Weekly Run Down

Best & Worst of Times: 10/19 – 25 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 25 Comments

This week didn’t start off as I planned, but it was pretty good — until the weekend. Then things went rapidly downhill.

I had targeted a park that was a little further away than we usually go for our anniversary roadtrip. I’d been there, once, and I thought Mr. Judy might enjoy it, too. We didn’t go on our actual anniversary, as the weather wasn’t great, although it wasn’t a lot better on the day we did go.

The weather wasn’t pretty but we still enjoyed our day

Unfortunately that night Lola fell ill. She could barely walk and sometimes couldn’t even stand. She stopped eating and drinking — and she’s always been a really big drinker. We’re still not 100% sure what is causing it (still); any and all good vibes and prayers are much appreciated.

Right before she started acting strange

bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and reporting on easing back into running.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (30 min),  Dogwalk/RGB Walk 2.9, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), TM Intervals 2.53, Dogwalk/RGB Walk .92, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 5 (and just like that, RBG is a wrap)
  • Thursday: Yoga (30 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk/Hike 2.50, Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (30 min), Much pacing at Animal ER, TM Run 2 + Core
  • Saturday:  Yoga (30 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), Easy 4 miles, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 8.43 (-.49)
Walking: Finished RBG; don’t think I’ll be tracking walking on the regular now but still trying to add in some extra miles

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: oops, I didn’t really think about one
Probably because I am using the Peloton Road to 5k (partially) for my virtual 5k in about a month. It was speedwork today. May have actually run it a bit slowly, but always better to save it for the “race”/

Friday intention: destress
If you follow me on FB here, you know that we had a belated road trip for our anniversary on Thursday (our actual anniversary was Monday). Everything seemed fine, until that night, when Lola started to act odd. There was sleep deprivation. The next morning she was even worse, and we ended up at the animal ER. 

After pacing around waiting for many hours while they tried to diagnose and treat her (no real diagnosis, possible UTI and other things that could be much worse but we elected not to spend $$$ on testing for things that probably aren’t really treatable at her age), I finally brought her home and for the first time in a really long time I felt the need to pound out some stress. Of course there’s been lots of stress all year long, but most of the time, I haven’t felt the need to run hard. Today I did.

This particular Peloton workout as part of the Road to 5k obliged with some speed work.

Sunday intention: run out the sadness
Lola is hanging in there after a second trip to the ER (ka-ching, ka-ching) and still no definitive diagnosis. Mr. Judy was very pleased that she ate & drank a bit on her own after he picked her up while I was running. As I’m typing this, she doesn’t seem too interested in treats again, but we’re grilling a steak so fingers crossed. She’s sighing a lot. I’m not terribly surprised, I warned Mr. Judy not to get too excited. She did enjoy some steak.

My heart was just heavy as I ran, but I’m still hopeful. She already has an appointment at the holistic vet, but getting in to any vet, and especially specialists, which was suggested, is super hard right now. It can take months to get an appointment.

I had originally planned a slightly longer run, but by the time I got out the afternoon was almost moving into evening so 4 it was. Probably just as well, there was sleep deprivation again last night.

There’s a deer hiding out on the left

Favorites of the week
On a better note, I met one friend I haven’t seen this year in the flesh for a walk this week.

Back at the pond

Then later in the week I met another friend for a walk near the pond and on the fitness path.

Finding Fall at the ER vet

Are you using running to help you destress lately?

What other things do you do to destress? 

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

Releasing Yin Yoga

ICYMI: This week I have a longer Yin Yoga practice to help you release — whatever you have to release! It will also help you open up your hips, your low back, and your chest. You can find it here.

Coming up on Tuesday: Yup, it’s time to wrap up October! On Friday I’ll be visiting the Runfessional here to cleanse my running soul.

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.
bwrd

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.

Generator/Instant Pot to the rescue!: 10/5 – 11 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 35 Comments

Not running actually frees up some of my time. Yes, I’m walking more, but that doesn’t take as much pre- and post-routines (for me). Of course I could explore by running in the places I’m walking, but one problem I have is that I get so sweaty running that I can be uncomfortable post run if I have to drive a longer way home.
bwrd

Joining Kim @ Kimrunsonthefly and Deborah @ Confessionsofamotherrunner, and just the walks, ma’am.

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 3.67, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk/RGB Walk 5.39, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 2.50, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (50 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk 2.80, Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Hike 6.20
  • Saturday:  Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 3.1, Yoga (20 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (30 min), RBG Walk/Hike 1.66, Yoga (20 min)

Running Mileage: 0 (NC)
Walking: 25.32 miles (+3.30)

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

TX was bluebonnets, NY is leaves

Week intention: Recovery
That was the intention, but the Mother Nature had something else in mind. Wednesday afternoon we had a really short, really severe storm pass through. We weren’t hit hard, but there were trees down all over the neighborhood. 

