In some ways it seems kind of pointless to join up with the Weekly Wrap, because there wasn’t a lot of movement this week. But that’s just the point: sometimes recovery looks like being lazy, but recovery is important — and I don’t have anything on my schedule right now, either. Perfect timing.
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Running Updates
Zip. Zero. Nada. And that’s just fine by me. You know how when you’re sick or injured and runners seem to be everywhere? And all you want to do is run? Nope. Well, the runners where there but there wasn’t the least bit of FOMO. I kept active in other ways, and I’ll get back out there; probably next week.
I know it’s subtle, but I can really see the difference!
Favorites of the week
This is short and sweet — there really just wasn’t much at all going on this week, just a little movement, unpacking (yes, I’m actually unpacked!), and a lot of relaxing.
Mr. Judy took both the photos above. On the left is a young Lola not long after she came to us — I’m not really sure how young she is in that photo, but she was only 4 when we left TX (and the photo was taken in TX), and we’d only actually had her 3 years. On the right is a recent photo Mr. Judy took; she’s now 13.
I was taken aback by how white her muzzle actually is. It’s always been quite light, obviously, so I really didn’t notice it but that photo was an eye opener for me. I had noticed the gray hairs on her neck and back. Time stands still for no dog or person.
Talk to me:
Have you really noticed your furkid aging?
Are you happy to take some downtime after a goal race (we could all take a page from the elites in this!)?
What sort of activities do you enjoy when you’re not running?
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Running Updates
Wednesday Tuesday was a long day of travel with delays due to the snowstorm & a late bedtime for me. I wasn’t even sure I would want to run & it was chilly (38F, anyone?). I didn’t rush out there but the run was fine, especially with lots of photo stops.
I spent the last mile or so clutching the grass woven roses the homeless? woman insisted on making me — as I ran by she said happy Valentine’s Day & I said over my shoulder that it was my birthday. She called me back & insisted I take them (in a nice way). We chatted for a while but I had no money to give her (not that she asked for any).
Thursday I had planned on 4, but needed to get back, shower & change. Turns out I probably could’ve finished the 4 but still just did 3. One more mile ain’t gonna make a difference at this point. The run was fine again.
Satruday Not quite the race I wanted, but I finished mostly intact (aside from a large blood blister on a toe) & not my best or worst time. We enjoyed our time here and I’ve added GA so I call that winning.
Favorites of the week
The meet ups — Skirt Sisters above and Karen @ Runningfifty below.
All the food.
All the sights, which I’ll leave for another post. And running in skirts — now it’s back to reality and more snow. It’s February, after all.
I admit it: life is much easier without Gizmo, but I can’t say that life without him makes me happy, either. I miss him. When you’re in caretaking mode, you don’t realize just how much time that caretaking consumes. I didn’t really think that he was that time consuming — but he was.
Still, there’s a race to be run, so run I did. I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home to wrap up my last long run leading into BDR Savannah.
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Running Updates
What a difference a day makes. At least it wasn’t too cold.
Tuesday Monday was a beautiful day, just perfect for running, but I was basically stuck inside almost all day. This morning, when I did my speed work, it was chilly — although 50 by the time I finished! — and very gray. Still much better conditions than we’ve seen in a while.
This speed work went much better than last week’s tempo. I didn’t hit my paces on all my intervals, and ended one short by mistake, but I hit the right pace on quite a few so I was satisfied. It was still hard. It will always be hard! It’s supposed to be hard.
I always think about asking their owners if we should get them together with Lola for a playdate
Thursday It was a very gray day — again — but not gonna lie. 44 felt really nice. I wasn’t chilled for hours afterwards.
I set out to do a 5 mile progressive run. I decided 4 miles sounded just fine as I was running. The first mile was a little bit slower than I wanted, then I increased pace way too much the second mile. The third was a little faster, and the last mile was my fastest. So not quite what I was aiming for but I’ll take it. It always takes me a couple of miles to warm up.
Happiness is always an ice free path & some different scenery
Sunday I had plans to meet up with someone but it fell through. Which allowed me to get out there a little later — it wasn’t crazy windy like Saturday, but it wasn’t warm, either. This was a surprisingly speedy run for me. I don’t know why. I wasn’t really pushing it, but I held a relatively consistent pace that was just a bit faster than my normal easy pace. I pulled it back just slightly at the end — I’d rather be speedy in my race than in a training run!
Favorites of the week
That chicken noodle soup again after my long run today. It really hit the spot.
