Summary Stats:
Total miles run = 892.7 mi (vs. 1,321 last year, hellooooo marathon)
Total miles biked = 1,080 mi (vs. 737 last year, helloooooo not marathon haha)
331 hours doing some kind of physical activity (vs. 339 hours last year).
Interesting that I spent about the same amount of time, but drastically different activity balance.
I didn't achieve any PRs this year, but I also didn't have any goals to do so. This year was a "do whatever" year, and I'm happy that despite that attitude, I still did some great stuff. I had fun this year. I spent a lot more time on my mountain bike. I did things because I enjoy them, not because I "had to".
I had my first major injury this year, but recovered and stayed as consistent as I could.
Interesting how this year compares to last year at this time.
Onward!
Monday, December 31, 2018
Greenville News 5k Training (5/8)
It's Friday and I'm just catching up on the blog from last week... uhhhh yep. Holidays are busy!
Monday - Xmas Eve
Did: 12.5 mi mountain bike ride + 1.08 mi run
Rode the Annual Xmas Eve mountain bike ride at Isaqueena with a great group of friends. It was a lot of fun, but a HUGE group of people so not exactly a fast and challenging ride. Still great to get out in the woods with friends.
Did my mile in the neighborhood after I got home.
Tuesday - Xmas Day
Did: 10.08 mi @ 8:56/mi
This was my Christmas gift to myself - a lovely 10-mile run at sunrise! It was beautifully chilly and quiet out on the trail, and felt so nice to do this long run.
Wednesday
Did: 13.2 mi mountain bike ride + 1.11 mi @ 8:51/mi
Scott and I had our rare day to bike together, so we headed to our favorite - Dupont! It was a beautiful day, though there was still a good bit of snow on the ground. Followed up with a trip to Oskar Blues, of course.
Thursday
Did: 2.18 mi @ 8:45/mi
Had to get this done before we left town, so enjoyed a short run in the early morning through the neighborhood.
Friday
Did: 1.15 mi
Had planned to do this on my own right before dinner, but D wanted to join me and look at Christmas lights in the neighborhood, so we rigged up the lights on the stroller and headed out. Love that he enjoys running with me! :)
Saturday
Did: 10.17 mi @ 9:11/mi avg
Stroller run with D around Furman and the Swamp Rabbit trail. This got tough around mile 8-9, but felt good to get double digit stroller miles. Finished with another loop around the lake following D (walk/jog) on his bicycle. Great day in the sunshine!
Later in the day, my left lower calf/upper achilles was aching pretty good, so I rolled it out with my golf ball stick and it feels better.
Sunday
Did: 1.06 mi run + 20 mi bike ride
Did my mile run then hopped on the bikes to head down the trail for a nice spin.
Monday - Xmas Eve
Did: 12.5 mi mountain bike ride + 1.08 mi run
Rode the Annual Xmas Eve mountain bike ride at Isaqueena with a great group of friends. It was a lot of fun, but a HUGE group of people so not exactly a fast and challenging ride. Still great to get out in the woods with friends.
Did my mile in the neighborhood after I got home.
Tuesday - Xmas Day
Did: 10.08 mi @ 8:56/mi
This was my Christmas gift to myself - a lovely 10-mile run at sunrise! It was beautifully chilly and quiet out on the trail, and felt so nice to do this long run.
Wednesday
Did: 13.2 mi mountain bike ride + 1.11 mi @ 8:51/mi
Scott and I had our rare day to bike together, so we headed to our favorite - Dupont! It was a beautiful day, though there was still a good bit of snow on the ground. Followed up with a trip to Oskar Blues, of course.
Thursday
Did: 2.18 mi @ 8:45/mi
Had to get this done before we left town, so enjoyed a short run in the early morning through the neighborhood.
Friday
Did: 1.15 mi
Had planned to do this on my own right before dinner, but D wanted to join me and look at Christmas lights in the neighborhood, so we rigged up the lights on the stroller and headed out. Love that he enjoys running with me! :)
Saturday
Did: 10.17 mi @ 9:11/mi avg
Stroller run with D around Furman and the Swamp Rabbit trail. This got tough around mile 8-9, but felt good to get double digit stroller miles. Finished with another loop around the lake following D (walk/jog) on his bicycle. Great day in the sunshine!
Later in the day, my left lower calf/upper achilles was aching pretty good, so I rolled it out with my golf ball stick and it feels better.
Sunday
Did: 1.06 mi run + 20 mi bike ride
Did my mile run then hopped on the bikes to head down the trail for a nice spin.
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Greenville News 5k Training (4/8)
Week beginning thoughts: Last work week of the year. Wait, WHAT?!
Monday
Did: 1 mi @ 8:11/mi + strength
Treadmill mile then a short 20-minute lift with core work included. Had to be speedy today due to meetings and such. Looking forward to running long in the cold tomorrow.
Tuesday
Did: 6.42 mi @ 8:18/mi avg
Early downtown group did a new-to-me route called "Waccamaw" (name of one of the streets on the route). It was a nice hilly residential route but the multiple turns and not knowing where I was made the miles tick by. Perfect temps this morning (upper 30s to start) and just a great way to start the day (I know I say that every time I run in the morning, but it really is true).
