In some ways, this week was a repeat of last week: nothing particularly exciting going on, another trip to my parents — which I thought would be the last one, except it took much longer than I expected and I think there’s more left to do than my sister realizes.
Still a bit back and forth, feeling okay one day, the next not 100% — today I feel pretty good and with some vitamin D from my run, I’m hoping I stay that way!
I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin so we can all inspire each other to stay active.
Workouts update
- Monday: Dogwalk, DM Flow
- Tuesday: Dogwalk, Pilates Perfect Body Arms, Legs, Belly & Stretch
- Wednesday: Dogwalk, 5 miles easy on trails
- Thursday: Dogwalk, Iron Strength Abbreviated
- Friday: Dogwalk, 5 miles easy
- Saturday: Pilates Perfect Body Arms, Total Body, Stretch, Strala Arms, Back & Shoulders, Working on my parents house
- Sunday: 8 mile LSD
Mileage: 18 (+11)
JY = Jasyoga
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*
*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links
Running updates
After a few extra rest days (again), I can’t say that I still felt 100% but frankly, I was getting tired of resting. Sort of. Actually Tuesday I felt good, but oddly Wednesday I was feeling run down again. No idea why.
So I headed out to run some trails. Which you might notice is different from where I normally run. Because I runfess that I’ve been keeping quiet about my next half, which just happens to be a trail race. And I’ve never done a trail race.
I have run on trails — occasionally. But not often. Other than getting slightly lost at the end of the run, it was fine.
Friday
I totally waffled back and forth on this: it was supposed to rain all day, only it really didn’t. I had to go out and run errands in the morning, but I knew Bandit would have a difficult time handling how long I’d have to be out if I tacked on a run.
I figured I’d run on the treadmill. No, I’d go outside. No, treadmill. In the end, it wasn’t raining too bad, so I took Bandit out for 1 1/2 miles, dropped him off, and then finished off in a cold, windy drizzle.
Sunday
Finally a perfect day to run. The universe seemed to conspire against me — I’m not going to go into all the details, but when I got to the trails I’d planned to run on, the Fire Department had closed them for a controlled burn. Who does this happen to (besides me, of course)?
I ended up driving around way more than I had any desire to after 3 hours in the car yesterday, but I did at least run on an unpaved path. A short one. With lots of looping. Well, my trail half will have loops 3 times so it was good practice. The run itself went well.
I also used a relatively inexpensive hydration backpack I’d bought last year and never used. I didn’t fill the bladder all the way, so it made a lot of sloshing noises, but otherwise it actually worked quite well.
Favorites of the week
So, again, not a great week and not a horrible week. The beautiful weather today was absolutely a favorite, and it’s supposed to stick around a few days. I’m just going to do what I did last week: I’ll share some photos from my long run.
And that’s a wrap
This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.
Let’s get the conversation started:
Ever done a race that loops multiple times?
Ever feel like the universe doesn’t want you to run?
Trails or the road?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
The lupus 5k that we do most years has two loops. I’m not sure how I feel about them.
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2 loops for a 5k is a lot!
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I did the Saratoga Half which was 2 loops and it was my least favorite half. Ironically I am running another in 3 weeks in Central Park so I get to run Harlem hill twice. Oh boy!
I like the scenery of a trail not would not to race.
The weather has been conspiring against my runs. It is seems to be sunny on my rest days.
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I only had one sunny run this week, by I did manage to escape the treadmill.
Maybe you’ll get sun for your race! I could, but there’s definitely a good chance of drizzle b
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Well, I’ve done a 37-mile ultra…which consisted of 38 loops around a lake, so there’s that LOL I’ll take that, any day, over a treadmill run, though.
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38 loops? That’s just loopy. 😊
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Nice pictures!! I love running in different places for the scenery alone!
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And yeah… I did that trail race last year that consisted of 2-mile loops. If I ever do another, I’ll get proper trail shoes because my road shoes didn’t cut it.
