Weekly Run Down

Cookie Monster: 7/19 – 7/25 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

The subject will be revealed under favorites. It has been a lot of back and forth with mom, as I suspected it would be last week, and the rehab closed to visitors on Tuesday because of a non-COVID upper respiratory infection going around. I had already gone there, was going to leave from there to go home — well, I did, but without being able to visit.

My sister was finally able to visit in the lobby for a short time on Friday. The plan was to go down this Tuesday because there’s a meeting with the social worker, but that will depend on if I can go to it. Even if I can’t stay to visit, I’d like to go for the day to hear what they have to say. Time will tell.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and doing my best to stay active in a difficult time.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (40 min), PB Walk + Toning (25 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Swim (15 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 minutes), 5 mile “long” run, PB Cardio Toning (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (20 min), 2 recovery miles, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, PB ST + Cardio (30 min)
  • Sunday:  Yoga, yes; Dogwalk, maybe (if the rain has a few gaps or doesn’t appear at all, perhaps some other kind of cardio at some point

Running Mileage: 10 (+4)


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

Running Update

Good advice

Tuesday Intention: just run
It was a slog out there today and that’s okay. There was haze from the Western Wildfires, it was very humid — not really that warm, but just humid. I was in no rush and my pace showed that. I tried to capture the orange sun but it wouldn’t show up in photos.

I find there tends to be less to take photos of in Summer; these berries caught my eye on my longer run

Thursday Intention: go longer but easy
Does 5 miles really equal a long run? Well, it was longer than my longest run last week. I was blessed with a day with low humidity, finally. I definitely took it easy. I also got out a bit later than I probably should in Summer, and it was quite sunny, but the temps and the humidity were lower than we’ve seen for a while. So close to negative splits, but the last mile was slower, although not the slow-est.

Friday Intention: easy recovery
Same as I wonder if 5 miles should really be called a long run, although of course when I started to run it definitely qualified for me!, I wonder if a 5 mile long run needs recovery miles. My body seems to enjoy it, though, so I continue to do them. Plus I needed to get back to walk Bandit, so keeping it short was important. Negative splits again. Oops! Here I thought I was keeping that second mile slower.

Not too exciting — but wait, there’s more!

Favorites of the week
I met a friend for a cool down walk from her run and to wander one of the local farmer’s markets. We get a veggie box, and it’s a lot of veggies, so there wasn’t much I needed in that department.

I was on the lookout for a cookie for dessert.

What’s that hiding inside, you ask?

This was more like a brookie: a brownie/cookie combo and it was delish. So fudgy. Mr. Judy and I split it.

Why yes, it’s marshmallow

Why yes, it’s marshmallow. Mr. Judy isn’t quite as into chocolate as I am, but he liked it too — it just probably wouldn’t have been his choice. It wasn’t what I was looking for, but sometimes you get what you need?

Speaking of getting what you need, being home almost the entire week. Cooler weather. An end to the rain! Sometimes it’s the little things. Right now I have no idea if I’ll be home next week or spending part of the week with my mom again.

GWY Turn Overwhelm into Gratitude MeditationMeditation

ICYMI: As you might imagine the last couple of weeks have been overwhelming on many different levels. I found one solution for that, which I’m sharing in today’s 15 minute meditation.  Check it out here. There are also two short vlogs that go with the meditation:  here and here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Since I covered reasons to run in groups last week, this week it’s reasons to run solo. On Friday it’s time to come clean with Marcia @ MarciasHealthySlice and runfessions.

Little bits add up: 7/12 – 7/18 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

It’s been a roller coaster of a week. Towards the end of the week things seemed to improve for my mom, but I know it can still be back and forth. I am back down at my sister’s for a few days, with lots of rain in the forecast. Maybe I’ll throw in a photo of Bandit because otherwise there’s just no photos from this week.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and doing my best to stay active in a difficult time.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (40 min), PB Walk + Toning (25 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (40 min), PB Cardio + Balance + Core (25), PB CD (10 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Much Needed Rest Day
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 minutes), Dogwalk, PB Cardio Toning (25 min)
  • Friday: Dogwalk, 4 TM miles. Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), 2 TM miles recovery run
  • Sunday:  Most likely Yoga (40 min), hopefully some PB cardio/toning

Running Mileage: 6 (-5)


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

Running Update

Friday Intention: just run
I wanted to get Bandit walked first because the heat and humidity is so hard on him, and by the time I had time to run, I said no thank you to the humidity outside. I tried to keep it fairly easy, as it had been a week since I’d run, with just a few little surges in there.

