Running

Mr. Judy to the Rescue: 10/12 – 18 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 30 Comments

Yes, there is some running to report this week! Nothing wild, just a few short runs. Still lots of Yoga and walking. Less walking, though, because . . . running. My running miles basically replaced my extra walking miles from the previous week.
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Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and reporting on easing back into running.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 3.00, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), TM Intervals 2.71, Dogwalk/RGB Walk .38, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 4.59
  • Thursday: Yoga (60 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk/Hike 2.50, Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (40 min), TM Run 2.21 + Legs, RBG Walk .42
  • Saturday:  Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 2.76, Yoga (20 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), RBG Walk/Hike 2.22, Easy 4 miles, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 8.92 (=8.92)
Walking: 15.87 miles (-9.45)

JY = Jasyoga
PB = Killer B
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running Update

Tuesday intention: Restart Running safely
Circumstances had me running on the two rainy days this week, which meant treadmill runs for me. I also started a loose version of the Peloton Road to 5k Program. Today’s run was intervals. I may have run a bit harder than I’d really intended but all was well and there was never any DOMs.

Friday intention: Running but finally some weights!
More rain. More treadmill miles. This time it was a 10 min WU, 20 min run with 10 min of legwork. Somehow following a Peloton class makes it much easier on the treadmill (for me).

I started with a warmup walk through the woods

Sunday intention: Go the distance . . .
. . . but not really. Just a slightly longer run than the first couple of runs — but easy! Although somehow negative splits. The mostly downhill second half might have had something to do with that. I started out with a walk through the woods (pictured above) to warm up.

Then onto my run

It was a bit hillier than I’d intended, but I had all the colored leaves to keep me entertained.

And this is where things went sideways

I chose a different way back because it was supposed to bring me back to where I’d parked. Then I got to the “path end” sign and had no idea how to go. I ended up calling Mr. Judy because I hate the maps app on my iphone 6, and he was able to point me in the right direction. I knew I was so close, but after walking back and forth for about a mile, I was getting darn hungry and anxious, too.

We’re at peak in the neighborhood

Favorites of the week
Despite a couple of days of rain, we’re really at peak up here in upstate NY and we’ve been blessed with some great Fall weather, too.

Fueled up for our walk

I didn’t need ice cream for most of my short walks/hikes this week, but since we got a warmer day — and I don’t like ice cream when it’s cold — this could be the last of the season.

Loved our walk around this pond so much I returned to this area to run (not the trails we walked on)
Short walk at another nature preserve with the dogs

This particular preserve had warnings about the duck hunting going on. A lot of people were still walking. I decided to chance it. I could hear shots, but never very close.

I needed this hot chocolate today!

You guys, this hot chocolate is da bomb. Seriously. I made it with chocolate cashew milk I made. I add collagen, turmeric paste, and some mini chocolate chips to it so it’s nice and creamy and chocolatey. Today I actually added some whipped cream and cinnamon (unpictured) because I ended up going a lot farther than I’d planned to! Yes, at some point I’ll be posting about my nut milk making adventures.

Oh, and that’s the Echo Show 8 we bought for my mom in the background. I’m working on setting it up for  her. We got a good deal on Prime Day; it’s not as good a deal now, of course, but it is slightly discounted here (Amazon Affiliate link). The sound is great! I’ve been having fun with it, when I’m not tearing my hair out how to get stuff working, of course. It’s been that kind of week. Sorry for the long post!

Do you ease back into running after a break or just pick up where you left off?

Do you embrace walking in addition to running or do you always feel the need for speed? 

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

gwy self healing meditation

ICYMI: Sometimes video and audio fights me, and that was the case this week. I finally did get my Self Healing meditation put together after much hair pulling (ironic, no?) and you can find it here. Or maybe not. The first try at uploading it hung up. I’ve never had that happen before. I’m trying again but it’s unlikely to be live by the time I post.

Coming up on Tuesday: I finished my 40 Day Kriya and I’m sharing my thoughts on that. On Friday it’s a very personal post. Please view it with compassion and know that it’s not aimed at any person/s in particular.