Banana chips. Have you ever had them? I made some energy balls with them this weekend. The balls were great, but the banana chips were definitely addictive. I had some of them on my long run today. I guess I need to pack a few. I also need to make sure they’re not somewhere easy to get at at home, I could definitely see these being a problem.
In case you missed it, I wrote another post about Gizmo filled with more stories and photos. Read it here.
Looking forward to some future warmer runs!
Let’s get the conversation started:
Have you ever tried banana chips?
Have you ever eaten banana chips to fuel a run?
For those trapped in snow and polar vortex, were you able to run outside this week? All my runs were outside — there were only three of them, LOL!
Normally running is my go-to for stress; it has gotten me through many difficult times in my life the last 10 years. I did not want to run this week after we put Giz to sleep, although I did my runs and have kept as active as you can when it’s so cold and you’re “stuck” inside — and that helps. It is what it is. Moving on.
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Running Updates
I’m trying to believe in myself!
Monday It was cold, but not terrible, with bright sunshine and not too much wind. I was grappling with my time with Gizmo coming to an end, repeating “I am at peace with my decision” to myself, although in many ways I was anything but.
I was tired in mind, body, and spirit, but it was actually a good run with my fastest mile being my last.
Thursday Bitter cold (not as bad as Chicago, thankfully!) and snowy streets had me attempting my tempo on the treadmill. I enjoy speed work on the treadmill, but not tempos. Still, you do what you gotta do. Only I just couldn’t. Oh yes, I did finish the run. And I did the first 3 miles (my 2 mile warm up and the first tempo mile) just fine. Sort of.
By the end of the first tempo mile I just had to stop and walk around a while. I dropped the pace. The same for the next mile. And again. So that didn’t really boost my confidence or fulfill its purpose but I did get some more miles on my feet and worked on pace a little. I’ve done that pace for tempos before, but I guess the stress, and probably not fueling enough just got to me.
Happy to get 2 runs outside this week!
Sunday Darlene @ My first5k joined me for 2/3 of my long run (her last before her half next week, mine’s in 2 weeks). It’s the first time we’ve run together in forever. The route was boring but ice-free, it was a hazy shade of winter, and even though it was the warmest day in about a week, I was chilled for hours afterwards. Still, the company was good and I finished my last 4 miles after Darlene wrapped it up for an even 12. Taper town, here I come!
Favorites of the week
It’s easy to say there was nothing good about this week, but there are always silver linings. Gizmo hated the car, although he did get better about it recently when he spent so much more time in it. I was happy that there was no final car ride and his passing at home was peaceful.
We watched Bruce Springsteen on Broadway on Netflix this week. We’re not rabid Springsteen fans, although we did go see him in concert a few years back. It was at times really interesting, and at other times a bit boring — but I would still recommend it.
I’ve been wanting to go to Savannah forever, but I have not even looked at what I want to do there. I started to a little this weekend. We booked a food tour for my birthday, Valentine’s Day. So there’s that.
Let’s get the conversation started:
What’s the first thing you look for in a new city? Food tours & hiking for me.
Snow. Check. Ice. Check. Extreme cold. Check. Pouring rain. Check. Mother Nature sure threw a lot at us this week, but I did my best to keep on keeping on.
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Running Updates
The good thing about running inside was trying out some different skirts. This one’s Hover.
Monday -7 in the morning — without the windchill (and there was windchill) — I know some people would still run outside in those temps, but some people bungee jump too.
5 miles on the treadmill, 3 at tempo, and stick a fork in me (as far as running).
Getting some abwork in in between miles. This skirt’s Jette.
Tuesday While cold, it was sunny and not too windy. I didn’t really want to drive somewhere and the roads in my neighborhood were still too slippery. I did 4 miles on the treadmill, stopping each mile to do some abs.
The last time I did a similar workout it seemed to take forever. This time, while yes it took longer than just running obviously, it felt good — maybe in contrast to how hard yesterday’s tempo felt!
A better shot of the Wonder Wool top. Such bright colors this year!
Friday Yesterday it poured cats & dogs, then changed over to snow, and this morning the roads just looked a mess. I decided to stay safe and do a shorter run on the treadmill. I made some energy balls I’d been meaning to try out on a long run (so good!). And then I kept looking at the weather, looking at the road, looking at the weather . . . I decided to go for the long run after all.
It was almost noon by the time I started, so I was running through lunch. Had I decided to do this I definitely would have eaten differently and probably not made those energy balls. Basically I was running in neighborhoods near the park, but not in the park — not exactly exciting, but more exciting than running in my own neighborhood, and the roads in my neighborhood were still quite messy with slush and ice when I left.