Saturday Intention: recover
Getting packed up again to go to my sister, so a quick Peloton WU and recovery run. I chose not to bring running clothes to my sister. It’s supposed to be very rainy and hot, and my hope is that I’ll only be there a couple of nights.

Favorites of the week
Being home for a few days. Finally getting my mom transferred to rehab — third time was the charm. With a lot of bumps in the road she seems to be improving slightly. She has a cough that she’s had for a while now, before all this happened. The rehab did a chest xray and that showed nothing so that’s good. Fingers crossed for continued improvement.

GWY Yin for Happy Hips

ICYMI: A quick Yin Yoga practice to loosen up those hips.  Check it out here. Followed up by a vlog with 5 more tips to keep your hips happy here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Even though I’ve been a solo runner during the Pandemic, I have been a group runner and I’m sharing why I like running in groups. On Friday I’m sharing some tips for how I plan my hikes.

Bad news & we’re off!: 7/5 – 7/11 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

Off to the Adirondacks. Adventure awaits!

I wrote the above & most of the rest of the post before I got the news on Friday; my Mom fell and broke her hip. We left on Saturday, since it was unlikely that anything was going to happen that quickly — and if it does, we’re not that far away and come home. Prayers, healing vibes, whatever you got appreciated.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running through more cutting back this week — just time, mainly. I don’t think we’ll do a ton of hiking, but we should do some while we’re gone.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (15 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (60 min), PM Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), 2 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Swim (10 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 minutes), 2 miles easy, Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (40 min), 4 TM miles mixed
  • Saturday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalks a short hike or two
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Headed down to my sisters & the hospital

Running Mileage: 11 (-.5)


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

Running Update

Am I the morning only one who thinks these things on the grass are creepy?

Monday Intention: time on feet
It was a lovely morning but somehow I wasn’t really feeling this run even keeping it really easy. My Garmin seemed to think it was okay though.

More Fourth decorations

Tuesday Intention: keep it REALLY easy
I sure did, too. It was soupy. I had checked the radar before my run, and it looked like we’d be dry for a few hours so the plan was to come back & walk with Mr. Judy & Bandit. Except as I was walking towards home it started to thunder. Luckily I didn’t get caught in a thunderstorm, it only lasted a short amount of time, and we walked Bandit when it finished.

In summer there’s usually not so much to photograph. The raindrops on these flowers caught my eye.

Thursday Intention: add some miles
It was supposed to rain and have possibility of thunderstorms all day long. I woke up to no rain, so I decided I would just try to get 2 miles in so that I could be near to home again (in case). The radar showed it would be clear for a couple of hours. I got rained on , of course (also when I walked Bandit after my run), but not for long. I had hoped to do my long run today, and I could have — if I hadn’t been fooled by the weather app.

Apparently we had a pretty good thunderstorm the night before — I’ve been super busy all week long and I slept right through it. I’m usually a really light sleeper!

New Mizuno Wave Horizon 4. Finally ran on the treadmill so was finally able to try them out— they were a Prime Day deal. I’ve run on Mixunos before, but let’s just say it’s a good thing these were a deal I’ll need a few more runs before I really make up my mind about them but I at l least know I’ll keep them now.

Friday Intention: and just a little longer
Radar said rain almost all day. Would you believe not a drop til almost dinner time? Sigh. Well, I did have these new shoes to test out. I did a 10 min WU and then a 45 min run, which was a mix of steady state and surges. 

