Sunday, January 17, 2016

Moving forward

The mental funk has lifted. What a wacky, stressful couple of weeks it has been. I feel sufficiently recovered from the holidays and am ready to roll! January, you got nothing on me!


My big news is, and I've got a few bits of news to share, that this week I finished working on my Big Sur Marathon training plan! For Big Sur, Becky isn't writing a training plan. She told me this race is all about fun. I agree 100%, but I think most of you would understand that I need the security of a training plan for a marathon. I can wing it with a half marathon, but a full? Not so much. I'm glad I have the experience of 3 marathons--that gives me the confidence to do the planning on my own. It's not as if I have to start from scratch.

I sat down on Thursday and reviewed the 2 plans she made for me in the past. I stuck with most of what she had done because hey, why fix something that isn't broken? Because this is Big Sur and there is a 2000 ft net gain and loss, I have to do hill training. Since I only run 4 days/week, I mixed those hill days with speed work. Living in the flatlands of northern Illinois, I've never trained for hills before. For Big Sur, I need to train not only uphills but also downhills, and the treadmill isn't going to be a great option for that. Keep in mind that Becky's kicking me in the glutes and that will help me a lot with those hills.

Wearing my deadlift socks! My running shoes are too cushy for these weights.
Since I don't have a specific time goal for this race, I feel confident with this plan and excited now that I have something on paper. I've made a 12 week training plan. I officially start training on January 31. The next two weeks will be spent ramping back up again after my two weeks off running to rest my foot. Oh, and by the way, I've included one day of cycling each week. I told Becky and she looked surprised!

"You like the bike?!" she said, a little puzzled.

Hey, it's my marathon training plan, right?

Yep, I've fallen in love with my bike all over again. Who knew indoor riding could be so fun? In fact, I've enjoyed it so much that I invested in a Wahoo Blue SC device that measures speed and cadence. You know I love my gadgets. This device will help me make my indoor training even more effective than the heart rate training I've been doing. I'll be interested to see how I can make it useful when I ride outside as well. Any of my cycling/triathlete friends out there care to offer any advice my way? I'm open! I'll share more information on the Blue SC as I get used to it. I will comment already that the thing is really touchy. The magnets have to be thisclose.

Also, this week, I've had a blast with SweatPink/Fit Approach's #flexandflow yoga challenge. The poses have been fun, but I've really had a blast being creative with the pictures. If you don't follow me on IG, here are a couple that were reposted:

Twisted chair on my way to work
Camel pose in the studio
Frog pose on my way home from dropping my son off at school. 
The biggest news of all is that I'm back on the road! I was going to make Sunday my triumphant return to running, but the predicted high temperature was 8F. With -20-30F wind chills. I don't know about you, but that just didn't make me excited to start running again! Saturday morning was sunny and 30F. I took my run to my favorite bike path. One section was covered with ice, but I was able to take a little detour on the road. No need to break any bones.


It felt great to be out there in the sunshine and fresh air. I took it easy (average pace was 9:09m/m) and ran 6 miles. I'm trialing shoe inserts that I received from Align Footwear, which are supposed to help my PF. I liked that there is a heel cup on these, keeping my heels stable and lifting my arches. During my run my foot was pretty quiet, but when I got home, it was a little sore.

I still haven't made an appointment for ART. I'm a little scared. I hear it's quite painful. Wimpy? Sure. Let's see how things go the next week or so.

Moving forward feels good. I've never trained for a spring marathon before, but it is great to be back on a training plan again. There is no better way to lift yourself up than to have a plan with a goal, right?

Except for a sense of humor. Laughter is the best medicine.

And on that note, I wanted to share with you some wisdom from one of the spammers that I blocked this week:
"No matter if some one searches for his required thing, thus he/she desires to be available that in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here."-Anonymous
I'm not sure what it means, but it sounds really deep and profound. I'm still thinking about it. This may be the best one I've gotten so far. I feel like it deserves it's own meme.

Have a great week!

How was your week? Are you participating in any yoga challenges? Any clever, profound messages you've received this week?

