Weekly Run Down

Close Encounters . . .: 9/7 – 13 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

. . . The Cat Edition

It was a busy week with going back and forth to a friend’s house for four days to take care of her cats. Just in the mornings! She told me I was unlikely to see either of the cats — will she or won’t she? That’s in the favorites!

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and reaching peak week for the Dempsey Challenge.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (20 min), 3 miles easy, Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Peloton Bootcamp ST + 1.5+ mile, Yoga (40 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Filmed Yoga Video (20 min), Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, 2.5 Progressive TM miles, Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, PB Walking + Toning (25 min), Yoga
  • Saturday:  Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (20 min), 9 mile LSD

Mileage: 16 (+2)

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

A new rainbow

Monday intention: take it easy; no really!
Another great morning to run with a nice breeze! Running is definitely less “I have to” and more “I choose to” now. Since I was planning a bootcamp tomorrow (aka a hard effort), I really wanted to keep it easy. Despite the negative splits, I kept it mostly in zone 2 for my HR. So yes, an easy effort.

Tuesday intention: get stronger!
A shorter Peloton bootcamp (45 min) today. My running portions of this bootcamp were mostly straight running, so I got in a little extra running by doing it and of course strength work as well. Just a teeny bit sore the next day, but no real DOMs like last week.

Thursday intention: work on speed
I took a Peloton progressive run. I had several errands in the morning, and it rained a lot of the morning and into the afternoon (and was very humid afterwards). I am proud of this run because I ran the whole 30 minutes, while continuing to increase the speed (I’ve been doing run/walk this summer). Not that the pace was ever blistering, but proud of staying the course — even though that wasn’t really what I set out to do!

First pumpkin sightings in the neighborhood

Sunday intention: smile every mile
Another nice day to run, with a breeze and clouds, and cooler temps. So nice to be able to get ready without rushing. Still #allthehills! I did, indeed, smile every mile, although some were tougher than others, I won’t lie. I walked up some (not all) of the hills. My virtual 10k in a couple of weeks will be partially in the neighborhood (slight inclines & declines) and then roughly 5k running downhill. Then it’s time for a small break from running!

The “brave” cat — NOT!

Favorites of the week
As you can see above, obviously I did see one of the cats. Actually, on the last day I saw both cats. On the third day I opened my eyes and there was one of the cats. No photos, because I can’t turn off the shutter click on my phone and I knew the noise would spook her. She was the shyer cat, as it turns out!

She circled around me completely a couple of times, keeping her distance. Then she’d sit down somewhere. This happened a few more times, with her getting just a little bit closer each time. I knew that she wasn’t actually going to come up to me this visit, so after she walked off the third time, I quietly got up and left.

The next day the other cat was on the stairs. He was supposedly the braver cat. I got a toy to play with him, but that spooked him. However, my friend, the female, came and circled me again. This time I was armed with a toy. I got her to play for a while! I never did get to pet either one, and I also noticed they never meowed at me. No purring either. It’s been almost two years since Giz passed, however, so even this close encounter with cats was fun (since I can’t teach Cat Yoga right now).

I’ll drive, Ma!

When I put Lola’s supplements onto the passenger seat, Lola hopped into the driver’s seat (she rides in the back).

Bandit sunning

We had what could be our last days warm enough to bathe the dogs, so we did. Bandit oddly seemed to enjoy it (he doesn’t usually). Lola, as usual, tolerated it.

Any exciting virtual races you’re training for — or even a “real” race?

Have you had to break out jackets and tights (not necessarily for running, but just walking around)? I’ve only had to do it a couple of times for walking.

What is one thing you’re proud you did this week? 

GWYT Pre Run Yin1

ICYMI: A “short” Yin Yoga practice to warm you up for a run. This actually ran a lot longer than I’d anticipated — so I have two more videos I’ll be uploading this week that get progressively shorter; keep an eye out for that! Watch this first Yin Yoga Warmup here. All of these practices are great post run, too.

On the blog, I shared a post about running cards — what I would put on them if I made some. I invited you to say what you would put on yours. You can see what people commented on that post here.

Also, if you’re lacking in motivation, I shared my ABCs of Motivation — again, I invited readers to share theirs. Quite a few played along and if you read the comments you’re sure to pick up some motivation here!

Coming up on Tuesday: Ways you *might* get faster if you’re a new runner. On Friday I’m sharing something I started recently — almost on a whim.

