Sunday, March 18, 2018

Life's a Beach

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I started my week with winter giving what I hope was its last snowy gasp and I ended my week in sunny Florida! This was a short getaway, but very much appreciated. Sometimes you just need a break from the everyday routine, right?

I also impulsively signed up at the last minute for the Sarasota Half Marathon, which took place earlier today. I had some unfinished business with this race and wanted to revisit it. I didn't tell very many people that I was running it, but the few that I did (except for Holly) told me that I was nuts for signing up the week of the race. It's not the first time I've jumped into a half marathon at the last minute, but those races were local and I didn't have a flight to catch home the same day as the race. 

I prepared this post prior to the race, so if you want to see how it went, you can check my Instagram or my Facebook. I'll share a recap later in the week. Meanwhile, here's how my week went down:



Running
I got myself up before the dawn on Tuesday and did 4 miles around my neighborhood. It was cold, but it was calm and clear, with a gorgeous crescent moon above. Friday was an almost 7 miler under the beautiful Florida sunshine.

Yes, this is posed. Action shots + darkness=no bueno
Yoga
On Tuesday, I did Five Parks Yoga Full Body Deep Stretch Basics. Much needed after my weekend runs and Rachel's burpee extravaganza, I felt a whole lot better after going deep. Even better, on Thursday, Mary Beth (remember her from Tutus and Tennies?) came to visit me on the island where I was staying and joined me for a SUP yoga class. While the poses were just the basics, what makes SUP yoga challenging is trying to stay upright on the board--you use a lot of core strength while moving and holding the poses. Both MB and I completely enjoyed Rachel's class and if you ever visit Anna Maria Island, please sign up for one of her SUP yoga classes. You won't regret it.

CrossTraining
No CrossFit this week and I all but dropped out of Rachel's Total Body Challenge after that extreme soreness I experienced last weekend! What I did decide is that I will continue doing those run/burpee/walk EMOMs I started last week--I felt that they were beneficial not only for strength but also my endurance.

MB and I took a very long walk on the beach and to the shops after our lunch on Thursday, bringing our total steps for the day to almost 11,500--which according to my app was about 9.6 miles. I'm not sure if I believe that but we did a lot of walking!



Randoms
I'm published! Last week, I submitted my post 5 Positive Ways Rheumatoid Arthritis Turned My Life Upside Down to The Mighty, a chronic illness website. They accepted it and published it!

For that pre-dawn run, I finally was able to try out the Knuckle Lights that I won from Darlene several months ago. I'm not a fan of early morning runs in the winter--for one thing, it's cold but it's also slick from ice and snow. I have a headlamp that I've used in the past, but I liked the idea of the handheld lights. The LED lights are really bright and the straps are adjustable, fitting around my hands comfortably. Since I run with my fists partially closed, running with the Knuckle Lights didn't bother me at all. The lights have a wide beam, I was able to see the road clearly and was visible to drivers who were driving towards me. The Knuckle Lights use AAA batteries. There is a rechargeable model as well.  When not in use, there are magnets that hold them together. Overall, I really liked them and will use the Knuckle Lights any time I run in the dark!


And that's a wrap! How was your week? Any spring breakers out there? I know a lot of people had races and I'm looking forward to reading recaps all week. Did you race? Tell me something exciting about your week!

It's the Weekly Wrap! If it's your first time linking you can check out the rules under the WW tab at the top of the blog. Both Holly and I were out of town this week (not together), so please be patient with us as we work our way through all the posts! Meanwhile, we'd be so grateful if you'd take the time to visit at least 3 of the links so everyone feels the love. Don't forget to link back to and comment on the hostesses' blogs. We so appreciate all the support of our fitness bloggers. Have a wonderful week!



91 comments :

  1. Yikes. SUP yoga looks really hard! But fun!

    My week had an unexpected ending in that I didn't run a race and instead ate a lot of cake and watched murder mysteries! I'm currently wondering what race I should sign up to next! Anything up to a half will do me and yes I'm ready for a last minute commitment too,

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    1. I can only imagine that you want to put some of the fitness you've stored up to good use! Are there any races coming up?

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  2. Well, I'm pretty confidant I'd be sinking (and probably not swimming) if I ever attempted SUP yoga. Although I'm adventurous and eager to try new things, I also know my balance abilities (or lack thereof). It looks like you had a grand time down south ;-)

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    1. SUP yoga is really more core than anything--you just have to think about ti! It's so fun.

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  3. I’m glad you were able to get away a few days and relax. Also great you and MB could hang out. I may need the knuckle lights since the time has changed. It’s dark. Again. And, of course I’m going to tell you to sign up for a half. LOL.

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    1. You are nothing but trouble, my friend. And for that, I am so grateful! <3

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  4. The yoga on the float looks so much fun, but hard as well. Just popped by at your insta. So cool! Congrats on finishing the Sarasota Half. I was there couple of months back and it was beautiful.

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    1. It's my second time running it and I'm so glad I did it! I'll have the recap up on Sunday.

