Happy Sunday! Did you all have a good week? I’m happy to report that our weather was back to “normal winter temperatures” this week. Runs feel so much better in 30-40 degree weather vs. 0-10 degree weather! OF course as I’m writing this, we’re back to single digit temperatures again (real feel of 0). Oh well, it was nice while it lasted!
Week #3 of training was interesting…let’s discuss!
Monday 1/8
Barre Class (45 mins).
3 mile run.
Remember ClassPass? Well they gave me a few credits in my account that I can use for classes. I decided to use some of those credits for a lunchtime barre class which was SUPER hard! So much leg shaking and glute activation! After work, I drove to a local park to get in my 3 mile run. Of course it started snowing just as I was leaving work which made for a fun run.
Tuesday 1/9
6 mile run.
I haven’t done a lunchtime run in a really long time and I really enjoyed it! It was a little windy but the temperature was perfect.
Wednesday 1/10
Rest Day.
I decided to skip my weekly boot camp class. I was tired and super sore (probably from the barre class) and I had no desire to do a hard workout. I knew this was the right decision since I was in bed by 9pm that night.
Thursday 1/11
Yoga DVD workout (30 mins)
6.5 mile run.
I woke up feeling much better and did a quick yoga for recovery session from my Yoga for Runners DVD before work. I also did another lunchtime run. I was able to get in some tempo paces but I had some tummy issues toward the end of the run that slowed me down a little bit.
Friday 1/12
Rest Day.
Saturday 1/13
16 mile long run.
This run was HARD. It was good until around mile 9. The wind was a problem for most of the run but it got really intense during the second half of the run. It got to the point where I had to focus on just completing the miles vs. hitting my paces (luckily my paces were faster the first half of the run so in the end it all averaged out okay). Also the temperature continued to drop as I was running – there was literally a 30 degree drop from the time I started to the time I finished. I’ve never had that happen before during a run. The last 4 miles were torture as my back was really hurting me. I had to stop after every 1/4 mile to stretch. I’ve had some back pain before on runs but nothing that intense. Luckily it’s feeling better today but I will be keeping an eye on it. This definitely wasn’t an ideal long run, but I’m proud of myself for not quitting.
Sunday 1/14
Spinning (60 minutes/25 miles)
Today’s spinning class was just what I needed to get my legs moving after yesterday’s run. My back feels better but it’s still not 100%, but at least my legs don’t feel as sore!
Total Weekly Mileage: 31.5
Total Training Cycle Miles – 84
Grade – A
Overall another good week of training. I was surprised that my body wanted an extra rest day, but I didn’t question it. Because I’m following a 12 week training plan, my coach really stressed the importance of rest and recovery. I definitely took her advice and didn’t try to “push through” a boot camp class when I could tell my body would hate me for it. Next week is a cut back week for me so the timing is perfect.
I was happy to complete all 4 of my runs outside this week so that I could take part in the lululemon 40/80 Challenge. With Saturday’s run I surpassed the 40K mark. When I first signed up for the challenge I thought I would easily hit the 80K mark, but none of my runs from Jan 2-7 counted for the challenge since they were all treadmill runs. If only it didn’t feel like Antartica outside during that week lol. I need 18 more miles to hit the 80K mark but there’s no way I’m doing that considering the challenge ends tomorrow and I ran 16 miles yesterday. But I would be lying to you if I didn’t say I considered it for 2 minutes before quickly coming to my senses/back to reality!
Speaking of outdoor runs, I have to say that I really enjoyed my lunchtime runs, or #runch miles, this week. Granted I might not be able to do these every week as It depends on my work projects, if I have morning vs. afternoon meetings at work, etc, but I like splitting up the monotony of the work day with some lunchtime miles. I also felt more alert after the run and didn’t get the dreaded “afternoon slump”.
On the nutrition front, I started my “vegetarian week” on Jan 2. After the week was up, I had a chicken caesar wrap for lunch on Wednesday and I just didn’t like the way I felt after – it kind of felt like the chicken was just sitting in my chest. So after that I decided to go back to vegetarian meals. I like to call myself a “vegetarian-in-training” as I’m still learning about this. I’ve tried some amazing meatless brands such as MorningStar, Quorn and Beyond Meat, but if there are others you recommend, please let me know!
Did you have warmer weather this week? Do you ever run during your lunch hour? Did you participate in the lululemon 40/80 Challenge?
