Iowa was blessed with another shift in the weather this week.
After an unseasonably warm weekend, things started shifting. We had some rain, plenty of wind, and much colder temps by the week’s end. Oh, and let’s not forget about the first major snow storm of the season that blew in late Friday afternoon and is still going strong as this post goes to press.
Never a dull moment. Lucky us!
Before I divulge all 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 my little world of fitness and whatnot:
A Sunny Sunday…
The early morning temps were chilly, but the afternoon conditions were in the mid-60F range and the sunshine was spectacular. I started the day with 13 miles on the bike, then got out for not just one but two outdoor walks (five total miles). Max even enjoyed a jaunt around the block with me.
Never miss a Monday
Another damp and dreary morning, I hit the bike for 10 miles before heading to the office. I walked a couple miles over lunch, via the skywalk. It was still raining after work, so I opted for another ride on the spin bike (20 miles this time). The air was still damp, but the rain had moved on by the time I finished riding, so I took advantage and walked a quick mile through the ‘hood to cool-off.
Low-impact Tuesday
The day started with “five miles” on the elliptical, followed by another cool-down walk (one mile), before work. Over lunch, I walked 2-1/2 miles (skywalk), and finished the day with some upper-body work after dinner.
A Wild & Windy Wednesday…
With the 32F temps (and 30mph wind), it was unanimous for all of us to pass on meeting for the weekly group run. Instead, I hit the bike (yet again) for 20 miles in the wee hours. later, I walked 2-1/2 miles over lunch (obviously in the skywalk). Max and I walked a very fast and furious loop around the block, after I’d gotten home from the office…brrr, it was painful! Back home, I found a chest and back Peloton workout for entertainment before doing a little pre-Thanksgiving prep work.
Thanksgiving Thursday: Turkey Trotting and Family Time
The Des Moines Turkey Trot had a 9:00AM start time, so I was able to take my time getting a quick breakfast before heading downtown (a 20-minute drive). The 25F temps were cold, but I nailed the layering game, so the 11mph wind wasn’t an issue. The first mile was a major clustered mess with upwards of 4,500 peeps (many of which were walkers), but things were much better thereafter. I ran the 5-mile race (there also was a 5K). Overall, I was happy with my pace and finished with a 4th place AG (out of six, LOL). There’s a recap coming soon, so stay tuned!
Black Friday Fitness…
It was another morning with a spin session, but this time I actually had daylight in the basement (due to a day of PTO and a slight sleep-in)! It’s the little things, am I right? After 25 miles on the bike, I did some glutes/leg strength work (ouch!) and finished Day-2 of the AB Rollout Streak (see below). Max took me for a windy 1-mile walk, but the fresh air was much appreciated.
Snowed-in Saturday
After
numerous warnings, the first winter snow storm was here. It had started snowing late Friday afternoon, but we only had a couple of inches upon wake-up…but that changed as the day wore on.
Deb and I opted to join (virtual) forces for an early morning ride, and we both had an our furry “coaches” supervising us as we did so.
After we parted ways, I hit the weights for some upper-body strength work. I may have also summoned a frozen Snickers for a quick fuel fix between workouts.
…and what about Sunday?
The snow is supposed to cease Sunday morning, but I doubt the roads will be very clear until later. The odds are good I’ll be back on the bike or the elliptical, then hopefully can get out for a walk in the afternoon.
So, it was kind of a non-traditional week in terms of fitness. The only miles in the running shoes were logged in the Turkey Trot (I blame the rainy weather, early in the week, and also the heavy snow through the weekend). Walking was moderate, with 16 miles. Biking totally dominated, this week, with 110 miles. The three strength workouts were sufficient, giving my muscles some decent burning…all good!
In
case you missed out, here’s what went down on the blog:
In other news:
Friday Fashion Flair. My Iowa Hawks traveled to Lincoln, to battle the Cornhuskers on Friday. Although I watched the game from the confines of my house, ‘tis the season for toasty team scarves. Spoiler: the Hawks dominated the Huskers, defeating them 40-16.