Wednesday
Did: 1 mi treadmill + 7 mi stationary bike
I'd meant to get up and ride the trainer this morning but either my alarm didn't go off or I slept through it... either way, it was nice to get extra sleep. I went to the gym during lunch, ran my 1 mile on the treadmill then finished off with 30 mins on the stationary bike doing intervals.
Thursday
Did: 5.16 mi w/ 6x stairs
Got together with the early downtown group this morning for a stair-climbing workout called the "Helltower" route. Basically we ran from one parking garage to another and ran up the stairs to the top & down through the garage. Did a total of 5 different garages (Bowater, Spring, Hyatt, Richardson, River), but did 2x Richardson. This was a good/different type of workout and felt great! I'm sure the glutes will be sore tomorrow...
Friday
Did: 1.0 mi treadmill
Was planning on a bit longer run but got called back to my desk for an "urgent" request so I sprinted the rest of my mile and hustled back.
Saturday
Did: 5.86 mi stroller run
Got a later start than I'd wanted, but did a pretty nice neighborhood loop w/ D in the stroller. It wasn't fast but it was something.
Sunday
Did: 1.52 mi @ 8:36/mi neighborhood run
I forget why I did this so late, but it was another "just get it done" run.
Week ending thoughts: Well, it's Friday of next week already so I don't even remember. At this point it was time for Christmas holidays!
Monday
Did: 1 mi @ 8:11/mi + strength
Treadmill mile then a short 20-minute lift with core work included. Had to be speedy today due to meetings and such. Looking forward to running long in the cold tomorrow.
Tuesday
Did: 6.42 mi @ 8:18/mi avg
Early downtown group did a new-to-me route called "Waccamaw" (name of one of the streets on the route). It was a nice hilly residential route but the multiple turns and not knowing where I was made the miles tick by. Perfect temps this morning (upper 30s to start) and just a great way to start the day (I know I say that every time I run in the morning, but it really is true).
Wednesday
Did: 1 mi treadmill + 7 mi stationary bike
I'd meant to get up and ride the trainer this morning but either my alarm didn't go off or I slept through it... either way, it was nice to get extra sleep. I went to the gym during lunch, ran my 1 mile on the treadmill then finished off with 30 mins on the stationary bike doing intervals.
Thursday
Did: 5.16 mi w/ 6x stairs
Got together with the early downtown group this morning for a stair-climbing workout called the "Helltower" route. Basically we ran from one parking garage to another and ran up the stairs to the top & down through the garage. Did a total of 5 different garages (Bowater, Spring, Hyatt, Richardson, River), but did 2x Richardson. This was a good/different type of workout and felt great! I'm sure the glutes will be sore tomorrow...
Friday
Did: 1.0 mi treadmill
Was planning on a bit longer run but got called back to my desk for an "urgent" request so I sprinted the rest of my mile and hustled back.
Saturday
Did: 5.86 mi stroller run
Got a later start than I'd wanted, but did a pretty nice neighborhood loop w/ D in the stroller. It wasn't fast but it was something.
Sunday
Did: 1.52 mi @ 8:36/mi neighborhood run
I forget why I did this so late, but it was another "just get it done" run.
Week ending thoughts: Well, it's Friday of next week already so I don't even remember. At this point it was time for Christmas holidays!
Monday, December 17, 2018
Greenville News 5k Training (3/8)
Week beginning thoughts: Traveling ALL week (first half for work, last half for family visits/vacation). This will be a challenge.
Monday
Did: 1 mi treadmill
Arrived in Pittsburgh for a conference (I'm attending AND speaking !!!), hopped onto the treadmill for a quick mile before meeting a friend for dinner. Also, got my first hot shower since ummmm Saturday morning? Yeah, our power's been out at home. Fun times.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi @ 9:08/mi treadmill
Got up at like 4-something to do this on the treadmill before the conference started. I've been a ball of nerves and didn't sleep worth anything. I'll be so thankful when this talk is over!!
Wednesday
Did: 1 mi treadmill
Could have done more but opted for extra sleep instead. I got up AFTER 6AM today. Amazing. Talk went pretty well yesterday (whew!), traveling home this evening.
Thursday
Did: 1.58 mi @ 8:59/mi
Quick run before starting the day, just a loop through the neighborhood.
Friday
Did: 4.05 mi @ 9:08/mi
Out-and-back run in Florida
Monday
Did: 1 mi treadmill
Arrived in Pittsburgh for a conference (I'm attending AND speaking !!!), hopped onto the treadmill for a quick mile before meeting a friend for dinner. Also, got my first hot shower since ummmm Saturday morning? Yeah, our power's been out at home. Fun times.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi @ 9:08/mi treadmill
Got up at like 4-something to do this on the treadmill before the conference started. I've been a ball of nerves and didn't sleep worth anything. I'll be so thankful when this talk is over!!
 |
| BLERGH. |
Did: 1 mi treadmill
Could have done more but opted for extra sleep instead. I got up AFTER 6AM today. Amazing. Talk went pretty well yesterday (whew!), traveling home this evening.