I’m linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.
This Week’s Posts
Blogs I Love (Part 4)
Congrats on a great week! I had a touch of FOMO when I heard of the Strava challenge, but (fortunately) it passed rather quickly. I need my January off-season, end of story. Yes, we had similar weather…what is Momma N up to, anyways? That warm-up was a nice reprieve, but she gave us NO transition back to the winter temps. Perfect time for an off-season, right? 😉
Doing a January off season is so smart – I’m kind of wishing I had done that instead of starting marathon training, LOL.
I used to love lunch time runs when I worked in DC! The bonus was my work was pro-fitness and even had shower facilities for afterwards! Those were always some of the best runs. We did have warmer weather but, alas, much like you, it has passed. Supposed to get more snow on Wednesday?! I object!! lol
I’m so impressed that you pulled off that spin class after that long run. I count myself lucky that I did yoga and walked my dog today. haha
That’s so cool that your job was pro-fitness. My company shares the building with a bunch of other companies, but there is a small gym in the building but it’s super expensive so I just can’t justify the cost. Luckily ShowerPill wipes come in handy and I don’t sweat too much during winter runs. I won’t be able to do lunch in the summer – I would be a sweaty mess!
The spinning class, oddly enough, helped my legs a little bit today.
Wow a 30 degree drop! I can’t imagine running in that – I would have been so cold. We had that drop Thursday afternoon, well after my run, luckily. Mother Nature needs to get her act together. SO excited that you are continuing your vegetarian week! The more vegetables I eat, the better I feel and the better my training is. Beyond Meat is delicious – I also like Engine 2 and HIlary’s burgers, and LIghtlife has good tempeh. I just tried the brand Hempe (soy-free) and it was yummy too.
Thanks so much for the brand recommendations Becca! I’ll need to look for those brands the next time I go to the supermarket. I’m hoping to see an improvement in my training by sticking to a vegetarian diet – I just need to make sure that my meals aren’t too carb heavy!
That temperature drop was crazy! You did great to stick with your run and get those 16 miles done. Hope you back is feeling better!
Thanks Michelle! My back is feeling about 90% better today. I’m just hoping that it doesn’t become a problem throughout my training.
It was super cold today great job getting that 16 miler in! I know I have that yoga for runners DVD around here somewhere I need to find it.Have a great week!
I had to dust off the DVD since I haven’t used it in months, lol. I’m so bad about doing yoga more frequently.
Great job on your 16 miles. It’s crazy the how the temperatures dropped so significantly so quickly. Same there here.
I’ve heard that from a lot of people! I guess Mother Nature just decided to drive everyone a little crazy this weekend.
Great job this week! I’ve been thinking about doing vegetarian. Lol I don’t know what the answer is to figure out my nutrition deal. I’ve thought about doing a whole30….like the real whole 30 with reintroduction to test how I really feel about certain types of foods. This weekend I’ve been eating super clean since I’ve been home and I’m feeling great. I’m sure that will go out the window again when I go back to work lol.
LOL I’m the exact opposite! When I’m home, I do a lot of “mindless snacking” but when I’m at work I only eat what I bring from home so I’m more disciplined!
What a great week you had! Don’t feel too bad about the lululemon challenge–I think those of us who live in the north are really at a disadvantage. It’s really tough to get all the runs in. Last year I was challenged by black ice–it’s kind of dumb of me to put myself in a dangerous situation for a running challenge. But whoever said we runners are smart?
We runners are a special breed 🙂 I agree that we’re at a disadvantage based on our location and it seemed like the challenge started just as the weather was entering dangerously cold territory, lol. Who knows – next year it may be sunny and semi-warm for the challenge!
That run sounds brutal! Way to push through and get it done! I can’t deal with runch. After a run, my brain expects an hour of coffee/Facebook time before it has to do any work. 😉
LoL! Lunch had the exact opposite effect on me and I was able to focus better. I thought it was weird but decided to just run with it!
My long run this week was just an 8k but it was tough so like you I was just pleased I did it! Your week in training was definitely worthy of that A-grade! And well done on those lunch time runs! That’s a really nice way to change things up a bit!
Thanks! The lunchtime runs were a great way to switch things up which I definitely appreciated.
Wow! A lunchtime run seems like a great idea, Kim! You’ve inspired me to try an afternoon run. 😉
That’s great! I think you’ll really like a lunch time run!
