Showing posts with label trail running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trail running. Show all posts

Monday, August 25, 2014

week in review: august 18–24


Dopey Challenge Training: Week 8

Monday, August 18: rest day

Tuesday, August 19: Cross training – Bar Method (60 minutes)

Wednesday, August 20: Cross training – Bar Method (60 minutes)

Thursday, August 21: Rock the Night 5k (3.1 miles)

Friday, August 22: Cross training – Bar Method (60 minutes)

Saturday, August 23: 9.52 miles – Trail Run

Sunday, August 24: rest day

Weekly mileage: 12.62 miles
Total mileage for Dopey Challenge Training: 119.58 miles

I'd say this week's training went pretty well. I missed one run this week of 45 minutes, but had decided that since I was having some hip/knee issues, it would be best to use an extra day for rest – I wanted to be ok to run the 9 miles on the schedule over the weekend. 

Bar Method is going well. I'm still really enjoying it – every single class has been challenging, and they have a variety of movements that change a bit each class, so it doesn't get boring. I'm really starting to see a difference in my muscle tone :)

As for my runs, the Rock the Night 5k was a lot of fun (check out my BibRave review here)! I'll have a recap up eventually, but weather wise it was a bit nutty with a downpour for about an hour between 4–5, and then it cooled off, but the heat and humidity came back for the race start at 7. The post-race party and food were excellent.

Saturday's trail run was slooooow. We headed out a bit later than I intended, but weather wise it wouldn't have been any better earlier (it was hot and humid all the live long day, even in the early morning hours). It was about 80–85 degrees, but with 99% humidity which made for a pretty miserable run. Every once in a while there was a breeze, but most of it was quite stuffy. I did 30 second:1 minute intervals, and once in a while had to skip the run portion. I have a bit of trouble breathing in the humidity, so would take an extra walk break if I needed it. I was dripping sweat the instant I got out of the car! Oy, it was tough, especially since we've had such a relatively mild summer (still warm and humid, but not nearly as bad as these past few days and what it normally is). My husband came with and ran with me, so at least I had company (you know what they say, misery loves company haha). I had KT Tape on from Thursday's race and Friday's barre class, and it stayed on even through that humidity, so I'd say I found a good method of applying. 

My Orange Mud HydraQuiver Double Barrel pack worked perfectly again, with Nuun Energy Lemon Lime in one bottle and water in the other. I had filled them both with ice, which melted about a half hour in because of the heat, but everything stayed fairly cold until the end. I really love that bad boy. Another runner on the trail jokingly told me I was going to get mugged for my ice. I still use my Fitletic belt, which I use for my phone, energy chews, kleenex, chapstick, and inhaler for easy access. 

I drank a Powerbar Performance Energy Blend about a half hour before the run, and then took a Clif Shot Blok every 2 miles (Tropical Punch with 25mg caffeine). Energy wise I felt ok, just the heat and humidity was a bit exhausting. I received my Energybits on Wednesday, but hadn't had a chance to get that organized prior to my run Saturday, but I look forward to giving them another try before/during my upcoming runs.

We stopped at Jewel on our way home to pick up some items for lunch and dinner, so I got some chocolate milk to help with muscle recovery. I also iced my knee and my left foot arch when I got home (after my shower, of course... I was too nasty not to shower immediately, even though I was starving). I used a bag of ice for my foot, but used my Dr. Cool Wrap for my knee – it was awesome! I was still able to walk around if I needed (like when I needed to switch the laundry in the machines) or to go get some food. I think a small one would work well for my foot. That'll have to wait until next paycheck. I wore my compression sleeves and KT Tape out Saturday night, because really, I'm more concerned with my recovery than I am what other people think haha.

Besides hanging out with friends, going to a two year olds birthday party, my husband and I also went to The Field Museum to see the 1893 World's Fair Exhibit before it went back into the vaults next month. It was a really neat exhibit, and if you're from Chicago and haven't gone to see it, I recommend doing so before it's gone! 

How was your week/end? Any races, long runs, or cross training of note? Would love to hear from ya :)

Monday, April 21, 2014

week in review; april 14–20


Monday, April 14
rest day
Laundry and 'DWTS'.

