Sunday, February 26, 2017

Spring and Ping (WW # 82)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html
This link was created to support active women.  
JOIN IN!  Click HERE  to see complete rules.

Tricia and I are thrilled that new ladies continue to join us here on the Weekly Wrap.  If you link early, please make sure you come back later in the week and check some of the other posts.  You may just find the connection, support or motivation you've been searching for!

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A Huge Appreciation to those who use use our badge (pictured above) and provide a link back to our posts.  We commend you for following our few rules which includes commenting on the hostesses posts.  We don't ask that you read a certain number of links each week, but the more you can interact the more you will benefit.  These simple requirements are what makes this supportive community of incredibly strong, motivating and active women so successful.

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The last two weeks were extremely high cardio weeks for me logging 90 and 111 miles respectively on my bike.  This week, I felt it wise to cut back a little.  I rode 10 miles on the bike trainer Tuesday morning and 15 miles on Wednesday evening.  I was anticipating a long awaited podiatrist appointment on Thursday.

Cycling on the trainer in a favorite SARAH MARIE DESIGN STUDIO tank.
 
After taking X-rays of one foot and performing an ultrasound on the other, the doctor proclaimed both of my feet to be strong and healthy.  Naturally, I tried running a few miles Friday morning.  Although I started with a headache, developed a side stitch, and had a cranky left knee -- that run felt really GOOD.   My feet were fine.


Friday Mailbox Greetings!


I tried the same short run Saturday morning.  Again, I had a headache and cranky left knee.  I appreciated not getting a side stitch though.  I realized it would take time to get those little haven't-run-in-a-while kinks worked out.  But as stubborn as I am, I tried another run Sunday morning.  The temps were in the 40s and the sky was too blue to pass up.  I promised myself I would go slow and stop as soon as a felt any twinge in my knee.  No headache.  No side stitch.  No knee twinge.  {Perhaps I should thank the Running Genie?}  I stopped at 6 miles...because I should...because I was tired...and because I had put no Tailwind in my mailbox thinking I'd run only 3 miles at best.  I feel very encouraged by this run!



We had a gorgeous spring weekend.  In the deep south, we typically jump from Winter to Summer so getting an in-betweener is always a treat.  I worked myself ragged in our back yard.  {Don't let anyone tell you raking is not cross training!}  We added a new plaything outside -- a Ping Pong table -- and spent both afternoons grilling and playing.  The older our children (and grand kids) get, the more we are spread out and have conflicting schedules.  To have the whole family together Sunday afternoon was pure joy...and pure chaos.  I was fortunate to spend time in my favorite place -- chilling in my back porch swing and simply taking it all in.

Weekly Recap:

3 Runs = 12 miles
2 Bike Trainers  = 25 miles
Hip/Glute Strength Sessions = 3
Leaves Raked = Ga-Zillions

And that's a wrap!


Were you able to enjoy the great outdoors this weekend?

When is the last time you played Ping Pong?



Friday, February 24, 2017

Let's Run (fess)

I runfess... I refused to give my latest injury much press for fear of sounding like (and more so feeling like) a bitter old woman.  I just hopped on Sanity and let her work her magic.  I cycled 334 miles between the time I found out I had a true fracture in my "good" foot and my follow-up appointment to make sure it had healed.  334 miles.    If you are reading this on Friday morning, I've probably just run for the first time.  And, I'm expecting a few happy tears.  
Thank you, girl!
I runfess... I did throw a wee pity party after my diagnosis, although I did not let it morph into a pity vacation.   Let's just say there were too many Mexi-Cali burritos consumed during the gala (with copious amounts of sour cream and the necessary accompanying margaritas) and countless late night spoonful's of  Justin's Vanilla Almond Butter eaten in a dark kitchen. You'll be proud to know I did not purchase a single frosted shortbread cookie from Starbucks.  {Gasp -- I know!}

I runfess... Seeing the azaleas begin their amazing bursts of color last weekend while cycling made my heart sing, just like the birds I could hear over my music.  However, the realization is -- our summer will be right behind with it's suffocating heat and humidity, with it's lower running paces and lessons of humility.  After all, it's already been knocking on the door of 80 degrees all week.  Be forewarned, there may be a little whining until I get over it.


At Callaway Gardens

I runfess... Due to my aforementioned plight, I put my racing plans on hold with nothing on the calendar except for a lone March half I had already signed up for.  At least I'll get to spend time with Tricia, whether I choose to participate or simply be her race support.  Other plans are being worked through with frenzy.  I've already upped my cycling mileage to prepare for a Metric Century Ride with fellow friend and blogger Teresa (although we still haven't chosen which one!)   I've got two stunningly scenic races in the works for Spring:  Door County Half Marathon with my dear friend Wendy and the Utah Valley Half Marathon where I hope to visit with other bloggers and friends.  