I'm linking up with Tricia and Holly for their Weekly Wrap. And anxiously awaiting their WDW marathon recaps!












I'm also linking up with a new linkup, Flecks of Lex's The Week Behind! Check it out!

86 comments :

  1. It looks like you have been loving the bike. So the big question is, do you like swimming? If so, I see a triathlon in your future! :) Your yoga photos have been lovely. I just did the 2015 Sea Wheeze video. I found that based on your recommendation of the 2014 one on the blog. I still think 2014 is my favorite, but the newer one was very restorative after a lot of strength training this week and a 5 mile run tomorrow.

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    1. I don't like to swim, but I can see the appeal! For now, the bike will just be my favorite back up plan. I'm so glad you like those LL videos. I like the 2015 as well. But that 2014 hits all the spots.

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  2. woot woot!!!!! Welcome back to the road, my dear!! Your pics are amazing. I'm fumbling (and tumbling) my way through the myriad of filters to enhance my pics....still a work in progress, but it's fun experimenting with different camera (phone LOL) angles, etc. The art geek in me is having fun ;-) As you know, I'm also doing the daily pose yoga challenge...also a fun way to shake up my routine.Run on, Sister!!

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    1. I'm having a blast with this yoga challenge..the creative side of me is geeking out here!

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  3. I've been reading your blog for a little while, thought I'd de-lurk. I love your yoga pics, funny how you did the frog one!

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    1. I'm glad you came out of the closet! :P I've been doing yoga for 18 years, since my oldest son was born. Its fun to do these photo challenges!

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  4. I was just thrilled to see you back out on the road Wendy! I can't wait to see how your training plan plays out. Tell me about your shoes being too cushy for your dead lifts? Interesting. I think a 12 week plan would be good, if I ever decide to do another marathon. I know I needed the long plan before but it was almost too much and I got way to close to a burnout right at the end. So do you look at the race date and work backwards? I did pick up on the hint to get our WDW race recaps ready.... headed to work on that now, lol. I'm glad your interested. :)

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    1. That's exactly what I did, I looked at the race date and worked my way back. I have a good enough base that a 12 week training plan is enough for me. The next 2 weeks are all about getting back on the road. Damn PF still hurts tho. This is going to be tough to train with that.

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  5. So glad to see you are back to running, and that your funk has lifted!!! YAY!!

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    1. Saying goodbye to the funk was the best thing that happened this week!

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  6. Hooray for running again! I hope your foot behaves itself! I've been doing a 30 days of yoga camp challenge with Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. I'm really bad about keeping up with the SweatPink yoga challenge. I think I've managed 2 days...

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    1. I hate hashtags. I mean, I use them, because they can be useful, but I still hate them.

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  7. Wow - lovely photos. I'm a fan of the wahoo products. As I'm a triathlete I have their smart trainer for the bike called a kickr. Which I really like. I did have to get a separate bluetooth heart rate strap so that I could have all my data at the same time. Can't wait to hear about the Blue because I don't really know what that is.

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    1. The Kickr is the trainer. I already have my bike in a trainer but I wanted all the data. So I think it's basically the same thing? I have a Polar HR monitor for running, but of course now I want the Wahoo one so I can have it all in one app!

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  8. Big Sur sounds so exciting! What a wonderful opportunity. I love a downhill race and have the chance to do one of a series this year. I just haven't picked which state or the half versus full. My neighborhood is hilly and I have to search for flat when I want that. I hope your foot gives you no more fits. It's no fun. Enjoy your training. You got this! Thanks for linking with us!

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    1. The hills are going to be my biggest challenge. We just don't have them here! One hill is huge! I think I'll like the downhills...

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  9. Oh that is awesome! Your going to love Big Sur, it's a great race!!
    Your right though, it's your training plan, so I say go with what you know and think will work for you! Happy Training!!!

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    1. I can't wait! I wasn't excited, but now that I've got my training plan, I am!

