The beginning of the week was so beautiful, and the end was so harsh. Some hills, some trails, some mentoring and easy runs. Not as much strength training as I should do but at least I did something. And matching Skirt Sports patterns at a couple of different runs!
Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner and sharing my week of maintaining my base.
And linking up with Jenn @ Runswithpugs, Brandi @ Funnerrunner, Anna Louise @ Graciouswarriorprincess, Briana @ Matsmilesmedals, Meghan @ Meghanonthemove, and Elizabeth @ Trainwithbainfor RIOTS(running is our therapy)
Workouts update
- Monday: Dogwalk, FOGA Arms & Core (20 min), 1 mile + 2 miles easy while FTC Mentoring
- Tuesday: 3 miles with 7 x 30 sec-ish hill repeats, Dogwalk
- Wednesday: Yoga/Pilates (20 minutes), Dogwalk, Yoga Feet & Ankles (15 min)
- Thursday: Yoga for Hips, Hamstrings & Back (45 min), 2 miles trails + 4 more miles
- Friday: Pilates (10 min), Dogwalk
- Saturday: Yoga Hips & Hamstrings (7 min), FTC Mentoring 2.75 miles, Dogwalk, Kettlebells (15 min)
- Sunday: Dogwalk, Rest Day
Mileage: 14.75 (+.25)
JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
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
Monday
I had every intention of just doing the workout with the mentees, even knowing it would be quite slow. I hung out with the real BOTPers, so it definitely was slow. I got to the park early, with just enough time to squeeze in one mile on a most beautiful day to run — happy I did.
Tuesday
Such a beautiful day. Should have worn a skirt not capris but I’m getting closer to guessing right, anyway. Added one more repeat this week. Then kicked myself for not thinking about exploring some trails at the park I keep thinking about — it was the perfect day to see how long/short they actually are.
Thursday
I did go explore the trails at the park this time. I thought they’d go for maybe half a mile and peter out, but there are a lot of trails back there. A lot of very technical trails — all sorts of roots, rocks, and some mud. Why did I never think to train here when I was training for my trail half a couple of years ago?
Actually, probably a good thing. As I said, these trails were even more technical and even steeper. I only ran on them for 2 miles, but my shoulders were so tight the next day — I swear, did I climb them instead of run on them?
I actually took it incredibly slow. I was very mindful that there were only a few people in that section of the park (which is still actually closed), and I didn’t want to fall several miles from my car and have to hobble back. I managed to stay upright, although I did catch my toe a couple of times on roots.
I finished up the rest of the run on the paved path, but man, this run really kicked my booty. I suspect that by summer it will be way too buggy to be enjoyable in there, but it was a truly lovely day today. It’s so close to my house, I’m sure I will run trails there again some day.
Saturday
At least it didn’t snow, and it didn’t rain on us either. But the wind and the feels like 30s temps! Ugh! Ran back & forth between lots of women. One of the women I ran with for a time thanked me afterwards, telling me she wanted to walk but I kept her going (it was supposed to be a 2.25 mile run with no walk breaks).
Favorites of the week
It was a pleasure to be in skirts this week . . . until of course the weather whiplash roared back in on Thursday. And so it goes. Happy that I have the running gear to tackle almost any weather — the will is a different story!
A big shout out to Marchia @ Marciashealthyslice for rocking the London Marathon and wrapping up her World Major Marathons quest.
The dogs are slowly getting the hang of the pet door. Sometimes I have to pop a corner but they’re pushing through (mostly) on their own and the flap is now down (good thing, too, considering how chilly it is!).
Talk to me:
Enjoy any racing this week?
Roads, trails, or both?
Group runner or solo — or both?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Besides the technical aspect of it, that looks like a great trail. It’s nice that it is so close to your house too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those trails are really close to where I live, much closer than the ones I used to train on. They’re also super hard! I was barely running and yet I really felt it. And I totally wondered how people run the AT!
LikeLike
How fun that you’re mentoring new runners! I’m sure they love the encouragement and your enthusiasm for running! Did you get them hooked on Skirt Sports or were they already fans?
LikeLiked by 1 person
A LOT of the mentors (and the race head coach) are skirt ambassadors. My vest was a big hit! For a non-vest person, I love that thing soooooo much.
I really enjoy doing it, but I’m also glad to get back to running when I feel like it when the race is over.
LikeLike
Thank you for taking the time to mentor new runners!!!! That’s quite an unselfish thing to take on, and such a great role model you’re setting! I’d like to run more trails, but we don’t have many options in my area, so I’m on the road(s) most of the time. Thanks for linking 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not all I he runners are new. Some do this particular training year after year. But some are.