Great job this week! Its great you were able to get all your workouts done outside. It really was a crazy week of weather!
Thanks Lisa! The 40/80 challenge really inspired me to get outside last week, especially after a full week of treadmill runs the week prior!
Mad props to you for rocking marathon training through this ridiculous weather. I think I shelved any plan I had of a spring marathon. I did not do the Lulu challenge and kind of don’t regret it.
The 40/80 challenge gave me incentive to get my runs done outside last week, plus I had to take advantage of the heat wave lol. The other day I started to question my decision to do a spring race, lol
Great job on gutting through a tough 16 miler! I always like to have a longer training plan for just that reason — life happens. Even when you don’t have a job.
I eat vegetarian quite a bit, although I’m definitely not a vegetarian. On my own, I could be a pescetarian — I love fish & feel it’s really good for you. But I have to cook for my husband (I do try a meatless meal for him once a week, too, despite his grumbling).
That really sucks that the treadmill runs don’t count. What’s the reasoning behind that?
Although I’m committed to going vegetarian, giving up chicken is going to be the hardest thing for me to do!
I’m not sure why the treadmill runs don’t count for the challenge. I guess they want to encourage us to run outside in nature?
Your lunchtime runs this week were so pretty! I wonder if the wind is what caused your back to hurt. Possibly, you were leaning into it? I hope it feels better. I was bummed not to be able to count a long run on the 1st — the day before the Strava challenge started. So, I did not reach the 80k mark either. I think I hit 55k. Oh, well. Thanks for linking!
I definitely had some great scenery on those runs! I think you might have a point about my back and the wind. I’m sure my running form was awful as I was just trying to stay upright lol
I seriously don’t know how you guys do it – major kudos to y’all! I was supposed to run my first post Dopey run this afternoon but am scrapping it for a “feels like 25”! Great job this week – lunch time runs are the best!
I think the weather is all relative to where you live, lol. Up here, we’re used to “normal” cold weather, but not single digits!
Great job this week! Most of my exercise is done during my lunch hour at work. I hate waking up early and my kids/husband seem to think I should be home at dinner time. 😉 I work at a university so we have a rec center I use and lunch time classes that are great for cross training.
Thanks Judy! That’s so awesome that you can take classes during your lunchtime since your job has a rec center – that’s a great perk!
Great job pushing through that long run! I think getting the miles in will benefit you more than hitting a certain pace 🙂
I love those later runs in the winter, it is nice to have some daylight and a few degrees warmer, but my tummy will often revolt once i have food in it. It is such a different feeling than morning.
I am a huge fan of chick patties by morning star, mozzarella and tomato with one is yummy!
You are kicking butt in training!
Thanks so much Karen! I agree that starting long runs later in the winter is a nice perk – not having a 5am wake up call is nice!
The weather has been all over the place, dropping 40 degrees in a single day. Kudos to you for getting those 16 miles in. I never could have done it!
It’s so crazy. I can almost deal with it if I start of the run when it cold but to go from mild to freezing was crazy!
Great job! I was loving my outdoor snowy runs on the trail and then got a little side lined from running. I didn’t complete…or start the 40/80 challenge, whoops!
I always love seeing all of your outdoor run photos – the snow there is so pretty!
I’ve had back issues before during a run. NOT cool. It happened once during a race, actually. It was pretty awful. Try getting some ART done on it?
As for vegetarian options — be careful with imitation meats because they can be loaded with sodium and GMOs. I used to eat MorningStar all. the. time. It was delicious. I loved it. And then I realized what was in it and I haven’t eaten it in probably 6+ years.
I see my ART guy every Thursday so I’ll definitely ask for some extra love in that area. It was so painful and if that had happened during the marathon, it would have been a DNF for sure.
Thanks for the heads up on MorningStar. I think these products will help me while I’m in my transition phrase but I will try to phase them out at some point. I do worry about the ingredients, GMOs etc
I love your shirt – Adore Your Core! Wasn’t it nice, although brief, to have some normal winter weather to run in?
Thanks Debbie – I got it from GAP a few weeks ago! I really enjoyed the milder winter weather last week.