Thursday
Did: 1.58 mi @ 8:59/mi
Quick run before starting the day, just a loop through the neighborhood.
Friday
Did: 4.05 mi @ 9:08/mi
Out-and-back run in Florida
Saturday
Did: 3.28 mi @ 9:21/mi
Scott and I went out for a quick run before breakfast... I felt sluggish and my calf/shin was tight on my left leg.
Sunday
Did: 5.46 mi @ 8:53/mi
Felt much better on this run! Though was a little full from breakfast... anyway, we did a longer loop through the flat, straight Florida roads...
 |
| Square run. No detectable elevation. |
Week-ending thoughts:
I want to run lonnngggggggg. I miss double-digits. I hope the weather cooperates this weekend.
Monday, December 10, 2018
Greenville News 5k Training (Week 2 of 8)
Week beginning thoughts: Hello, Monday, my old friend... (oh and yes, I DID complete my stroller-xmas-light run last night).
I rigged up a headlight & red handlebar light on the stroller, plus had my light vest on.
Super safety team, assemble!
Monday
Did: strength + 1 mile
Good lifting today, 4 rounds of each exercise. Did my PT, too! (Side note: abs/sides sore on Tuesday - woohoo!) Finished up with 1 quick mile on the treadmill @ 7:35/mi.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi treadmill ladder #10kTuesday
Sadly the early downtown group didn't get off the ground this morning, so I headed into the gym at work early and got a treadmill speedwork done.
1 WU
400/400/800/1200 then back down @ 6:30/6:45/7:00/7:30 paces
1 CD
Felt good to get it done early, as usual, and happy with the speedwork. Thinking of seeing what I can do in preparation for a good 5k at the Greenville News Run Downtown in January.
Mid-week training decision...
Yep, decided I'm going to "train for" the 5k in January. Of course, I'm already "behind" the plan but not really since I've got a pretty strong base of training. I'm going to modify Hal Higdon's Intermediate 5k plan to basically continue doing what I'm doing, but with some more structured speedwork and intentionally-paced runs.
Basic structure:
Monday - strength
Tuesday - #10kTuesday (any pace)
Wednesday - cross-train
Thursday - speedwork (per plan)
Friday - yoga/rest
Saturday & Sunday - one day "long" run / other day probably bike + maybe fast (aka tempo) shorter run
Wednesday
Did: 20 min bike trainer + 1 mi treadmill
Well this morning was a little less organized than planned, but I'm proud to say I still got done pretty much what I wanted/needed to. My alarm was set (or so I thought) for ~4:30am so I could get up, get a bike ride done, then get myself situated before getting D up. Instead, my alarm went off at 5:15am (normal time) so the morning went like:
Wake up confused > dress & bike ride 20 min > change to running shorts > get D up, fed, to school > drive to work > run treadmill > shower > at desk before 8:30am. WHEW.
Thursday
Did: 4.77 mi @ 8:39/mi avg
Since I did speedwork on Tuesday, I opted to get outside and "just run" at lunch today. It was gorgeously chilly and sunny!
Friday
Did: 8.6 mi @ 8:46/mi avg
When your weekend forecast looks like this...
... you do your long run on Friday morning before work. Yasssssssssss. 🙌 I wasn't sure what I was going to do, but last night saw a post from one of the gals from the early downtown group post up an 8-mile run for this morning, so I jumped on it. Felt so good to start off the day like that! And feels good going into the crappy weekend knowing that I've gotten this done already. Still hope to get out a little this weekend (at least a mile each day!) but I won't worry that I haven't gotten in enough distance.
Saturday
Did: 1.03 mi @ 8:34/mi
Just a quick mile around the neighborhood before the hard rain started.
Sunday
Did: 3.04 mi @ 10:14/mi
Snow run! This had to be done slowly and carefully so as not to fall in the slush. I went exploring to see which roads were open/passable by car - lots of trees and powerlines down!
Week ending thoughts: Well, not quite the extensive workouts I'd hoped for this week, but still not too bad considering all of the interruptions.
Did: strength + 1 mile
Good lifting today, 4 rounds of each exercise. Did my PT, too! (Side note: abs/sides sore on Tuesday - woohoo!) Finished up with 1 quick mile on the treadmill @ 7:35/mi.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi treadmill ladder #10kTuesday
Sadly the early downtown group didn't get off the ground this morning, so I headed into the gym at work early and got a treadmill speedwork done.
1 WU
400/400/800/1200 then back down @ 6:30/6:45/7:00/7:30 paces
1 CD
Felt good to get it done early, as usual, and happy with the speedwork. Thinking of seeing what I can do in preparation for a good 5k at the Greenville News Run Downtown in January.
Mid-week training decision...
Yep, decided I'm going to "train for" the 5k in January. Of course, I'm already "behind" the plan but not really since I've got a pretty strong base of training. I'm going to modify Hal Higdon's Intermediate 5k plan to basically continue doing what I'm doing, but with some more structured speedwork and intentionally-paced runs.