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  5. Looks like you all had such a fun time together! I could use a little getaway myself. No race this weekend but did have a great long run today. Dreaming of spring over here

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    1. Dreaming of spring over here too! We're supposed to get snow on Saturday.

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  6. Ahh, SUP Yoga! I really want to try that. Congrats on getting published - that's awesome! Hopefully you had a great race! I'll have to go check the updates

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    1. I did have a great race! It's always nice to run a race on your terms.

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  7. Congrats on getting published - so exciting! SUP yoga sounds so fun! I'm sure I'd fall in the water a few times, though. I've yet to SUP without at least one spill...

    I have knuckle lights from the first year they came out. They looks to different now and I'd love to get the rechargeable kind because I plow through batteries so quickly that I've pretty much quit using them. I love my rechargeable headlamp!

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I never bought the original Knuckle Lights--I didn't care much for the design. The new design is great and really functional!

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  8. The one time I tried SUP, I was petrified of even moving after I got up. Don't ask me why. So I can't even imagine doing yoga on a board!

    I so need a vacation. I've had a few days off here & there, but the last bona fide vacation I had was UT. Last June. And that is just waaaaaay too long. And we have no plans until July at the moment!

    Congrats on getting published!

    I can't just jump into a half. Not unless I'm already trained. It should be pretty obvious why after I got runner's knee with just 6 weeks of limited exercise -- and most of those weeks still included running. I know people who can & I am just not one of them.

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    1. Why were you petrified of the SUP? What is the worst thing that could happen? You'd fall in. And climb back on the board. I think you need to do it!

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  9. Great job with the SUP yoga! Ive never tried it but it seems a bit scary! Im so glad you got to go to Florida and get some redemption in your race!
    Rob has knuckle lights but never uses them...I might need to steal them.
    Congrats on getting published!!

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    1. You definitely have to steal Rob's Knuckle Lights! They're awesome!

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  10. I absolutely LOVE SUP yoga! I am counting down the days till classes start up again. Although with how cold it is today, it seems like summer is never coming! Congrats on being published!

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    1. It really does feel like summer will never come! We're getting snow this weekend. Stop the madness!

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  11. Oooh enjoy Florida! I love that you met up with MB too. She seems like such a sweet person! Knuckle Lights are awesome. They make my cold, icy early morning runs not AS creepy. I’m ready for shorts weather! (And I know you are too!)

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    1. You know I'm ready for shorts weather. I almost think my trip made that worse for me!

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  12. Ah I've never done SUP before! Looks so fun!

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    1. You have to try it! They have classes on the lakefront. Altho the water is so cold...

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  13. It's great that you were able to swing a little getaway. Some Florida warmth and sunshine sounds really nice right about now!

    Congrats on the Sarasota Half! Looking forward to your recap.

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    1. I could have used a little bit more time in the sun and warmth! Brrrrr.....

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  14. Sounds like you had a pretty great trip! I can imagine the core strength it takes to stay upright on a board like that. I know I would be so sore afterward!

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  15. I love to SUP, but have never tried yoga on it! I can't wait to hear about your race.

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    1. You should definitely try SUP yoga. It's really amazing on the water like that.

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  16. I love SUP! I have done a headstand on one, but that's it. It was tough! Congrats on being published! That's so exciting! Have a great week!

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    1. I did a headstand in my class! It's much easier to do that than some of the standing poses.

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  17. Congrats on being published!
    I did SUP yoga last summer and loved it! Hope to get back out this summer again.

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  18. I wish I still got spring break. I am taking a couple days off during our week, but I'm staying home. It's always fun to go someplace warm in winter.

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    1. It's hard to be an adult and not get spring break and summers off, isn't it?

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  19. Congrats on being published - that's amazing but not surprising because you are an awesome and authentic writer :)

    So hoary that you were able to go down to Florida this week and enjoy some sunshine. Looking forward to your race recap for the Sarasota Half!

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  20. I think I should try SUP before I try SUP yoga, but it looks like fun. So does seeing Mary Beth! Congrats on getting your post published!

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    1. Idk, I think once you get on the board, you should just try it all!

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  21. Glad you got a chance to relax and unwind in Florida and get a dose of Vitamin MB!

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  22. Congrats on getting published! I would love a few days in FL sunshine. This winter is never ending!

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  23. SUP yoga sounds intense!! You are amazing for that skill- and being published!! Congrats!!

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  24. SUP yoga looks like fun-challenging but fun! Congrats on being published!

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  25. I love all things SUP including yoga. I usually fall in trying something new though, haha! Lovely to see you frolicking in the sunshine :)

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    1. I didn't want to fall in this time because it was kind of cool out! But if it's warm, then I don't mind!

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  26. One of these days I will get to try SUP yoga. I don’t even have the excuse that I live in the desert because my friend April holds classes at the local YMCA pool.Not quite the same as an island, but still... It sounds like you had a great week!

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    1. Oh, SUP in the pool would be ok too! And you don't have to fear any creepy things swimming in the water!