I was still cautious and slowed over anything that looked wet, but there was no slippery ice like last week and aside from some tired hamstrings (probably because I didn’t foam roll before or warm up at all) the run was fine.
Sunday Another cold (but not too bad, except for the wind) supported run/race. It was a tough morning at home, and my heart wasn’t really in it, but I knew I’d be better off running and I also knew that on my own I wouldn’t have pushed it as hard. Not that I really thought I was pushing hard but it was a pretty good pace and nice negative splits.
Peanut Butter Mud Pie — the waitress split it in half unasked!
Favorites of the week
This pie. It’s made multiple appearances on this blog, usually after a double digit run, and it never disappoints.
Seat warmers. Not on my car, obviously, which is almost 19 years old, but the ones in my husband’s car. I swear I wanted to ask him to just drive around some more on the way home from the restaurant so I could just luxuriate in the warmth. I may have actually asked that out loud . . .
I you liked some of the Skirt Sports I’m sporting here, feel free to ask about it and/or use my discount code 522CRJ for 15% off.
Let’s get the conversation started:
Do you have an amazing dessert that you love and therefore never try the other desserts at the restaurant — even though they look pretty awesome too?
If you do run on the treadmill, do you mix things up on it?
Do you have a different fitness routine during winter?
Alas I think that was our last week with no snow on the paths — mostly, anyway, as I ran through just a little snow on Friday (yup, we got caught in the big snowstorm today). Maybe we’ll get lucky and it’ll warm up and melt the foot or so of snow forecast to drop on us today? Unlikely.
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Running Updates
Monday I probably could’ve done this one outside, despite just a tiny dusting of snow — not so much on the road, but on houses, etc. — mostly, it was just that I’ve had super cold runs up to here! Honestly, it was a pretty nice, although cold, day.
Anyhoo, took to the mill for 4 miles easy and trying out my new kicks (Mizuno Wave Sky).
That break in the ice is about where those mysterious foot prints were a few weeks ago
Wednesday My legs just weren’t having it. I was on the strugglebus from the moment I tried to pick up the pace, with each tempo mile getting progressively slower and maybe a bit more walking in the middle.
There are all sorts of reasons, the chief one probably being a night of very little sleep (no idea why, darn menopause). I tried hard not to beat myself up too much, I found the good in this run — like still no snow on the ground (which will change soon), the fact that I can run, yadda yadda.
Then I got home, and looked at some of last year’s tempo runs . . . where I struggled with pace . . . at about the same paces. Okey dokey then, I guess it wasn’t as bad as I thought (but it did feel as bad!).
If I’d known it was clear here, I would’ve gone this way in the first place!
Friday The snow was gently falling . . . an inch maybe less on the path . . . there I was, running along, thinking how peaceful it was . . . and suddenly I hit a patch of ice hidden by the snow and went sliding . . . thankfully remained upright. I had on my screw shoes but they’re not much good on ice.
I turned around, walking, and hit another patch of ice, but again, thankfully, remained upright. Had I started out the other way, the path had actually been cleared (usually it was cleared where I started out running) — when I got to the clear part I was able to pick up the pace again, toward the end of the run. Otherwise it was a super slow run so it took me much longer than normal.
I have two more long runs before I taper and wrap things up — but of course the snow is blowing in Sunday. It’s gonna be interesting.
Everyone said it wasn’t that bad. I still thought it was darn cold & was thankful it was only 4 miles for me!
Saturday Brrr! Glad I only had 4 recovery miles today, it was definitely another cold day. Except for the last half mile I did get to run with friends, which is always nice.
On my left arm my Garmin, unpictured on the right arm is a Momentum Sparklet
Darlene and I were twinning (except for the color), and all three Skirt Sports Ambassadors chose the Toasty Cheeks skirtto brave the cold — it does help keep your butt warm! Use Code 522CRJ for 15% off.
New kicks: Mizuno Wave Sky
Favorites of the week I’m not sure that the Mizuno Wave Sky is actually a favorite. I really like how light it feels for a somewhat heavy shoe; what I don’t like is that big, built up heel. I like minimalist shoes for my speedwork/long runs and “regular” shoes for easy runs. They are very comfortable, but they run a bit short and I went up a half size — which makes them just a teensy bit large. They’ll be fine for short, easy runs.
Still purring
Ok, he’s actually having an off day today; it happens once in a while. But just a few days ago he actually laid down and purred during his fluids (hasn’t happened since, of course, he’s a cat & he’s good at it).