Basic structure:
Monday - strength
Tuesday - #10kTuesday (any pace)
Wednesday - cross-train
Thursday - speedwork (per plan)
Friday - yoga/rest
Saturday & Sunday - one day "long" run / other day probably bike + maybe fast (aka tempo) shorter run
Wednesday
Did: 20 min bike trainer + 1 mi treadmill
Well this morning was a little less organized than planned, but I'm proud to say I still got done pretty much what I wanted/needed to. My alarm was set (or so I thought) for ~4:30am so I could get up, get a bike ride done, then get myself situated before getting D up. Instead, my alarm went off at 5:15am (normal time) so the morning went like:
Wake up confused > dress & bike ride 20 min > change to running shorts > get D up, fed, to school > drive to work > run treadmill > shower > at desk before 8:30am. WHEW.
Thursday
Did: 4.77 mi @ 8:39/mi avg
Since I did speedwork on Tuesday, I opted to get outside and "just run" at lunch today. It was gorgeously chilly and sunny!
 |
| Aww yeah. |
Did: 8.6 mi @ 8:46/mi avg
When your weekend forecast looks like this...
Saturday
Did: 1.03 mi @ 8:34/mi
Just a quick mile around the neighborhood before the hard rain started.
Sunday
Did: 3.04 mi @ 10:14/mi
Snow run! This had to be done slowly and carefully so as not to fall in the slush. I went exploring to see which roads were open/passable by car - lots of trees and powerlines down!
 |
| Snow run! |
 |
| It was like running through unpacked dry sand = hard! |
Week ending thoughts: Well, not quite the extensive workouts I'd hoped for this week, but still not too bad considering all of the interruptions.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Welcome, December!
Week beginning thoughts: I might have found A Thing to motivate me into next year. Details to come eventually. 😀
Monday
Did: strength + 1 mi treadmill run
Good lift today, totally forgot to do core PT (oops), my earbuds were doing weird things so I had to listen to the gym music (eugh), but thankfully it was pretty quiet in there so I wasn't bothering anybody else. Did 3 rounds hard + 1 round lower weight/higher rep.
Finished with 1 mile on the treadmill for #RWRunStreak Day 5/41
Tuesday
Did: 6.27 mi @ 8:25/mi avg
#10kTuesday - 4th consecutive, #RWRunStreak Day 6/41
Met up with the early downtown crew for a COLD (probably coldest this year??) run - was 29F at the start! But man it felt great and I warmed up quickly, never even had cold fingers! We did a new-to-me route called "Right on Rice" - goes alllllll the way down Augusta Rd, weaves through a little hilly neighborhood section, then gets back on Augusta to return. Kind of a lollipop route. Was a good one! Had a funny incident where the guy out front's shadow went streaking across a yard, and it looked like a dog running out to the road, so I yelled out "DOG!" and of course freaked everyone out. But it was just his shadow. oops. Better safe than sorry??
Wednesday
Did: 1 mi treadmill + 15 mins stationary bike
With highs in the 40s and wind, I opted for an indoor workout. I also got a late start and didn't have much time to actually get in the workout I'd wanted to do, but I did something which is always better than nothing. Did my run streak mile (7/41) and then got on the stationary bike for a bit. Did some intervals for 15 mins and then had to leave to go home for the day.
Thursday
Did: 4.26 mi @ 8:40/mi
First of all...
Thankfully it warmed up quickly and felt amazing by the time I got out to run before lunch. Ended up with an unintentional progression run of a little more than 4 miles... and wow, same mile time for first 2 miles even though one was on pavement and the other I took a little trip through the cross-country trails!
Run Streak day 8/41 complete.
Friday
Did: 1.48 mi @ 10:16/mi
This got done after dinner Friday night, which means it almost didn't happen at all (but the streak must continue!). I think I've found my new favorite way to get in my daily mile - taking D out in the stroller to see the neighborhood Christmas lights! He enjoyed it and it made it less of a "ugh, just go run a mile" kind of workout. :)
Saturday
Did: 7.02 mi @ 9:19/mi avg
This entire run was done while it was 50F and raining. And it was great!! Ok, maybe not that great, but it wasn't as terrible as you'd think such a run might be. I wandered my way through Green Valley for most of the run and was soaked through 4 layers of clothing by the end.
Definitely chilly, and had to warm up with a nice scotch by the fireplace when I got home.
Sunday
Did: 22.8 mi road bike ride + neighborhood Xmas light stroller run
In stark contrast to yesterday's conditions (and even this morning's), this afternoon was absolutely beautiful! Upper 60s and bright sunshine, slight breeze, and very few clouds. Wow, what a difference!
Got out and pedaled through Dacusville/TR for a lovely road ride. Love the feeling of freedom on a bike!
I'm posting this before actually doing my run later today, but it'll happen... the streak goes on!
Week ending thoughts: This was a good week. I'm in a happy place.
Monday
Did: strength + 1 mi treadmill run
Good lift today, totally forgot to do core PT (oops), my earbuds were doing weird things so I had to listen to the gym music (eugh), but thankfully it was pretty quiet in there so I wasn't bothering anybody else. Did 3 rounds hard + 1 round lower weight/higher rep.
