Consistency

There’s much to said about the not-so-simple concept of consistency.

Consistency has been paramount in my life since fitness entered the scene, over 21 years ago. It took a long time to learn how to be a runner, and consistently logging a few miles each week is what made the transformation take place. The same thing happened when I first mounted a “grownup” bike, worked-out with dumbbells (and exercise bands) and started climbing stairs competitively. 

Such was the case this past week as well. I did a little bit of everything, and kept the fitness happening on a daily basis amidst the continuous wind and temperamental temps… 

Before I get into the deets of 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 my little world of fun, fitness, and whatnot this week:

A (somewhat) simple Sunday

The morning began with a quick walk with Max, beating the rain, then breakfast with the parents and sister. I may have still been celebrating the Iowa men’s baseball team’s 3-game sweep against Purdue. 

Later, the temps had warmed up, so I took Gustavas out for11 miles on the trail. Ironically, after returning from the ride, a Facebook memory popped up from a year ago…and I was wearing the same biking jersey (but with a different bike). How’s that for consistency! 

Never miss a Monday

I wasn’t feeling too ambitious, but the forecast was looking damp and dreary, so I took advantage if the break in the rain. We’d had a lot of storms overnight, so the air was feeling pretty humid and the pavement was slick. I had time for 1-1/2 miles of walking, and made it back just before the rain returned. Go me!

After work, Max took me around the block for a quick walk, then I headed back out for a 3-mile run. Ugh, the air was still heavy with humidity, and my legs were feeling like lead. It’s amazing, though, how easy negative splits can happen when the first mile is sluggish (10:38 / 10:14 / 10:05).There was a lot of thunder rumbling in the final mile, so that may have been a factor.

Totally a low-impact Tuesday

Nothing fancy on the roster…four miles (or thereabouts) on the elliptical for starters. There also was  some core and shoulder strength work, a 2-mile lunch walk, and a 2-mile pre-dinner walk after work. Consistent low-impact fitness, right?

Woot Woot Wednesday

We had temps in the mid-40F range, and almost no wind in the wee hours on Wednesday. I was, again, confused as to what to wear (and probably could have gone with one less layer). Check out our unintentional matchy-matchy jackets! Back home, Max was waiting with a pleading look in his eyes, so we took a quick walk around the block before hitting the weights (shoulders and arms). 

After work, I talked myself into getting out on the tail. The temps were still somewhat chilly, and the wind was blowing, but I wanted to take advantage of the mostly nice day. Can I just say, this wind needs to cut us a break!

Another Thankful Thursday

All went well for the weekly cardio hour of power with Deb. I started on the bike (as it was looking rainy outside), and after 14 miles I had to dismount. I’ve only been on the “real” bike a few times this spring, but already I’ve become a trail snob (and am bored out of my mind on the spin bike). I headed outside to walk, but only made it a mile before the light sprinkles turned heavier. Oh well… 

After we parted ways, I hit the weights for a short full-body strength session. I got in a 2-mile walk over lunch, but opted to stay off my feet after Max’s pre-dinner walk. I have had a nasty cracked heel situation, and was hoping for it to heal a bit more before Saturday’s long run. 

Low-key fitness Friday

It was another Friday with a long run lurking for the next morning. I’d thought of hitting the elliptical, but opted for a simple walk instead. Later, I did my usual 2-mile lunch walk and did a short walk with Max after work. Again, my objective was to try off my feet as much as possible to give that stubborn heel crack a little more recovery time. 

Long Run Saturday

It was time for the final long run in prepping for the DAM to DSM Half Marathon (next weekend). The temps were decent the sunrise was present. I had 10 miles on roster, and a busy ahead. Without disclosing all the mile-by-mile deets, the run went alright. The first five were good, albeit a bit faster than ideal. The last five got a little slower, which was probably due to not having any fuel with me or any water (I know #MyBad). After a brief pitstop, at the 8-1/2 mile mark, all was better. 

 

Later, the temps were nice, the sunshine was out (partially) and the trail was calling. My friend, Scott, and I hit the trail for a few miles and took advantage of the beautiful afternoon.

…and what’s on-deck for Sunday?

The weather is looking similar, so there will be one definite time outdoors. Walking, biking (?), and who knows what else.

All-in-all, I’d say it was a decent week. The running saw a 16 miles. Walking was substantial, with 18 miles logged. Biking was conservative (48 miles), but the majority of those miles were ridden outside, which has me oh-so-pleased.

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

A Wind-Blown Recovery

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. With a big national holidayday happening, I thought I only appropriate to show my patriotism. 

Garmin dropped a couple badges my way this week:

So, that’s what all went down this week. I’m grateful my consistency got me through and all played-out well. 

How did things go for you this week? Any crazy weather happening? Races? Big training for a race?

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