Severence Moutain overlooking Schroon Lake. Had it mostly to ourselves! Photo courtesy Lloyd Litt

Favorites of the week
We are in the Adirondacks as you read this. Hopefully the weather cooperates. Hopefully the traffic isn’t too bad. Hopefully the three of us enjoy this short break! What  actually happened is we packed up the car, had lunch, hiked. On top of the mountain I facetimed with my sister (who recently got an iphone) & my mom, and the doctor happened to come in during. Long story short surgery might happen today. We headed back home and I’m off to the hospital (about a 90 minute drive, actually a stop at my sister to drop off my stuff first).

Met up for a very brief swim (more talk than swim) and a little bit of poolside Yoga midweek. Very thankful that my friend is gracious with her community pool!

We have “booked” our next slightly longer vacation (still less than  week). We have been planning to visit with friends in ME for months, but we made it official and nailed down some dates in August. I have a 2 day course right before we leave. It’s gonna be busy!

How are you staying cool this Summer? 

What’s your favorite way to cross train? Yup, I do love to swim, but it’s harder to find places close to me to swim at since the community center I used to go to closed. Now it’s a sports complex and cost way more $$.

Any vacations coming up?

GWY Cooling Hatha Yoga

ICYMI: A gentle Hatha Yoga that will both heat you up and cool you down — while stretching everywhere a runner needs to stretch.  Check it out here. I also explain a bit more about Prana here. You might be surprised at my definition of Prana!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m busting a few running myths. On Friday you can see ways sugar might be sneaking into your eating.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Sam!: 6/28 – 7/4 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 30 Comments

My grandpa Sam was my only grandparent to be born in the US, and he was born on the Fourth of July. I’ve always thought that was special. Although he’s been gone since I was a teenager, I always think of him on the Fourth.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running through another bipolar weather week, with ridiculous heat and humidity until the weekend, rain, then another big cool down.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (15 min), Dogwalk, Swimming, (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk 3.5 TM miles, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (45 min)
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min
  • Friday: Yoga (40 min), 6 mile LSD, PB Cardio Toning (25 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (40 min), 2 mile recovery run, Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), PB Cardio Toning (25 min),  Dogwalk/s, stretching our legs at Olana, visit to Mom

Running Mileage: 11.5 (-3.5)


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

Running Update

Tuesday Intention: easy progression?
I skipped my run on Monday. My body just said NO! But it was very happy to swim. So I just wanted an easy 3 miles, but even if I hadn’t walked Bandit early, just no to that heat & humidity! 

I did a warm up walk with Adrian on Peloton. I don’t think I’ve ever done a class with him before, but I enjoyed it. Then I did Matty’s Broadway run — which was enjoyable, but of course had me pushing a bit more than I set out to do.

Hey, works for the fourth & olympics!

Friday Intention: easy shorter long run
I had been thinking about taking a cutback week (talking about it, too) for quite some time. This week my body said DO IT! So I did. While our heatwave finally broke today, it was still soupy out there. Because of the potential for thunderstorms, I decided to run in the neighborhood so I never had to be too far from home. 

I did one almost 4 mile loop, came back, and switched out water bottles. I know people do this sort of thing all the time, but I never have. Took back off and completed the other 2.25 miles. Got rained on (softly) the last mile and a half which felt nice. I thought it would be super slow, I was definitely tired and my legs felt heavy, but in the end it was a decent pace. Of course no thunderstorms, but I’ve been caught miles from any shelter in a storm before and it’s not something I want to repeat.

I’d stopped to take a photo of the bunny in the back when I noticed ears poking up through the grass in front of him

Saturday Intention: recover
It was finally quite cool and dry (as in not rain dry) this morning. Better day for a long run, but I knew I wanted to do a recovery run, which is why I did my longer run on Friday. I was going to run 2.5 miles to even out my week, and then I asked myself why? Will an extra half mile make a difference? No! Of course not!

Favorites of the week
Ah swimming, how I’ve missed you! This may have been one of my longest breaks from swimming. It was broken thanks to a friend and her pool and it felt glorious. No photos were taking, just catching up with a couple of friends.

5 years ago a photo line this would have been unimaginable. We couldn’t pick him up. We couldn’t walk him with Lola. We had to separate him from both Gizmo & Lola at all times. He randomly growled at people. It wasn’t easy but it has been worth it.