Roatripping: 8/10 – 16 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 44 Comments

Some people are effected more by heat than others. I remember once, in TX, we’d been out to a memorial service. It was hot and humid. As we sat in the car afterwards, trying to decide what to do, the sweat was rolling down my face. But not Mr. Judy’s.

I’d rather run outside than on the treadmill, but for me, I’d come to the proverbial breaking point between the heat, humidity, and early mornings. Embracing the treadmill again this week helped. A lot! Originally I planned to run today, too — inside or outside — but I took a long walk instead. You’ll see why.

I’m not trying to tell you to run on a treadmill, not at all. Just reminding y’all that we’re all different. The most important thing is to just keep moving by whatever mode works for you.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing back into running and embracing my treadmill again (a little).

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk, 3 ish treadmill miles, Filmed Yoga video (50 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, Peloton Bootcamp (2ish? mies + ST — total 45 min)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Walking around historic sites & over bridges
  • Thursday: Dogwalk, Yoga with Weights (20 min)
  • Friday: 8 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), Soul Stroll
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Long Walk in a New Place

Mileage: 12 (+.9)

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

Monday intention: try something new
My first running class on Peloton. I did a 10 min running warmup + a 30 min running class (beginner) + 10 min walking cooldown. Apparently the incline is broken on my treadmill again. Not the end of the world. Garmin is notoriously inaccurate with indoor runs, and of course ancient mills aren’t so accurate either. So not so sure how far I ran, but I know it was fine and definitely hit some paces (for a brief time) I wouldn’t have if I’d slogged it out outside.

Tuesday intention: nasal breathing
I did my first running + ST bootcamp with Peloton App. I chose a beginner, 30 min bootcamp. I definitely liked the running portion — perfect way to get just a little bit of running in and I was able to push the pace while running (it used run/walk intervals) and maintain nasal breathing — something I just haven’t been able to do outside during the Summer, although I keep trying!

The strength portion was good, but again, I really felt like it was rushed.

Scooooore! Rabbit in front of goal amused me

Friday intention: support women with breast cancer
It was much warmer than predicted this morning. I wish I’d worn my cooling towel. The roads seemed choked with wrong siders, but most crossed when they saw me running towards them. I tried hard to stay with my run/walk intervals (not throwing in extra walk breaks) and mostly — but not completely — succeeded.

I spent some time before this run thinking about my intention, and I pulled out the 5 whys (ask yourself why you’re doing something, then ask 4 more times). Finally I came up with dedicating this run to the women battling cancer and the virtual Dempsey Challenge I’m training for to raise funds for them (If you’d like to donate, you can do it here. Thank you!).

I got it done. I have to admit the run took a lot out of me, but then I thought about the women battling cancer. The ones that don’t win their fight. The ones that battle through all their treatments. Running 8 miles in heat & humidity seemed a small thing to do.

Scenes from my side trip on my way to visit my mom

Favorites of the week
I decided to break up my drive to my mom on Wednesday with a small side trip. As much as I like seeing my mom, these trips are also tiring. The side trip (made easier by no husband or dogs in tow) was well worth the extra time — even if I was really feeling the need for a bathroom by the time I got home!

Long walk on a new to me rail trail

Today I am off to pick up my bowl/mug for me and my friend from our virtual XC series in July. I found what sounds like a nice rail trail close to the pickup location.

At least I added one new mug this year

The rail trail was very nice! So is the new mug.

He looked left, then right & I captured both
Lola spends a lot of time just staring into space

What have you been doing to have some fun this Summer?

Do you think you can’t meditate? There is no can’t, only won’t!

What was the highlight of your week? 

ICYMI: I had a video on balance done early. Except I hadn’t uploaded it to YouTube. Then our desktop crashed and died yesterday. So it’s stuck inside the desktop. I made a quick vlog on my walk today about the many benefits of meditation. Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Strength training — why I do it and where I do it. On Friday I’ll be thinking about what good things have come out of the Pandemic. I hope anyway, everything takes a lot longer on my phone/tablet. It’s probably going to take me longer to comment on blogs, too.

A Buzzzy Week: 8/3 – 9 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 Comments

We’ve spent way more time eating & relaxing on our deck this Summer than we ever have. In the past, heat (it’s off of the second floor) often prevented us. Of course we’ve had plenty of heat this Summer, but with two umbrellas instead of just one, we’ve been out there more.