Scenery such as this?     Yes, please!
I runfess... I thought it was going to be too difficult to get to Utah as I would be out of town.  Then I realized there are airports everywhere (duh).  I just couldn't pass on their 10th anniversary commemorative jacket and large finisher medal.  I hope I can work out the details without spending an airfare fortune.  I've run one other downhill half through the canyons.  That Colorado race still reigns supreme at the top of all 47 half and full courses.  I expect those Utah canyons to be the same kind of scenic, speedy and downhill delight.  Will this race move into my number one spot?  Stay tuned!    I was given an extra race entry by the nice people in Utah.  If anyone is interested in running the full, half or 10k distance on June 10th -- please comment below!
 
 
What would you like to runfess today?



I'm linking up with the lovely Marcia today from Marcia's Healthy Slice.

 Please stop by and join in with your own Runfessions!



I'm also joining on the Friday Five 2.0 linkup
Stop by and see what everyone is talking about.
 



Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Genie, Are We Clear?


It's been a while since I've linked up for Tuesday on the Run.  When I saw the the topic for this week, I thought I'd better get my three wishes in just in case the Running Genie is listening.  I'm probably telling my age here -- but does any one else have the I Dream of Jeannie theme song stuck in their heads?  Or is it just me? ... ... ...  Now it's in your head, am I right?  Ha ha ha.


My First Wish

Health.  If I can't have a healthy body, then forget wishes number two and three!  I wish for no more fractures, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, ITB issues, cranky hips, groin strains, aching backs, plantar warts, foot neuromas, and any other ailment I've failed to mention. That's any previous injuries, Running Genie, or any problems I have yet to develop.   I feel I've paid my dues in this area.  Are we clear?


My Second Wish

Fun.  If I can't have fun, then wish number three is meaningless.  I'll give you some flexibility on this one.  Fun can be in the form of running with friends {thank you for #holottafun by the way}, running on a stunningly gorgeous course, simply feeling strong and capable, running in ideal weather conditions...you get my drift.  I'm actually not hard to please on this one and certainly not picky about the actual race location.  So, I'll give you the leeway to work your magic. 


Fun.  Fun.  Fun.


My Third Wish

PR.  A shiny new PR would be appreciated and quite validating for this ol' gal.  I'll take one at the half marathon and full marathon distances, please.  And if it's not too much trouble, could you throw in a better swim time for my next sprint triathlon?  If it helps matters, I'll waive my right to a 5k or 10k PR since they are not my favorite race distances anyway.  But, I must add that it's imperative the PR absolutely does not come at the expense of wish one or wish two.  Are we clear?


It's your turn! 

You're rubbing the lamp and the Genie appears...

What would you ask for?


Thanks to our wonderful hosts:

Patty @ My no-guilt life! 
Marcia @ Marcia's Healthy Slice
Erika @ MCM Mama Runs 


Sunday, February 19, 2017

Century Week (WW # 81)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html
This link was created to support active women.  
JOIN IN!  Click HERE  to see complete rules.

Tricia and I are thrilled that new ladies continue to join us here on the Weekly Wrap.  If you link early, please make sure you come back later in the week and check some of the other posts.  You may just find the connection, support or motivation you've been searching for!

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A Friendly Reminder:  Make sure you use our badge (pictured above) in your post or at least provide a link back to our blogs.  This helps your circle of friends know how they can join in the fun too. Don't forget to comment on both hostesses posts.  Tricia and I truly appreciate each and every linker and thank you for playing by the rules!  Onward...

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Happy Valentine's Day!
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This was another week of cycling for me as I continue to rehab a couple of issues with my feet.  Trust me, I'm ready to get back to a regular running routine.  I miss my peaceful, pre-dawn runs and those glorious sunrises.  I have a checkup with my podiatrist soon and hope to be back on the road -- on my feet -- shortly thereafter.  With a few spring half marathons on the calendar, time's a-wasting!  The number one priority, however, is to get healthy.  If I have to cycle exclusively for another week or two, I will. 

Trainer rides make for boring pictures.

Don't get me wrong.  I enjoy cycling.  I love my bike.  I am working toward a Century or Metric Century ride hopefully this spring.  I trust this long mileage training is setting me up for success at a few sprint triathlons over the summer.  After all, I have to be strong in the ride and the run to compensate for my pitifully lacking, dog-paddling swimming technique. 

