-body program (Peloton).
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| Ready to take on 79 flights of stairs |
Fighting more of the wind on Monday
While I’m thankful to have the sunshine for some of my early morning walks now, the ongoing wind is another story. The good thing is the unwelcome wind mellowed as the day wore on. Monday saw 4.5 total miles of walking (early morning and lunchtime combined) and two miles of running (before dinner).
Taking things (somewhat) easy on Tuesday
The day started with a 2-mile walk (holy brr!) followed by Week-2:Day-1 of Tunde’s upper-body program (push-focused moves…holy muscle burn!). And that was it for the day. The weather turned damp, the wind picked up, and the temps went down. Yuck.
Another windy (double-workout) Wednesday
The morning forecast was looking rainy, so our early-morning group run didn’t happen. Instead, I hopped on the bike for 10 miles. I was home that afternoon, and the rain had moved on, so I was able to get out for a 5-mile run. The crazy wind was just settling-in as I was finishing. I nearly lost my hat, but scored some “cash” on my route (title pic, above). Later, I attempted a virtual walk with Deb, but the 30mph winds were too much, and I bailed after only one mile.
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| Blogging on the bike in the basement… |
Triple-threat Thursday
The morning began with time on the bike (13.1 miles) with Deb, followed by Week-2:Day-2 of Tunde’s upper-body program (pull-focused moves). I also got out for a 2-mile walk over lunch, with the weighted vest.
As per usual, I joined the running group for the Thursday night 3-mile run. The upper-40F temps were tricky, but I think I nailed the layers with finesse. It’s the little things, right?
Battling the weather (again) for Friday
With the day mostly to myself (babysitting the grand doggy and household stuff), I waited for full-on daylight to go for a walk. Well, the intermittent sunshine was appreciated, but the cold temps? Not so much. Alas, I persevered through three miles (with the weighted vest) and made the best of it. Later, I did manage to out-walk the afternoon rain (with a bonus 2-miler mid-afternoon), so there’s that, LOL.
Sustaining the stamina on Saturday
As much as I wanted to get in a mid-length run, the cold and windy temps just weren't enticing me. I opted for a 20-miler on the bike instead, and finished the morning with Week-2:Day-3 of Tunde’s program. Later, I made it out for a 2-mile walk (still in my winter jacket).
…and what’s on tap for Sunday?
It’s still looking somewhat cool in the early hours, so I might fire-up the elliptical (for something different), or maybe hit the stairs (just for kicks) before heading to church. The late morning is looking sunny and much less windy, so I’m gonna save “Saturday’s missed run” for then.
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, I’m happy with how the week played-out. The running mileage will be at 15 (maybe 16?) after I knock-out the Sunday miles. Walking saw 18 miles this week (nine of those were with the weighted vest), which is where I’d prefer it to be. Even though the wind was been insane, I can tolerate it via the walking shoes. Biking was substantial with 43 miles. I’m SO eager to get out on the trail, but the 15+mph windspeed is just not bike-friendly. As for strength-training, I’m loving this upper-body program with Tunde (Peloton app). She’s been one of my favorite instructors from the very beginning; I love her enthusiasm!
In case you missed out, here’s what went down on the blog this week:
In other news:
Since I was busy at home for the day, I opted for comfort and coziness. Besides, black is always in fashion, right? I’d forgotten about this tech hoodie from the 2020 Leprechaun Chase. What’s significant about that race is the fact that Covid hit (and swept the world) a few days later, so it was one of very few live races for me that year.
Finally, in doing a little bit of yard clean-up, I noticed these Sedum poking through the ground! A couple of them were brought from my other house (one of which had been shared from a Michigan friend!), so it warmed my heart to see these coming back to life. I have a bunch of landscaping to do this summer, so this gave me a huge boost of inspiration!
So, that’s the latest! I’m loving the daylight; it seems like that lost hour (from a month ago) has already returned. Bring on the spring weather, I’m ready for it!
How did your week play-out? Any fitness milestones? Races on the roster? Has your weather been rather temperamental?