The other limiting factor was always the wasps/hornets (what’s the difference?). There have been some this Summer, but I’ve managed to control my freak out until this week.

We were eating dinner, and I had my bare feet up on a chair when a hornet landed on my foot. Do you know how many nerve endings there are in your foot? Somehow I managed to brush him off without getting stung after about a minute, but that was it for me that night.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing back into running and embracing my treadmill again (a little).

Workouts update

  • Monday:  3 miles easy, Pilates Stretch (8 min) + Yoga (50 min), PM Dogwalk (tropical storm moving in for Tuesday)
  • Tuesday: Peloton Bootcamp (1.13 mile + ST), Dogwalk rained out by Isaias!
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, Pilates (30 min), Soul Stroll
  • Thursday: Roadtrip with lots of walking
  • Friday: 8 mile LSD, Dogwalk
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min)
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min), Walking with a friend later,  Full Body ST (25 min)

Mileage: 12.13 (+5.13)

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

I captured a “real” rainbow!

Monday intention: body scan
It’s clear I’m not going to find much joy in runs in the heat, but I continue to try to tune into my body and try to figure out what would make it better. I spent a lot of time trying different things and seeing how it effected my hamstrings, which are always slightly achy when I run — even slowly. I’m not sure I have answers yet.

It was warm and humid and not as cloudy as I’d like, but it was a nice, consistent run and after about an hour back in the coolness of the house I felt re-energized (not right after the run!).

Tuesday intention: nasal breathing
I did my first running + ST bootcamp with Peloton App. I chose a beginner, 30 min bootcamp. I definitely liked the running portion — perfect way to get just a little bit of running in and I was able to push the pace while running (it used run/walk intervals) and maintain nasal breathing — something I just haven’t been able to do outside during the Summer, although I keep trying!

The strength portion was good, but again, I really felt like it was rushed.

Third time I’ve caught a rabbit in this spot

Friday intention: be kind
It wasn’t supposed to rain that long or that much when I went to bed, but by morning things had changed. The good news was the comfortable temps. The rain came & went (mostly came), but stayed between a drizzle and more steady rain. In fact, when it went I was not happy — but it came back!

I had paused my Garmin to take this photo (no, not downed from Isaias, grooming for returning college students) when my Garmin just decided my run was over. Too bad I was still a couple of miles away from home.

I did feel kind of tired. Technology was rebelling all over the place. My Garmin kept moving data screens, and finally decided to end my run at one point when I paused it to take pictures. It was super annoying.

Still, I’ve been at 7 miles for weeks so decided to try for 8. I’m not sure that was really being kind to myself, but oh well, I did it.

I felt as thought I was inside a Van Gough painting

Favorites of the week
Oops! We did it again! Another road trip. Darlene @ Myfirst5k posted photos of a beautiful field of sunflowers, and I knew I had to go see it. It was cooler, so we took the dogs (who did fine this time).

This was the other buzzy part of the week — we could hear the sunflower field just buzzing with bees! They left me alone & I left them alone.

Some photos from our other walks

We also stopped at a couple of pocket parks in a different town, ending up at a surprise covered bridge (close to vehicular traffic! Yay!).

I bet Darlene knows exactly where we were 🙂

Ended with lunch at a popular farm which I’ve only ever run at before (once) — there was a takeout window and picnic tables to eat at. The first time we’ve done anything other than delivery in forever.

Isaias knocked out power to my mom for days. No phone. No internet. There is a generator there, but it only powers the essentials. Because she rarely uses her cell phone — and I’m not sure she actually hears it ring — no way to contact her. They finally got everything up and running yesterday, so we got to talk.

Bandit was the only one that enjoyed the hammock, sadly. It leans to one side. Any advice?
Bandit also makes Yoga challenging some days
Lola will come say hi during Yoga, but she never stays

Do you have a getaway planned? Nope, not me.

What about short day trips? Yup, I’m embracing them while I can!

Any advice for the unbalanced hammock?  It has really hard slant to the side, making it uncomfortable.

gwy personal oasis

ICYMI: I have a short meditation (roughly 10 minutes) that will help you build your own personal oasis you can visit anytime you need to escape it all. Watch it here.

ICYMI2: Don’t forget that 100% of your donation to my Dempsey Challenge fundraiser goes directly to benefit cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  If you’d like to donate, you can do it here. Thank you!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’ll be talking about how you can take Yoga off your mat and out into your life. Friday I’m sharing my thoughts on four of the masks I use regularly — all are appropriate for running. Or are they?

