Ah, what a week! It was a good week- except for the latest Core Incident, but we’ll get to that. Thanks as always to Kim and Deborah for hosting the Weekly Rundown! Let’s just see how it all played out.
Sunday
10 mile run! I ran this partially on the streets and partially on the trail. I really enjoyed this run, but the last couple miles got pretty hot. When I got home I went directly to the backyard to hose off my hydration pack, and suddenly realized… we have a POOL. Why am I not in it?
I rectified that situation immediately, and for the rest of the summer, all my long runs will end with a plunge into the pool.
Monday
Yoga Monday! I did a 30 minute yoga flow, on Peloton with Denis Morton, as always. I decided to get more consistent with my core classes this week, so I did a 10 minute core class as well.
Tuesday
I started the day with a three mile run…
And did a 20 minute glutes and legs strength class with my fave instructor, Matty Mggiacomo. Followed with a 5 minute core class.
Wednesday
Speed work! I did a mile warm up and then repeats of 400s and 800s. This workout went really well, and I felt like I was FINALLY able to lock in my 5K pace. Practice definitely makes progress!
I came home and did a 10 minute core class. Ah! I can feel my core getting stronger already! Before you know it I’ll have abs of steel! NOTHING could go wrong this time!
Thursday
I started the day with a 10 minute core class. This is the same class I’ve been taking all week, with Rebecca Kennedy from 3/14/22. It’s a great class… BUT… this time, in the middle of the single leg v-ups, I somehow wrenched my neck and caused a huge muscle spasm going down into my shoulder. At first I was in denial (“no, no, that didn’t really happen, it won’t be too bad”) and I finished the class. Then I started to do pull-ups, but after one set I had to admit that it really hurt and I was just making things worse. I decided to do a 20 minute yoga flow- that worked as long as I moved slowly and deliberately. Sigh!
Let me tell you, going to work was not pleasant. There’s nothing worse than giving massages when you’re in pain. Not only because it’s a physical job, but also because you’re massaging people’s necks and shoulders and thinking “This must feel good! I wish I were getting a massage!”
After work I did Matty’s “lunge-a-palooza” workout from 7/29/21. I was a little worried about even picking up the weights, but since it was a lower body workout, it didn’t hurt my neck.
Friday
Started with an easy 3 mile run…
and then, after careful deliberation, did a 5 minute core class. I picked one that I know very, very well. There are no v-ups, and I was able to complete it without aggravating my neck. Victory!
After work I did another yoga class. Yoga helped my neck, and so did the self-massage I was doing. But in the end, it just takes time for this to go away.
Saturday
Started the day with the same 5 minute core class, and then did Matty Maggiacomo’s glutes and leg strength class from 8/1/21. This is the companion class to “lunge-a-palooza” and I don’t care for it as much. It’s all squats and deadlifts, and gets kind of monotonous. At least with lunges there’s a lot of variations. I followed it with another 30 minute yoga flow. Every time I do a class that has camel pose, my first thought is, “I can’t do camel today! My quads are too tight/neck is sore/back hurts (insert other excuse here)” In this case, I thought I couldn’t do camel because of the neck/shoulder situation. But, as always, I did it… and every single time, it makes me feel amazing afterwards. Yay for yoga.
Sunday
On tap for today… another long run. A few weeks ago I decided there wasn’t enough shade on the trail, and said I was going to find different routes for the summer. But now I’m more comfortable in the heat and I miss my trail runs- so I’m going to try it again. Fingers crossed for a cloudy morning.
Overall it was a good week. I did three lower body strength classes, ran 20 miles, did yoga four times, (!!!) and did six core classes. Yes, I practically dislocated my shoulder, but in spite of the title of this post, I really have learned my lesson. I’m going to modify any core moves from now on that I know cause me issues. Onward!
How was your week? Are you acclimated to the heat yet?- One thing I’ll say about Florida- at least the heat is consistent, giving you a good chance to get used to it.