I knew there were trails at this park but have never explored them before. The nicest trails aren’t close but this park is really close to me!
LikeLike
That is great that you are mentoring new runners! I am sure they appreciate all of the support and advice you give them. Trails are so pretty, but many are also hard. However, those are the ones that make us stronger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish there were more non technical trails near me but was glad to discover these so close.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I was not scared to run on trails they always look so beautiful and peaceful. I have fallen twice on trail runs so I am a little leery. Thanks for linking up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve fallen once roads & once on trails. I’ve been pretty lucky that way. But these were so rocky & so many roots!
LikeLike
Your skirt sports pattern twinning is so funny! You must have had an influence on your friends. Everyone wants to look like you!
Looking at your photos makes me want to run trails again. We are still in Colorado, so won’t be doing our weekly run with our friend Al this week, but maybe next week I can talk the guys into hitting the trails.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They have such lovely trails in CO. To walk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! WALK is right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I used to run a lot more trail, but am a bit more nervous about hurting myself after the broken leg…I hope to gain some trail confidence back! You’re so lucky to have some great trails so close to ‘practice’ on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can totally understand how you feel about trails. I have never really fallen in love with trails but I like the change.
LikeLike
Trails somewhat more than normal this spring, mostly to avoid crowds. But I feel you with the soreness which made me chuckle since part of the reason I did the trails yesterday was more gradual hills than the CP loop
Yay twinning. I just got my first skirt in that first, bright pattern
I like running with someone, but not a group
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like running with someone & in a group but since I don’t have to wait til after work mostly I run alone.
LikeLike
I love that you are mentoring new runners! One thing I really love about the running community is that we’re so open to helping each other, especially new runners. That photo of the un-technical trail makes new nervous – I just know I would fall, lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The trails made me just a little nervous. You just have to slow down. I swear I could’ve hiked them quicker than I ran them.
LikeLike
That’s so cool that you are mentoring new runners! I bet that feels rewarding. I love all the twinning!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The group isn’t all new runners. Actually there are more returning than new, but some are brand new runners too.
LikeLike
You are wise to take that path slow, I felt twice not to be so wise and twice I broke my right shoulder.
I run solo: I am retired so I have plenty of time to run where I prefer at the time I like.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am not working now so can also run when I want (sort of). So I run alone a lot, too.
LikeLike
Where are those trails???
I love running on trails…there are a few near my house. I ran on them often when I wasn’t working.
I just would never do a trail race.
I hate to run alone…but sometimes I have to.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The trails are in Colonie park. Some right from the pavilion we meet at. Some on the right before the covered bridge.
LikeLike
Oh ok. I know those.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recently ran trails near my house for the first time in months and they kicked my butt. It was so much fun, though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It always seems twice as hard as running on the road!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t run trails at all as I feel I’m just too uncoordinated! I am always afraid I’m going to break something and then die alone in the woods. Dramatic, I know. My mother always said I should have been an actress!
I love all the pattern twinning!! It’s hard to know how to dress when the weather is so wonky even though you kind of expect it to be normal!
No racing for me, but I actually measured my walk around certain points of the marathon course that Ron ran Sunday. Almost 8KM. Spectating is also a sport to be taken seriously.
I wish I had more people to run with. I run with my training group. Well, I say “with” but I’m usually lagging behind them. It’s good when we do intervals on the same track. You never really feel like you are the last one out there. Until of course they are all done and you still have two to go! haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I rarely get to run with people, actually. I wish I did! Need to meet the right runners I guess.
I always have my cell phone with me — you just never know what will happen!
LikeLike
Those trails look great. One of my running friends is taking me to a park next week to get some off-road in. I’m getting slightly less fearful and also she’s driving me there so I won’t have the worry of wearing down my trail shoes running to the place or doing trails in road shoes! I thought of you when I saw people running London in skirts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think trail shoes wear down as quickly as road shoes. Part of that run was actually on a paved path — the park isn’t open yet so no parking near the trails.
The main thing is slowing down!
LikeLike
That trail definitely sounds tough! But looks beautiful based on your photo 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know, I am always envious of other people’s trails — they always look way easier!
LikeLike
It’s fun to see I’m not the only one who puts water, and *all*the*things* in my capri pockets! Love me some pockets! I do have to cut back in a race because my pictures are a bit unflattering with all of the extra bulk that I don’t really need though. haha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Even in a race I still stuff my pockets — yup, it can be unflattering but I need what I need!
LikeLike