Bandit celebrated his fifth Gotcha Day yesterday. Very easy to remember the date, and of course he was memorable for a long, long time (for those new to the blog, Bandit was a senior rescue and let’s just say it was a very rocky start).

We are off to visit my mom today. There’s a outdoor BBQ, but the weather is iffy again. We are bringing Bandit. It’s going to be interesting. Have a safe and happy Fourth, if you celebrate it!

Did you survive this heatwave? 

Are you racing this weekend?

Any plans for today?

GWY Cool the Fire Yin Yoga

ICYMI: Ready for a cooling Yoga practice that will also do a great job of stretching and strengthening everywhere a runner needs?  Check out today’s Yin Yoga practice here. I also have a quick video on Pigeon Pose variations here.

Coming up on Tuesday: After wrapping up June last week, this week I’m looking back on the last half year! On Friday it’s time to cool it down and I’ve got options for you.

Daytripping & Running: 6/21 – 27 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

Looking ahead I could tell next week wasn’t going to be a good time for us to be daytripping and hiking. Wednesday was really picture perfect so we headed out to Lenox, Ma for some good food and walking and a short hike. Sandwiched in between I completed four runs and some strength training.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running into Summer.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min), 3 miles easy, Cardio Core Toning, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 2 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Daytrip with a couple of short hikes
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (10 minutes)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 8 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, 2 mile recovery run, PB Walking with Weights (25 min), Friend Yoga (45 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, REST DAY!!!

Running Mileage: 15 (NC)


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

Running Update

Pine needles all over driveway.

Monday Intention: hot, sweaty, easy
Our weather has just been bonkers the latter part of the Spring, the temps are all over the place. Knowing that it would be hot and humid today (then cooling down supposedly as the week goes on), I got my butt out the door relatively early and just ran by feel. 

It was what I call a bell curve run: started out slow and easy, slowed down from there, then on the last mile speeded up a tiny bit faster than the first mile. There was a really nice breeze going, and that helped tremendously.

One of the newer fountains. Also posted a video of the backyard to FB this week. And yup, I sweat. A lot!

Tuesday Intention: recover
Easy two mile recovery run. Ran in a cool-ish drizzle. Yes, we have everyone’s rain, apparently. Yes, it was significantly faster than the previous day. It was only about 10 degrees cooler when I started — much later than the previous day — but so much cooler. It was also forecast to basically stay at those temps the rest of the day — 30 degrees cooler than the previous day’s high temperature. Weather Whiplash, indeed.

A while back someone had painted a frowning face on the bike path. At the time I thought why? Just why? Then someone else painted over it. Still a little creepy . . .

Friday Intention: stay the course
I didn’t really have a plan, but with another heatwave headed towards us, I decided to take advantage of still cool-ish weather and see what my body wanted to do. Not quite sure it really wanted to run 8 miles, and the pace was all over the place, but I got it done. No desire to go longer, and probably will be dropping back down with heat and humidity dropping in.

Neighbors prepping for the 4th. How did that sneak up on us?

Saturday Intention: recover
The thermostat’s going up. Out for a short walk with Bandit, who is really feeling any heat these days — so lovely, breezy, and cloudy. Then a snack, quick change, and out for my nice & slow recovery run. Thank goodness I had to the foresight to bring water, which I normally don’t do because it’s only 2 miles. The sun was out, and while it certainly wasn’t unbearable, I needed that water — and probably more!

A nice walk in the woods in Lenox, MA. Yes, it was actually a tad chilly this day!

Favorites of the week
We had a really nice daytrip to Lenox, Ma this week. We stopped at a small preserve first, which truly was a walk in the woods. There are more difficult paths there, but it’s always a tradeoff finding the right length/difficulty for us all. Then an al fresco lunch, at an area we’ve been to a few times before — but for the first time we discovered there’s trails from the back of there, too!

Guess that Yoga is paying off. It was a little hard getting down the short (but very steep) path with few handholds. In the end I deleted those photos.

