Sunday planned: Run 1 miles
Sunday actual: 1.18 miles outside.
From today, I learned: I am grumpy and sleepy.
Monday planned: 4 miles easy
Monday actual: 4.18 miles in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: This is one of those runs that felt better and better the more I went.
Tuesday planned: Run 1 miles, Tuesday weights
Tuesday actual: 1.18 miles; Tuesday weights done
From today, I learned: I did too many deadlifts today
Wednesday planned: Quality workout
Wednesday actual: Oh, well... 1.3 miles on the treadmill. Then I had to, um, stop. Then I did 16 times running UP the ramp inside the gym and walking back down.
From today, I learned: I wanted to get to 20 reps but there's a U-turn on the ramp and my hip got a hitch in it after 16 so I stopped there.
Thursday planned: Run 1 miles, Thursday weights
Thursday actual: 1.19 miles. Thursday weights
From today, I learned: This kettlebell workout is hard
Friday planned: 3 miles easy
Friday actual: 4.18 miles, nice and easy
From today, I learned: The weather is so nice. Sometimes it's good to be outside
Saturday planned: 6 miles with time at race pace
Saturday actual: Warm up, 4x 4:00 at race pace with 4:00 rest, cool down. 6.1 miles
From today, I learned: I felt like crap. I didn't quite hit the paces but I was close. I can't believe I got this done at all.
16.2.20
Get in Gear - 11 Weeks To Go
Sunday actual: 1.19 miles in the deep deep snow.
From today, I learned: Sometimes even yak trax are not enough.
Monday planned: 4 miles easy
Monday actual: 4.5 miles on the track.
From today, I learned: I work a pair of Merrels I haven't had on for a while. They felt like bricks. No joke.
Tuesday actual: 1.18 miles in the morning. I can't believe I got weights done in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: Perseverance?
Wednesday actual: 4:00 hard, 2:00 easy five times (plus warm up and cool down). Abs. Stretching.
From today, I learned: Getting started is the hardest part. Apparently today the cool down was the second hardest part because my brain was all 'I did the workout, let me off the treadmill'.
Thursday actual: 1.18 miles. It's cold outside. No weights.
From today, I learned: The big black face mask freezes so I can't breath. The little buffs are actually better because they can be rotated.
Friday planned: 4 miles easy
Friday actual: 1.19 miles outside. Nothing on my face froze.
From today, I learned: Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor?
Saturday actual: Long run with a hard (if not fast) finish. Nothing at race pace.
From today, I learned: I need to run to make my body feel good before I can run for pace. Running is about self care first.
11.2.20
Super Moon Rise: Before and After
I ran my Saturday long run at Sunset. Which is also Moon rise. And this month, we're having a Super Moon. (Work wasn't crazy last week, so I guess it's waiting for me this coming week. Sigh.) My running route is a loop around a marsh. Each loop takes six to seven minutes to run, so I got to see the moon rising, and took pictures around the same spot on each loop. Here's the final four loops of the run. The moon is in the first pic, but it's pretty close to the trees!
10.2.20
Get in Gear - 12 Weeks To Go
Sunday actual: 1.19 miles in the morning with all of the wind. Bonus legs and bonus abs in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: Wind is invisible but sometimes brutal.
Monday actual: 5.02 miles listening to a new book. Bonus walk at the gym with Olive.
From today, I learned: Where is all of the ice in Minneapolis. Sigh. The River Road actually looked pretty good though, so I may start heading that way.
Tuesday actual: 1.18 miles in the morning, somewhat on ice but not as bad as I thought. Tuesday weights completed with bonus walking drills and abs.
From today, I learned: Oof. Abs after weights was a bit too much.
Wednesday actual: Quality workout so completely accomplished, outside even.
From today, I learned: I was feeling bad for not getting up and getting this done in the morning, but I found a nice stretch of pavement in the afternoon and it turned out okay.
