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Spring’s a Comin’
We had a taste of spring a couple of days this past week. Both Tuesday and Thursday were beautiful and gave me a heavy dose of spring fever. It’s that time of year where we’ll have plenty of spring-like days sprinkled in between the more typical cold and blustery days, but knowing that spring’s a comin’ is all that I need to keep me happy.
Overview of the Week
Before discussing each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll beyond the infographic for daily details…
Sunday
Cycling: 15 miles
• Average speed: 16.4 MPH
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 8:46 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 62°
• What I wore: bike shorts and tank
Back in my routine after traveling, I hopped on my spin bike (affiliate link) for a shorter than usual Sunday ride. My fingers were crossed that the weather forecast would be accurate and I’d actually get outside later in the week for a gravel ride.
Cycling: 1.23 miles
• Average speed: 12.3 MPH
• Bike: Salsa Warbird
• Surface: paved
• Elevation gain: 47
• Start time: 2:39 PM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 58° with a stiff wind and sunny
• What I wore: bike shorts, tank, and jacket
When I noticed that the front tire on my new gravel bike had lost a significant amount of air since I’d last ridden it on New Year’s Day, I asked my husband to show me how to add sealant (affiliate link) – sealant provides the bond between the tire and rim on tubeless tires. The process was surprisingly easy and once we were finished I took it out for a quick spin around our neighborhood circle to spread the sealant more thoroughly throughout the inside of the tire.
Monday
Strength training: 1 hour of total body
Walking: 2 miles
• Average pace: 14:50 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 104 feet
• Start time: 3:58 PM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 60° (feels like 58°) and cloudy
• What I wore: capris and s/s shirt
Tuesday
Cycling: 15 miles
• Average speed: 16.2 MPH
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 5:58 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 62°
• What I wore: bike shorts and tank
I was grateful Kim was willing to change up our workout day because Thursday’s weather forecast sounded too good not to get outside for a ride. During our ride she mentioned that it was Fat Tuesday and showed me her tights. I was in luck and knew exactly where my Mardi Gras masks and beads were stored so after our ride I grabbed some props for our photo op. Notice I’m pointing to her cool tights!
Running: 2 miles
• Average pace: 10:14 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 70 feet
• Start time: 10:56 AM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 52° and sunny with a light breeze
• What I wore: capris, tank, nylon shell, gloves, and visor (took shell and gloves off early on)
A little later I headed out for an easy run on our neighborhood trails, but overdressed and had to take my jacket and gloves off within the first 5 minutes. Everything felt great, but I decided to keep it to 2 miles as I ease back into running.
Stretching: 10 minutes
Foam rolling: 10 minutes
Wednesday
Strength training: 1 hour of total body
Balance: Marcia’s Balance and Mobility Training
Walking: 5K
• Average pace: 14:30 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 145 feet
• Start time: 2:40 PM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 54° and cloudy
• What I wore: capris, s/s shirt, gloves, and ear warmer headband
Thursday
Cycling: 30 miles
• Average speed: 12.5 MPH
• Bike: Salsa Warbird
• Surface: gravel
• Elevation gain: 1,913 feet
• Start time: 10:38 AM
• Location: western Loudoun
• Weather: 67° and sunny, climbing to 74°
• What I wore: bike shorts, s/s jersey, light jacket, fingerless gloves (took jacket off 5 miles into ride)
As I mentioned earlier, with an unusually warm day in the forecast I’d planned accordingly so I could join my husband for a gravel ride in the western part of our county. The weather didn’t disappoint and we had a fabulous ride!
I also finally got up the nerve and attempted to take a picture while riding and didn’t wreck! Of course, I picked a spot where the road was straight and flat increasing my odds of success. I just need to remember to tilt the phone down a little so I can get more of my gorgeous bike.
Friday
Strength training: 1 hour of total body
Walking: 2 miles
• Average pace: 13:47 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 90 feet
• Start time: 9:57 AM
• Location: neighborhood circle
• Weather: 46° (feels like 40°), windy, and sunny
• What I wore: capris, s/s shirt, velour jacket, gloves, mittens, ear warmer headband, and visor
Balance and stretching: 45 minutes
Saturday
Rest day
I had every intention of running, but when I woke up my lower back was hurting badly and to the point that I had to walk bent over (sitting felt great). As the morning progressed, my back felt a little better so I decided to go for a walk instead, but I only made it a few houses past ours before turning around and limping home. I think I hurt my back when the day before I rather awkwardly leaned over a half door to pick up a 25-pound object from the other side. Hopefully, a day or two of Advil will have me back to as good as new.