We lost power for almost 3 days. Luckily we have a generator, but it doesn’t power everything, and it’s really loud — which made sleep difficult. Still I am very grateful for that generator — sleep would have been just as difficult without heat! Plus it powers our freezer & fridge. Most of my cooking was in the InstantPot or  Toaster Oven.

I hadn’t intended my running break to be quite this long, but the purpose was recovery, and I knew returning to running while really tired from sleep deprivation wasn’t in my best interest. There was lots of walking (and photos), though!

Started to take Lola on short walks; she was never happy being left behind!

Favorites of the week
The week started with a trip to mom with a stop at Olana first. I got to explore more trails. I definitely want to go sometime when I have even more time to explore!

We used this carrier above to carry Lola up the steps at Olana & to try to keep her calm while I visited with mom
It helped to keep her a *little* calmer

A short walk at a nearby nature trail

I took a solo walk at a nearby park & a little hike

10k walk/hike at Saratoga Spa State Park

Short walk with the dogs at one of my favorite (short) running trails

Today we visited a new place. May be the best place we’ve visited so far!

Lots of walking and Yoga, not much else. I wish I’d preloaded a few Peloton classes, but I didn’t. Plus . . . sleep deprivation most of the week, mom visit, vet visit for Lola . . . it was a busy work even without Wifi. I got in some amazing walks & lots of fall foliage, though!

How’re the leaves looking near you (if they turn)?

How do you cook without power? 

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

ICYMI: I had several things almost ready to film, but there was the generator noise — and no way to upload. Uploading video take s a long time. I plan to get a new meditation up soon. Stay tuned.

Coming up on Tuesday: Not sure yet. On Friday I share part of why I took my running break. I actually wrote that for last Friday, but it wasn’t finished, and I don’t have unlimited data, so this Friday it will be. I’m obviously very far behind on commenting on blogs and returning comments! Thanks for your patience.

Walking for RBG: 9/27 – 10/4 WRD

~ Chocolaterunsjudy ~ 27 Comments

Nothing very exciting going on this week. No running to report (planned for break). Although I actually did get in more miles walking than I normally would with running, due to the Run for Ruth distance challenge.
bwrd

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

Workouts update

  • Monday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, Yoga (20 min)
  • Tuesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk, RGB Walk 3.13, Yoga (20 min)
  • Wednesday: Yoga (50 min), Dogwalk./RBG Walk 3.58, Yoga (15 min)
  • Thursday: Yoga (50 min),RBG Walk/Dogwalk 4.63, Yoga (20 min)
  • Friday: Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 3.20, PB Walk + Toning (25 min)
  • Saturday:  Yoga (50 min), RBG Walk/Dogwalk 2.5, Filmed Yoga Videos (40 min)
  • Sunday: Yoga (40 min), RBG Walk with a friend 5.62, Yoga (20 min)

Mileage: 0 (-10)
Walking: 22.62 miles

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

Week intention: taking it easy
Which meant no running for me this week. Despite decent weather, I didn’t really miss it, either. I did lots of walking. I *think* Bandit seems to be enjoying his extra, solo walks.

Bandit is not amused to lose his freedom a little, too

Favorites of the week
Lola continues to improve, but we’re not back to walks yet. The vet suggested only on grass. Well, she’s running around the backyard & where the heck are we going to be able to go for a short walk on grass? Actually I do have a few ideas.

Foggy start but the runway lights were cool!

But first a walk with a friend this morning. Miles always go by more quickly with a friend.

It doesn’t cost anything after Labor Day (except on the weekends)

Earlier in the week I visited Saratoga Spa State Park. I have run and raced a handful of times in this park, in fact normally I’d be doing a 10k there in a couple of weeks, but I don’t really know my way around it well and quite frankly I don’t think the road and trail signs are great.

Still I had a very nice walk that morning, enjoying the changing leaves and a waterfall or two.

The main reason I joined the walk for Ruth was the tshirt. Well, of course to honor her memory, too. Have you done a virtual just because you liked the swag?

Do you think the trails in your area are well marked? 

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

GWY Easy AM Yoga1

ICYMI: An easy AM Yoga flow to banish any stiffness after sleeping here. Please excuse the resting b#*ch face. Sometimes it’s hard to get a great still!

Coming up on Tuesday: I’m finally giving you the lowdown on nasal breathing. On Friday I’ll suggest a few ways you can make virtual races more funI’m explaining why I decided to take a running break.

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!

bwrd

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.