Just what the Doctor Ordered: 7/27 – 8/2 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

Garmin was back up. Temps were just a little down. The makings of a great running week, right? Except I knew I needed a break from most activity — and I took it. After several days I felt a whole lot better, but I still had little desire to run. Or really tax my body in any way. It was a little staycation from fitness, and it was needed.

There was some Yoga, one long run, and a fair amount of easy walking. Plus one half day trip.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and getting lucky with the weather for my runs this week. Mostly.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  Dogwalk
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk (the morning dogwalk was intentionally cut short due to a thunderstorm)
  • Wednesday: Dogwalk, walking around while Lola was a the vet (routine visit)
  • Thursday: Dogwalk , Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
  • Friday: Dogwalking Half Day Trip
  • Saturday:  7 mile LSD
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, maybe some Yoga later

Mileage: 7 (-6)

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

I always wonder how these apples taste (it’s in my neighborhood)

Saturday intention: duality
This run was great . . . for the first mile. It was actually a decent day to run by Summer standards — that is, low humidity. It was also pretty much cloudless, and buggy. Why is it that I seem to be one of the only ones dealing with gnats? Is it because I sweat so much?

I spent a lot of this run trying to figure what I need to do in August to bring back some joy to my runs. The early mornings and Summer temps have just been soul-sucking for me. I’m not sure I have a plan yet.

I also spent some time thinking about dualities:

  • Bugs (annoying) vs low humidity (more comfortable)
  • Run interval seems forever and the walk interval flies by
  • Intention to take it easy but just want to get it over!
  • Intention to clear my mind yet writing blog posts as I run

You have to appreciate the good and the bad, and practicing doing just that helps you become more resilient (so those soul sucking runs aren’t as draining — although my main problem has been that the runs have been physically draining).

Apparently we’re trend setters again — good thing we got out here before it was on the news today!

Favorites of the week
We hit the road again. Another outdoor (free) sculpture garden. There were actually quite a lot of people there, but for the most part it wasn’t hard to social distance (I never even had to put on my mask, although it was in my pocket). There were quite a few dogs, there, too — thankfully on leash.

We made a stop at a preserve on the way back, and some waterfalls close to that preserve — sadly the waterfalls were almost completely dry.

Lola spends a lot of time down here these days

I think the next day trip we take the dogs need to stay home. It wasn’t that hot, but we had to cut it short due to Lola. Even Bandit seemed to struggle with the temps. Which is so weird, the last time they did so well.

I already have a possibility lined up for our next trip — not a sculpture garden!

Our little science experiment

I had several potatoes/sweet potatoes that were growing eyes. I mentioned to Mr. Judy that I wanted to see if I could grow potatoes. Next thing I know there were potato bags showing up. I think the biggest problem is that they need quite a bit of time to grow — I’m hoping we have just enough time before the first freeze.

Can you remember the last time you took a fitness break? 

What’s keeping you motivated to keep up with exercise? 

Have you been able to go exploring anywhere? 

Irritability Yin Yoga

ICYMI: I am tackling irritability this week. Bandit plays a starring role — he stayed with me the entire practice. These poses will get into your hips, groin, and inner thighs deeply, so I take a lot of time warming those areas up — and didn’t hold the peak poses quite so long. As always, I encourage you to pause the video and hold longer where it feels right to do so. Watch it here.

ICYMI2: Don’t forget that 100% of your donation to my Dempsey Challenge fundraiser goes directly to benefit cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  If you’d like to donate, you can do it here. Thank you!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m sharing my thoughts on the Peloton App. Friday we’re getting together virtually for a coffee date here. Join us!

The Runaround: 7/20 – 26 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 42 Comments

. . . Or GarminGate?

It was a busy week. A visit to my mom. 2 zoom calls the next day, one to wrap up a course I was taking, the other a family call — some of my cousins were in on it this time, so that was nice (haven’t seen them in years, all the West Coasters).

That was all followed by a couple of days fighting with technology — and of course then Garmin went down. Not a big deal, really. I thought it would delay getting a signal for my long run, since I couldn’t sync — nope, got a signal immediately!