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  27. Congrats on being published! I might have to dig out my KnuckleLights for these dark mornings, especially once the grey skies and rain start up again.

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  28. What a great week! I really want to try yoga SUP! That canal looks like the perfect place to do it.
    COngrats on getting published and heading over to insta to see how your race went! I've signed up for lots of last minute 5Ks but never a half.

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    1. It's not the first time I've done a half at the last minute but geez, everyone said I was nuts. I guess it's because it was while I was on vacation!

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  29. SUP yoga! Love it so much! I can't wait until it's a little warmer and I can get back on a board regularly. SUP in general is so fun!

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  30. Oh man, I could totally use a little warm weather getaway right about now. Life is crazy and I just need to plop in a beach chair and read and relax! :) I love that you decided to just jump into a race last minute - that's so fun! Looking forward to your recap.

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  31. I'm so jealous of your time in Florida! Glad you and MB got together! I'd love to do SUP yoga but I'm so scared that I'll fall off the board - my balance is terrible!

    I actually signed up for a half marathon the week of as well - it's the first time I've ever done that! But it'll just be part of my training run, so no goals but to finish! Congrats on your race!

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    1. You could totally SUP. It's all about engaging your core, which we all do as runners. It's so fun!

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  32. You are a rockstar for signing up for a half marathon at the last minute! :)

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  33. You know, most people impulsively get an ice cream sundae, not run a half marathon, LOL! Looking forward to your race recap!

    Hmmm, you are tempting me A LOT with those Knuckle LIghts - considering I do every single run in the dark, they sound perfect.

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    1. Haha! There was some ice cream too! I had to burn it off, right?

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  34. Yay for a short trip to FL! I desperately need a break. I feel like I've been holed up in my house for months. Oh wait... I have been...

    Congrats on being published!! Woohoo!

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  35. I did SUP once and could hardly move the board! It is tough! I think I would like SUP yoga because I like yoga and was fine balancing on the board, just that it was hard to move with my lack of upper body strength. Typical runner I guess.

    Knuckle lights are a great idea for the early morning dark runs- I'm more of an evening runner, so this time change is good for me, but I know so many people who run before work and with all the distracted drivers, you can use all the visibility you can get.

    Glad you had fun in Florida too.

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    1. The distracted drivers are more of a reason for the lights than anything. If I'm running in the dark, I always run in my neighborhood for safety, and I don't really need the lights to see.

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  36. So awesome! I can't wait to get back out on the SUP! I miss it so much and I love SUP yoga even more.

    I love that you signed up for a race on the fly like that. If you're ready for the distance, I think it's a great thing to do!

    I really like those battery operated knuckle lights. I had the rechargeable ones and after about a year, they just wouldn't recharge any more. I haven't replaced them yet, but I need to get on that.

    I'm so glad you were able to get some family and friend time at the beach! That had to be a nice break for you!

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  37. I've always wanted to try out SUP yoga! It's definitely on my to-do list this Spring/Summer!

    Congrats on your article being published too!! That's so exciting!!

    Have a fabulous week Wendy!!

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  38. I have done SUP but never while doing yoga. SUP is challenging enough, I can't imagine adding another element to that. Sounds fun though!

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  39. SUP yoga is SUPER challenging- especially if there are any waves! It looked like you had a nice calm day, but still a great core challenge :)

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    1. These classes are held in a little canal, so not too much wavy stuff going on there!

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  40. Congrats on getting published. That's exciting! Your trip to FL sounds fun. I've never tried SUP at all, let along SUP Yoga. :)

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  41. What a fun weekend, and what exciting news about your race! Can't wait to read the full recap!

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    1. I'll be working on the recap this weekend! It's been a crazy hectic week.

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  42. I have yet to try SUP but looks like so much fun! Congrats on getting published on that chronic illness website! Super job on your last minute half!

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  43. Florida sounds lovely right now. We're sunny and spring-like here, but nothing beats a beach! I love SUP-ing, but have yet to try yoga. Great job on your race! :)

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    1. We are sunny but not spring-like. And they are calling for snow on Saturday.

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  44. I think it is fun to jump at a race last min!
    That yoga looks intense! I think I would be falling over a lot! haha
    Those lights look really handy and helpful.

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    1. Nobody fell in at the class and there were a few first timers there!

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  45. Wow, what a great week! I’d love to be enjoying the warm Florida sunshine right now, given that it’s currently snowing and everything in the DC area is closed today. I saw your Facebook posts about that race...congrats! I’m glad that it was a successful race for you!

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    1. I'd love to be back in the Florida sunshine! My trip was too short.

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  46. Productive week! I need to do more yoga and cross training...badly!

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  47. Some of my best races are ones that I signed up for at the last minute. I have a few races that I feel like I have unfinished business with too. Debating getting into the MCM lottery. Last time I registered, I got the flu 2 days before the race. Reading about your training week is inspirational. Loved it!

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    1. Well, thank you! Yes, I hate having unfinished business with a race and this one needed to be done on my terms. Done and done!

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