The People Have the Power: September 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 28 Comments

bpeoplepower

September was even busier than the last few months! 2 trips to mom, both with side trips. One day trip as a “family” — I’d hoped for more, but it wasn’t meant to be. Cat sitting for a friend. Planning & executing birthday shenanigans for Mr. Judy.  A virtual 10k + virtual 5k walk.

September’s song is Patti Smith’s “The People Have the Power”. While it doesn’t have Strong (my word for 2020) in the title or the lyrics, it’s perfect for these times and it spoke to me.

The power to dream, to rule
To wrestle the world from fools
It’s decreed: the people rule
It’s decreed: the people rule
Listen. I believe everything we dream
Can come to pass through our union
We can turn the world around
We can turn the earth’s revolution

I very very rarely allow politics to creep in here. Get out and vote. Or mail in your vote, as we plan to. You can’t sit on the sidelines.

Getting in scheduled runs
It was really a mixed bag this month. There was a lot of stuff going on in the personal front, and sometimes that prevent me from getting it done. I did the best I could, and the truth is, just staying active is a win right now — and I did.

Grade Earned:  A

Recording my runs
I record them here. Someday I’ll get back to journaling!

Grade Earned: F

Dynamic Warmup
The cooler weather meant I was able to leisurely get ready for runs for much of September. So there was Yoga, there was foam rolling, and there was always a short dynamic warmup before the run. I enjoy not having to rush out the door!

Grade Earned: A+

Foam Rolling
I foam rolled more often in September. It feel off a bit towards the end of the month, again due to personal stuff, but I always foam roll before my runs and sometimes I did it on non-running days and also sometimes after my runs.

Grade Earned: A

60 deserves cake, right? Multiple times!

Nutrition
Nutrition continues to be not terrible, not great, and the scale continues to reflect that. There was birthday cake (for days, even with the smallest one), there was BBQ — but there were lots of veggies and nutritious meals, too.

Grade Earned: A-

Support

  • Massage? Nope. We all know why.
  • Chiropractor Appointment? See massage.
  • Do I need a hair appointment? I need to schedule that appointment. We are in a very good situation with COVID right now, but I could see that changing with more time spent indoors and school restarting.

Grade Earned: F

Cross Training
Still not cycling, but plenty of Yoga, and started out strong with strength training although again that fell off a bit towards the end of the month. I was balancing a lot of spinning plates this month!

Grade Earned: A

Hudson Crossing Park & Lake Taghkanic State Park

September 2020  gets  . . . 
. . . an A. A couple of Fs again, but mostly September was a busy month — seems like every month lately is a busy month!) — and I did the best I could with the time I had and by listening to my body.

September Goals:

  • Run 4 x week. Y/N. Sometimes. Some weeks I just wasn’t feeling it, so I didn’t. Other weeks, I did.
  • Set an intention for each run. Y.  I like this so it’s easy to continue with the things you enjoy.
  • Meditate when I get up. Y. This actually morphed into Yoga + meditate when I get up. I’m halfway through with my 40 day Kriya (see my post about that here).
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. I’m trying, but it’s crept up just a bit beyond where I’m comfortable. It seems the Winter creep has started early. So Y to eating intuitively; unfortunately Y to creep, too. I mostly know what I need to do — but I need to do it. #youfeelme?
  • Explore new places when I visit my mom. Y. It’s not always easy, because it can mean hours without access to a bathroom sometimes, but otherwise it’s a somewhat stressful day and this injects a little more fun into the visit for me.
  • Look around for the next virtual to motivate me. Y.  Well, I have looked around. I have a couple I’m considering. I haven’t made up my mind yet. Virtual isn’t the real deal, but it adds variety to my running, and I like that. And sometimes there’s cool swag.