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and getting lucky with the weather for my runs this week. Mostly.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  3 non technical trail miles, Yoga (50 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, trip to mom with 2 more short walks
  • Wednesday: 3 miles easy
  • Thursday: Dogwalk , Filmed Yoga Video (60 min)
  • Friday: Dogwalk, PB ST (25 min)
  • Saturday:  7 mile LSD, Abs (10 min)
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, hopefully some SB, ST, & Yoga

Mileage: 13 (-.24)

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

Looked threatening but I stayed dry

Monday intention: find the joy in this run
It wasn’t easy. The bugs were relentless again. It was mid 70s and very humid at 6:30 am. I knew Tuesday would be much nicer, but I was going to see my mom. 

Despite another night of interrupted sleep (thanks for walking us at 2:30 am, Bandit), the run itself was pretty strong — I couldn’t hold onto my nasal breathing as much as I want to, which just means I was running too fast, but I was okay with that — I just wanted to run away from the bugs!

I did my best to try to find the joy in this run:

  • Clouds
  • A little bit of sunshine on the water
  • My coolit top & skirt really did help to keep me cooler — at least if felt as if it did. And they helped keep the bugs away from my torso. Now if I could just keep them away from my head!
  • I didn’t take any extra walk breaks.
Instead of rainbows I give you #alltherabbits

Wednesday intention: listen to my heart
I knew I was tired from the trip to my mom’s + several weeks of not so great sleep, so I didn’t set an alarm. I was rewarded with a really good night of sleep — I also got out about an hour later than I have been, but lucked out because it was cool, cloudy, and just a little drizzly.

I knew I needed to take it easy, which is why I made the intention of listening to my heart/intuition (not literally watching HR). I walked a bit more when I felt the need. The first mile was slow. The second mile was also slow, but not as much. By the third I felt okay and knew I could achieve negative splits if I put my mind to it — so I did & I did.

. . . and more rabbits . . .

Saturday intention: easy/self care
Although I’d had a few nights of really good sleep this week, Friday night was not one of them. The weather was pretty good for Summer running — not too humid, although warm (mid to high 60s), and sunny.

Exercise is most definitely a form of self care — when you don’t take it to extremes. So I ran by feel, I walked a lot, and yeah, the last couple of miles were draining. Pace all over the place. Still slightly encouraged since I ran at this pace in the Spring — when the weather was much cooler.

It will be interesting to see what happens when the weather cools down again — not wishing for Summer to go away, for sure, but less humidity and a bit less heat would be welcome. Too bad we’re going into August and the dog days of Summer.

. . . speaking of dogs, Bandit being tortured by Mr. Judy again

Favorites of the week
Although it’s draining to be back on the road to my mom more often, it’s also good to see her more often. It was also nice to see my cousins and hear about what’s going on in their worlds.

No idea what I was saying, but look — something other than Oofos on my feet! Picking up our veggie box.

Second veggie box had corn in it. So we enjoyed our first grilled corn of the Summer. It was good – but not great — corn. Probably just too early. So far I’m quite pleased with the veggies and we managed to eat up all the lettuce. There were lots of salads!

Unfortunately we ended up with two things of lettuce again. The window to swap out veggies was very narrow (about 4 hours) this week, and I happened to be at my mom’s. Oh well, it’s gonna be hot again so I’ve no doubt I’m up to polishing all the lettuce off again this week!

What comes to mind when I say “self care”? 

Are you all about the salads in Summer? 

Are your furkids polite beggars? 

gwy cooling yoga

ICYMI: I already shared a Cooling Yin Yoga practice here, but this week it’s more slow Yoga/Hatha style — IOW, more “regular” Yoga. There’s an extended Savasana practice (roughly 10 minutes). I know it’s tempting to skip, but I really encourage you to take some time for yourself and stick it out! I think you’ll come away feeling much cooler (literally and figuratively) and calmer. Let me know! Watch it here.

ICYMI2: For years I’ve wanted to join friends for the Dempsey Challenge, a run that supports Patrick Dempsey’s Cancer Center in ME. We thought this would be the year, finally — well, you all know what happened: like everything it’s gone virtual. I am going to join this year — as a virtual run — and I am fund raising (even though this year they waived the fund raising requirement). 100% of your donation directly benefits cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  If you’d like to donate, you can do it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: It’s that time of the month (no not that time, I’m past that time) — time to wrap up July! Friday we’re all gathering at the runfessional here. Join us!

