Settling into a Groove: 6/7 – 13 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

I find it’s easier to get in more fitness during the Summer — how about you? I seem to have settled into a groove of running 4 x week, even though that wasn’t a goal. I told myself I was only going to run 3 x this week, but oops.

After a very hot and humid start to the week, it finally cooled off and I just knew I had to take advantage of that!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and my most weekly miles in a long time. Not that it’s much, but hey, I did one of my best halfs with just 19 miles a week.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, 3.5 miles of Intervals, PB ST (25 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Shortish hike
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 7 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, 1.5 miles recovery, Cardio Toning (25 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (45 min)

Running Mileage: 15 (+2)


PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike

Running Update

Thankfully they did not go out the side the sewer was on; I haven’t seen them again

Monday Intention: beat the heat & keep it easy
I didn’t get out quite as early as I’d planned — what’s new? — but this is the earliest I’ve started my run so far. Thank goodness, because there was not a cloud in the sky and even at 6:30 it was hot. It probably didn’t help that I stopped to take some photos of the Mama duck and her ducklings. Yup, she was going walkabout again. 7 ducklings! Poor mama!

Wednesday Intention: I feel the need for speed
It has been about 70 and very humid when I’ve been walking Bandit for the last few days at about 6:30 am — I finally cried Uncle and decided to take it to the mill today. Which meant I could push myself a little harder than I have been lately.

I chose a 45 minute interval run. They were intervals of 4 minutes (2 at marathon pace, 2 at half pace) and 6 minutes (3 at half pace, and 3 at 5k pace) — something like that anyway. The instructor challenged you not to walk in the recovery interval but nope, I did. #sorrynotsorry.

Mr. Judy came in as I practically melted onto the mill at the end, wondering if I was okay. I was but it was not an easy workout!

Again not sure what these wildflowers are. They actually look a bit like petunias.

Friday Intention: increase distance
A dew point of 44 degrees! I took advantage of that to relax longer in the morning than usual lately, and even though it got a bit humid towards the end. even with a late start this run was fine. I thought my legs would feel heavy after the previous day’s hike, but they were fine, too. I know I said this would be a cutback week, but I took advantage of the cooler weather at the end of the week to go longer. Who knows how long that will stick around?

Saturday Intention: recover
Again a cool morning, so I walked Bandit before my run, instead of after. The heat earlier in the week definitely took something out of me and I was still recovering. Although my pace was slow, still not as slow as a recovery run should be (about the same as my long run pace!). Garmin said my V02 Max nudged up to 40 afterward, which is a number I haven’t seen in a long time, so I guess I’m doing something right.

Bandit doesn’t like water. We really weren’t sure he’d cross the stream. He did. Twice. No problem. Where we crossed wasn’t as wide as the photo above, but a little too wide to just jump across.

Favorites of the week
Thursday was finally a really lovely day. Mr. Judy actually suggested we hike. He wanted to go somewhere that was relatively close to home (within 30 minutes). The small park I chose wasn’t exciting, but I think we both had a good time. I know Bandit did.

We also ran into an older gentleman who used to be a runner as we were finishing up our hike. He had all sorts of stories to share with me; I’ll be sharing more of that when we meet for coffee/tea in a couple of weeks.

I had plans to go on another hike yesterday with a friend, but a long to-do list, a rainy morning, and already having tackled mud with Bandit on my last hike and my friend and I agreed neither of us really wanted to go. Today I bookmarked some hikes in MA & VT for the future.

Do you feel it’s easier to fit in more activity during Summer? 

Getting out earlier to beat the heat or just enduring it?

Training or just running?

GWY Yin Yoga at the Wall

ICYMI: We are switching it up and using the wall as a prop in this hip opening Yin Yoga practice. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Why it can be good to unplug. On Friday if you’re looking to shake up your runs just a little bit, I’ve got some ideas for you.

36 thoughts on “Settling into a Groove: 6/7 – 13 WRD”

  1. Yes. Longer days allow me to get in evening runs and hikes.

    Nope. Just running. Enjoying racing without training.

    Should get out early but there’s work and don’t feel like running at 5 am. So enduring the heat. Really just running slower and walking more.

    Looking forward to the weekly ice cream and trail runs.

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  2. Sounds like a really nice week for you, Judy! I usually run 4 days per week but somehow this year, I’m only doing 3. I keep meaning to remedy that but I’m enjoying what I’m doing right now. If this wrist injury is serious, then I’ll add another running day in to replace crossfit. Fingers crossed I won’t have to do that.

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    1. Definitely hope you can keep up with your current schedule.

      I was good running 3 x week, but I did want to add in just a few miles. I’m sure some weeks it’ll still be 3 times. But the last couple I just felt like 4.

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  3. Even though my work schedule stays the same in the summer, the fact that the kids are off of school gives me some extra time, and I love it.
    Sounds like you had some nice runs this week! My husband is increasing his distance again, and his long run this week was also seven miles.
    Love the photos as always!

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  5. Awesome week Judy! Glad that your runs felt great last week too.

    I do enjoy the longer daylight in the summer. My work schedule is the same all year round but it’s nice having additional sunlight if I need to run errands after work. It’s no fun bing out when it’s dark at 6pm lol.

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  7. I don’t think my workouts change much (in terms of frequency) in the summer, I definitely try to do as much outdoors as I can (including bringing the hand weights outdoors and using the outdoor stairway), though. I guess I do a lot more biking in the summer because the outdoor scene is far more fun than the indoor setting, and we do a lot of rides with our friends.

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  8. I do find its easier to keep up with workouts in the summer. I am usually pretty consistent all year but I find myself running more in the summer and fall. Great job this week!

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    1. Too bad Scooby isn’t good in the car. But I know that can be difficult! Lola was ok on car rides around town, but longer drives made her really anxious. We still did it sometimes but it could be a pain! Chester was great in the car.

      Bandit’s actually good too, but he gets randomly carsick. Not often but it’s a mess when it happens.

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  11. Sounds like a nice week for you. I suppose I’m getting out earlier but always after we walk at 6am. In the “old days” when I was truly motivated and training, I’d be out running by 5:30 all summer long. It was sad to watch the morning daylight slip away as summer wore on.

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  12. Your hike with Mr. J and Bandit sounds lovely! I’m looking forward to hearing the stories the older gentleman had to share when we meet for our next virtual coffee date.

    For the most part, I try to beat the heat, but it doesn’t always work out as planned. And yes, I definitely find it easier to get out and exercise more in the summer.

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  13. ah there is something about summer that lends itself to being active, so I totally understand where you are coming from. Glad you got a good hike in with Mr Judy – sometimes that quality time is better than an “exciting” place. I would answer as well that I would try to beat the heat but as you know I struggle with early morning running so often end up in the thick of it instead.

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  14. Longer daylight lets me get more in, but not necessarily more fitness. Depends on the temperature. BUt it’s so nice to sit outside and read after work if I’ve run early, or go for a long walk

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  15. I always walk during my recovery. I am a big believer of walking whenever necessary. Morning runner here too. Last week I got out too late and it felt tough. These past few days I’ve been getting out earlier and it’s been cooler as well. Perfect for me.

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