I had company for almost every run this week, although there was a lot of confusion — mostly on my part. Did you see my runfessions about senior moments? You can read it here.
For the first time I “raced” the day after my long run (and I use that term very loosely).
I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin and today’s guest host to let you know how training is going and take a peek at your training, too.
Workouts update
- Monday: Dogwalk, 4 easy miles on the trails, PB Hips & Glutes
- Tuesday: Dogwalk, 6 miles tempo run, Pilates
- Wednesday: Dogwalk, Pahla Cardio, Agility & Balance
- Thursday: Dogwalk, Pilates, 4 miles easy
- Friday: Dogwalk, Rest Day!!!!
- Saturday: 9 mile LSD, Dogwalk, PB Abs
- Sunday: 5k Trail Race + .9 mile warmup
Mileage: 23 (NC )
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
I met up with my friend at the park for a little catching up since we didn’t get together last week. Other than catching up, nothing super memorable about this run.

Tuesday
Darlene @ myfirst5kandmore and I were able to run together for the first time in a long time . . . sort of. If only I hadn’t had a senior moment with where to meet. I blame the long day sunday and a couple of early, busy mornings.
Darlene always helps me get in a good tempo run (it’s an easy run for her). It was one of the hottest, most humid days of the summer, and I have to admit that I was afraid of the late start . . . but it wasn’t as bad as I feared. I almost hit my paces . . . one mile I didn’t because it was uphill, but I’m still pleased — did I mention it was hot and humid?
I was kind of toast the rest of the day. Oh, I did stuff, but Darlene went on to attend a funeral (unfortuantely), play tennis, and go out to dinner. Don’t know how she does it.

Thursday
Another speedy easy run before dinner. Apparently running for my dinner makes me faster.

Saturday
Can I dial up this weather for my next half, pretty please? After the sweatfest on Tuesday (not to mention the last humid long run) today’s weather was just perfect. This was the best long run I’ve had in a long time.
And that whole painted rock craze? I finally spotted one! More than one, actually.
What wasn’t perfect? The chafing afterward. Seriously? I actually think it may have been due to fluid retention and changing into a different skirt to walk the dogs afterward — I didn’t feel as though there was any chafing when I was done with my run.
Best running tip ever: if you do chafe, use your anti chafing cream on the area before your shower. It really does work like a charm — at least with mine. No pain at all.

Sunday
Yup, I got my second trail race done today; a 5k. Although it could hardly be called a race on my part — I was really just out there for a recovery run.
It was truly a glorious day for a trail race — low humidity and not too hot. And I wasn’t even last, although definitely pretty close. There was one mile that was super rocky with lots of big roots, too, so I walked way more on that mile.
I’ll write a more detailed recap later.
Favorites of the week
It was nice to be able to run with Darlene once, even if the weather that day was pretty bad. And to have company for a couple of other runs, too!

I finally volunteered at a race for the first time: after my 5k today, I volunteered at an aid station for several hours. It was interesting and so different from a road race.