So we took a steeper, but shorter hike, before I went to buy chocolate. I have now got some more trails bookmarked to explore in Lenox for a return trip someday. I also found some gardens that look amazing — but suspect that Bandit might not be welcome there. I’ll find out though!

Another thing I’ve never seen in our neighborhood before (an actual truck from Amazon). Nothing on there for us. But the Prime Day packages are supposed to start arriving today.

While there were no big deals on Amazon Prime for us, there were plenty of smaller deals, and the packages are slowly rolling in. I often take the longer delivery to get digital credits when they’re offered — and then have a hard time deciding which kindle book of my very long wish list I want to apply them to!

I also had a friend come over for a chat in the backyard yesterday, and we did some Yoga together, too. Fun!

Bandit. Cause it’s been a hot minute (literally) since he’s appeared on the blog. Always looking for food.

Are you planning any escapes this Summer? 

Any great deals on Amazon Prime Day?

How’s your fitness going?

gwy root chakra meditation

ICYMI: Feeling spacey?  Try this guided Root Chakra meditation (won’t be live until 12:30) here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up June — wow, halfway through 2021! On Friday it’s already July and time to gather over the hot beverage of your choice.

Enjoying all the light: 6/14 – 20 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

The Summer Solstice, which starts tonight, is a little bittersweet — because from here on out the days get shorter. Even knowing that we can still enjoy the long days of Summer and extra sunshine while we have it!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing my week in activity — and my Solstice Yoga video for you to enjoy.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min), 3 miles TM, Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 2 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga video (60 minutes)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), 8 mile LSD, Yoga (15 minutes)
  • Friday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, 2 mile recovery run, Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Short Hike
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk

Running Mileage: 15 (NC)


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

Running Update

Monday Intention: much slower intervals
I woke up to pouring rain and thunder & lightning. It looked like there might be a break around 8 am — nope. I had planned a treadmill run, and then I had hopes I could squeeze my run in outside — but it wasn’t worth risking it. I’ve been caught in a thunderstorms on the run. 3 times.

Of course it was fine the whole time I was running on the treadmill

I did a 45 Peloton Rock Run, but I made sure I wasn’t pushing as hard as my last Intervals run. I’ve been pushing a few weeks now, and it’s time to cut it back just a bit. I was still doing intervals, but not as fast. All was well until the last 10 minutes when my Ipad lost Wifi apparently — I just did a steady pace until I hit 3 miles and called it good.

After I showered and it was still clear, so I walked Bandit. We had already turned around but were still at least half a mile from home when I heard more thunder. Luckily he seemed to sense the need to get home, and by the time we got there, of course the thunder has stopped — for a while.

This is what I see before most runs

Tuesday Intention: recover
Easy two mile recovery run. Really not much to say (or apparently remember) from this one.

Not much to see on the runs this week. A sketch of 3 ladies chatting as I cooled down

Thursday Intention: increase distance
I really feel for those of you out in the west & midwest! Meanwhile we have been enjoying some damn nice weather this week (don’t worry, our luck ran out on Saturday, the day we were hiking). I took advantage of that to run 8 miles. 8 very slow miles. At some point I saw either a groundhog or a beaver — I was too far away to tell which. Still nothing terribly exciting on the run!

There are fewer rabbits this year but they’re BIG!

Friday Intention: recover
Another cool, dry morning. It’s heating up, but not quickly. I know it’s almost Summer, but this is the Spring weather we skipped and I love it! We walked Bandit first, because although not super hot, no cloud cover. The  running pace was quicker than the long run pace again — but far shorter.

Photo credit Lloyd Litt. Not long after I got up on Saturday, I looked out my kitchen window and this is what we saw. I shouted to Mr. Judy. I’d heard there was one in our area, but we’d never seen an albino squirrel before. Mr. Judy got some great shots! Apparently not all white squirrels are ablinos, but we think this one was.

Favorites of the week
Seriously? The weather! Except for Monday we had great weather this week. I wrote that before Saturday dawned really hot & humid! Well, most of the days were great.