Just a random sunset on my way home from work.
This week was...busy and long to say the least.  After digging in at work, I do feel like I can finally see a dim light at the end of the tunnel.  We were planning to go snow skiing in North Carolina this weekend, but the weather there decided to warm up and the slope conditions were not worth it.  Plus, our still-at-home-kid had the flu and we couldn't have gone anyway.  Maybe a late season trip to Colorado is in order?  Ahhh...dreaming

Bike selfies...always a challenge.

On a positive note, I was happy to get five rides in for a total of 101 miles 111 miles (updated) {BOOM}  I also remembered to do my hip/glute strengthening exercises.   {BOOM-BOOM}  As a special treat, I was able to do my long ride at Callaway Gardens again on Sunday.  PoPo decided to play golf there (there may have been some shameless arm twisting on my part) and I tagged along with my bike.  I rode 50 miles 60 miles (updated) while he played.  It was shorts-and-tank weather.  A.gorgeous.day!  (As this goes live, I haven't had time to upload any pictures as we stopped and ate supper with our college son on the way home.  I hope I didn't smell too bad...)



UPDATE:  I cycled 60 miles!  Whew!

Weekly Recap:

3 Indoor Trainer  = 35.0
2 Outdoor Rides = 76.0

Total Cycling Miles = 111

Hip/Glute Strength Sessions = 2

And that's a wrap!


Tell me something positive about your week!

How will you celebrate President's Day?



Sunday, February 12, 2017

Cycle Scenes v.2 (WW # 80)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html
This link was created to support active women.  
JOIN IN!  Click HERE  to see complete rules.

Tricia and I are thrilled that new ladies continue to join us here on the Weekly Wrap.  If you link early, please make sure you come back later in the week and check some of the other posts.  You may just find the connection, support or motivation you've been searching for!

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A bit of housekeeping:  Make sure you use our badge (pictured above) in your post or at least provide a link back to our blogs.  This helps your circle of friends know how they can join in the fun too.  Don't forget to comment on both hostesses posts.  Tricia and I truly appreciate each and every linker and thank you for playing by the rules!  Onward...

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I had been wanting a change of scenery for a long ride and planned to cycle at Callaway Gardens last weekend. Unfortunately, the weather was not on board with my plan.  This weekend the weather was dialed in and off I went early Saturday morning.  Callaway has a wonderful bike trail system that meanders deep into the hilly Georgia woods.  The gate attendant told me it had just been repaved.  {She also asked me if I was over 65.  Heavy Sigh....}  

Although I had planned to cycle the roads, I decided to try the trails.  True to her word, it was as smooth as glass.  My Garmin lost satellite connection several times in the woods with the surrounding hills. Luckily, I had recently installed a no-frills {aka: cheap economical} Cat Eye Velo 9 bike computer.  It did the job just fine.  It fact, it's easier to see its display compared to my Garmin watch.

All of the bridges are numbered so you can't get lost.  But, make sure to get a map!

After about 17 miles of hair-pinned turns and thus burning up my brakes, I decided to ride mostly on the roads.  It was difficult to get up to speed on the trails as well.  It is off season and there was little traffic to worry about.  I also made a lightning fast clothing change as it was getting warm in my capris and 3/4 zip top.  I put on a much thinner long sleeve shirt and shorts.   Back to work!  

Their roads are my favorites to both run and ride!

The scenery is beautiful.  With countless lakes, bridges, golf course venues, and yes even a few azaleas blooming already,  I tried to limit my picture taking.   I was there to ride, after all.  But I couldn't help stopping a few times during my 42.3 mile ride.

Even after shifting to roads, I still did a few short trails segments.  They were just so peaceful!
 
Can you see the ducks?


Callaway is very shady but there are a few sunny stretches.


I'm completely satisfied after 42.3 miles!

It was one of those days where you feel grateful to be outside.  To feel the sun.  To move.  To breathe hard.  To sweat.   As a bonus, I stopped for a coffee date with our college kid on my drive home. PoPo took me out for my favorite Oysters Rockefeller that evening too.  A.Wonderful.Day.  Sunday it was too nice to stay inside so I opted for another outdoor ride logging 17.7 miles.  Why not, right?  And yeah, I felt a wee urge to even out my mileage for the week.  {Point 3?  No can do!}

Weekly Recap:

3 Indoor Trainer  = 30.0
2 Outdoor Rides = 60.0

Total Cycling Miles = 90

Hip/Glute Strength Sessions = 2


And that's a wrap!


Does uneven mileage bother you?

Where do you like to go for a change of scenery?


Sunday, February 5, 2017

Cycle Scenes (WW # 79)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!

https://hohoruns.blogspot.com/p/weekly-wrap.html
This link was created to support active women.  
JOIN IN!  Click HERE  to see complete rules.