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  10. I ran a half in northern Wisconsin--my first half-- and it was so hilly, I can't believe it. So I've done it before, naively. This time I know what I'm getting myself into. Hopefully my training will be enough!

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  11. I've love every single on of your yoga pose pictures. I look forward to your IG posts every day. You are becoming such a pro at this and I love it!!

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    1. Oh, you just made my day! I have had so much fun with this challenge!

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  12. To get the most out of your new gadget, you could do cadence workouts. My coach has me doing them regularly and holy smokes do they ever get your heart rate up. The last one I had was 2 min @ 90 RPM, 2 min @95 RPM, 2 min @ 100 RPM 2 min rest, then the same set but starting at 95 RPM up to 105 RPM, then again but starting at 100 RPM and then going to 110 RPM. It's killer. I'm loving your IG pics as well. Your yoga poses are great!

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    1. I'm going to do this! Those cadence workouts will be a great addition to my marathon training--speed work, really! Thank you!

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  13. I'm loving that you're loving the bike! I sense a duathlon at some point in your future ;) I am with you on the security of a training plan. There's no way I could just "wing it" for a marathon. Perhaps I've gotten too used to having a coach for the past three years. Keep up the awesome yoga! You inspire me to stretch when I don't feel like I have time but know that I need to do it!

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  14. Yay for all systems go! I've had ART and I've had Graston. Plenty of both. It never hurt so bad like so many say. Have no fear.

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    1. I had Mike roll out my calves tonight and he had a good laugh at my distress...

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  15. Ha! That spammer quote is hilarious! Ah, you're doing Big Sur! I've been hiking there, and running that course must be such an incredible experience. I'm excited for you and that you're back out running and feeling good overall. All good things!

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    1. I can't wait to run Big Sur. Everytime I look at the pictures of the course, I get goosebumps. Prayers that my PF stays calm during training!

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  16. Love the spammy words of wisdom! I can't imagine living where there's no hills, since I live at the top of a pretty steep one. I have a friend in FL who uses parking garages for hill repeats -- just a thought.

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    1. There's a hill nearby where Walter Payton used to train...that is where I'd like to do my hill work. If it worked for Sweetness, then it's good enough for me! I just need the snow to melt.

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  17. I can't make sense of the spam comment....excited for big sur for you...hello hills...you're no match for Wendy!!!

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    1. I don't know that anyone can make sense of it. But it reminded me of one of those Demotivational posters...so weird.

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  18. yay so excited to hear that you are back on the road! It's such a great feeling enjoy!

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  19. Beautiful yoga pictures! I am doing this challenge too, although I think I missed a few days... what you can when you can, right?! I only run 4 days a week too, just fits my schedule better that way although I do not bike! :)

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    1. I saw your amazing yoga picture in the snow yesterday! Love it!

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  20. Your photos are gorgeous....wow you really took on the sweatpink challenge. One of my friends ran Big Sur last year and absolutely loved it. In fact, so much that she would like to return. I am glad you are just running for the experience because it is a wicked race course!

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    1. That's what I hear! The hills will be a tough challenge for me. Looking forward to the distraction of the scenery.

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  21. I'm glad that you have your plans set for Big Sur, and that you are gonna just go and have fun. I wished I could've participated in the #flexandflow challenge, but I'm still not mobile in my hip yet.

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    1. I wish you could have too...maybe when you're healed we can have a Suz yoga challenge!

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  22. I'm curious how your shoe inserts work! Let me know.
    Glad the funk is gone :-)-- They are the worst!

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  23. LOL will you please blow up those spammer comments into motivational memes? Actually, are you sure Sarah Palin didn't say that???? :)

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  24. No profound messages here. Kind of stuck in that winter funk myself and the cold and howling wind ain't helping. I was thinking great! I don't even have to get the mail today, so I can just hunker down inside, then I remembered I have to put the trash and recycling out.

    And of course it's sunny. It's always sunny when it's bitterly cold and windy.

    Training for a spring goal race through our winters proves you ain't a wimp!

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    1. Well, as you know now, 2016 is doing its best to keep me down. I'm glad I was out of the funk when this happened. Now I'm just sad.