Short hike at Falling Waters Preserve. At least there was still some water falling!

A nice day hiking, eating outside, and time with family yesterday. It’s so nice to get together with people without masking. And hugging them!

If you’re caught in the heatwave, how are you coping? 

If you do a recovery run, ever have it be faster than the long run?

Did you know the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year is Monday?

GWY Summer Solstice Flow 2021

ICYMI: I’ve got a great Summer Solstice flow that will tone you from top to bottom. It’s Beginner-friendly but that doesn’t mean it’s easy! You’ll find the video here. Keep your eyes peeled on my FB pages on Monday — I’m hoping to have Yin Yoga practice for the Solstice up tomorrow (if that’s your thing).

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up June — wow, halfway through 2021! On Friday I’ve got a few things to get off my chest. It’s Runfession time!

Settling into a Groove: 6/7 – 13 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

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.

The one with animals & easy hiking: 5/31 – 6/6 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 47 Comments

It was a somewhat busy week with a trip to my mom and an early long run. Very glad I got that done before Summer started to come back again! I used to run very early all the time, but over the years I’ve found that can feel tiring after a while — even though I’m up early naturally (and doing my Yoga then).

There are really only two ways for me to beat the heat though: run on the treadmill or get my butt out there early. I haven’t run on the treadmill recently . . .

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and slowly building up a base again.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), Short walks & hikes
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 6 mile LSD, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), 2 mile recovery run, Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy with surges, Dogwalk, PB ST (20 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), 2 miles recovery, Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (60 minutes), Cardio Toning (25 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, Walk/ Easy Hike

Running Mileage: 13 (-1)


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

Running Update

She must have been laying eggs although I didn’t see any

Tuesday Intention: keep it easy
Going to see my mom is always a long & tiring day, so normally I wouldn’t run the next day. I definitely don’t usually do my long runs on Tuesdays either. It looked like the best weather so I decided to roll with it and just keep it easy. No pickups/surges just easy miles. The weather was cool at the beginning, getting a touch humid (but not hot) at the end.

Thanks to Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly for the Global Running Day collage!

Wednesday Intention: recover
Of course normally I wouldn’t hike Monday, do a long run Tuesday, and then run again Wednesday. I’m trying to embrace the cooler mornings before the next heat wave and the recovery run at the same time. Even I have trouble running slowly enough for it to be a true recovery run, but it’s certainly not fast.

Thank you for your service

Friday Intention: easy — acclimate to warmer temps
That was the intention. Just like my intention for this week was a cutback week. No on both counts. I set out for an easy run, and it wasn’t a hard run, but I found myself putting in surges in the last couple of miles anyway.

Trying to hide in plain sight by our driveway

Saturday Intention: recover
I’m getting out there earlier and earlier to beat the heat. I definitely took this run easy.

Suddenly there’s a lot more bunnies

It was still somewhat cool, getting a touch humid, and for whatever reason my pace was slower. Which is not a bad thing for a recovery run.

The flowers at Olana are lovely; too bad it was a cold & nasty while we were there!

Favorites of the week
Will we or won’t we? My mom was super excited by the fact that we could join her for her Memorial Day picnic. Unfortunately Mother Nature didn’t get the memo, and while the rain held off, it was far too chilly to eat outside — we are still not allowed into the dining room. So a picnic at Olana it was.

We could bring Bandit into my mom’s apartment, finally! We joined her to chat after her BBQ. My sister and BIL came too. Everyone except my BIL was maskless (BIL won’t get vaccinated). Still inching back towards normal.

We saw more turtles & some deer crossing the river — quite a ways away from us though.

A maskless catchup walk with a friend today, too.

If you celebrated Memorial Day how did you celebrate? 

Have you had to adjust when you run due to the temps?

Training or just running?

GWY Strong Legs Yoga Flow

ICYMI: An hour Hatha Yoga practice. I believe that you need the Yin and Yang practices. This practice will help you get strong legs. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Since it’s heating up, let’s talk about ways to conquer that heat. On Friday I’m sharing tips if you want to hike with your dog/s.

