Weekly Rundown- My Current Phase
Welcome to the Weekly Rundown, hosted by Kim and Deborah as always. My race is NEXT MONTH, which means I’m now in the phase of training I like to call “AVOID INJURY AT ALL COSTS.” Keeping that in mind, and especially now that my long runs will be in the 20+ mile range, I’m only doing a “long” long run every other week. So this week was a bit of a cutback, and everything went well! Let’s just see how it all played out… Sunday Leg day at the gym- squats, deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats… all my “favorites.” Monday 4 mile run on sore legs! Tuesday Upper body day at the gym- bench press, seated rows, lat pulldowns, abs. I also did some hanging from the bar with scapula retractions, and managed to hurt my thumb. Whatever! It’s always something. Wednesday Funny thing! After last week’s extremely difficult 20 mile run in the heat, I thought “I’m glad I don’t have to do that again for two more weeks!” But then today I was kind of sad not to be doing a super long run- obviously, I have a short memory. This was a 10 mile run, on the trail close to my house. It was only 62 degrees when I started, so compared to last week’s run this one felt like a vacation (until the last couple miles- then it started to get hot.) Because I was doing one big loop, I knew I wouldn’t stop at my car so I carried two bottles with me, one of LMNT and one of water. So, I LOVE the single bottle version of this hydration vest, but I don’t love the double bottle version. The single bottle vest is so light I can barely feel it, and for some reason the double bottle one feels like a heavy weight on my back. I know, it’s weird- you wouldn’t think one extra bottle would make that much of a difference. For my race, I’ll be able to use the single bottle vest because there will be plenty of aid stations. The double bottle, while not as comfortable, worked well for today. After this run I had a doctor’s appointment (my regular yearly checkup) AND an eye doctor appointment, AND then took my daughter to the orthodontist. I’m really trying to cram everything I can into these shorter long run days! Thursday Ugh. Stair climber at the gym! Followed by some core work. Friday 4 mile run! Saturday Usually this is my day off, but I switched things up and went to the gym after work for leg day. Did I feel like it? Absolutely not! And guess who else was at the gym? EVERYONE. Apparently, Saturday afternoon is not the ideal time to go to the gym. I had my reasons, though. Luckily, the hex bar is tucked away in a weird little corner- I’ve never seen anyone else using it. After a warmup I went straight to hex bar deadlifts, and was pleased that I could now put 40 pounds on the bar! (Okay, all you heavy lifters, stop snickering.) The bar itself is 45 pounds, so this was heavy for me! After the deadlifts, my low back was talking to me and it sounded something like this: “Alright, Ms. Schwarzenegger. I’ll make a deal with you. Don’t stress me out any more today, and I’ll behave on your long run next Wednesday.” I listened! Instead of doing squats, I hightailed it over to the leg press machine. I was able to do some hard sets, and it didn’t bother my achy back. And I ended with Bulgarian split squats- my legs were shaking! The reason I went to the gym today instead of my usual leg day (Sunday) is that my son arrived home very late at night!!! Once again, my husband loves picking people up at the airport so he went- but I waited up for them. Of course! Sunday On tap- sleeping as late as the cats will let us. Making a huge brunch and relaxing while catching up with my son. Best day off ever! How was your week? Are you having spring weather yet?- It was 90 degrees here today- UGH. Have you ever tried salt tablets for long runs?- I’m going to try them on my next one instead of LMNT.