Thursday actual: 1.19 miles in the morning. Kettlebells and bonus drills in the afternoon.
From today, I learned: Running first thing continues to be a game changer.
Friday actual: 3.4 miles on the Mississippi River.
From today, I learned: I mean, this was an easy run. Those paces are really picking up.
Saturday actual: 6.02 miles at sunrise.
From today, I learned: Sometimes getting started is the hardest part.
9.2.20
Saturday on the Marsh: the long run I almost never started
Plan: Coach had 6 easy miles on the calendar
Actual Mileage: 6.02 miles
Route: I ran around my marsh. Running to the marsh, plus seven loops (yes, seven) and then running home, is the right mileage.
Weather: It was 15-20*, roughly. Winds were out of the south, 10mph. I ran at sunset/moon rise. Because that's what kind of day I was having.
Wardrobe: Feet: The Replacements. I was doing an easy run yesterday and I literally felt The Workhouse just give out on the run. I was all this is the moment I broke those shoes. So, today The Workhorse is changed to 'shoes I can wear at work with black pants' and they are out of the running lineup.
Bottom: Wool compression socks with a second layer of socks, Nike Running capri tights, sweatpants
Top: Red heavy duty running shirt, blue jacket, wool hat, sometimes a buff, and sometimes gloves.
Execution: It took me all day to start this run but I had a blast.
High Points of the workout: When I got back, I was actually most excited about the cadence I had during the run. (More green than orange is a good thing.)
Struggles of the workout: It just took me all day to get started, right?
From the high points, I learned: I guess my form is coming along? (Maybe I should trust that more. My form is coming along!)
From the struggles, I learned: Getting started is almost always the hardest part.
Next steps: There's just been some other stuff going on with my health and body that I haven't talked about. That needs to get squared away so I feel better. But running is coming along nicely.
Bonus: Apparently it's a super moon and I got to watch it rise.
Actual Mileage: 6.02 miles
Route: I ran around my marsh. Running to the marsh, plus seven loops (yes, seven) and then running home, is the right mileage.
Weather: It was 15-20*, roughly. Winds were out of the south, 10mph. I ran at sunset/moon rise. Because that's what kind of day I was having.
Bottom: Wool compression socks with a second layer of socks, Nike Running capri tights, sweatpants
Top: Red heavy duty running shirt, blue jacket, wool hat, sometimes a buff, and sometimes gloves.
Execution: It took me all day to start this run but I had a blast.
Struggles of the workout: It just took me all day to get started, right?
From the high points, I learned: I guess my form is coming along? (Maybe I should trust that more. My form is coming along!)
From the struggles, I learned: Getting started is almost always the hardest part.
Next steps: There's just been some other stuff going on with my health and body that I haven't talked about. That needs to get squared away so I feel better. But running is coming along nicely.
6.2.20
Quality Miles Wednesday: Hitting a workout outside!
Plan: Warm Up, 5 mins hard, 2 mins easy, 4 mins hard, 2 mins easy, etc. Cool down
Actual Mileage: 3.97 miles
Route: I tried Rush Creek trail but it was a hot mess (so different from last year) so I ran on the trail next to the river and then finished up along the dam. I don't know why I thought this workout would be easier on the road than it is on a treadmill.
Weather: 30* and some wind. The biggest news is I got to wear my sunglasses!
Wardrobe: I am in love with this outfit!
Top: Running t-shirt, InkNBurn top, buff on my head
Bottom: Nike running shorts under the pink pants, wool compression socks, Altras
Execution:
Warm up: Roughly 1.3 miles and I did not fall on any ice, so that was good.
5:00 at 10:17/mile pace, 2 mins easy
4:00 at 10:01/mile pace, 2 mins easy
3:00 at 9:49/mile pace, 2 mins easy
2:00 at 9:52/mile pace, 2 mins easy Messed up my descending splits!
1:00 at 8:59/mile pace. Wowsers!
