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.
38 Responses
This does sound like the best Sunday ever. I hope you love every minute of it – from yummy food to the company of your son! How exciting!!!
Is there anything more depressing in this world than a stair machine?! So major gold stars to you for hopping on and churning out lots of stairs.
Actually I think the stationary bike is more depressing… but maybe I should try it next time just to mix things up a little.
I’m loving having my son home! Everything feels festive and special. So much fun.
No warm temps. Another big snowstorm. We got lucky and did not lose power.
Yes yes. Stay healthy. So many what if’s in my mind.
Now just focusing on not losing my mind. Not running really sucks v
Yes, it does Darlene! Keep doing the bike- it’s better than nothing and will hopefully keep you sane.
That’s a solid week of workouts!!! Enjoy spring break!
Thank you Birchie! I’m planning to enjoy it thoroughly.
Sounds like a great rest day on tap after a full week! Your race is coming up quickly!
Yes, this has been a really nice rest day! I’ll be all ready to start again tomorrow.
Great week for you! I know that feeling of having to run “only 10 miles.” That double digit run feels like a cake walk after all the other ones that are longer 😉
Yes, and it also goes the other way- if you haven’t been doing long runs, 10 miles seems REALLY long! It’s all a matter of perspective.
Yay for your son coming home for spring break! I know you’ll enjoy every second with him being home.
I never tried salt tablets on my long runs. I don’t think they were a “main stream” then, but it could just be that I was clueless. LOL
I think you’re right. Back when I was training for marathons I don’t think salt tablets were a big thing. Well, I’m going to try it out and let you know how they work!
It has been springlike here for sure and I totally over dressed today. My back sometimes bothers me after long runs too. I agree about the single bottle holder being so light and comfy. I only use the double on super hot and humid runs in the summer. I admire you for getting those long runs done in that heat!
I’m glad it’s not just me who notices a big difference between the two hydration vests! I don’t like running in the heat, but I just have to do it. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to run at all (although I do fantasize about moving to a cooler location SOMEDAY.)
I’ve not used salt tablets but I have thrown down a salt packet or two in very hot races. Works like a charm. It hit 46 degrees here and for us that is spring-like! Enjoy having your son home!
Thank you Marcia!
Really, a salt packet? That sounds hard to get down, but then if you need it, you need it. The pills should be a little easier to swallow!
I made waffles for my kids this morning because my daughter is home for spring break too. So nice to have them around!! I hope you get to soak up all of mom/son time. Your comment about a race next month made me remember mine is just next month too! Ugh. My training is not going well right now. Fingers crossed for some miracle to turn things around quick! You are doing awesome – keep it up!!
I think our races are on the same day- or at least the same weekend.
Yes, it’s so nice to have everyone home!!! Enjoy spring break.
I use Saltstick chews in addition to whatever fuel I use, because I’m prone to cramping. Even when it’s not hot!
I also had my eye doctor appt on Wednesday. I don’t know how you crammed everything in, because that took almost half a day! Well, not quite, but a couple of hours (I always have to wait forever there, but hey, I needed the prescription for my contacts).
Obviously it’s not Spring like here yet. But that is normal for us.
One month to your race! Exciting!
I was actually really stressed about all those appointments, because I needed everything to run smoothly. And everyone was perfectly on time! When does that ever happen? I also needed the prescription for my contacts.
Yeah, you guys are having a lot of snow! Not quite spring yet.
Enjoy your time with your son! I’m glad you’re working so hard to stay injury free.
Nicole, I’ve learned my lesson the hard way. If I don’t work at it and stay aware, I’ll end up missing this race. It’s happened too many times before!
No spring weather over here, still pretty cold for this time of year. Usually, I have already taken the flipflops for a spin by now, but this year is unusually cold.
Can you believe I have never run with a hydration vest? I always rely on the aid stations in races (because I don’t want to carry anything), but I do have a handheld bottle that I take out for the longer runs (esp. when it gets warmer).
I didn’t use a hydration vest until about a year ago. I used to rely on water fountains during my long runs, and aid stations during a race. The hydration vest really freed me up to run wherever I want- I don’t have to hide water or plan to run past a water fountain. I love it!
I would never laugh at your gym workouts. I am not sure I could lift a barbell!
LOL on Saturday being a busy time at the gym — I guess everyone’s getting pumped up before their dates?
Yay on your son being home!
I need to get in on this phase of training. It’s been too long since I’ve made it to the starting line without injury.
Okay, you can join me in the “no injury no matter what” phase!
Nice job on that 20 miler! I’m still team handheld water bottle–I think having those bottles behind my back would bother me. And I haven’t tried salt on my long runs either. But again, it doesn’t get that hot here until summer.
Sometimes I get low back pain on my deadlifts and I realized that is because I am pulling with my hips too low. So I start out with them higher and use my legs to lift the bar. It helps a lot. 85# is nothing to laugh at, especially if you are doing multiple reps!
Okay, that’s great advice on the deadlifts. I’ll try it next time, and get a video of myself so I can really see what I’m doing.
It’s funny that I HATE the handhelds- but a lot of people love them. I guess whatever works for you!
Yay for the best Sunday ever! That sounds perfectly amazing!
We had the hottest Gate River Run in history this year. I am not impressed.
Your race training strategy sounds amazing! Keep it up! You’re almost there.
It was a really nice Sunday- the problem with Sundays is that the mornings are great and then sometime in the afternoon it dawns on you that the next day is work and school and, well… the rest of the day isn’t AS great.
We are still pretty chilly here; I am waiting for a few weeks from now when the ground doesn’t freeze at night and I can start my garden… Yay for your son being home – that must be such a lift! Your vest is so cool – I’ve been looking into a handheld water bottle for when it gets warm. I don’t have anything ergonomic and I think it would make a difference, especially as I build up miles.
I used to never run with water (just relied on water fountains along the way or if it was a shorter run, did without) but now I LOVE my vest! I don’t like handhelds, but a lot of people do. You should definitely try it and see what you think.
Your Sunday plans sounded divine! I hope the cats let you sleep in! I find it interesting that your husband LIKES going to the airport! I don’t know anyone who likes that chore – but how nice for you! Yay for Paul being home this week!
I took a solid 10 days off as I had a cold that wouldn’t quit. But I ran twice this weekend. Today I counted shoveling 4″ of heavy snow as my workout for the day. My heart was really pumping since the snow as so very heavy. So that answers your question about spring… see the photos in my post today. We have SO MUCH SNOW. And it’s snowing now, and snow is in the forecast Thur-Sat. Le sigh. March CAN be springy here, but it often isn’t. But it shouldn’t be terribly cold anymore because of the angle of the sun so that’s a positive! The subzero cold is the worst so if we stay above 10F, I can make that work.
Oof. I haven’t read your post yet- now i’m looking forward to the snowy pics! Shoveling is DEFINITELY exercise.
I could never finish with Bulgarian split squats – those are definitely an exercise I have to do early on or my legs will be SPENT! You are amazing for being able to fit them in so late in a workout!
I’m definitely better at them when I do them first!
OMG 90 degrees?! That’s just so hot for March!
I can totally relate to the avoid injury at all costs part of training. It’s so nervewrecking!
Yes, that is really hot for March. GRR!