Which leads me to October Goals:

  • A short running break. I had actually always planned on a running break after my Dempsey Challenge. My body made it clear I needed it, even though I haven’t been running hard. Not sure how long it will be, probably not too long, a week maybe two tops.
  • Ease back in with easy runs. No need to push hard — and better to rest now and be ready to push when there’s hope of real races.
  • Find a flatter course for virtual races. One of the virtual races I’m considering might be a 15k. My body has made it clear for now that it’s had it with the steep downhills. You know how much I love running downhill, but if I can’t run, well, that’s worse.
  • Explore new places when I visit my mom. It’s getting cooler, but I should still be able to explore in October. Thankfully they are working on some sort of plan to allow inside visitation.
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. In the last few months my choices haven’t always been the best. I can feel that in some of my clothes — and I don’t like that feeling!
  • Decide on my next virtual race. I have a couple that I’m considering. One allows you to do it at any time before May. I’m not sure when the other one is (or if it allows you to pick your own time). I may end up doing both).

btuesdaytopics

Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

Runners_Roundup_Logo-640x640

Leaves are a’popping: 9/21 – 26 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 33 Comments

After our cold snap last week, trees are popping out in color all over the place. Way too early, but there’s something about the changing leaves . . . even if I never missed that the 17 years we lived in TX!

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and running/walking my virtual Dempsey Challenge races.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min), 3 miles easy (with 5 strides at end), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Walk while waiting for Lola @ Vet, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), Dempsey Challenge Virtual 10k + .8 mile warmup, Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk
  • Saturday:  Yoga (50 min), Dempsey Challenge Virtual 5k Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)

Mileage: 10 (-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

#allthepmpkins

Monday intention: Remind legs they can go fast
An easy run with strides at the end to work on turnover. Another nice day, although I kinda felt like I was dragging. The busyness of September catching up with me, I guess. Still it was negative splits. Last mile pretty darn fast for me (due to pausing my watch when I walk back uphill between strides).

Every day new trees are turning

Thursday intention: get stronger + speed
I chose to run my Dempsey Challenge 10k today instead of my usual long-run Saturday, thinking the weather would be cooler (maybe not so much, turns out). We’d still warmed up and it was humid, but not Summer-humid thankfully.  I ran .8 mile to warm up, then another 3.1 in the neighborhood (rolling hills).

6 pence

Then I took off downhill for the second half of the 10k. Yup, the second half was significantly faster. At one point I spied a penny — then another, then another — all in all there were six socially distanced pennies. Weird! Yes, I picked them up.

Then I walked almost 3 miles back up the hills, and then it was another 1.5 mile cool down walk with Mr. Judy and Bandit and stick a fork in me I was done — for the rest of the day! I was tired. I don’t think it was the “race” so much as all that time out in the sun. I felt fine the next day.

If you’d like to donate to my fundraiser, you can (until the end of September)  right here. 100% of your donations goes to support services for people battling cancer.

Dempsey Challenge 5k

Favorites of the week
In addition to running my virtual Dempsey Challenge on Thursday, we walked 5k on Saturday (the actual day of the road races, normally — there’s also cycling races) with Bandit. He was a bit balky towards the end (we had to pass our house to make sure it was really 3.1).

Bandit post 5k

Best use for beets!

Then there was this red velvet mug cake. It got its coloring from beets. Which I’ve had coming out of my ears with our veggie share.

Trying to block her escape route

Lola is better, but she is not amused at all at not being able to go on our walks. If she liked to be carried I’d take her with us that way, but alas, she really doesn’t. Luckily we have a gate that can attach to the top of our stairs, which Mr. Judy did. We carry her up & down those stairs. Sometimes she still goes up and down onto the couch, even though we try to help her and she has steps — she’s still darn fast for just about 15!

What are you looking at? Feather? What feather?

Run any virtual races lately?

Enjoying a little Indian Summer? We are for a few days!

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

GWY Pre Run Yin3a

ICYMI: One last Yin Yoga Pre Run Warmup and it’s the shortest one yet! I’ll get  you out for your run in just a little over eleven minutes here. All of these practices are great post run, too — or even the night before a hard workout.

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m wrapping up my September. On Friday let’s grab some coffee or tea and get together to share what’s going on in our monthly coffee date here.