Finished with 1 mile on the treadmill for #RWRunStreak Day 5/41
Tuesday
Did: 6.27 mi @ 8:25/mi avg
#10kTuesday - 4th consecutive, #RWRunStreak Day 6/41
Met up with the early downtown crew for a COLD (probably coldest this year??) run - was 29F at the start! But man it felt great and I warmed up quickly, never even had cold fingers! We did a new-to-me route called "Right on Rice" - goes alllllll the way down Augusta Rd, weaves through a little hilly neighborhood section, then gets back on Augusta to return. Kind of a lollipop route. Was a good one! Had a funny incident where the guy out front's shadow went streaking across a yard, and it looked like a dog running out to the road, so I yelled out "DOG!" and of course freaked everyone out. But it was just his shadow. oops. Better safe than sorry??
Wednesday
Did: 1 mi treadmill + 15 mins stationary bike
With highs in the 40s and wind, I opted for an indoor workout. I also got a late start and didn't have much time to actually get in the workout I'd wanted to do, but I did something which is always better than nothing. Did my run streak mile (7/41) and then got on the stationary bike for a bit. Did some intervals for 15 mins and then had to leave to go home for the day.
Thursday
Did: 4.26 mi @ 8:40/mi
First of all...
 |
| Ok so... am I mistaken, or isn't the actual temperature supposed to be between the low and the high for the day?? I planned for a mid-40s run, not a mid-30s run!! |
Friday
Did: 1.48 mi @ 10:16/mi
This got done after dinner Friday night, which means it almost didn't happen at all (but the streak must continue!). I think I've found my new favorite way to get in my daily mile - taking D out in the stroller to see the neighborhood Christmas lights! He enjoyed it and it made it less of a "ugh, just go run a mile" kind of workout. :)
Saturday
Did: 7.02 mi @ 9:19/mi avg
This entire run was done while it was 50F and raining. And it was great!! Ok, maybe not that great, but it wasn't as terrible as you'd think such a run might be. I wandered my way through Green Valley for most of the run and was soaked through 4 layers of clothing by the end.
Sunday
Did: 22.8 mi road bike ride + neighborhood Xmas light stroller run
In stark contrast to yesterday's conditions (and even this morning's), this afternoon was absolutely beautiful! Upper 60s and bright sunshine, slight breeze, and very few clouds. Wow, what a difference!
I'm posting this before actually doing my run later today, but it'll happen... the streak goes on!
Week ending thoughts: This was a good week. I'm in a happy place.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Thanksgiving week - beginning of #RWRunStreak 2018!
Week-beginning thoughts: It's Monday. Run streak will be 41 days this year
Monday
Did: strength
A bit of a lackluster lifting session today, but got it done and also worked in some more stretching because it felt so nice to do yesterday at yoga! My hips/legs are so inflexible. Need to be better about stretching (I always say that).
Tuesday
Did: 6.31 mi @ 8:07/mi avg #10kTuesday (3 consecutive)
Yesssss so happy with this run! The temps were perfect - upper 40s/low 50s - from start to finish. Ran with a couple of the faster guys from the early downtown group so I knew it would be a push to stick with them, and I was right. It felt hard but good! I was worried they wouldn't show up (the early group has been a little flaky/thin recently) but they did and saved me from a 10k Treadmill edition. We did the RU7 route and cut off the loop around the zoo which mentally seems shorter, but it makes you go allll the way up from one end of Main Street to the other (i.e. gradual but hilly). Felt so good though - yay!
Wednesday
Did: rest
Walked a little on the treadmill desk, but after yesterday's pretty hard run I figured rest was good for tomorrow's planned race. Plus, Friday will probably be active rather than the usual rest...
Thursday
Did: TreesGreenville Turkey Day 8k
Race Report here
Friday
Did: 3.02 @ 10:05/mi avg
Just a few short stroller miles in the neighborhood for Run Streak day 2/41.
Saturday
Did: 9.5 mi mountain biking
Headed down to Isaqueena with a group from Piney Mountain (Tad, Sonya, John, and Brandy). It was a fun, casual ride but nice to get out in the woods on two wheels, as always! I wasn't sure it would be a good ride based on the cold + rain, but the showers moved out just in time and we had a really great ride.
And I did my 1-mile loop in the neighborhood when I got home for the #RWRunStreak Day 3/41. 7:39/mi avg for the just-over-1-mile loop.
Sunday
Did: 8.55 mi @ 9:08/mi w/ stroller
D and I were out in TR this afternoon for a nice stroller run on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Just an out and back in two directions with no real goals, just spending time running. Was a beautiful afternoon for a run, and we both enjoyed our time together. Keepin' the #RWRunStreak alive for Day 4/41.
Monday
Did: strength
A bit of a lackluster lifting session today, but got it done and also worked in some more stretching because it felt so nice to do yesterday at yoga! My hips/legs are so inflexible. Need to be better about stretching (I always say that).