Tricia and I are thrilled that new ladies continue to join us here on the Weekly Wrap.  If you link early, please make sure you come back later in the week and check some of the other posts.  You may just find the connection, support or motivation you've been searching for!

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Let's just say this week was a bit of a struggle in the motivation department for me.  But by the weekend, I was excited to see the sunshine and anxious to get outside and play in it.  After Coffee Talking Saturday morning with fellow bloggers, I biked 20 windy miles.  My calves and feet had been cramping off and on during this ride and at the 20 mile mark, I decided to call it a day.  {Note to self: always carry salt caps.  Duh!}



On Sunday I woke up to another gray and rainy day (let's be clear here...the forecast was only 20%).  This is the day I planned for a longer ride.  While waiting to see if the rain would move out, I decided to finally bake the Super Hero Muffins from the cookbook Run Fast East Slow given to me by my friend Wendy.   Although I'm notorious for deviating from recipes, I did not on this one.   They are {ahem--were} scrumptious!  Our teenage son inhaling three in a blink of an eye should be an indication anyone in your family will love them.  



Although the rainy weather put a halt to my plans to drive to the beautiful Callaway Gardens for a long ride of 40 miles (hence the failed blog title Cycle Scenes), I did finally get in a late afternoon ride...on my bike trainer.  Desperate times call for desperate measures.  I watched the movie Taken 2 which I had recorded earlier this week.  It kept me entertained for 1 hour and 45 minutes, which equates to conservatively 25 miles. My heart rate averaged a very pleasing 143.  It felt good to sweat profusely.  I'm not kidding. 




And that's a wrap!

Have you tried a recipe from Run Fast Eat Slow?

What is your go-to activity when the weather wrecks your plans?




I'm also linking with Ilka and Angela this week.  
Be sure to check out this great link up!



Saturday, February 4, 2017

Coffee Talk (February)


Welcome to Coffee Talk!
 
It's a chilly Saturday morning.  Today my coffee is Dark Magic with Peppermint Mocha Creamer.  Grab your mug and let's chat a while. I can hardly believe it's February.  The month of love.  Ha ha.  It's actually my least favorite month. Perhaps because it signals our Spring is just around the corner, yet it is typically our coldest and grayest month of the year.


Over Coffee...

I'd admit I'm struggling with motivation.  Mix one part post Disney Marathon blues with gray winter days, sprinkle in a few health issues and it's been a recipe for disaster.  I'm currently searching for a huge dangling carrot.  I have a few things in the works but they seem so far away.  I will find  my Mojo.  I will. (Actually, he is sitting right beside me now.  My dog...)


Over Coffee...

Have you tried a Pure Barre class?  I took my first one last weekend.  It was energizing and certainly works your entire body without any jumping around.  My obliques cried for days.  But, I think the most frustrating thing was my inability to see the instructor.  Often times, I was facing the bar on a wall without a mirror and the instructor and her assistant were both behind me.  So, I was continually forced to crane my neck around.  I eyed the lady to my left so much I think she was was ready to slap me.  It is a poor setup in my opinion, but hey -- they didn't ask me. 


Over Coffee...

After a three month hiatus, I'm enjoying my bike again.  As long as it's not extra windy, I can handle temps in the 40s.  I look forward to riding both days this weekend.  I'd like to try a Century Ride or a Metric Century Ride this year.  My longest ride to date is 65 miles so I need to increase that somewhat to do a full Century.  Did you see the cool wheel lights I received for Christmas?  It definitely gives a little spark to a dark morning ride. 




Over Coffee...

On the work front, I'm finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have been short staffed since last summer.  After long stressful days at the office on the computer, the last thing I wanted to do was get on one at home.  My blog has suffered.  I hope to get it back where it should be.  I miss reading your posts and staying caught up with all my blogging friends. 


Speaking of Coffee...

I'll leave you with this.  The only way I'll grace the doors of Walmart is by bribing myself with a Starbucks afterwards.  I did my thing at Walmart and pulled up to the drive thru.  I pay and because it's a warmish day, I leave my window down.  As I'm pulling away, I hear the barista say "Is there a carnival in town or something?"  Why yes, yes there is.  And it's a HoLottaFun


Don't forget to join us on the Weekly Wrap.  Not only will you find support and motivation from a group of wonderful strong and active women, but it's a great way to record your training, recap your races, or just simply stay accountable!


What would you tell me over coffee?



I'm linking with Coco and Deborah for The Ultimate Coffee Date.  
Please stop by and see what everyone is chatting about.  Or better yet...join in!

www.got2run4me.com