Zooming into the New Year: 9/14 – 20 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments
Looked amazingly like a lake we went to growing up (but isn’t)

Another busy week with an unplanned visit to my mom — nothing new there, I just hadn’t been planning on visiting this week. Mainly because I was deep into prep for Mr. Judy’s 60th birthday. It worked out well, though, because we had a family Zoom call on Friday (for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year) and I brought back the laptop she’d given me to update — which allowed her to get in on the call.

I stopped on the way at Taghkanic State Park, and did some hiking and some walking. There’s also a Taconic State Park near where I grew up — yes, both spelled differently. The beach areas looked almost exactly the same, which was so nostalgic for me. And the bathrooms were open, score!

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (60 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, 3 miles easy, Yoga (40 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (20 min), Hiking/Walking Taghkanic State Park, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, Peloton Bootcamp (30 min) + Endurance run (cut it short to about 20 min), Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk,, Yoga
  • Saturday:  Yoga (30 min), 7 mile LSD, Yoga (20 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, PB Walking + Toning, Yoga (20 min)

Mileage: 13 (-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

Pumpkins everywhere

Monday intention: an attitude of gratitude
An attitude of gratitude was so easy today, with the perfect running weather and not needing to get out til after 10 am, although the dogwalk before, while a great warmup, made things a bit hectic. Perfect negative splits that just felt so good. Just because the weather is perfect, we all know, doesn’t necessarily mean a great run but today was the kind of run that reminds you why you run!

Thursday intention: get stronger + speed
This week got a little crazy, so time to run wasn’t there most days. Due to other stuff, too. I wanted to get in 3 miles today, thought about strides, but couldn’t get out til later in the morning. Probably would’ve been fine with the cooler temps, but I also wanted to get some ST in.

I chose a 30 minute bootcamp, which did some speed intervals. Then backed that up with what was supposed to be a 30 minute endurance run. I cut it short simply because I was “running” into lunch and I’d hit my goal of 3 miles with the two classes combined. Someday when I have more time I’ll revisit this class.

Yup another neighborhood pumpkin

Sunday intention: smile every mile (when I remembered)
Who wouldn’t smile with the great weather? I wore almost the same thing I’ve been running long in for a while, although a different skirt and knee high compression socks. I added my vest — I was afraid I’d overheat eventually, but with temps in the low 50s it was perfect. So grateful for sunshine and cool temps!

Started the holiday weekend with brisket, corn on the cob, trail mix, & apples & honey

Favorites of the week
I had bought a big box of BBQ (ribs, brisket, sausage) from a place Mr. Judy liked in TX as an early birthday present. Brisket is pretty standard for Rosh Hashanah, so that was perfect too. We’d picked up our veggie box that morning, so had fresh corn on the cob and I cooked up some of the chard for myself. My mom had sent the trail mix, dried fruit, and nuts as a New Year’s gift. And I made the traditional apples and honey (for a sweet new year).

His sister & I went in together on an infrared heater for our deck

The birthday shenanigans continued with a Zoom call with college friends and a second one with family (East and West coast). And cake, of course!

I was looking forward to maybe going somewhere hiking next week, with family obligations finally wrapped up, only last night Lola suddenly wouldn’t put her weight on one of her paws. She’s eating ok and still trying to play, so I’m not super worried, but I don’t see it healing up that quickly.

Are you beginning to see a lot of pumpkins?

How are you celebrating big birthdays this year? 

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

GWYT Pre Run Yin1

ICYMI: I promised you a shorter Yin Yoga Warmup last week and today I’m delivering it here. All of these practices are great post run, too — or even the night before a hard workout.

Coming up on Tuesday: Find out what it means to be an experiment of one. On Friday we’re back at the Runfessional here. Hard to believe another month is at a close!

Close Encounters . . .: 9/7 – 13 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 39 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.

I Come Back Even Stronger: August 2020

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 20 Comments

bcomebackstronger

August was relatively busy in a good way. 2 trips to mom, one with a side trip. More day trips.  Slight increase in running. Slight increase in walking, too. Made an effort to get in more steps. I collected my mug from June’s virtual xc runs (with a side trip on that trip too).