Cool down
High Points of the workout: I mean, that last split right?
Struggles of the workout:The real 'struggle' today is knowing how to pace myself. Which I'm not that great out outside. It's why I do all my workouts like this on a treadmill.
From today I learned: What worked best for pacing was running 'from my hips' if that makes any sense. Keeping my form tight, small steps, high cadence.
Next steps: I can't believe I did this workout outside at these temperatures.
Bonus: Also picked this route so I could take pictures!
Actual Mileage: 3.97 miles
Wardrobe: I am in love with this outfit!
Top: Running t-shirt, InkNBurn top, buff on my head
Bottom: Nike running shorts under the pink pants, wool compression socks, Altras
Execution:
Warm up: Roughly 1.3 miles and I did not fall on any ice, so that was good.
5:00 at 10:17/mile pace, 2 mins easy
4:00 at 10:01/mile pace, 2 mins easy
3:00 at 9:49/mile pace, 2 mins easy
2:00 at 9:52/mile pace, 2 mins easy Messed up my descending splits!
1:00 at 8:59/mile pace. Wowsers!
Cool down
Struggles of the workout:The real 'struggle' today is knowing how to pace myself. Which I'm not that great out outside. It's why I do all my workouts like this on a treadmill.
From today I learned: What worked best for pacing was running 'from my hips' if that makes any sense. Keeping my form tight, small steps, high cadence.
Next steps: I can't believe I did this workout outside at these temperatures.
2.2.20
Get in Gear - 13 Weeks to Go
Sunday actual: Actually made it just over 3 miles
From today, I learned: Starting to feel a bit better. When I was out today this lady said "it's so beautiful out, I can't stop smiling" It made me smile too.
Monday actual: 3.03 miles, bonus abs
From today, I learned: This was actually a decent run but I had to um, go, so I cut it short.
Tuesday actual: 1.21 miles in the morning. I'm super proud of myself for getting up.
I'm trying something new with the weights but that's working as well.
From today, I learned: I'm feeling better and better from last week so that's a plus.
Wednesday planned: Quality workout
Wednesday actual: Quality workout accomplished!
From today, I learned: This was more fun than I though it'd be and music really helped me.
Thursday actual: 1.19 miles in the morning. Weights in the afternoon. I did a new KB workout, which is actually an old workout that I tweaked slightly.
From today, I learned: Running first thing when I can is really key. I can't tomorrow because weather. Sigh.
Friday actual: 4.41 miles. This should've been more like 4 but there was police activity along my route, so I played it safe. Nice and easy. I did leg exercises and abs as my warm up. Bonus foam rolling session after the run.
From today, I learned: OMG, I should've been foam rolling two days ago. Lifting weights properly is good but it leaves me sore! this is the foam rolling video I use most often. I've got a couple others I like as well.
Saturday actual: Long run done, pace work wasn't perfect but it was a gorgeous run.
From today, I learned: That big bright ball in the sky is called the sun. Minnesota literally has not seen it for a record number of days. It's been rough.
1.2.20
Saturday Long Run
Plan: 2 miles easy, 2 miles at 'race pace', 2 miles easy
Actual Mileage: 6.28 miles
Route: 2 laps around Palmer Lake, counter clockwise.
Weather: We had this thing called sunshine. It's been a while.. It was about 27*, not much wind.
Wardrobe:
Top: Shirt and gray sweat shirt. Plus a buff on my head. From a race I never got to run. Sigh.
Bottom: NB Tights (first run in them)
Feet: Compression socks and The Replacements as I think they must now be called.
High Points of the workout: I mean, the sunshine? Also, the footing was good in that it was snow and not ice. That was looking like a real possibility on the way over.
Struggles of the workout: I did not hit the right effort. I'd decided that instead of 'race pace' I wanted to hit a higher than normal heart rate, in the 160s, and a higher than normal cadence (blue on the garmin graph). I got very close, but not quite strong enough.
