When the Weather Pivots

Talk about an unexpected 180-degree (weather) pivot! 

Yowza, this week saw it all. We had beautiful summer-like conditions. There were a few pleasant seasonally-appropriate fall days. Of course, there was some rain (reminiscent of the spring season). Then things turned winter-like frigid by the weekend.

 It’s a good thing I’m an #IowaTougb gal.

Before I delve into the deets from the crazy 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 in my little world of fitness, fun, and whatnot this week:

Long Run Sunday!

After yet another procrastination move, due to Saturday morning busyness, I had a 10-mile run to knock-out. I left the house, just before 6:00, amidst a dark pre-dawn sky. Instead of running a continuous 10-mile stretch, my strategy was to run several short segments, through various neighborhoods. Spoiler: this was a successful game plan! My splits were all over the place, but overall everything felt great, and my average pace was respectable. After a brief nap, I got out for a mid-afternoon 3-mile walk in the hot and sunny temps. Total bliss!

Never miss a Monday…

With evening plans on the post-workday agenda, the morning hours were my only option for any running. Having just run 10 miles, less than 24 hours prior, I had zero plans for anything long or fast. A short 1-mile jaunt around the ‘hood was just enough to shake out the legs and energize me for the day. I also hit the pavement (outdoors!) for a sunny lunchtime walk, and that was it for the day. 

Tuesday-keeping it low-key & low-impact

After an evening of rain and overnight storms, Momna N was still threatening to continue with the dampness. There was a slight break in the rain, so I was able to sneak out for a quick walk (and she kept the rain away until my drive to work). I had to keep my lunch walk inside, but was able to get back outside for three miles after dinner. 

Double Workout Wednesday

We had a record number of runners for this week’s 4:00AM group run! We had one peel-off early, but also had our first dog, Nala, join us. The temps were cool, but comfortable, and we kept our pace slightly faster than usual for the 3-mile route. The day also saw a solid 20-minute upper-body strength session after returning home, as well as a four miles of walking (two miles over lunch and two more miles before dinner).

Thankful Thursday

With rain happening outside, it was an indoor endeavor for the hour of cardio power with Deb. I was able to knock-out 16 miles on the spin bike before we parted ways.

Collage courtesy of Deb

Afterwards, I cued-up a short shoulder-focused workout, via Peloton. I had to keep my lunchtime walk indoors (still raining, ugh),  but was able to sneak outdoors for a short walk before dinner (amidst a “refreshing” 16-mph wind).

Friday - shakeout running in the early hours

With the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon happening on Sunday, I opted for a short shakeout run on Friday. Oof, it was a chilly and windy morning in the wee hours, and a total guessing game to figure-out the layering strategy, but I think I nailed it!

A simple Saturday…

Another cold morning in Iowa, I took a chance on the layers again. It’s a different ball game when you’re walking, as opposed to running. With the bright sun and minimal wind, though, all felt good.  

…and what’s on-deck for Sunday?

As mentioned, I’ll be headed downtown for the 25th running of the IMT Des Moines Half Marathon. The forecast is looking chilly (mid-40F’s at the start time), but also quite sunny. Things have been feeling really good in recent weeks and the last few long runs have gone well. So, we shall see if that continues on race day…

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

A Back-to-Summer BOOMERANG

In other news:

Friday Fashion Flair. Being its Halloween season, I thought it only appropriate to don some Halloween-inspired attire. When I spotted this spiderweb top, it was an immediate gotta-have-it decision. I really like that it’s versatile, and can be dressed-up or paired with jeans. Win-win!

The weather this week was SO crazy! First we were setting record highs, then dealing with record lows. How fitting it had to happen on race weekend, LOL!

So, there you go! Taper week is in the vault and I’m ready a for race day. Due to my busyness in the morning, as well as afternoon plans, I will be delayed in reading and responding to the linked blogposts. I appreciate your patience, and I will try to get caught-up later Sunday evening and/or Monday. 

How did your week play-out? Anyone else racing this weekend? Did your weather do an abrupt pivot as well?

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