Wednesday had a high of 50F! Perfect running weather. I went to visit my mom; I got to enjoy the warmer weather on my hike there, but there was no time to run. I notice how much more birdsong there is these days, and the days staying light longer. Spring takes a long time to come up here, but every little sign of it is encouraging.
I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing slowly back into running and strength training.
Workouts update
- Monday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (15 min), Dogwalk
- Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2.75 TM, SB 4.45 mile (15 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
- Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 mile hike Olana, Yoga (20 min)
- Thursday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk
- Friday: Yoga (20 min), 5 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
- Saturday: Yoga (20 min), PB ST (10 min), 13ish miles SB while taking the mobiliy course
- Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)
Running Mileage: 10.75 (+1.25)
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 Update
Tuesday Intention: go the distance
I gave serious consideration to skipping this run altogether. I woke up feeling tired. I was going to run outside — maybe I could have — but we’d had a bit of snow overnight, running in the afternoon when it would be clearer wasn’t an option, and quite frankly even though it was a warmer day, I wasn’t feeling it. I decided to run on the treadmill — an endurance run (steady pace) — and just keep the pace conservative. I survived.

Friday Intention: increase distance, keep pace easy
Mission accomplished! 5 miles that felt surprisingly good. Mostly consistent and the last mile was the fastest. I only look at my watch to see when miles are coming up; I drink some water each mile. So I have no idea how fast I’m running most of the time. No side stitches!

Sunday Intention: take it easy, enjoy those warmer temps
It was almost 40F by the time I finished my run. No wind; sadly no sun either. A relatively easy 3 miles, meeting my intention.

Favorites of the week
I took some of my starter out of the fridge to reactivate, with the intention of making more bread. It was a busy week and I knew I just didn’t have the time to make bread — Friday I had my long-ish run, and Saturday I had an online class all day. So I decided to make some more pancakes. Apparently you can never have too many pancakes. They seemed to fuel 5 miles quite well.

I will definitely be changing up some of my foam rolling with what I learned in yesterday’s class. I’ll share a lot of what I learned, but it’s going to take a little time to digest all that information. The vibrating ball (in front) might just be my new bestie.