Inching towards normal: 5/24 – 30 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 36 Comments

It was a busy but quiet week, if that makes sense. I thought it would be a cut back week but I finally added in a fourth (short) run this week. Mainly because of the cooler weather at the end of the week! Next week it’ll be a juggling act to get in three, I think, so it’ll be my cutback week.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running hot and cold (literally!).

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), Walk with a friend, Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy (last mile fartlek), PB ST (25 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video(60 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 6 mile LSD, Dogwalk, PB Toning (20 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), 2 miles recovery, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 minutes)
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (45 min), Some sort of ST at some point

Running Mileage: 14 (+3)

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

Can you see the bunny? Apparently all the cool bunnies hang out at the bike paths. Which means our Hostas are thriving.

Monday Intention: recover
Is it wrong that my recovery run was slightly faster than my long run and also just slightly negative splits? I blame the lovely weather. A cold front had come from the afternoon before, I didn’t have to hustle to get out early, and it was perfect running weather.

I really enjoy doing a quick sketch after a run, sitting in firelog to stretch my legs — if it’s not too cold, humid, or buggy. Although if I’m bundled up I’m ok.

Wednesday Intention: try to add just a little speed
I was a bit apprehensive about this run, suddenly Summer made a brief appearance again, but there was a lovely breeze by the river and the bugs were AWOL. The middle mile was rather slow, accommodating the still warm temps (about 70 at the beginning), but I decided to do pickups during the last mile, which just kinda turned into run a bit faster as long as I felt like it. Which resulted in a much faster pace for the last mile than expected.

Sadly I forgot my phone at home so no photo. It’s such a lovely spot. The trail is very short, but fine for 3 miles. I share this quick sketch I did after the run — journaling and doing a quick sketch in my journal has become a favorite way to relax after a run. Now that it’s getting warmer, though, and buggier, it’s not always quite so enjoyable.

More of whatever this wildflower is

Friday Intention: distance + speed
I have been to this bike path, and fairly recently, but I guess I’ve always gone the other way. Suddenly one way the benches have multiplied! On mile 3 and mile 6 I decided to do intervals within intervals — so sort of a fartlek in my run/walk intervals. Mile 6 was actually the fastest mile. 

The weather had dropped 40F (from 90 to 50) since Wednesday, so no reason to get out there early — and it did make for some lovely running weather. 

Caught the woodpecker on our walk this morning!

Favorites of the week
I got together for a walk with a friend whom I hadn’t seen in a while (working on trying to meet up with a couple of other friends!). Speaking of parks changing, we went to a park I hadn’t been to in a long time (because it’s usually fairly crowded). My how that one has changed! No photos, we were too busy chatting.

We did not wear masks. We are slowly inching our way back to normal. Mr. Judy had mentioned that he was ready to eat indoors, I wasn’t so sure, but when we decided to get some restaurant food on Friday, he decided he didn’t want to do that after all. I just hate all the extra plastic that goes along with getting takeout!

Have your parks been upgraded during the Pandemic? 

Enjoying the maskless freedom?

Anything fun going on this weekend?

GWY Grounding Chakra Meditation

ICYMI: Do you always run out the house feeling scattered and unfocused? This quick 10 minute, guided meditation can change all that. It will help you get in touch with all your Chakras, too. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: It’s time to wrap up May. On Friday I’ll be sipping some hot chocolate and catching up with what’s going on in your world — and mine.

Hello, Summer!: 5/17 – 23 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 37 Comments

Last week we kinda went from almost Winter to Spring, but I could see looking ahead that we were rapidly moving into Summer. Which we did. Suddenly I was running earlier and earlier and it was getting warmer and warmer.

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and trading pace for effort.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), 3 miles with long hill repeats, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 minutes)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Short but steep hikes in Lake George
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk
  • Thursday: Yoga (15 min), 3 miles easy Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min), Yoga (40 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (60 min), Dogwalk, PB Toning Arms Walk (20 min), Yoga (30 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 6 miles LSD, maybe a walk with light weights later, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 12 (+1)

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

Just another bunny

Running Update

Monday Intention: take it up a notch
Animals: 30 Robins, 1 Large Rabbit (who was still there when we walked Bandit)
I may often miss a Monday, but I also enjoy running on Monday because that leaves me options if the week goes sideways. I did have an early Webinar to catch, so I had to get out there early, so that Bandit could also be walked before the temps rose.

