What Next?

Living in the Midwest, we're used to wild weather swings. This past week was off-the-charts bonkers. Considering what we've experienced this year so far, that's saying a lot. It was record-breaking warm, so wild weather was to be expected, but a DUST STORM? That was a first for me. I'm glad I wasn't outside when it blew in. I wear hard contacts, and when dust gets in my eyes, it's a very painful experience. Back in the day when my boys played baseball and the bored players kicked up the dust on the diamond, I'd have to run to the car with my eyes closed to avoid the dreaded contact attack. IYKYK

Anyhoo, the dust storm was weird. I wondered if the locusts were next. Is it the end of times? Not to get all deep and philosophical, but fellow Midwesterners have to agree, we've been subjected to some really extreme conditions these past couple of years. Mother Nature's got some splaining to do.

Meanwhile, today we're in the 50s, after breaking records for highs in the 90s just 2 days ago. The wind continues to blow. Dare I ask: what next?

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: trail run 8.6 miles

Monday: Strength Training

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: trail run 9.1 miles

Thursday: Strength training

Friday: Run 6 miles

Saturday: Yoga with Adriene

Sunday was Mother's Day, and the day started with a trail run with my Trail Sisters! There were 7 of us and we ran the main loop for 5.5 miles. When we finished, I headed back on the trail, this time into the woods on the single track for another 3 miles. It was the best of both worlds and I was happy to have a little more time on this beautiful morning!

On Monday, I went to the gym for auxiliary strength training. This was a repeat workout from last winter, but there were a few modifications. In addition, I was feeling fatigued and dropped the weight on one of the movements.

Set 1 4 rounds :40 sandbag cleans (40#)/:10 transition/:40 med ball (6#-->12#) shelf situp/:30 rest

Set 2 4 rounds :40 weighted ball (25-->15#) to chest reverse lunges/:10 transition/:40 single leg slam ball (25-->15#)/:30 rest

Set 3 4 rounds :40 side lunge with knee drive/:10 transition/:40 battle ropes/:30 rest

Set 4 4 rounds :40 weighted ball to chest (30#) good mornings/:10 transition/:40 depth drops (24")

Wednesday morning was cool but very humid. I started out early, hoping to see some deer--maybe some babies--but I didn't see one deer on my run. I did see the sandhill crane couple, Bob and Sandy, with their tiny babies! Another runner cautioned me not to get too close--Bob went after her when she tried to run past them. I also spotted a red-tailed hawk and a Baltimore Oriole. Other than that, this was an uneventful run. I stopped often to snap photos of all the blooms and shrooms. As usual, I ran farther than I intended, but isn't that the best part of trail running?

Look closely to see the little sandhill babies!

Chicken of the Woods mushroom--it is edible if you choose to eat it

Week 3 version 2 of auxiliary strength at the gym wrapped up with a challenging upper body workout: 

Set 1: 4 rounds: :40 alt. single arm on the slam ball push-ups/ :10 transition/ :40 banded pvc lat pull-downs

Set 2: 4 rounds: :40 alt. front/lateral dumbbell (12->10#) arm raises/ :10 transition/ :40 med ball bench throw (12#)--these were new to us. Very fun but I did not throw mine up as high as the guy in the video!

Set 3: 4 rounds: :40 renegade row (15#) with push-up/ :10 transition/ :40 russian twists (15# DB)

Set 4: 4 rounds :40 hollow body slamball press (20#)/ :10 transition/ :40 kneeling lateral slamballs (20#)

*30 second rest between rounds, 2 minute rest between sets

Lots of core work made it challenging. So did the renegade rows.

Speaking of challenging, Friday's run on the bike path was a challenge. I wore my magic shoes, but my legs weren't buying what they were selling. It was a beautiful morning, but I think the humidity took a toll on me. I couldn't even get decent photos. It would have been great to stop and walk, but I had to get home to get ready for work. So I dug deep and pushed through it. I'm glad I could do it, but man, it was tough. Next time will be better!

How was your week? Are you having wild weather swings? Tornadoes? A dust storm? 

Would you eat mushrooms from the woods if you knew they were edible? (I wouldn't)

Have you ever been attacked by a bird protecting their offspring? (I have--those red-winged blackbirds are aggressive!)

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.