Sourdough

We Can Rebuild Her: Runfessions February 2021

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 34 Comments

brebuild

I slowly and steadily eased back into running and strength training in February. Some of that strength training was the never ending shoveling. We were actually quite lucky, no monster storms in February, but there was snow often. It seemed as though it always fell on a running day, so I was often shoveling after running. 

Oh the weather outside was frightening! Often.

I runfess . . .
I am definitely not minding that my runs are short and sweet right now. Or that they can be whatever I want — slow & steady, a little bit of speed work, run/walk. It’s all good.

I runfess . . .
I had one half that was supposed to have been June 2020, and not surprisingly that was canceled. I never signed up for the 2021 race, but it was no big surprise when I heard from Laurie @ MeditationsinMotion that that, too, was canceled; we were hoping to meet up at the race in 2020! I wasn’t planning on running it this year either. If I’m very lucky, by that point I’ll be vaccinated but who knows? 

I runfess . . .
I am glad that my Achilles finally seems to be healed. Some days it seems a little tight when I first get up, but I do some SMR (self myofascial release) and it seems fine the rest of the day — whether I’m running or not. Returning to running hasn’t seemed to bother it. Now the hamstring that’s forever cranky . . . still cranky. That’s been on and off a long time, much longer than my Achilles; it’s one of those aches that isn’t bad but just won’t seem to go away. I’ve been working on that, too, though and it does seem better.

I used half all purpose & half wheat flour. Mr. Judy likes white bread so he doesn’t ask for this much. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing!

I runfess . . .
When I was sick in January and not very hungry, I went through an entire loaf of Trader Joe’s sourdough bread in about a week. By myself. I don’t usually eat a lot of bread. Although I runfess that sourdough loaf I baked has been disappearing pretty quickly too, although after 2 weeks and both of us eating it there’s still a little left.

I runfess . . .
Some people are #runningallthemiles in the Pandemic. Me? I’m taking #allthecourses. Winter is definitely a good time to be learning new things! Because I am definitely looking forward to getting out in Spring and doing some short hikes again. Even though I know it’ll be muddy.

Are you running more or less than usual right now? 

Are you old enough to know what TV show I’m referring to in the title of this blog?

What do you have to runfess from February? Come join us

Runfessions

I am also linking up with:

bfitfivefriday

Private Yin Yoga Class Giveaway: 2/8 – 14 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 38 Comments

I visited my mom for the first time in almost 6 weeks, which made  her very happy. It was a very busy, tiring week though, but I feel as if I accomplished a lot — including three runs, a tiny bit of indoor cycling, and some short strength training sessions. I’d like to say today will be restful, but I’m running and still working on some stuff — maybe tomorrow???

There is also a lot of snow in the forecast for next week. I’m really trying to run outside at least occasionally, but Mother Nature isn’t making that easy! Perhaps we’ll get lucky and be on the low side of the forecasts. I think a lot of my strength training could be shoveling next week!

bwrd

I’m joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and easing slowly back into running and strength training.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (20 min), Dogwalk, PB ST Arms (10 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (30 min), 2.5 TM, 4.5 SB, Shoveling, Yoga (90 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Short Hike at Olana
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min), PB ST (13 min), Dogwalk
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), 2.5 TM miles progressive, CD walk (15 min), CD Cycle (15 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Saturday: Yoga (30 min), PB Standing Abs (6 min), Dogwalk
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), 3.5 miles easy, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 8.5 (+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

Tuesday Intention: work on endurance
Back on the treadmill. I was excited when I got up and it wasn’t snowing yet, but it wasn’t long before it started. Endurance run, slight walk to cool down, then hopped on the stationary bike for the rest of the cool down. The endurance run was 45 minutes, but I only ran 30 — I think I like using the stationary bike for a cool down after a shorter run. Good to change things up!

Friday Intention: a little (very little) speed
I could have run outside. Yes, it was very cold, but not very windy and even some sun. I had a lot of balls to juggle though — or maybe I just didn’t want to freeze my butt off! I chose a progression run, keeping it very moderate. This did feel a tiny bit harder than the endurance run on Monday (same amount of time). I again enjoyed a cool down cycle.

This is what 59 looks like. Notice the rabbit tracks behind me.

Sunday Intention: add some more distance
I had many lovely birthday gifts today, but not gonna lie: this was  one of the best. a run that felt pretty darn good. It’s still relatively short and slow, but my longest run in over a month. I realized on this gray day, that the lack of wind is even better than sun in Winter, although of course both would be lovely. Now unfortunately it’s time to batten down the hatches and most likely more treadmill runs if the forecasts for next week are to be believed.

Clearing the air as I drive

Favorites of the week
I took my portable diffuser with me on the road to my mom. I loved using it in the car! I also wanted to show it to my mom to see if she’d have any interest in it.

Flour. Salt. Water. Baking Soda. Pretty amazing!

For months every morning I’d get up and say “this is the day I’m going to start a sourdough starter again”. It’s really not that hard. But I didn’t do it. Until finally I did. It didn’t go moldy this time. I made sourdough pancakes from the discard again. Yesterday I finally baked my first loaf!

Bandit channeling Lola. So many memories of her (and Chester) popped up for me on FB today.

How are you dealing with the snow (if you have it)?

Cake, cupcake, donuts, cookies, brownies? What’s your favorite dessert?

If you bake sourdough bread, what do you do with the discard? 

gwy MR yin

ICYMI: A “short” Yin Yoga practice that will ground you and energize you for your day. This is the last piece of my morning routine practices. Yes, it’s longer, but today is Valentine’s Day so maybe try this for an afternoon energy burst! I don’t suggest doing this practice in the evening because it’s designed to be energizing. You’ll find the video here. You can also read a blog post about morning routines here for a little more information.

I’m running a fun challenge in my private Facebook Group. I’ll be trying to help you get into the “routine” of practicing at least one of these routines each morning. I will be raffling off a free thirty minute private Yin Yoga class via Zoom. You can join here. You can only enter to win if you’re in the Facebook group, and you have until the end of the month to enter. No pressure, it’s supposed to be fun!

Coming up on Tuesday: Five Pandemic Running Pet Peeves. Friday I’ll share how to ease back into running after an illness — which is a little different from coming back from injury..