This was fairly early this morning. There’s been more.
Of course the big snow storm was not a favorite. I’m at peak in my training, but at least it looks like I should be able to get a long run in next weekend (knocking on wood). I had to go out at about 6:30 this morning to shovel just so the dogs could get out! And have already had to shovel a few more times for them.
Let’s get the conversation started:
Are you now buried in snow?
Do you you like being buried in snow (me, definitely no)?
Are you a fan of recovery runs?
I never have been, but I actually do think it was helpful this week.
When it came to running, this week was definitely all about being uncomfortable — as in pushing, not as in pains/injuries. I ran a 10 mile LSD on a real beast of a day — feels like single digits with winds gusting up to 30 mph (but there was sun!). A tough 10k today — much less wind, but still some, and just as cold.
I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Wendy @ Taking the Long Way Home (who are up to shenanigans again) to share how I toughed out some pretty nasty running weather this week. But no snow! Still! Oh, we get some showers now and again, but we are still snow free and that makes my heart sing.
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Running Updates
Tuesday Errands in the afternoon, which left me on the mill in the morning since we’d had some sleety kind of stuff in the morning. Upped the total run to 5 miles (I’d been doing 4 on the mill) and the repeats to 8. Practiced some gratitude on the run and goterdone.
Don’t let the sunshine fool you . . . definitely one of my harder long runs
Friday Just like last Friday, we finally got some sun. Except it was in the teens with winds of 15 mph gusting up to 30 mph. I layered up — the only thing that was really cold were my quads/ hamstrings (despite my toasty cheeks skirt) — and got out there somewhat early (9:30, LOL), telling myself it really wasn’t going to warm up so I might as well get er done.
And I did. The first 5 weren’t too bad, but battling wind always tires me out and it showed with a slow down the last 3 miles. I was tempted to call it quits at 9 miles; I won’t lie. But I persevered, and I finished 10, and despite the slow down at the end, the run was still a good pace for me. Maybe it was the lemon essential oil I dabbed on myself before the run? I’d like to say I wanted it over so I ran faster — I definitely wanted it over, but that doesn’t always translate into running faster!
I also consoled myself with the fact that while it could be cold in Savannah, it will not be that cold.
“Ready” to take on 10k (me) & 3 miles (Darlene) in some pretty darn cold temps
Sunday Another very cold, but very sunny morning for the third Winter Series. Most of my running buddies were doing the 3 miler, as they’d run long the day before, but I was tackling the 10k. I was able to line up with a couple of friends, thankfully, although of course they were soon out of sight as I was way BOTP (and probably DFL to begin — but I reeled in a few runners those first few miles!).
The plan was to treat this as a tempo run. Let’s just say that that plan soon flew out the window, as my splits were all over the place. The good news is that I was just 1 minute off my 10k PR — set just 3 months ago — and that it was a course PR. By several minutes. I thought I’d only run the 10k one time before today, but apparently I’ve had “race” amnesia and run it several times.
I did “run” into the trouble the last mile when I saw when friend who was also running the 10k coming back towards me — was I supposed to circle the cone and go around again? I stopped, ran down to the course marshals, stopped to ask again . . . so I was actually even closer to that PR!
Even though my splits were all over the place, they were all faster than when I ran this race 2 years ago (I didn’t run any of the winter series last year). It may not have gone according to plan but I’m still pretty darn pleased with it.
This fritata was a hit!
Favorites of the week We had our second running group bookclub meeting this weekend. The last was in December 2017; a good time was had by all. I got several compliments on the fritata I brought, which, btw, came from the Healthy Glow Guide Reset. Healthy Glow Guide is closing its doors today, but you can get the guides at 75% off hereusing the code KEEPONGLOWING.
If you’re a foodie and love healthy recipes, these are great guides, split into Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter and as I mentioned a Reset. Some of the recipes can be a little time consuming and expect to have way more than 5 ingredients, but seriously, they are so good. The Taco Soup from the Reset is one of Mr. Judy’s favs, although I leave out the beans, which I love — but him, not so much. I’m sad to see them folding up their doors. I have no affiliation with HGG, but I’ve been a fan for years!
It was another strong week, and the roads are still clear — so despite the extreme cold, life is pretty good.
I did get a nice compliment from a local at today’s race saying that she loved my blog — thanks, Dee! Made my day.
Let’s get the conversation started:
Do you enjoy cooking even when it’s a little involved?
Do you enjoy healthy recipe ebooks — got any to recommend to me?
