Hey there! My race is less than one week away, which means this was a taper week. All that really means is there was no long run or anything extreme at the gym- my other runs, which are already relatively short, remained the same. Unlike other taper weeks, where I’ve been convinced my foot was broken or that my hamstring was separating from the bone, everything felt pretty good. Huh! No drama! Well, there’s still a week to go. Thanks as always to Kim and Deborah for hosting the Weekly Rundown. Here we go…
Monday
Hip stability exercises, and a 4 mile run.
Tuesday
Upper body strength, and Caroline Girvan deadbug workout.. She has a lot of great core workouts, but I still think this one is the best.
Wednesday
5 mile run! Feeling good.
Thursday
Hip stability exercises, and lower body strength. I did this workout at home, as opposed to the gym, which means I used lower weights. Somehow I still ended up sore though!
Friday
Caroline Girvan stellar abs workout and 4 mile run in NEW SHOES!!! I got the same ones I’ve been wearing, Altra Experience Flow. This time I was delighted with the color (as opposed to my old ones which were white, orange and pink, arg.) I love running in brand new shoes- so springy!
Saturday
4 mile run…
and at night I did Adriene’s yoga for lower back pain. The squats on Friday tweaked my back a little, but nothing that yoga can’t cure.
Sunday
Sleeping in and rest. Now I start a week of intense planning and weather stalking. Right now, the forecast for Saturday shows a low of 56 and high of 78… which would be INCREDIBLE. Much better than I was expecting (for Florida at the end of March). However, we’re not there yet- we’ll see if that forecast holds. Let’s all cross our fingers are pray to the weather gods!!!
In case you’re thinking “Gee, I wish I could hear lots more details about Jenny’s upcoming race” feel free to check back during the week… I’ll be talking about it plenty!
How was your week? Do you have any races coming up?
32 Responses
LOL, I for one am looking forward to hearing details about your upcoming race! My dad and sister have both run marathons, and my other sister a half marathon, but nothing like what you’re doing for your birthday. So it’s kind of fascinating.
Well, thanks for indulging me! I love talking about these things, and most people in my regular life don’t want to hear too much about it.
taper is the least fun part of a race, at least for me, the anxiety that cannot be coped with running. I have a 10k next weekend, let’s see if I can PB. shorter races is challenging to push the intensity but this week’s swimming trip inspired me to push.
Yes, shorter races are HARD (that’s why I don’t do them anymore, lol). Good luck with it- i want to hear all about it.
My spring break week was quiet- did nothing on my to do list. Had some other things draining my mental energy, so watching a lot of GBBS was my treat. I did go to my daughter’s special olympics state tournament, and surprisingly her team won their division. She even scored a couple of times. I’m happy for them- three of the kids are such determined athletes- they worked so hard and pulled it off.
Race race race!
I do not race or run or even trot, so no competition for me. Maybe I’ll amble for 60 minutes next Saturday in honor of your sixty mile race!
AW! Congrats to your daughter and her team. And- glad you were able to recharge your mental battery, instead of continuing to push through- sometimes we all need a break.
TAPER!!!! Maybe this will be the one race in history with no taper drama…I’ve got my fingers crossed!
Why yes I do want to hear lots more details on your race! I’ll be eagerly checking back in.
Yes, if I have no taper drama it will be remarkable. Check back this week- you’ll get to hear all the gritty details!
Yay it’s race week! I hope that forecast holds. That would be great! I had a decent week of workouts. I went to OTF on Monday and Friday and did a HIIT class with college friends yesterday. I planned to go to OTF today but the studio is closed since we have a blizzard here. Sigh. So I will get my workout shoveling heavy snow. Plus I plan to do a CG iron workout + I will finally do the dead bug workout and cross that off my 25 in 26 list!
I hope you avoid phantom pains this week! Taper week can really mess with a person!
Yes, I heard you’re having a blizzard!!! Well… shoveling snow is a workout. If you do a CG Iron workout and the deadbugs, you’ll have a good day. Well, except for all the snow… i hope you can keep the boys occupied!
Super excited for you! Seems like your training has gone really well and you in a strong place for race day.Can’t wait to read all about it!
Thank you Deborah! You know I’ll be posting a recap when it’s over!
YAY, Taper is my favorite part of training for a big race! I don’t stress about the physical aspect (am I ready? Or will I trip over something obscure and get injured? ), but the weather stalking anxiety is REAL. Hoping all goes well this week, your body stays healthy and strong, and the weather plays nice 😉
Thank you Kim!!! I am imagining tripping over something stupid and breaking my foot the day before the race (I mean- it could happen!) but in general I don’t focus on that. All should go well… gulp.
I’m so excited to hear lots more details about your race, Jenny! This is so exciting. I also love the color of your new sneakers! Sending you lots of good thoughts for the end of this taper.
Thank you Lindsay!!! And yes- every time I look at these shoes, I’m happy. I seriously hated the old color.
LOL, I am here for all the details. And the weather stalking and over-thinking, but no matter what, YOU’VE GOT THIS!
It’s going to be the most badass birthday ever!
It will definitely be a memorable day! Thanks for all the support and encouragement.
Give me ALL the race-prep details – I’m living vicariously through you! Here’s to a happy week of easy short runs, lots of stretching and yoga, and perfect race weather! You’ve got this, Jenny!
Thank you Deb! And thanks for being willing to listen to all my ramblings : )
This is the calmest I can remember you’ve been before a race. That’s a great sign! Just behave and don’t do anything crazy! I do love that new shoe feeling!!
It’s plenty hot here in California, but with the 6% humidity, it’s much more tolerable than the heat in Florida (and Chicago in the summer). I have been enjoying being outside!
Yes, I saw your blog post (and drooled over those photos). From what I remember in hot, dry climates, is that it can be pretty comfortable early in the morning. The heat of the day is rough, but the low humidity definitely helps. Enjoy!!!
Sending you all the good weather and NO TAPER DRAMA thoughts!!!! Love your new shoes. They are so pretty!
Thank you Suzanne! Yes, send good weather vibes. The heat (or lack thereof) will play a huge role on race day.
It’s RACE WEEK! How exciting! I’m glad your taper is drama free and you can focus on getting everything ready for the big day. The weather forecast does sound ideal — luckily it’s not here in AZ where it’s supposed to be in the low 100s next weekend! I’m planning this week to be a cutback so my long run won’t have to be as long and I’ll probably have to drive up to the mountains so I don’t die in this way too early heat.
GAAAH. Low 100s???!!! Okay, no matter what the weather is like here, it will be better than that. Yes, heat like that is extra hard this time of year because we haven’t had any time to get acclimated. Glad you have the option to drive to the mountains.
That your hamstring was separating from the bone?! That truly sounds dramatic! I can imagine the brain takes some odd twists and turn during a taper for an important race. Now stay in one piece and tell your brain to be quiet. I’m so excited for you about the race, as always! I can’t wait to read your news afterwards. Your new Altras are beautiful, such a calm, soothing colour!
Yes I agree! The color is calm and soothing. And, my brain tells me all sorts of bizarre things- I definitely have to tell it to shut up.
Oooh good luck with the race!! Hoping the weather forecast stays good!
You have inspired me to do a Caroline Girgin deadbug workout this week. Also, I may need to try some hip stability exercises — I seem to have hip issues on and off, ugh.
The CG deadbugs may help you- Jessie said they helped her with an IT band issue. I can also tell you what hip stability exercises I do if you think it would help.
Yay for new shoes! Excited to hear about your race!
Oooh, this is all so exciting. The temps sound great. It’s going to be amazing.