38 Responses
Yikes to the neck strain! I hope you’re feeling better. Yes, I feel pretty acclimated to the heat. But we haven’t had the brutal humidity that usually goes with the heat. That always makes me suffer. A post-run jump into the pool sounds awesome!
Yes, the humidity is the final straw. I’m glad it hasn’t been too bad for you, because you have had some HOT days!
When I saw the title and first picture, I thought, “Oh no, Jenny has hurt her foot again!” I am so sorry your neck is hurting. I can only imagine how painful it would be to give a massage while in pain. Is there another massage therapist where you work that could give you a massage?
Yes, sometimes we trade off giving each other massages- but of course this week was so busy we didn’t have a chance to do that.
I would rather have a sore neck than a sore foot! At least my neck doesn’t keep me from running.
Not consistent here. 60 one day. 90 the next.
90 this weekend. I raced yesterday.
Today I’m floating in the lake.
Cool and rainy the next few days.
Jealous of your pool. I do want to find some trails next feb when I come to Fla.
You would like our trails, at least the ones in our area. They’re not too technical (for the most part) so you don’t have to worry about falling.
I’m jealous of your cool and rainy weather! I would love that right about now.
I’m so glad the pool photo was from a post-run plunge and not injury-induced pool running! Phew!
Can I laugh ^with^ you at your core class saga? RK has some tough moves. I preview all her classes now to make sure I’m up for them.
Yes, I really need to preview these classes! I always say I’m going to modify, but maybe I’m too stubborn or something. I always want to push through and do everything the (younger, fitter) instructor is doing.
Been there done that on the live and don’t learn. I think you’re good on the “fitness moves that work for Peleton instructors but not for the rest of us” lesson, now we just need to keep after you to jump in your pool after every run;-)
I’m sure that if I lived in FL that I wouldn’t have nearly the problems that I do with the heat up north. Like Darlene says, up here we have a consistent mix of 60 and 90 degree days.
Yes, that would be really hard! I can definitely feel a difference to how I’m reacting to the heat now vs. a month ago. It really does get easier- but the heat has to be consistent.
Ugh to the neck strain! That’s a tough place for the aches/pains to subside from. You’re lucky to have access to a pool for those post-run dips 😉
I know, we’ve all had a neck strain at some point or other. They go away but it takes a while.
Oh yes- I know I’m lucky to have a pool. Whenever I’m tempted to complain about the Florida heat I have to remind myself of the perks.
Ouch on the neck strain! Hope that resolves quickly. It is a fantastic feeling to realize you are getting stronger. Maybe that core strength is making you a better runner too? Looks like a fab week of workouts for you
I definitely feel a difference in my runs from all the strength classes. I think it’s a long process, but all the strength will definitely pay off someday.
Glad that things aren’t going too far South, so to speak, the title and the photo of you in the pool had me worried!
Our heat most definitely is NOT consistent, and that makes getting acclimated impossible. Today was bright sunshine, not a cloud in the sky, and no breeze either. Which is why I got my butt out there semi-early, LOL!
Take it easier this week — you’ve got that 5k coming up quickly!
Yes, this week will be an easy week.
I know, you were probably scared I was doing pool running- luckily, no!
It always cracks me up when you ask if I am acclimated to the heat. Um, sure?
Super envious of your pool!
Ha ha… okay your climate is a bit different than ours!
Very good week. I am a strong believer that keeping the core strong is the most important thing you can do, whatever sport you do. When I lived closer to town, I would always swim after the long runs and it really helped with recovery so keep at it. Great job on all the yoga. I do it once a week and yes, the camel is the one I always dread the most.
Yes, I agree with you- I’m determined to keep on with the core classes. I’ll just be more careful so I don’t keep hurting myself. Yoga definitely helps me- it’s just hard to fit it in sometimes. I was happy I got in four classes this week.
