The Return to the Routine

When the recovery ends, the routine returns. 

That was my hope and my strategy, following the previous weekend’s half marathon. Thankfully,  everything went as planned and I’m feeling like a new person. 

Before I get to 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 blogs as well...please don't link-drop & dash ;-)

Anyways, here’s what went down as I returned to my fitness routine:

Sunday, sunny Sunday

We have had such beautiful weather in recent weeks! Sunday was no exception with pleasant temps and all kinds of sunshine. The day started with a glorious 2-mile walk, which included a bald eagle spotting!

 

Later, in the late- afternoon, Scott and I got out for a10-mile ride. Suffice it to say we were chasing daylight in the final miles. The trail looked much different than the last time we’d ridden it. There were leaves on the ground and multiple colors of the ones still on display. 

Never miss a Monday

The morning was chilly, but the crisp air was invigorating for a quick walk. I got out for a walk over my lunch break as well,  and another loop around the block with Max after work. Then, with the optimal weather, I knocked-out three miles in the running shoes, ending under the light of the full moon. 

Tuesday- Low-impact doesn’t mean low-effort 

Ready for a low-key cardio morning, I hit the basement for some upper-body work (arms & shoulders). I also walked a couple miles over lunch, a short scoop around the block with Max after work, and a 2-mile walk in the evening. 

Double workout Wednesday

We were blessed with perfect temps and a clear sky for our 4:45AM group run. We may have even negative-split those unassuming three miles. 

After wards, I cued-up another upper-body burner, via Peloton (this time I worked the chest & back). There also was lunch walking and “Max walking” after work. 

A very thorough Thursday

After a week off, Deb and I were reunited for our weekly early morning cardio sesh. The temps were cool, but pleasant, in Iowa (though the NW wind was a bit chilly). 

After a high-tempo’d 4-mile walk, I hit the basement for an intense lower-body session. Oof! I also took advantage (again) of the nice weather and took my lunchtime walk outdoors.

Then, after work, I headed over to the run club’s Thursday evening group run. The temps were slightly chilly, but still more summer-like than seasonal. Another 3-miler, with progressive splits…which has been pretty much the norm with these running peeps (and I’m totally okay with that!). 

Friday - Hello DOMS

Remember that intense lower-body burner, like 24 hours prior? Well, it came back to bite my bum. Wowza, it had been a hot minute since the DOMS had paid me a visit, and this was a doozy! Alas, they are usually well-earned, and are a great reminder of a job well-done (at least that’s what I’m telling myself. Friday’s fitness was a mix of stretching and walking (both before work and over lunch). 

Football Saturday!

My Saturday fitness took a different turn this week. I got in a short upper-body workout before heading to Iowa City for a day of football. My Iowa Hawkeyes hosted the Wisconsin badgers, and it was quite a busy day of walking (4-ish miles and almost 13,000 steps!), tailgating, and excitement. We also had the peeps from Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff in Iowa City. And, to top off the day, the Hawks came away with a 30-0 shutout over the Badgers!

…and what’s on-deck for Sunday?

For the first time in several weeks, I’m planning to not set an alarm and enjoy a little sleeping-in. The forecast is looking slightly cool, but calm. The odds are really good there will be some morning walking and probably more in the afternoon sunshine.

So, the post-marathon recovery has gone well, and it feels good to get back to my normal routine. It feels especially good to bring back more consistent strength-training!  Running was low-key, with nine miles this week. Walking saw 24 miles. Biking had 10 miles. I was really happy to have four strength sessions this week (and had the DOMS to show for it, LOL). 

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

The Great Recovery

A few random October Runfessions

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. ‘Tis the season for all things spooky and creepy-crawly. You can’t really see them in the pic, but my leggings have numerous colorful spiderwebs on them. Most know I’m NOT a fan of spiders, but I find  their webs to be intriguing works of art.

In observance of awareness of PTSD, we have a 22 Challenge at work, for the month of  November. We’re encouraged to do something for 22 repetitions on a daily basis. I’ve chosen to tackle the stairs for 22 flights every day. The Fight for Air Climb isn’t happening until April, but this will be a brief head-start on my training, as well as paying tribute to those afflicted with PTSD.

So, that’s the latest and greatest in my little world. How was your week? Any fitness achievements? New goals? Races happening? 

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