Tuesday
Did: 6.31 mi @ 8:07/mi avg #10kTuesday (3 consecutive)
Yesssss so happy with this run! The temps were perfect - upper 40s/low 50s - from start to finish. Ran with a couple of the faster guys from the early downtown group so I knew it would be a push to stick with them, and I was right. It felt hard but good! I was worried they wouldn't show up (the early group has been a little flaky/thin recently) but they did and saved me from a 10k Treadmill edition. We did the RU7 route and cut off the loop around the zoo which mentally seems shorter, but it makes you go allll the way up from one end of Main Street to the other (i.e. gradual but hilly). Felt so good though - yay!
Wednesday
Did: rest
Walked a little on the treadmill desk, but after yesterday's pretty hard run I figured rest was good for tomorrow's planned race. Plus, Friday will probably be active rather than the usual rest...
Thursday
Did: TreesGreenville Turkey Day 8k
Race Report here
Friday
Did: 3.02 @ 10:05/mi avg
Just a few short stroller miles in the neighborhood for Run Streak day 2/41.
 |
| Post-run selfie |
Did: 9.5 mi mountain biking
Headed down to Isaqueena with a group from Piney Mountain (Tad, Sonya, John, and Brandy). It was a fun, casual ride but nice to get out in the woods on two wheels, as always! I wasn't sure it would be a good ride based on the cold + rain, but the showers moved out just in time and we had a really great ride.
 |
| It wasn't as bad as it sounded. |
 |
| The crew |
 |
| Post-ride refreshments |
Sunday
Did: 8.55 mi @ 9:08/mi w/ stroller
D and I were out in TR this afternoon for a nice stroller run on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Just an out and back in two directions with no real goals, just spending time running. Was a beautiful afternoon for a run, and we both enjoyed our time together. Keepin' the #RWRunStreak alive for Day 4/41.
 |
| North End of the SRT |
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Race Report: TurkeyDay 8k
I didn't train specifically for this race and didn't have any goals, just to enjoy the morning with this family tradition and run with D in the stroller.
Before the 8k & 5k started, there was a 1/4 Mile "Tot Trot" for the kids.
I keep thinking he'll get the hang of these things, but he tends to get freaked out by so many people being around and only wants to cling to my hand and walk. We walked most of the way, then he sprinted about 50 meters, tripped, and then wanted to be carried the rest of the way. Oh well, he earned his medal just like everybody else.
Then it was quickly time for us to get lined up for the start of the race. We had corrals on our bibs, but it wasn't enforced at all and the pace signs along the start were WAY too close together for the number of people in the race. Like 10 feet apart and then by the time we inched our way forward (with the stroller) we only made it up to like the 11-14:00/mi area. Oh well.
I don't have much to say about the race itself, other than I spent the entirety of the time trying to get around people. I rarely got to a point where I could just steadily run the pace I wanted to run. It's obvious by the pace graph that I was all over the map... getting stuck behind people, breaking free, sprinting to the next roadblock, and then doing it all over again.
I did have lots of nice people who offered encouragements and kudos as I sprinted by with the stroller. Scott stuck with us the entire race, which was also nice, and we were able to finish the race together.
The worst part was the very end of the race, where with a 1/2 mile to go, we re-joined the 5k course to head to the finish... which was uphill and narrowed down to 1 lane due to construction. I ended up walking a lot of the final stretch because everyone in front of me was walking!
We did still manage a sub-45 time (sub-9 pace) for the race, which is respectable with the stroller and given the conditions.
Will definitely consider a more strategic way to get to the start line next year... it's not bad enough that I'll swear off the event forever, just need to remember it and figure out how to adjust!
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| It was chilly! |
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| At the start line |
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| All the Tots were bib #1 |
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| Here we go! |
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| Range from 14:00/mi to under 7:00/mi |
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| My feelings |
We did still manage a sub-45 time (sub-9 pace) for the race, which is respectable with the stroller and given the conditions.
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| Happy Thanksgiving! |
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Travel week
Week-beginning thoughts: Going ahead and acknowledging that this may be a challenging week with work travel, but going to do my best.
Monday
Did: strength
Good lifting today. I've stopped writing down my lifting because I find it tedious and annoying. I get better work done just going for it. I can sometimes remember what I did, other times I don't... I did 4 rounds of everything, with the first 3 at "normal" weight / 8-10 reps each, then the last one at a lighter weight / 12-15 reps. I read somewhere that doing lighter weight/higher reps on the final set of each lift can help flush out the lactic acid. Part of me is like, "But I like being sore... how do I know I worked out if I'm not sore?" hehe.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi @ 8:28/mi avg
Treadmill #10kTuesday, progression style! Cold and rainy = no early group downtown, so I headed into work early to get this done on the 'mill. Not my favorite, but some good tunes made the miles tick by decently. I did a progression run for this, clicking up the pace with each mile...
9:30, 9:00, 8:30, 8:00, 7:30, and a final half-mile at 7:00/mi before cooling down for the remaining 0.7 miles.