Bring on the spring weather indeed! I just checked our forecast and it's going to be cold and rainy much of the week. We shall see, though, it's been wrong more than right recently. Like you, I so want to get outside on my bike. Hopefully, soon!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing plants poking through the ground in the spring. Peonies I transplanted from Mom's garden are starting to come up.
I saw a lot of cyclists on the trail when I ran this afternoon. It was in the mid-50F range, which is till a bit chilly for my preference (on a bike), but it was perfect for running!
DeleteThe wind has been insane this year. The woods where I run have so many fallen trees; there are more each time I run there. Climate change is real!
ReplyDeleteWe have peonies that followed us here from our first home; they originated up in northern Wisco from my husband's grandmother's home.
The wind has been out of control this year, much more than usual. That’s great about your peonies! I wish I would have had a better opportunity to grab more of my plants, but moving in March was not ideal for that.
DeleteYou do need to persevere through all the weather — and persevering through Tunde’s program is quite a feat too!
ReplyDeleteI’m loving Tunde’s program. I’m realizing I need to add some heavier dumbbells to my arsenal.
DeleteNice to see you leaning into the weighted vest-takes some adapting but then it’s magic. I am starting week 3 of Tunde today. It never feels that hard when I am doing the classes, but I like the soreness the next day. We can compare notes at the end
ReplyDeleteI don’t mind the weight of the vest, I just wish it was a little less bulky. As I’ve said before, I think it will be a much better “fit” when the temps are warmer and I won’t have the warmer layers of clothing to del with.
DeleteCongrats on the air climb (I just went back and read the recap). Sounds like all your stair training paid off. And it sounds like you had a pretty good week in spite of the weather! Our weather has been hot and windy, which is a weird combination (but better than cold and windy I guess!)
ReplyDeleteAs much as I detest the wind, I don’t mind it as much in the warmer months (unless I’m trying to ride the bike, LOL).
DeleteYou really made the best of a challenging week! It’s impressive how you managed to fit in all those activities despite the less-than-ideal conditions.
ReplyDeleteYour commitment to Tunde's upper-body program is inspiring!
Thank you, Catrina! This crazy weather is annoying, but it is what it is.
DeleteHonestly, this past week was a bit of a blur. There is so much going on and with Mr PugRunner being sick, it's all fallen on me. I'm so tired, and also so excited that I'm washing all the bedding today. Everything feels better with fresh sheets and comforter.
ReplyDeleteYou did awesome on your huge climb, and I can't wait to see how your garden comes out. I can't even think about that right now.
Sorry for your tough week. I hope this next week goes much better ;-)
DeleteThe sedum in my yard are starting to poke out of the ground. I've been inspired to start thinking about new landscaping we need. THIS will be the year we actually buy and plant it ;)
ReplyDeleteMy back yard is pretty much a clean slate, so it’s gonna be a challenge (and a bit overwhelming). I’m looking forward to transforming it, though. I miss all my flowers from my other place.
DeleteI’m sorry you’re still having such cold and windy weather! Here it’s been, eh, cold and windy. Actually decent temperatures, but the wind made it cold.
ReplyDeleteHow nice with the sedum! Seeing the garden come back to life in the spring is a wonderful feeling. I can’t remember, this must be the first spring in your new house?
Technically, it’s my second spring (I moved in almost exactly a year ago). I didn’t have time last year to even think about things in the back yard. Well, I didn’t put down some landscaping pavers for the fire pit (but never got around to even lighting any fires because it was so dry and windy, LOL).
DeleteIt's been cold and windy here too. Occasionally it feels like spring but not often enough. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI had a race today... I finished but I didn't feel great.
I have FOMO on all your walks. I keep staying I will get out there but never do...
We had a few great springlike days last week -- and then yesterday it was 30s and snowed! Had some more wind and flurries today too. It does this every year, so I shouldn't be surprised ... but I am!
ReplyDeleteYou always inspire me to get out and walk more. I'm going to take one today - I swear! (hopefullly)
You had such a good week and I am glad you got to work out with Deb again! :) Always a good day to workout with a friend.
ReplyDelete