And you know how us runners are always saying we want better swag? All the runners get socks for this race (Thatcher Park Trail Running Festival)! I’d much rather have socks than a shirt.
There may have been a little ice cream celebration afterwards. Let’s just say it wasn’t a healthy eating day, as I munched on the goodies at the aid station. If I ever do it again, I must bake something so it’s not all store bought stuff! This was a last minute decision.
But somehow between the 5k and walking back and forth in the park and my warmup mile, I clocked about 8 miles overall today. After yesterday’s 9 mile long run. Thank you, weather Gods, for finally blessing us!
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:
Do you have a spirit animal? What is it?
What’s your best running tip?
Wouldn’t you rather have socks than a race tee?
Yea, I think the race T’s are over rated or maybe it’s just cus I have so many of them now.
Fun that you got to run with Darlene! My spirit animal is probably a golden retriever!
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Love the socks. What a great idea. I don’t mind T either if they’re the right material. I haven’t done enough races to have a whole closet full. Never gave much thought to a spirit animal. Running tip? Never give up.
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That’s a great tip, Paula!
I do have quite a few tees — and a lot of Skirtsports, so I tend to use the tees for things other than running. But usually they’re not all that flattering (and sometimes not that comfortable, either).
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Ah that humidity takes some getting used to. That’s going to be my new challenge. Sounds like a great week! If I had a spirit animal I’d say it would be a dolphin!
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I’m loving the socks! I’m with you…give me something I can use, not another tshirt I’ll throw in a drawer and never wear!
So glad you and Darlene finally got to run together even if it was a humid day….. but hey, you know the old southern saying ..that which doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger! 🙂
Congratulations on another trail run! I’m so impressed and proud of you! I’ve yet to do one and I really want to. There’s one here in October …I may have to give it a go.
Thanks for linking up and supporting me Judy!
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I’d been eyeing that trail race for a long time. I wouldn’t have done it if it had been raining (which it did a lot this summer), but we got blessed with a truly wonderful weekend. Finally!
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I’m so glad you had great weather for it!
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There’s a 4th of July race in North Carolina I always do when we’re visiting the in-laws that gives out adorable socks instead of a shirt. Except last year they changed to a crapola keychain. Not a fan. You had a good week!
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A keychain wouldn’t do it for me, either. 😦
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Yes you got lucky. Yesterday the weather was perfect (for my rest day). Congrats on not being DFL.
You can imagine how sick of race shirts I am.
How come I didn’t see any rocks? Zim Trail?
Nice seeing you. Too bad we didn’t connect on Sat. I don’t remember Tuesday being hot and humid. My mind is going I guess.
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That was a race I was only going to do if the weather was nice. Too treacherous there if it’s wet. Not sure what I would have decided if it had been hot, with the late start, but then again, it was only a 5k.
Did you go the other way on Zim? South? We went north. There were several painted rocks.
Tuesday was very definitely hot & humid. It doesn’t bother you as much.
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I went 2.5 south from Leah’s and 2.5 north. I loop to my car for water and fuel.
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I just went 4.5 north. Couldn’t tell you where the painted rocks were but there were several.
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Great job this week! I’m loving your tip about the anti-chaffing cream. I’ll have to try that! At the 50k I did they also gave you socks! I usually wear the low cut socks and these come up higher than your ankle. They were great for the race because I didn’t really have anything else to wear but I haven’t worn them since.
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I don’t think I’ll be wearing these socks to run — I like a lot of cushion! — but I’m sure I’ll be wearing them.
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Thanks for the tip about chafing – I will definitely be using that in the future, lol.
The weather this weekend was awesome and I can only hope that the weather will be similar for the Chicago Marathon!
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It’s a handy trick for pain free showers!
I hope you do get such lovely weather for the marathon. I’ve had sooooo many hot races — UT was great weather & I’m ready for another one!
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Hmm, socks could be good if they’re the right size. You wouldn’t want socks that give you blisters though. The weather here has been amazing for running – it’s been hard to rest up for and recover from my bike ride.
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They actually asked you your shoe size. 🙂 It’s a well oiled machine!
I doubt I’ll wear these socks for running, but you never know.
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It has been a while since I’ve seen either of you and Darlene get together for a run. Glad it could happen this past week! I’m not sure if I run faster before a meal but it sure gives me something to think about while I’m running!
I would not want socks, my feet are small and I would more than likely not be able to wear them anyway.
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They actually ask you your shoe size, so they probably would have fit you! I can never have too many socks. I doubt I’ll run in them, but I still need socks for everyday!
Darlene runs with Alyssa these days, who’s a much better match for her pace-wise. And then she’s always racing on the weekends. Although she might join the group this weekend.
And my feet are actually relatively large for such a vertically challenged person!
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You have inspired me! Glad I stumbled onto your blog!
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Thanks, Tammi!
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What a week! Sounds great to me 🙂 Lots of quality runs.
It has been a long time since I have been on trails, maybe one day I’ll get back to it lol if it ever cools off some. Too buggy right now.
Love the socks! I think I would like more than a T.
Nice of you to volunteer 🙂
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I got very, very lucky with the trail race last weekend. This sunday it’s supposed to rain. I wouldn’t have done it if it had rained!
I volunteered because my friend did, although we weren’t together anyway.
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Look at Bandit and Lola sharing!! Awww!
I had to look it up, and surprise, surprise… my spirit animal is the turtle as well. It totally fits, lol!
Loving the socks! I’d totally take socks for swag any day!
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Despite all the guarding when we first got Bandit, they get along well when food is involved. I still don’t leave Bandit free when I go out (except for runs — and then I don’t leave them with any food). I *think* it would be ok but I don’t want to find out otherwise!
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You had a great week! Congrats on your trail 5k and on volunteering. It’s a lot of fun and so much appreciated by the runners. 🙂
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