Today I learned: I was legit getting distracted by all the sunshine. I'm like "no, run hard, don't stop and look" and other me is like "but it's sun. It literally hasn't been around most of this month".
Next steps: Keep pushing harder in practice so I can push really hard on race day?
Bonus:Y'all I did my taxes today.
Actual Mileage: 6.28 miles
Top: Shirt and gray sweat shirt. Plus a buff on my head. From a race I never got to run. Sigh.
Bottom: NB Tights (first run in them)
Feet: Compression socks and The Replacements as I think they must now be called.
Bonus:Y'all I did my taxes today.
A Funny Story About My Shoes
This story involves two pairs of shoes.
Old Work Horse: At some point in my trail running adventures, I bought a pair of Altra Lone Peak and I adored them.
The Replacements: Late in 2018, I lost the Old Work Horse, and had to call in assistance in the form of a newer trail shoe.
How did I lose Old Work Horse? In the old place, I'd often take my shoes off right outside my apartment door, set them off to the side to dry and then pull them in later. And then one day they were gone. I noticed my neighbor used to do the same thing and she also stopped that practice of leaving her shoes outside the door. I asked her about it, and then her spouse was like "I think these nosy neighbors stole your shoes cuz we're not supposed to leave them outside our doors'.
I had to write a super awkward email to a board member. "Can you please, in the least accusatory way possible ask Nosy Neighbors if they stole my shoes, but this is just gossip so definitely leave the door open for them not to have stolen my shoes please?"
Marathon training in 2019 was completed almost exclusively in The Replacements when I was outside. I loved them so much I wound up wearing them on race day as well.
After super awkward email, I trusted the board member's discretion but I never heard anything back. I figured the Old Work Horse was just gone. Sigh. Several months later though, I was pulling down a bag for a trip. Guess what I found inside! Guess I had a failure of unpacking, most likely after Christmas.
Cue winter 2019/2020. I now have Old Work Horse and The Replacements and I've used them both. But I keep returning to Old Workhorse. I really like their upper much better. The fabric is so much thicker and warmer than the 'quick dry mesh' on The Replacements. I realized when I looked at what shoes I wore outside in January, I am always picking Old Work Horse now. Maybe the weather will be different next month and The Replacements will make a comeback.
Old Work Horse: At some point in my trail running adventures, I bought a pair of Altra Lone Peak and I adored them.
The Replacements: Late in 2018, I lost the Old Work Horse, and had to call in assistance in the form of a newer trail shoe.
How did I lose Old Work Horse? In the old place, I'd often take my shoes off right outside my apartment door, set them off to the side to dry and then pull them in later. And then one day they were gone. I noticed my neighbor used to do the same thing and she also stopped that practice of leaving her shoes outside the door. I asked her about it, and then her spouse was like "I think these nosy neighbors stole your shoes cuz we're not supposed to leave them outside our doors'.
I had to write a super awkward email to a board member. "Can you please, in the least accusatory way possible ask Nosy Neighbors if they stole my shoes, but this is just gossip so definitely leave the door open for them not to have stolen my shoes please?"
Marathon training in 2019 was completed almost exclusively in The Replacements when I was outside. I loved them so much I wound up wearing them on race day as well.
After super awkward email, I trusted the board member's discretion but I never heard anything back. I figured the Old Work Horse was just gone. Sigh. Several months later though, I was pulling down a bag for a trip. Guess what I found inside! Guess I had a failure of unpacking, most likely after Christmas.
Cue winter 2019/2020. I now have Old Work Horse and The Replacements and I've used them both. But I keep returning to Old Workhorse. I really like their upper much better. The fabric is so much thicker and warmer than the 'quick dry mesh' on The Replacements. I realized when I looked at what shoes I wore outside in January, I am always picking Old Work Horse now. Maybe the weather will be different next month and The Replacements will make a comeback.
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