Weekly Rundown- Almost Race Week
Ever noticed how it’s really confusing to have a race that’s NOT on a Saturday or Sunday? I’m running a 5K tomorrow (the 4th) so that affected my workouts this week- kind of. Throw in a little shin pain (eep!) and the week took some twists and turns. But it’s all good. Thanks to Kim and Deborah as always for hosting the Weekly Rundown. Let’s just see how pre-race week went! Sunday Ah…. back on the trail. Several weeks ago I decided the trail was too hot and un-shaded for long runs. So I did a couple long runs out on the roads, but I missed my trail. I decided to try it again and hope for a few clouds to cool things down. As luck would have it, it was a bright, sunny day. Perfect for just about any activity other than running on a shade-less trail. But you know what? I loved it anyway. I ended up going 11 miles, and even that last hot mile was fun. In a weird, twisted way, of course. Monday I was feeling that trail run in my quads, so I did a 5 minute core class and a 30 minute yoga flow. All classes were on Peloton, and the yoga classes were with my yoga bff, Denis Morton. This particular yoga class is one of my favorites- a twist focus flow from 12/6/20. I always feel amazing after this class. Tuesday I had planned this as a cutback week, so I started the day with a short 2 mile run… …followed by a glutes and legs strength class with Matty Maggiacomo, “Lunge-a-Palooza.” This is one of my favorites- I like lunges! Followed this class with a 5 minute core class. Wednesday One last speed workout before my race. After a warmup run, I did a combination of 400 and 800 repeats, ending with a mile at 5K pace. I figured it would be good practice for that last mile of the race- 5Ks are always painful. Followed this with a 10 minute core class. This, by the way, is the same class that hurt my neck last week. I still like the class, but now I sub something else for the v-ups. No more v-ups for me. Now- funny thing. After my shower I was rubbing coconut oil (aka my moisturizer) on my legs and I noticed a VERY tender spot on the inside of my shin. It felt like shin splints (or in more specific terms, medial tibial stress syndrome.) I didn’t feel it while I was running, but it was sore enough to the touch to raise a big red flag. Arg! Thursday In addition to the tender spot on my right shin, that calf muscle was also very tight and sore. What the—? I didn’t feel any of this while I was running???!! Anyway, I decided to take it easy on my legs. I did a 5 minute core class, and then a 20 minute upper body strength class. This was only the second upper body class I’ve ever taken on Peloton. Crazy, I know. I’ve been doing pull-ups (assisted, with a band of course) and counting that as upper body. This was with my favorite strength instructor, Matty, and oh boy… was I sore. Note to self: you need more upper body classes. Followed this with a 20 minute yoga flow. Friday I decided to take an extra day off running, just to be safe. Because guess what- I’m not missing that race on Monday. So I did another 5 minute core class, followed by a 20 minute glutes and legs strength class with Matty. This one is from 12/14/20 and is another favorite. He incorporates a lot of balance work, AND there are NO plyometrics. Bonus. Again, followed by a 20 minute yoga flow. Saturday I started with a 10 minute barre class. This was my first time trying a barre class, and it was a GREAT warmup for running. I also walked a little extra to further warm up, and then did a 3 mile run. The whole time I kept asking myself “Does my shin hurt? Was that a twinge?” But overall everything felt good. Phew. I planned to do a core class after work, but I completely forgot and took a nap instead. Later on I was sitting on the couch sipping a beer and thought “Wait a minute! I was supposed to do a core class.” But I think it goes without saying that once the beer comes out, workouts are done for the day. Sunday On tap for today… It’s a mystery! I usually do my long run on Sunday but I have a race tomorrow. I would do a short run, but I want to give my shin the extra rest just to be on the safe side. I’m thinking of a core class (to make up for the beer situation yesterday) and maybe a power yoga class. And pancakes. Heh heh. Are you doing a race this weekend? Do you have anything special planned for the 4th? – Other than our race, we don’t have anything planned. People in our neighborhood set off so many fireworks, we can have a nice show just looking out our window (while the poor cats hide under the bed.)