Where There’s a Will…

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. At least that’s what they say, LOL. 

The crazy spring weather continues, and I’m facing it on the daily. If I can mention the wind again, I’d windfess that I don’t ever remember the magnitude of what Momma N has been throwing at us in recent months. We’re not talking a few simple wind gusts, but daily sustained wind with numbers usually in the upper teens for wind speed. 

Thankfully, the temps have been steadily on the rise and we’re seeing quite a bit of sunshine. Glass half full!

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, as the fitness I did battle with the weather: 

Simply Sunday

The early morning temps were a bit chilly, but the forecast was looking sunny and warm. I started the day with a windy walk before church. My sis and parents joined me for lunch, and hung around for a little while afterwards. I didn’t get out on the bike until almost 6:30, but the temps were sitting in mid-70F’s so all was well. I’d hoped for 25 miles, but settled on 15. Still a nice ride in fabulous temps!

Never miss a (windy) Monday

Yes, that’s a puffer vest. The early morning 19mph wind was bearable due to the sunshine, but still colder than I’d prefer. By lunch, the wind had increased to 22mph, I kid you not. That 2-mile walk really tested my patience.

By the time I got out for my Monday run, before dinner, the temps were moderate, but the wind had escalated to 26mph! Somehow, my 9:19 pace was much faster than anticipated in all that craziness. Afterwards, I tried taking Max for a walk, and he wasn’t very happy with me. You know the wind is a beast when your dog’s enthusiasm is less than grand.

Taking-things-easy Tuesday

The day began with a 2-mile walk (with the weighted vest). Then, it was time to introduce the new 20# “kids” to the family. This was Week-4:Day-1 of Tunde’s upper-body program, and it involved eight sets of push-focused moves (two different circuits). These heavier weights didn’t feel that heavy until the final set of each circuit, which goes to show I probably should have introduced them sooner, LOL.

 

Winning on Wednesday

Nothing out-of-the-ordinary, which makes it a solid day. Hannah and I had mild weather (minimal wind…what’s up with that?) for our early morning run. She headed home after three miles, but I stuck around and ran a bonus mile (#becauseIcan). Max and I did some walking, and I also took the weighted vest out for two miles of walking.

Another Triple Threat Thankful Thursday

There was a little bit of everything going on, especially in the wee hours. Deb and I knocked-out 15 miles of biking. There was a 2-mile walk. And I spent more time with Tunde for Week-4: Day-2, this time working on pull-focused upper-body moves. Oof. I might have done more reps than specified (#JustSaying), so those heavier dumbbells had me lifting-to-failure (which is a good thing).

The wind was much better behaved, later in the afternoon, so Max was in no particular hurry to get back home (ummm, our 1-mile walk, pre-dinner, took almost 25 minutes!). Later, there was a smaller-than-usual turnout for the group run, so instead of pausing at each mile marker (for everyone to catch-up with the leaders), we ran the three miles straight through. Yowza, that tempo-ish jaunt was a hot one with the lack of wind! Finally, a feels-like-summer run!

Free-for-all Friday

I thought I had one-up on Momma N for getting in a 2-mile early morning walk before the rain hit. Turns out, she held off on the rain until I was headed to the Drake Road Races expo (just after lunch). Nice of her, huh! I spent the afternoon volunteering with a couple of running club peeps at our club’s booth. It was fun sharing info about our club with fellow runners and chatting about local races.

A super-de-duper Saturday

The early morning had me in the Drake University vicinity (Des Moines, IA) running the Drake Road Races 10K. Honestly, I had mixed feelings going into this race. I’ve run the half marathon numerous times, but ran the 10K last year. With the surprisingly calm weather (chilly but NOT windy!), I was hopeful I could pull-off a similar finish time (last year’s finish time was 54:50). Overall, I felt strong and the race went well. Full disclosure: I took a handful of intermittent 10-second walk breaks, though, and crossed the finish line in 56:17. My average pace was 8:59, which scored me a 6th place AG (out of 24). I’ll take it! Recap is forthcoming. I spent the rest of the day prepping for Easter, raking my yard, finishing a few odd jobs, and enjoying a warm and sunny 2-mile walk before dinner.

…and what about Sunday?

The forecast is looking rainy by late morning (and for the remainder of the day). I’m gonna try to get out for a walk (and maybe an indoor bike ride?) before church. I also have the final workout in Tunde's program awaiting my attention. I’m not hosting Easter dinner until 3:00, so I won’t be rushed getting the rest of the food ready.

Not a bad week, considering the less-than-ideal weather conditions. Thankfully, the wind mellowed by the weekend. Running logged just over 15 miles. Walking saw 20 miles. Biking had 30 miles (15 of those were outside!). I’ll be wrapping-up Tunde’s upper-body program on Sunday, so I’m ready for another challenge. I really need to get back to more consistent lower-body work; I’m considering revisiting JJ’s Push/Pull program (also on Peloton). 

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

That Spring Feeling

To Vest or Not to Vest - a few initial thoughts

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. As mentioned, I spent my Friday afternoon repping the Altoona Running Club at the expo. What better way to rep the Club than to sport some gear, right? 

Here’s a sneak peak at some of the goods for Easter dinner. The Rice Krispie treats are made with Peeps (absolutely NOT a favorite Easter candy, but they make for pretty snacks, LOL). The ham balls are a favorite of the family. I’ve found it’s easiest to make them night before, then put them in the crockpot a few hours before serving them. I’m also making cheesy potatoes, but they’re best baked right before mealtime. My sis is bringing a few side dishes, as well, and also dessert. My poor Easter Lily, though! At least it still smells lovely.

But enough about me…

How did your week play-out? Has it been windy in your ‘hood? Any races happening…this weekend or upcoming? 

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