Wednesday - work travel
Did: nada
Thursday - work travel
Did: 2.97 mi beachfront run
Took the opportunity to enjoy the warm (HUMID) Florida sunrise along the beach. I didn't have any distance or pace goals, just wanted to get out and run. Did about 2.5 miles then walked on the sand with my feet in the water for the last half mile back to the hotel. Such a nice way to start the day.
Friday - work travel
Did: nada
Saturday
Did: 6.1 mi @ 9:22/mi w/ stroller
This was truly just a "get out and do something" run, and we did just that. D and I started from Gateway Park in TR, ran to the north end of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, then a little bit into TR when we returned before heading back to the car. It was a nice casual run, beautiful fall weather, and then we enjoyed some time at the bike park afterwards. So nice to not really have any time constraints or schedules, and it was so good to spend the time with D after being away all week!
Sunday
Did: yoga
A local bike shop/beer place had an event for $10 yoga class + beer. A couple friends and I made it into a girls' afternoon and it was so nice! They're planning to make it a monthly thing, so hopefully we'll get to go again. Such a nice change of pace for a Sunday afternoon. :)
Monday
Did: strength
Good lifting today. I've stopped writing down my lifting because I find it tedious and annoying. I get better work done just going for it. I can sometimes remember what I did, other times I don't... I did 4 rounds of everything, with the first 3 at "normal" weight / 8-10 reps each, then the last one at a lighter weight / 12-15 reps. I read somewhere that doing lighter weight/higher reps on the final set of each lift can help flush out the lactic acid. Part of me is like, "But I like being sore... how do I know I worked out if I'm not sore?" hehe.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi @ 8:28/mi avg
Treadmill #10kTuesday, progression style! Cold and rainy = no early group downtown, so I headed into work early to get this done on the 'mill. Not my favorite, but some good tunes made the miles tick by decently. I did a progression run for this, clicking up the pace with each mile...
9:30, 9:00, 8:30, 8:00, 7:30, and a final half-mile at 7:00/mi before cooling down for the remaining 0.7 miles.
Wednesday - work travel
Did: nada
Thursday - work travel
Did: 2.97 mi beachfront run
Took the opportunity to enjoy the warm (HUMID) Florida sunrise along the beach. I didn't have any distance or pace goals, just wanted to get out and run. Did about 2.5 miles then walked on the sand with my feet in the water for the last half mile back to the hotel. Such a nice way to start the day.
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| Sunrise colors |
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| Palm Tree Christmas lights |
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| Toes in the sand |
Friday - work travel
Did: nada
Saturday
Did: 6.1 mi @ 9:22/mi w/ stroller
This was truly just a "get out and do something" run, and we did just that. D and I started from Gateway Park in TR, ran to the north end of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, then a little bit into TR when we returned before heading back to the car. It was a nice casual run, beautiful fall weather, and then we enjoyed some time at the bike park afterwards. So nice to not really have any time constraints or schedules, and it was so good to spend the time with D after being away all week!
Sunday
Did: yoga
A local bike shop/beer place had an event for $10 yoga class + beer. A couple friends and I made it into a girls' afternoon and it was so nice! They're planning to make it a monthly thing, so hopefully we'll get to go again. Such a nice change of pace for a Sunday afternoon. :)
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Now that's more like it.
Monday
Did: strength
Felt good and motivated today. Got in a solid lift, 4 rounds of everything, working back up to max. weights from where I was before. I think I'll be sore tomorrow.
Tuesday
Did: 6.2 mi treadmill ladder #10kTuesday - starting the streak again!
Got on the treadmill this morning for a ladder 10k Tuesday workout. Considered running outside, but it was grey and drizzly and I didn't have any kind of light-up gear, so was safer indoors at work. I was struggling by mile 2, but pushed through and the back half of the run went by pretty well. Did a 400/400/800/1200/800/400/400 with 400 rest in between each, plus 1 mile warm up and cooldown on each end. All of the speed intervals were between 6:30-7:00/mi pace, which is slow for speedwork but considering I've not done any in over a month, I guess I can't be too disappointed.
Wednesday
Did: 10.5 mi stationary bike intervals
Wanted to get up and ride the trainer at home this morning but sleep won that battle... it was the right choice. Didn't have time to pack up my bike for an actual ride this morning but I threw some bike shorts into my bag "just in case" and got down to the gym after a morning meeting ended early - hurray! I'm not a fan of the stationary bike but eh, better than nothing and worked up a good sweat.
Thursday
Did: 4.6 mi @ 8:12/mi avg
This was SUCH A GOOD RUN. I headed out in the afternoon, which is usually a terrible time, plus it had just started raining. I said "whatever" and went out anyway, and I was grinning the entire run.
Also, apparently it ended up being a progression run?? Nice.
Did: strength
Felt good and motivated today. Got in a solid lift, 4 rounds of everything, working back up to max. weights from where I was before. I think I'll be sore tomorrow.
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| Also, sometimes a shared gym is gross. 😖 |
Did: 6.2 mi treadmill ladder #10kTuesday - starting the streak again!