Tuesday, April 15
2.01 miles on the treadmill in the am
It was a bit rough waking up in the morning, but I managed to squeeze in 2 miles on the treadmill before heading to work. Trivia night went fairly well, and was a fun night.

Wednesday, April 16
strength training - arms and abs
2 mile walk
Another evening of laundry and catching up on the DVR.

Thursday, April 17
2 mile walk
My dear husband and I went on our monthly date night for wine tasting and dinner. It was lovely.

Friday, April 18
rest day
The DH and I went up north to hang out with some friends. We went to a bar/restaurant for a quick drink and some chips/guac before heading out for dinner. We tried to get some pizza at Piece Brewery, however it was an hour and a half wait, so we went over to Lillie Q's and put in our name there for a 30 minute wait. We then walked a few blocks down to grab a drink while we waited, and then headed back for some delicious BBQ (I had some ribs, and usually I am not a fan of them smoked, I chowed down on these bad boys). With a race the next day, I limited myself to two drinks, and then had water/pop for the remainder of the evening. After dinner, we headed back to Piece for drinks for the other three, then headed back to our friends' place so I could meet their new dog (who was absolutely adorable). I hated to be the buzzkill, but we had to head out around 9:30/10 so I could get my gear together and get some shut eye. Even though it was only a 5k the next morning, I still need my 8 hours of sleep in order to function haha. After all, I am no longer a spunky 21 year old anymore ;)

Saturday, April 19
Chocolate Chase 5k with an official time of 38:03
It was a GORGEOUS day for a race! It was mostly sunny and started in the mid 40s and ended in the low 50s (some may say cold, but I loved it, and was actually pretty warm by mile 2). I ran 1:30/1:00 run/walk intervals with the goal of beating a clock time of 40:00. I haven't had a 5k in under 40:00 since 2012 (boo). I'll have a very short recap of the race (being local and small, there wasn't an expo, and the race itself didn't have much exciting going on).

Sunday, April 20
9.5 miles on a trail
DH and I headed over to the trails Sunday morning to get in a long run before our half marathon in 2 weeks. We went our own ways and did our own pace. It was a beautiful day – the high was expected to be 75, and was in the low 60s when we started. We weren't sure if there would be much shade on the trail. It was our first time there this season, and we didn't know if there would be much foliage on the trees yet (with the long winter we had). It wasn't too bad, considering how sunny it was – I was able to remain mostly in the shade, keeping cool and avoiding much sunburn (though I think my face got a little bit). I had on shorts, a t-shirt, and a half zip pullover, but after about a mile, I took off the pullover and tied it to my waist. Guess I could have left it in the car, but I thought with the wind I might be cool. Nope. I ran with my Nathan Quickdraw Plus Handheld Bottle Carrier filled with water, and brought some Sports Beans to test out. Well, at mile 1 I tried to open said Sports Beans, and couldn't get them open! I did the tear here, but it didn't rip it far down enough to be able to open the package. It was sooo frustrating. I tried for 3 miles to try and rip them open, to no avail (I even tried ripping with my teeth, which I hate). Luckily, I ran into DH, and with some effort, he was able to rip it enough for me to be able to squeeze a bean out at a time. Note to self: Cut open package prior to leaving the house. I liked the fact that they are re-sealable... but that's not possible when you have to tear the dang thing open. Anyway, I went the way that had more hills, and had a tough go of it. By mile 5 my legs were so tired, I had to walk up all of the hills. Also to my displeasure, I only had about 2 down hills. Oh well, those guys'll make me stronger, right? Overall, it felt great to get those 9.5 miles in prior to Easter dinner – enjoying some fresh air and exercise. We went home, showered, ate some lunch, and relaxed before heading to DH's parents house (I painted my nails a fun pastel blue/green (Essie Mint Candle Apple), and read a little in our sunroom). I'm personally not a fan of Easter dinner (read: I don't like ham), so I stuffed my face with appetizers and then dumplings. By the time we got home and watched 'Game of Thrones', I was spent. We went to bed at 9:30. Are we cool or what ;)

I hope everyone had great week/end and a (belated) very Happy Easter to you all!

How was everyone else's weeks? Any long runs or races? PRs? When's your next race?