Hamilton Touring: 7/13 – 19 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 43 Comments

We got even further out of our neighborhood this week with a small day trip. The dogs and I enjoyed it, anyway. Mr. Judy enjoyed the ice cream.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and getting lucky with the weather for my runs this week. Mostly.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  3.24 non technical trail miles, Yoga (20 min), Pilates Arms (10 min)
  • Tuesday: Daytrip — not super taxing but roughtly 10k steps when all was said & done & a good mental boost
  • Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Yoga (20 min), Pilates Arms (10 min)
  • Thursday: Dogwalk , SB Intervals + Arms (30 min)
  • Friday: Dogwalk, Abs (10 min)
  • Saturday:  7 mile LSD, Yoga (30 min)
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), SB (20 min), Pilates (30 min)

Mileage: 13.24 (-.1.5)

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

#allthebugs

Monday: intention — attention to breath & foot turnover
Well, that was the intention. Except it was so buggy that this short run was actually torturous. The upside was that I ran faster trying to get it over. The downside is I can’t easily run that pace using nasal breathing — but you do what you gotta do. 

I ate my post run snack (which was basically breakfast) outside afterward, but because of the bugs, it just wasn’t pleasant. 

He tried to blend into the tree

Wednesday: pick it up + breath attention (always)
I worried that I got out too late & would need the cooling towel I didn’t take. I knew it was cooler — but how long would the sun stay hidden? Thankfully the entire run. This was the nicest day I’ve had to run in a month!

I took advantage of that to consciously pick up the pace. It was still slow, of course, but a steady first two miles and slightly faster the last mile. I had to breath through my mouth on some of my walk breaks & my V02 Max remains stuck, but I’m ok with both!

This guy stayed put as I ran past him twice, and I swear he was still in the same place when I walked the dogs this morning!

Saturday: intention — time on my feet, taking it easy
Friday was so nice and cool (mid 60s — I actually wore a hoodie to walk the dogs), I wished I’d felt up to running Friday morning. I haven’t been sleeping great for a few weeks — due to heat & dogs — and I knew I was better served by a rest day.

It wasn’t really quite that hot — but it felt like it was!

Saturday was relentlessly sunny, but thankfully the humidity hadn’t been turned on yet, and I chose a route that had a fair amount of shade. This was a surprisingly strong run, relatively steady, with the last mile being the fastest.

I took it relatively easy because of the heat and sun, but while certainly not fast, it was quite a bit faster than most of my long runs have been recently — despite more walk breaks when I felt like it.

We all explored a sculpture garden

Favorites of the week
We headed out and about on Tuesday — the heat had subsided briefly, and I needed to escape from home! Other than going to my mom, the last time we went anywhere further than our town was 8 months ago.

*I* had a lovely time. Mr. Judy tolerated it (although I think the ice cream at the end helped). The dogs did quite well. I think Lola’s serious hiking days are over, though (there were no serious hikes on this trip).

I had downloaded the Hamilton soundtrack to play as we drove. Which was a lovely bit of synchronicity, as we drove through Schuylerville and close to Philip Schuyler’s (Eliza Hamilton’s father) house — I knew the house was closed, although unsure of the grounds, so we didn’t stop there. Maybe another time.

Lettuce, Chard, Squash, Beets, Scallions & Parsley

We got our first CSA (community supported agriculture) box this week. Mr. Judy will need to step up his veggie consumption!

Not always easy doing Yoga around the dogs!

A impromptu photoshoot on the Yoga platform. Bandit was briefly my Yoga buddy again this week when it was cooler. When it’s hotter he comes and checks on me, but doesn’t hang out with me.

So you or have you done a CSA? 

What was your last daytrip? 

Got a non-DEET bug spray that actually works?  I’m still looking.

Divine Unity Meditation

ICYMI: You’ll need a mirror for this 15ish minute meditation. If you’ve been feeling scattered, alone, and unconnected, this meditation should be a lovely practice. Excuse the skirt. Last time I’ll film a video in skirt! Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Dealing with fear. On Friday I’m thinking about ways you can make hard runs more fun. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!

The one where I leave my neighborhood: 6/6 – 7/12 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 32 Comments

Obviously I have left my neighborhood: to shop, to see my mom, to take Lola to the vet. This week was the first week in many that I took one of my runs out of the neighborhood.

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and sharing pushing through the heat this week.