Over tea next Friday I talk about Bandit & snuggling. I’ve noticed a decline since it’s been warming up, but he hung out with me during my class almost the entire time. Hard work, but a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do.
What are the little Spring approaching signs you’ve noticed?
Spring racing plans? Nothing for me, not yet anyway.
Have you tried a vibrating massage tool/foam roller? Yes, they make vibrating foam rollers. That might be next on my list.
ICYMI: A short, moving mediation. This will help you push away the fear and bring in the things you want in your life. You’ll find the video here. On the other blog I explain Oracle cards, how to use them, and a few options to consider here.
Coming up on Tuesday: Thoughts on the run — outside and inside. Friday I’m grabbing some hot chocolate and getting together with you virtually to share what’s going on in my life — and I promise to listen to what’s going on in yours, too.
Today was a lovely day for a long run. As you said no wind which made all the difference (and of course friends to run with.)
Nope on the vibrating foam roller since I don’t own one or have plans to buy one. No need for one but that’s my opinion. Not a professional or a certified coach.
Yes on races. One March 13 and another April 17. Always looking for more but that’s all I can find for now.
Nice to see that you are feeling better and are back to running.
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Definitely good to be feeling more normal. Need more sun though! Of course in Summer I’ll complain about sun.
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Never. Love summertime!!
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I don’t have any sort of vibrating foam roller but I do have a massage gun. I’m looking forward to hearing more about what you learned in your course! Hope the snow goes away soon!
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I don’t have a massage gun although I hear great things about them & am sure I’d lobe that too.
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That’s great that you are already back to 5 mile runs. Sounds like your time off served you well. Interested to hear what you learned about foam rolling techniques. Thanks for linking and have a great week ahead
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I wasn’t sure whether or not I should run 5 miles; it was a tiring week — but it went well. Have a great week, too, Deborah!
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I just noticed a lot of bids singing this week, too! Saturday morning, with Barb, it was barely beyond daylight and cold (6:45) and it sounded like a tropical rain forest. Good job easing back on the distance. That vibrating ball has my interest…
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Loving the vibrating ball!
I’ve been noticing more birds for a while. February was so cold it surprised me!
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Mike was out of town again all weekend and Cocoa didn’t leave my side! She sleeps with him at night, so she was a little restless with me. I enjoyed her furry company!
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Bandit often lays at the top of the stairs looking for me when I’m gone. But he attaches to my husband at night! Although he goes to bed & gets up with me.
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Ah, the birds are definitely a sign of spring. As is that melting snowpile! Temps in the 50s is perfect for running! It will be a while before it’s that warm at 6 am for my runs.
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Definitely not 50 in the morning here either! Or even 50s. But it at least got up to 50. It’s nice not to be buried under all the layers!
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We had warmer weather this weekend but it ended up raining pretty hard both days so no outdoor running for me this weekend. I was bummed but on the bright side, most of the snow and ice was washed away.
Totally agree that you can never have too many pancakes!
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Our snow & ice is slowing going. But it’s supposed to be 11 & windy tomorrow morning! Still most of the week does look warmer.
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I am thrilled to hear it’s feeling and looking like spring. I’m all for it! Looking at your Trigger Point toys, I’m now wondering where my TP ball went…in fact I’ve got another TP tool I haven’t seen in awhile either. Hmmm.
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I do have to be careful to keep the smaller balls out of Bandit’s reach. 😊
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There’s a patch of grass on the other side of the creek in our back yard that I watch from our kitchen window. I noticed this week as the snow melted away that it’s starting to look a little greener. We had so much rain today that the creek overflowed its banks and I couldn’t see the green patch. If we have a few warm days this week it will get bright green. It’s always my first sign on spring. 😃
I’ve not seen the vibrating balls/rollers. They sound cool. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you talk more about them.
I have an all-day Friday and Saturday running medicine virtual conference coming up in mid-March. Does Bandit want to come keep me company? 😊
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Bandit likes females in particular. I’m sure he’d keep you company — unless I was there!
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I’m looking forward to hearing about that mobility class! Sounds like you had a great week of running- five miles is a nice distance.
I haven’t planned any spring races yet, but I’m getting the urge to do some! I’ll do one or two, if I can find the right ones.
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I really have no urge to race. Just don’t want to deal with all the security measures — glad it’s available for those that are willing to do that.
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Great runs for the week. Glad to see you got in the 5 miles you were aiming for.
Signs of Spring: warmer weather, longer days, more birds singing, and daffodils blooming/budding. Spring is my favorite season, so I am anxiously awaiting its arrival.
No races planned in March. Just hoping to get back into a little running with no adverse side affects. I don’t stretch or foam roll. Probably not good, but haven’t felt the need yet.
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Oh we won’t see daffodils til next month. We finally planted some last fall, though, so it will be lively to see them come up!
Foam rolling has helped me so much.
Just take it slow when you start running, let go of any paces & I’m sure you’ll do fine. Even with just 3 weeks off with a minor illness it took a while to get back to my previous level of fitness. Not sure I’m all the way back even now — although I think the weather makes me tired, too.
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Thanks. I plan to start by just running for a minute and walking 3 or 4 or more, then run another minute – slowly, just to see how it feels. I’ll slowly increase my running and see where it takes me. I’m in no hurry. I just want to be smart about it and not injure myself.
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Sounds like a good plan. It was kind of fascinating to watch my V02 MAX slowly bounce back to normal. My Garmin just automatically tracks it.
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I’ve also noticed all the birds singing lately. They’re out in full force here. The flowers are starting to come up and some trees are getting buds. More importantly, we’ve gotten some amazing weather here and there (warm and sunny) so spring is definitely not far!
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Amazing weather up here is 40 if we’re lucky. That’s ok though, because we don’t have to melt in summer. 🤣
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Aw, sweet Bandit! Luna only cuddles when she’s tired. Otherwise, she is on the move with places to go and things to do.
It’s on the verge of summer here, which is an ok thing, I guess. I will miss the colder weather. The humidity is no fun for running.
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Humidity is awful for running, IMHO. But a little warmth is welcome up here!
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Great runs this week! Sweet Bandit…vizslas (our dogs) are often called Velcro Vizslas and they are VERY snuggly. Ruth loves to spoon 🙂
50 degrees sounds so lovely!
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Well today was wicked cold. 😊
Bandit had 2 homes before us. He was abused in the first. Although his second owner said he was very snuggly, that has not been the case for us. Little wonder, though, since people & animals keep disappearing in his life.
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The birds returned to the feeders in the yard so I’m hoping spring is just around the corner.
I do have a vibrating trigger point ball that I must admit I cannot remember the last time I used it. I do like my massage gun though.
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It must be cool to see the birds returning!
I was very displeased when I tried to use my vibrating ball this morning & it quickly stopped. I didn’t realize it needed charging (not the balls fault, of course). I don’t have a massage gun, although I think a vibrating foam roller might be next on my list.
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I. noticed the birds singing more as well! wonderful! and last Monday when I was in the park early it was like a symphony of birds and ducks together. LOVE!
I almost bought a vibrating foam roller. But I have like 10 different types so… instead I bought this amazing foot massager from the same company. We have a vibrating massage “thing” but I don’t find it that great to be honest.
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I have a massage thing that goes over a chair. I never use it, even though I LOVE it, because it’s a pain to drag out & set up. I keep thinking maybe I should move it to my yoga room & play it on the mat . . .
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Pancakes are good any time of the day! Love them! Most of the snow has melted. That is exciting. I remember a few years ago seeing a vibrating and heating foam roller. It wasn’t cheap and I didn’t buy it. I have so many and really do not need another one.
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I agree — breakfast is good at any meal. Too bad my husband doesn’t agree!
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I’ve been hearing birdsong when the alarm goes off at 6am, which is a lovely return to spring!
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I watched the hawks in the tree opposite us today. Then I asked Alexa if hawks fly south for the winter because I don’t see them in winter. Sure enough they do!
Spring is coming, although you wouldn’t know that from our current weather.
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