Last Week’s Blog Posts
In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…
- • Sunday – Weekly RunDown: February 12 – 18 / Easing Back into Running
- • Friday – Seventeen Months Worth of Runfessions
Questions
- • Did you get a taste of spring this past week? ~ We certainly did, but yesterday brought snow flurries.
- • What was your favorite workout of the week? ~ My outside gravel ride with my husband was definitely a treat and loads of fun!
- • Did you run in race this weekend? ~ No
And that’s my rundown… Have a great week!
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I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.
Not running I don’t pay attention to weather. Lol. But it snowed yesterday and more expected Tuesday.
Hope your back pain goes away.
Would you believe I rode my stationary bike. I’d suggest a zoom but my work schedule is crazy.
Thanks, Darlene! Let me know if you want to ride together virtually.
It was such a crazy weather week for us! I had no idea what to wear out there. Looks like a well rounded week of fitness for you. I hope your back is feeling better today
Yes, it’s super tough this time of year to dress for runs.
Our taste of spring happened last weekend & returned this weekend. I really wish it was here to stay! What is going on with all these back issues? It seems to be sweeping through the group! I hope you’re feeling better <3
Yes, there have been way too many back problems!
Ugh on the back pain. Yes, it sounds like that’s what did it- lifting 25 lbs in an awkward way can really mess everything up.
That outdoor bike ride must have felt amazing! That blue sky is beautiful.
It was so nice to get outside and ride! I’m looking forward to lots more when the weather warms up.
Yes, we are seeing signs of spring here, sort of. The birds are singing, which is lovely, and the chives are popping up in the garden!! It really is the little things, isn’t it?
Ouch to the back pain. That is the worst–and there’s not much you can do to hurry it along. Hoping today is better for you.
Thanks, Wendy! My back has been improving gradually over the week.
I am so sorry about the angry back! I hope you’re right and it quiets down quickly.
Winter came back in full force, the bulbs are buried under snow and ice with potentially a lot more snow on its way.
Still I’ve actually been motivated to do just a little bit of Spring cleaning.
Of course you know were your Mardi Gras beads are!
Thanks, Judy! My back has been improving gradually during the week.
Spring cleaning always feels so good.
Ugh sorry about your back. I hope it’s back to normal again soon. I do love looking forward to spring and the growing strength of the sun. My favorite workout of the week was the day I was able to do a trail run…even if it was only 14 degrees. Sounds like you’ve had some really nice weather there!
Thanks, Marcia, my back has been feeling gradually better all week.
I’m so sorry to hear about your back! I hope it gets better soon. But wow, your weather!! We’re back to 6-7C and freezing winds and I want to complain but there’s point. I can’t fix the weather and just need to out on my three layers and go with the flow. I can’t imagine taking selfies while cycling! That’s impressive.
Yes, the weather was delightful, but quickly turned back to more of what we’d expect this time of year.
I love your pink Salsa Warbird! Such a pretty bike! Nice job on learning how to apply the seal-stuff.
I’m the same about taking photos on the bike, absolutely terrified. Well done for stepping out the comfort zone! I’m inspired to try it out myself now.
Thanks, I do love my new bike! I’ll be looking for a biking selfie on one of your future posts. 😉
I take all kinds of pictures on runs, but would be scared to do it on the bike!
I hope the back feels better Debbie.
Thanks, Jessie! My back has been feeling gradually better over the course of the week.
Your bike is so pretty! I am also terrified to ride one handed or take selfies on my bike. I will absolutely wreck.
It feels like summer here, which is no fun.
Ran a hot 5 miler this weekend. It was good but hard.
Thanks, Jenn, and not only is my new bike pretty, but she’s a perfect fit, too!
I love the goal chart/image you have! What a fun way to keep track of your progress. We also had some springlike weather here – and then snow the next day, just like you! The snow didn’t stick but I think we’re getting some more later this week. No races for me this week, but I will start training for the Cleveland half marathon soon!
Thanks, Melissa! I downloaded a free template that used to make my infographic.
That bike is gorgeous! I love the color! It was almost 60 degrees when I got off work today, and I thought it might be time to go for a bike ride, but went for a walk instead. Maybe if it gets to 65 degrees I will get my bike out for the season 🙂
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Thanks, Lisa! I love my new bike… not only the color, but with how well it rides (and fits). I bet you’re looking forward to riding soon!