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I have some old trail shoes but I’m hoping to make it to Fleet Feet soon. Lately things have been conspiring against me. 😔
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The path I ran today is a favorite — just too short for 8 miles!
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I bought an inexpensive hydration pack the other year and I really like it but the bladder was sold separate so I just use the bottles in the front but I like that so much more than a handheld one.
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This one was quite cheap & includes the bladder. I’m just hoping it doesn’t fall apart before race day, but I have to say, I really liked it.
No pockets in the front, though (that would’ve been awesome).
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I don’t think I have done a looping race – maybe at a track meet in high school? 😉 Practicing that mental aspect is a good idea. I use a Nathan pack for biking. Usually my Hydraquiver is enough for running.
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This half is a trail half (which is a little scary, I gotta admit) — so it’s a 4.5 mile loop 3 times (well, obviously not completely 4.5 the last loop).
There’s one aid station. So you have to carry water with you — or at least I do!
Since this is a cheap hydration pack, I’m really hoping it stands up until the race. I actually really like it. I like having my hands free and pockets that aren’t completely stuffed!
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I”m OK doing loops while training, but they’re not my favorite. I haven’t done any race that has loops, and I don’t think I will. I would be bored the second time around.
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I’m not sure anyone actually enjoys loops! And I don’t know how I’ll feel about it on race day.
I did do a 10k a few years back that was 2 loops, and I remember how much it sucked to have to run by the finish line the first time (there’s also a 5k).
The good news is the aid station has chcoolate. 🙂
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How exciting that you’re going to run a trail race! I love running on the trails – it’s when I feel the most at peace. Plus, my feet are always a lot happier from the softer surface. Great pictures as always – too bad about that controlled burn throwing things off for you!
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I’m not sure whether to be excited or scared. Actually, the trails aren’t very technical (or so they say), but the hills . . .
I’m worried about that controlled burn thing happening again! There aren’t a whole lot of trails super close to home. It was a real PITA.
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I’m kind of split on paved paths/roads vs trails. Trails are beautiful but pace is sacrificed. I’ve only done trail 5k and 10ks and 2 loops at most. It’ll be a fun adventure for you!
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It’s called mud & chocolate – a chocolate buffet after. That was the hook. That & its proximity to my MIL. And yes, I’ve no doubt it could be my slowest half.
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Next time run up the steps. 😊💪
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What happened to trail runners walk up the hills? 😊 It’s really steep!
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Ok. You got me there. You can run down it for Utah training though. 🤗
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I’ve got some killer hills right in my neighborhood.
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Actually, I didn’t happen to come in that way, but I did run down a hill that steep (if it can be called running — I was cautious!) that first mile. Which explains why that mile was so slow!
I’m really hoping they are done with their burns and I can run there today.
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A trail race sounds so exciting! I have always wanted to do one, though to be honest, I’m pretty clumsy and fear I’d twist an ankle.
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I don’t consider myself super clumsy but it’s always possible. I probably wouldn’t have tackled it if chocolate wasn’t a part.
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I love your area for running Judy – the trails look beautiful. I really would love to run a Trail Half-Marathon. Nature Trails here in Florida scare me a little bit, because you never know what creatures you encounter, but further Up North I’d love to run a Half like this. I was just reading an article today about how switching to trail running here and there really improves your running stamina, even at a slower pace.
Have a great running week Judy!
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I think alligators or is it crocs? Would definitely turn me off. Th
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First of all, lovely pictures! I wish that I could walk more with our dog, but we have two dogs that can only be walked one at a time. With running, I definitely prefer the trails, but being a stay at home mom usually requires me to run on the treadmill at the YMCA for the childcare!
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We had to walk the dogs separately when we first got Bandit 3/4 of a year ago, then it was on 2 leashes, and now we walk them on the double leash like we did when we had Chester — which is something I was SURE would never happen.
It’s hard enough to get out with a dog with separation anxiety — but far easier than getting out with a small child!
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