Workouts update

  • Monday:  4.72 non technical trail miles, Yoga (34 min)
  • Tuesday: Dogwalk, SB Lady Gaga (30 min), Pilates (8 min), Yoga (30 min)
  • Wednesday: 3 miles easy, Pilates (Booty) + Peloton Crush Your Core (15 min) Shot Yoga Video (60 min),
  • Thursday: Dogwalk , Pilates (30 min), Yoga (15 min)
  • Friday: 7 mile LSD — that’s all she wrote, folks!
  • Saturday:  Dogwalk, SB (15 min), Pilates Arms + Abs (20 min)
  • Sunday: Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min), Pilates Legs (10 min), SB planned for later

Mileage: 14.72 (+.72)

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

It’s a lovely, but short, path

Monday: intention — easy recovery run
For the first time in months, I got in the car and drove somewhere to run. I’m signed up for a virtual series of trail runs this month, with the swag being a bowl or mug at the end (hence the odd mileage for this run). One of my friends is running the series with me (not literally with me, though).

I took it to one of my favorite non technical trails, which is by a river. There’s a lot of grass around most of it, so I knew even if it was busy I could just step aside (as I did several times).

Eating my post run snack looking out over the water . . . heaven

This run was enjoyable (always love running by water) and felt really tough at the same time. It’s a short trail, so I ran back and forth a few times. I slowed down the last two miles, and put in some extra walking the last mile because I felt just the teeniest bit light headed. Week one done.

That was a hot one — and it only got hotter as the week went on!

Wednesday: easy does it + breath attention
Despite rain predictions the night before, I laid out clothes for this morning. Very humid, yes. Also cloudy and breezy. Not so bad except for when the bugs closed in — which was about half the run. Glad I got it done so I can try to pick the best day weather-wise for my long run, not that any day this weekend is looking great.

I think he was trying to blend with the tree

Friday: intention — survive the heat
I got up earlier, but somehow I got out the same time as my long run last week. I didn’t think I was procrastinating. Or maybe it was the interrupted sleep last night that slowed me down (getting on out the door & on the run!).

I’m sure my FL friends are laughing at me. It wasn’t too humid, actually. The bugs weren’t horrible. But it was about 80 by 7 am (half an hour into the run) and the sun was relentless.

It started out not too bad, but I was definitely feeling that heat by mile 5. I chose the slightly less steep side, which helped. Not training for anything? Yup, I’m gonna walk more if I feel like it.

This was a 7 mile run (using intervals) with no big walk break in the middle though. A big slow down miles 5 & 6, but I rallied the last mile — no mile was fast, but I was faster on the last mile than miles 5 & 6. Glad I chose Friday — Saturday & Sunday were even worse humidity-wise (although there was cloud cover).

These make a great pre- or post run snack

Favorites of the week
I’ve mentioned Bobo’s Toaster Pastries before (Amazon Affiliate link here) but they’ve been a great light-ish snack before early morning runs — or after the run. They do have a lot of sugar (hello, pastry) so it’s not something I eat all the time. The nut butter ones have a little less sugar.

Not sure how she stays on there

We also got lobster rolls on Friday. We picked them up and brought them home to eat. Sorry, I didn’t take a photo. I had thought to get some for the Fourth, maybe, but that didn’t work out. It also allowed us both to go out at the same time briefly — want to make sure the dogs don’t get too used to us being around all the time.

We also watched Hamilton again, as well as a documentary about it and Lin Manuel Miranda. The documentary was interested (One Shot to Broadway on Amazon), although a little dry. I’m sure we’ll watch Hamilton at least one more time before our month is done.

I also googled if Hamilton County here in upstate NY was named after Alexander Hamilton. It was. I’d suspected as much. I then googled if Elizaville was named after Elisabeth Schulyer/Hamilton — couldn’t find out if it was. I suspect it was. A couple of years ago I read the novel My Deal Hamilton. I recommend that, too!

The things dogs do with their beds . . .

How would you caption the photo of Bandit above? 

Where would you rather run: by water? In the mountains? On the trails? On the road? Someplace I haven’t mentioned?

What animal do you see most on the run?  Really, my answer is probably birds. The rabbits are out in force this summer, though.

GWY Cooling Yin Yoga

ICYMI: The heat is on, #amiright? This Yin Yoga practice can help you cool down after a run or a vigorous workout — both literally and figuratively. Watch it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Fitting in fitness; it’s the topic for the Tuesday Linkup here on the 28th, but since I’ll be wrapping up July then, I decided to write about that on Tuesday. On Friday I’m sharing some thoughts about running being fun. Don’t forget that Skirt Sports is selling off its inventory, so check out the sale here — inventory & prices are decreasing!