Thanks Debbie! I got in from the GAP 🙂
I cannot imagine a 30-degree temperature drop on a run. That wouldn’t be very pretty. LOL Great job powering through! Great job on the 80/40 challenge as well. Too bad the weather wasn’t a bit more cooperative. 😀
Have you tried Gardein products? We recently tried their Meatless Meatballs and Mandarin Orange Crispy Chick’n. Both were really good (better than expected), but a little skimpy with the sauce for the chick’n. We’ve been enjoying MorningStar brand lately, too. I still need to try Beyond Burger. I’ve heard good things.
Enjoy your cutback week!
Thanks Clarinda! I haven’t tried Gardein products but I saw them in the supermarket the other day and they looked good!
I dressed up my Beyond Meat burger with some ketchup and extra veggies and it was really good – I think you’ll like it.
I love the idea of a lunch time run, what a fantastic way to break up the day and fit in your run. I’m hoping to try run-commuting at my new office (it’s about 6-7 miles, depending on the route) once the weather gets above freezing 🙂 There will have to be some planning involved for sure, but seems like an awesome way to spend the commute!
Great week of training Kim, you’re doing awesome 🙂
I love the idea of a work commute. Unfortunately that wouldn’t work for me but I would totally do it if I could. It’s a great way to get your run done early and before work!
I tried running at lunch, but the gym/shower area in the building is part of the gym system at the university, and I’d have to be a paying member to use. I tried shower wipes, but I didn’t feel clean at all.
I can totally understand that. I used ShowerPill wipes and that was fine, but I know I won’t be able to do that in the summer because I just sweat way too much!
Nice work on the 16 miler!
Thanks so much Nicole!
Your lunchtime run views are awesome! What a great way to break up your day. Wow a 30 deg drop in temps – that’s crazy! Good to hear your back feels better.
Thanks Elaine! I work near a pretty section of Stamford so the views do not disappoint!
Great training week! Take care of that Back though!
You saw my seitan recipe, which is really easy, but you can also buy it at health food store, Whole Foods, and some supermarkets., Whole Earth makes a good one that doesn’t have a lot of extra junk ingredients. Seitan is great because you can use it as a meat substitute in so many recipes, and it has a really meaty texture.
I also use Gardein products a lot. They make faux chicken, beef, pork, plus you can get beefy crumbles or even meatballs.
Thanks so much Debbie! You seitan recipe was just what I needed to see yesterday – thank you! I don’t have a Whole Earth supermarket, but I do have a Whole Foods and Trader Joes that I can check out.
I saw Gardein products at my local supermarket over the weekend – I was really intrigued by the meatless meatballs!
Wow! That’s a massive temperature drop in a short period of time! Yikes!
Great workouts! I used to walk on my lunch break, back before my running days. Now, noon is usually just too hot, so my workouts are in the early morning.
I did the strata lululemon challenge, but only got to 40K, since I only had one week to run this time. I’m ok with that. Can’t wait to see what the prize is.
Right?! It was crazy! I hope I don’t experience that again because it definitely was not fun to be freezing by the end of a long run.
I think in the summer I will do walk breaks instead of running. I know that I would look like a hot sweaty mess if I went for a run in the afternoon during the summer, lol
Like you, I’m wondering what the prize will be for the challenge this year!
Good for you for listening to your body and recognizing when you needed extra rest. Its so important to listen to our bodies and find that difficult balance between pushing ourselves but also giving our bodies the rest that it needs.
Thanks Kathryn. I think as runners we rend to ignore when our bodies are telling us that they need a break!
I like Tofurky & Fieldroast for faux sausages. For protein in general, I eat a lot of beans/legumes and nuts. I also really like tofu, but I know not everyone can get into it.
Thanks so much for the recommendations. I need to start cooking more beans/legumes. i have lentil soup for lunch today so that’s a start!
Great week and great job listening to your body when it needed that extra rest day! For vegetarian stuff, I generally tend to go with beans/lentils or tofu. I’ve been trying tempeh recently and like it too. I think LikghtLife and Tofurkey are the two tempeh brands that I’ve liked.
Thanks Chaitali! Thanks for the brand recommendations. I’ve heard of tempeh and might try that out soon 🙂
Ugh…running in the wind is the worst. But you feel so accomplished when it’s over. Way to go!
Thanks so much Jessica!
I agree. 30°F feels way better to run in than zero! We’ve been in a warm streak of 20-30°F this week but the sub-zero is returning next week… ?
You got in a great week of training! Especially to get all of your runs outside. I have been treadmilling for most of my runs this winter. So sad!
I am happy for a break from the sub zero weather this week and weekend!