August’s song is throwin’ it way back, but man I remember belting this song out when I was young. It’s a classic — Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman”.

You can bend but never break me
‘Cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer

These lyrics really speak to me! Do you still have goals? Has 2020 broken you or made you stronger? Do you feel that you’ve grown because of every thing you’ve gone through in 2020?

I did it. I didn’t always like it.

Getting in scheduled runs
I’ve slowly begun to try for 4 runs a week — some weeks, anyway. When I feel like it. So upping the ante just a bit. A virtual race (in September) isn’t the same as a real race, but I can still challenge myself a bit.

Grade Earned:  A

Recording my runs
I record them here. Someday I’ll get back to journaling!

Grade Earned: F

Dynamic Warmup
Dynamic warmups were often really short — 5 minutes — but every little bit helps. As we merge into Fall and the mornings are cooler, it should be easier to do longer warmups. And necessary with cooler temps!

I’ve even done a little Yin Yoga some mornings before a run. In fact, I’ve also filmed three short Yin Yoga Pre Run Warmup videos! I was inspired. Not quite sure yet when I’ll be sharing those.

Grade Earned: A

Foam Rolling
Mostly just foam rolling before runs — once or twice after a run too.

Grade Earned: B+

Nutrition
Nutrition has been meh. Not terrible, not great, and the scale reflects that. I already feel the pull of wanting to eat more as the weather heads towards Winter. It’s natural . . . but some clothes are feeling a wee bit snug, sometimes (because I go back & forth around a few pounds).

Grade Earned: B-

Support

  • Massage? Nope. We all know why.
  • Chiropractor Appointment? See massage.
  • Do I need a hair appointment? I need to schedule that appointment. We are in a very good situation with COVID right now, but I could see that changing with more time spent indoors and school restarting.

Grade Earned: F

Getting stronger with a little hiking & extra walking

Cross Training
Stationary cycling fell off the grid this month, but the rest is still going pretty strong. There’s only so many hours in a day & I find I need to be careful not to overdo things.

Grade Earned: A

August 2020  gets  . . . 
. . . an A. A couple of Fs again, but mostly August was a busy month and I did the best I could with the time I had and by listening to my body.

August Goals:

  • Run 4 x week. Y/N. Sometimes. Some weeks I just wasn’t feeling it, so I didn’t. Other weeks, I did.
  • Set an intention for each run. Y.  Sometimes it’s after the fact, though. Not as effective that way. I need to work on that!
  • Finish the irest course I started. Y. I did, then discovered that there was an audio book version on Audible. So I bought that (I’ve got a lot of credits), because I enjoy the practices (which are included with the audio book).
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. I’m trying, but it’s crept up just a bit beyond where I’m comfortable. It seems the Winter creep has started early. So Y to eating intuitively; unfortunately Y to creep, too. I mostly know what I need to do — but I need to do it. #youfeelme?
  • Add in more Pilates when I can.Y.I feel that Pilates does helps to shape my body. Yoga can be really tough, but most Pilates (done correctly) is tough in a different way. They are similar, but not the same, and I enjoy both. The problem is always time!

Which leads me to September Goals:

  • Run 4 x week. It all depends on how I feel. I’m enjoying the Peloton Bootcamps and runs — still have to try one of the walk/runs — so it adds a little variety to my life. Plus the weather should make outdoor running more fun again.
  • Set an intention for each run — before the run! It’s not really an intention if you set it afterwards, now is it?
  • Meditate when I get up. Meditating first thing in the morning is centering and sets me up for a calmer morning.
  • Explore new places when I visit my mom. There are quite a few places that are pretty much on the way. Easier to explore on my own, and then size up if it’s somewhere we want to go back to.
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. In the last few months my choices haven’t always been the best. I can feel that in some of my clothes — and I don’t like that feeling!
  • Look around for the next virtual to motivate me. I don’t need to do #allthevirtuals, but it’s not bad to have something to work towards sometimes. Makes life feel a bit more normal. The cool Fall weather is my fun season to run (if it’s not raining).

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Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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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.

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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.