I wasn’t really feeling strides, so I did my hill repeats where I run up the short hill, over to the longer hill (which is also an incline), down the longer hill, and back over to the shorter hill — repeat as desired. Still riding the good running wave.

This house keeps us guessing. Last year they planted mini sunflowers & other flowers outside their fence. What are they up to now?

Thursday Intention: EASY
Animals: 50 Robins; a variety of squirrels, chipmunks, and other birds; 1 rabbit
Things are heating up quickly here (hence the subject of this post). With two harder workouts at the beginning of the week, I wanted to make sure I just spent some time running. I also got out much earlier as Mr. Judy wouldn’t be home, and Bandit needed to be walked before it heated up too much.

I was really shocked to see that this run was negative splits. Slow negative splits, but negative nonetheless. Hello, Summer Running!

These were all over the bike path

Sunday Intention: steady & easy
Animals seen: plenty, but I wasn’t counting today; although apparently this is where all the cool bunnies (and chipmunks) hang out
Thank God for cloud cover and starting early. It had warmed up considerably by the end of this run. I had 6 miles in mind, but I wasn’t married to it — but because I went steady and easy, 6 miles were totally doable.

At the beginning there was what seemed to be an entire family of both chipmunks and rabbits on the bike path, and yes, plenty of robins, too. What wasn’t there? A bear. One had been sighted recently on the bike path, but not really that close to us. I kept alert; you never know.

The really odd thing is that before I heard about that, I’d had a dream about bears, and one I saw somewhere I often run, although when I woke up I couldn’t quite remember where that had been. I told Mr. Judy about it, because I very rarely remember my dreams, so I have proof!

I think we all enjoyed this hike. I enjoyed the second, wish I could’ve gotten to the overlook though!

Favorites of the week
I was surprised when Mr. Judy agreed to an impromptu trip up to Lake George to hike on Tuesday — so also hadn’t had time to properly research it. The first hike went very well, and despite the fairly full parking lot, we only saw one person on the trails (and that was as we were heading back to the car). No doubt most people were tackling the longer hikes there. It was nice to have the views of the lake all to ourselves.

We had passed a preserve on the way, and decided to stop there and check out a trail on the way back. Even though that trail was relatively short, it was much steeper. Plus Mr. Judy was definitely getting a bit hangry (he also has a sometimes angry hip). We’d gone less than half a mile when I suggested maybe he should turn back with Bandit.

I went on about another quarter mile, but still couldn’t see the scenic overlook, and knowing they were waiting (although I ended up getting back to the car just a few minutes after they did), I decided to also turn around. Probably a good thing, my left calf was incredibly tight for a few days after despite lots of foam rolling! It’s fine now.

I’ve been doing quad stretches at the wall a few times a week for a while. Let’s just say those quads are incredibly tight! This morning they felt quite a bit looser. Not sure if the calf workout on the hike or the recent Yoga was responsible for that.

I think Mr. Judy was mollified when we finally stopped at a BBQ place he knows on the way home. Bandit got a lot of my turkey, too, so I’m sure he was happy.

Are you already acclimated to the heat, or struggling? 

Are you struggling to do the things that have to be done? Fitness is going well for me, but I seem to have lost my motivation to do some of the things that need to be done (cook, clean, even work up Yoga practices)

How’s your running/fitness going?

GWY Crown Chakra

ICYMI: We have arrived at your Crown Chakra. You guys, I personally loved this practice. I felt so opened up (in a good way) afterwards! I do have a warning though — I can’t see you to guide you through shoulderstand, and even though it’s modified, be careful if you choose to do it. A good alternative is plain ole legs up the wall. You’ll find the video here.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m revealing one of my secret weapons that helps me choose whether or not it’s a good day to run. On Friday I’ll join you all to get a few things off my chest at the Runfessional.