As mentioned, there was plenty of snow this weekend. I’d hoped to get out for a walk but the streets were a mess and my driveway needed some attention. The snow was wet and heavy, and there was about an 8-inch accumulation by mid-afternoon on Saturday. It only took about 32 minutes to clear my driveway, and the extra scooping, squatting, and tossing made for a great “bonus” workout.
Garmin rewarded a few badges for my efforts this week. While I keep plenty active on my own, these badges are nice incentives, especially in the off-season.
Finally,
did you notice there was no mention of run-streaking? After 12 years of doing the
Runner’s World Winter Run Streak, I decided to take a pass this year. My body is still recovering, and it doesn’t need any excess pavement pounding (my foot is feeling good, but my hip region is still a little wonky). Instead, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do a Daily Ab Rollout Challenge! Oof, these are tough! I’m starting with 10 daily rollouts, and will be focusing on my form and gradually increasing the numbers. Why not?
So, that’s the latest! The Iowa weather is nothing if not unpredictable! It keeps me guessing, and there’s frequent pivoting when the conditions are less-than-desirable…but it doesn’t prevent me from keeping my #
OptOutside streak going. As of Saturday, I’m at Day-1830!
How did your week play-out? Any trotting on Thanksgiving Day? Did you get hit with the snowstorm that swept much of the Midwest this weekend?
That Turkey Trot sounded downright chaotic at the start! 4,500 people in 25F and wind is a brutal combo, but you nailed the layering game, that's already a big win! Also, nicely done getting through that first-mile bottleneck and settling in anyway. Looking forward to the recap!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the trot! Mine was also in those brutal conditions, but once we started running, I didn't feel the cold! The snow is here! EEEEEK
ReplyDeleteI bet that was a crazy Turkey Trot. That's a big turnout! I love the hat and the coordination of the bib and medal. So cute. We had some crazy high winds here too, so cold. I'm already making my meal plan with several soup recipes for this week :) Do you use the ab roller often? My husband bought one and I'm decided it was an easy way for me to break my back. oof.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had fun at your 5-mile turkey trot! Non racers are just clueless about lining up toward the front even though they plan to walk. I understand - they don't race so they don't even know about racing etiquette.
ReplyDeleteI just heard on the news that you guys woke up to about 11 inches of snow today. Eek!
You sure did have an active week of fitness! That skywalk sounds like it is just perfect for mid day breaks. My kids got stuck here bc of the snow in Chicago too. I have one of those old ab wheels somewhere they are tough. While I do not do the run streak, I am opting for a walking streak
ReplyDeleteStopping for a frozen snickers in the middle of a workout is the most genius thing that I have ever heard! Noted! I mean, our gym is in the basement and our freezer is in the basement so...
ReplyDeleteWe didn't get a lot of snow at home but just a few miles north of us, we got hammered. I'd been to a new park with the dog recently that was really cool, so I took the Hubs up there for our Friday lunch dog walk. Well, there was a good 6 inches of snow on the ground and only a few people had been out so we could barely see the trail. There is a portion of the trail with a boardwalk, and the snow was ever deeper there. Doggo insisted on walking off the boardwalk in very deep snow. At one point she did the worm and it was hysterical to watch. It was a really fun bonus workout.
No we didn't get any snow here but my son is battling the conditions right now! He was supposed to fly out yesterday, we changed his flight to today, and he is now waiting in Dallas while his next flight is delayed. Well- he'll get back to Chicago eventually!
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the race- how were there so many people in it, but so few in your AG??? Anyway, looking forward to the recap.
I love the photos of you, Deb, and the dogs!!!
Great job on keeping up your outdoor streak even with the weather! We had some snow in Cleveland and I was not ready to see it on our return from Thanksgiving in connecticut. Great job in the race! Hopefully your weather gets better.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, the snow! I don't envy you! Here it's cold again but thank goodness not bad enough to give snow. Good work getting outside (for the shoveling obviously someone has to do it!) despite that weather! A 1830 day streak is so impressive! With milder weather, my own outdoors life has been exceptionally poor lately.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of you and Deb with your dogs are so fun!!
It's cold here and you know how I hate to be cold. Snowstorm is coming Tuesday. Boo!
ReplyDeleteI ran the 10k on Thursday but there was also a 5k. almost 8,000 total.
Streaking is over rated IMO. You are plenty active.