I wouldn’t say I’m acclimated to the heat but I have been very good about getting up and out there at the crack of dawn or even before. Before the worst of the heat sets in. I am grateful I don’t have to run a certain amount of miles. I just do what I want since i don’t have any races until Oct. Yikes on the strained neck. Sounds like a total pain.
Yes, that’s the only way to do it- get out there super early.
I’m sorry about the neck strain, but glad your running is feeling so great! 10 miles, woo-hoo!
Thanks Jessie! Ten miles definitely feels good.
Jumping into the pool after a long run sounds amazing! I absolutely hate running in the heat (overall I am not a fan of Summer at all) so I do a lot of treadmill running, especially in the Summer.
Sorry to hear about your neck 🙁 Sometimes if I sleep in a weird position I will get a stiff neck but it goes away after a few days. Hope your neck strain gets better soon.
Yes, it took a few days but it’s better now- thanks!
Jumping in the pool! What a great way to celebrate the completion of a run!
What would you say to your daughter or client if they kept hurting themselves when doing the same movement?! Treat yourself the same way you would treat others – stop doing the thing that’s hurting you!!
Well, when you put it that way! You’re definitely right.
I used to finish runs at my parents lake home by jumping into the lake which is always refreshingly cool – but our lakes do warm up so are not as cold as what you experienced in the lakes in the Chicago area. My parents lake will get to around 73F. The lake where my husband swims is small so it can get as warm at 80! I don’t like swimming in the local lakes when they get so warm because I wonder – what is growing in here?? Bleh! They do monitor the lakes for concerning bacteria and such and will post warnings when you shouldn’t swim and will close the open swim that my husband does. We don’t have to worry about that up at my parents, though!
Weather seems consistently inconsistent here much of the time. Ha. So it will go from super humid to low humidity, windy, rainy, etc. You never know what to expect so when it’s nice outside – everyone is outside! Today is one of those perfect summer days so I am hoping to squeeze a walk in.
Bummer about the core workout snafu. Giving someone else a massage when you are in pain sounds awful!
Yes, I guess when I think of a lake I think of Lake Michigan- which is obviously much colder than a smaller lake. I remember them even closing the beaches at Lake Michigan though because of some kind of contamination- bleh.
Sorry about the neck – ouch! I love camel pose, too, and can usually do it, probably not now. I can bend back but not forward, like some kind of weird person! Or runner?!
That’s funny because I think most people find it easier to bend forward. Camel is one of my current favorites.
You have a pool? Oh how wonderful to be able to jump in there after a workout!
Yes! It’s a Florida thing- it’s pretty common to have a pool around here. It definitely felt great after that run.
Now that’s the way to end every hot and sweaty run!!!! You described the neck/shoulder incident so well I actually flinched, OUCH! But what a strong week all round, from running, to strength to core!
Yes, it was a good week in spite of that incident. Now that the kids are older we don’t use the pool as much as we should- but after a run is the perfect time to get in it.
Ugh. The neck incident sounds terrible. I’m fighting a foot issue that has gone into my ankle and now my calf (sigh; must just be natural compensation as it slowly moves up from my foot to my leg). Our bodies are amazing machines, but also very susceptible at times! I’m a few days behind on catching up so hopefully you’re already feeling much better.
And I had no idea you had a pool. I generally don’t enjoy swimming much these days because I tend to get cold so quickly BUT a few years ago I went for a long, fast run in the middle of a hot day and ended it by jumping in my neighbours pool (sanctioned! We don’t have a pool and he travels a lot and invites us to use it) and it was one of the most satisfying experiences of the whole summer!
I have to admit I don’t swim much, which is so strange since we have a pool! It’s so hot here, but like you, I can get very cold. The one time the pool feels amazing to me is after those hot runs.
My neck is better (although still not 100%!) I’m sorry to hear your foot is not better though- maybe it would be helpful to see someone about it? I know it’s a tough call- so often these things just resolve on their own.