Got on the treadmill this morning for a ladder 10k Tuesday workout. Considered running outside, but it was grey and drizzly and I didn't have any kind of light-up gear, so was safer indoors at work. I was struggling by mile 2, but pushed through and the back half of the run went by pretty well. Did a 400/400/800/1200/800/400/400 with 400 rest in between each, plus 1 mile warm up and cooldown on each end. All of the speed intervals were between 6:30-7:00/mi pace, which is slow for speedwork but considering I've not done any in over a month, I guess I can't be too disappointed.
Wednesday
Did: 10.5 mi stationary bike intervals
Wanted to get up and ride the trainer at home this morning but sleep won that battle... it was the right choice. Didn't have time to pack up my bike for an actual ride this morning but I threw some bike shorts into my bag "just in case" and got down to the gym after a morning meeting ended early - hurray! I'm not a fan of the stationary bike but eh, better than nothing and worked up a good sweat.
Thursday
Did: 4.6 mi @ 8:12/mi avg
This was SUCH A GOOD RUN. I headed out in the afternoon, which is usually a terrible time, plus it had just started raining. I said "whatever" and went out anyway, and I was grinning the entire run.
Also, apparently it ended up being a progression run?? Nice.
Friday
Did: nada
Yeahhhhh it's a rest day. Actually feel like I earned it this week!
Saturday
Did: 10.1 mi @ 9:37/mi
Got out right at sunrise for some solo miles with the goal of making it to double-digits for the first time since injury. It was nice and cold but felt perfect for a run! Started out through Green Valley, took the Swamp Rabbit down to Furman, and looped through campus before heading home. Felt good and steady throughout the run and of course loved having this done before breakfast. YES I'M BACK!!
Sunday
Did: 20.7 mi road bike ride
Went out for a solo road ride in the afternoon, and quickly found that the legs were more tired than I'd anticipated. My goal was still to do ~20 miles, but I did the first half on more challenging hills then followed it with some Swamp Rabbit + Furman miles to finish up. A lovely crisp fall ride!
Week-ending thoughts:
I didn't even both with week-beginning thoughts this time since things never seem to go as planned. Finally a good week, though! Of course next week will be challenging again due to travel for work. I'll do my best!
Yeahhhhh it's a rest day. Actually feel like I earned it this week!
Saturday
Did: 10.1 mi @ 9:37/mi
Got out right at sunrise for some solo miles with the goal of making it to double-digits for the first time since injury. It was nice and cold but felt perfect for a run! Started out through Green Valley, took the Swamp Rabbit down to Furman, and looped through campus before heading home. Felt good and steady throughout the run and of course loved having this done before breakfast. YES I'M BACK!!
Sunday
Did: 20.7 mi road bike ride
Went out for a solo road ride in the afternoon, and quickly found that the legs were more tired than I'd anticipated. My goal was still to do ~20 miles, but I did the first half on more challenging hills then followed it with some Swamp Rabbit + Furman miles to finish up. A lovely crisp fall ride!
Week-ending thoughts:
I didn't even both with week-beginning thoughts this time since things never seem to go as planned. Finally a good week, though! Of course next week will be challenging again due to travel for work. I'll do my best!
Monday, November 5, 2018
Struggle bus. But still moving.
Well, last week (10/29-11/4) was a struggle for motivation.
Monday I lifted at the very end of the day (snooze) then went for a walk outside because it was so nice.
Skipped 10kTuesday because Reasons. (by Reasons I mean lame excuses that really shouldn't have mattered, but there you go)
Ran at lunch on Thursday (4.44 mi @ 8:56/mi) and felt good afterwards, but I can tell I'm losing some fitness and that makes me mad at myself.
Saturday, however, was EPIC and one of the best days in a long long time. I got to spend 5+ hours in the woods among leaves the color of fire, crystal blue sky above, and two wheels under me. Good friends, laughter, and 2,300+ ft of elevation gain in Pisgah.
Monday I lifted at the very end of the day (snooze) then went for a walk outside because it was so nice.
Skipped 10kTuesday because Reasons. (by Reasons I mean lame excuses that really shouldn't have mattered, but there you go)
Ran at lunch on Thursday (4.44 mi @ 8:56/mi) and felt good afterwards, but I can tell I'm losing some fitness and that makes me mad at myself.
Saturday, however, was EPIC and one of the best days in a long long time. I got to spend 5+ hours in the woods among leaves the color of fire, crystal blue sky above, and two wheels under me. Good friends, laughter, and 2,300+ ft of elevation gain in Pisgah.
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| Ahh, Pisgah. |
Bike friendsssssss 💛
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| Post-ride recovery beers are the best. |
We were on the bikes for 5 hours and covered almost 20 miles. I haven't ridden this long on a mountain bike in a long time, so I was especially happy that my 2nd ride in the past month since injury was this good! We didn't get home until almost 8pm after departing around 9am, so it made for a LONG day but man that's the best kind of exhaustion.
ETA: more pics from the Piney Mountain Bike Lounge page...
ETA: more pics from the Piney Mountain Bike Lounge page...
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| Stopped at the end of Squirrel Gap Trail |
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| Almost to the top of the climb, but the best views! |
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| Not sure where this was, but there were lots of rocks!! |
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