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  25. Congrats on tackling the challenge of the Big Sur Marathon. Yes I would definitely train and have a plan (those hills are brutal) but enjoy yourself and take lots of pics. The views are just breath taking.

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  26. 8 degrees isn't bad, but like you said it's the giant negative wind chill that can be an issue. The fluctuating temps between arctic cold -> warmer -> arctic cold never really lets me adjust to one temperature. If and when mother nature picks a constant winter temp (whatever it is) we can all acclimate and it won't seem as bad.

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    1. Isn't that the truth? I ran outside all last winter and did just fine in the vortex. Now I don't even want to attempt it when it's bitter cold.

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  27. - I'm still in a huge funk over here on the East Coast. No running, but I'm keeping active with daily stretching, walking on the treadmill, and yoga. Maybe the break will do me good and I'll come back in early spring (target date March 1, earlier if daylight and weather cooperate)feeling refreshed. I may have to start in the early stages of the 5K program, but I'm okay with that. Seeing you coming back roaring after a brief break from running gives him great hope.

    -I join the fan club of your yoga photographs. The sunrise on your frog pose is gorgeous, but the camel pose shot is my favorite. You look amazing, so strong and confident!

    - My younger son riffs of the Demotivator posters, pairing beautiful scenery to nonsensical "inspirational" quotations. The one from your spammer would suit perfectly. WTH? I can't make any sense of it, either.

    - There are so many pieces of your Big Sur for us all to revel in with you on your journey: training for a marathon with no time pressure, the anticipation (Channeling Carly Simon), and, perhaps best of all, reading of your look-awaited meeting Kristina in person. Enjoy the ride. We will, too.

    - We'll be spiritually/virtually by your side as you recover from your p.f.

    C.

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    1. You're the second person to suggest putting those spammer comments to a meme. I may have to do it! They're so ridiculous!

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  28. Look at you out in that cold weather like a champ! I will think of you tomorrow! Coach Marcia has some MAF test for me to do in the morning and it should be around 39! That is super cold in Florida, I know, wimpy! Good luck with the training plan, I just think it makes a person feel better to have one :) Happy Monday!

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    1. 39 is cold for Florida! I get it! Right now, I'd take it for Chicago.

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  29. I ran my favorite 10 mile loop on Oahu on Saturday and PR'd it! Still reaping the benefits of my November marathon.

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    1. Gotta love that reserved fitness. I had some of that for my half in November. Killed the thing. No training at all! thanks to Chicago marathon training...

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  30. Yay for back to running and planning for Big Sur! It's on my bucket list! Looking forward to following your training! Keep up the awesome pics on IG! Love seeing your pics!

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  31. I totally agree about following a training plan for a full marathon. I've winged several half's, but a training plan keeps me on track for a full. I look forward to following your training for Big Sur! Great yoga pics! I've enjoyed seeing them on IG!

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  32. Looks like you've got an awesome road ahead! Great job making your own plan!

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  33. Great photos. I need someone to take my pic for my blog. Good luck with your training plan. I would love to run Big Sur. I have to sit down this week and figure out my training plan for my race in September.

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    1. I haven't planned anything after Big Sur. I want to see how it goes.

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  34. Exciting that you have decided on a new plan. I am really really liking having a plan. I didn't think I would but I love the structure of it.
    Hardly any hills where I live either but I need to find some because I have a very hilly race 7 weeks after my marathon. Love the camel picture.

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    1. There's a park near my house where football legend Walter Payton used to train hills. They even named the hill for him. If it was good enough for him, it will work for me.

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  35. Yea for the new training plan and for being back out on the road!! Your yoga pictures are great - did you take those your phone or a camera?

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    1. I use my phone. Sometimes I get them on the first shot, other times there are a lot of outtakes! LOL!

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  36. I seriously need to up my picture taking game.

    I also need to write a training plan or I'll be running RNR untrained. Not that I haven't done that before...

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  37. I'm so happy for you that you're back out there running again! I'm sure that all that bike training will help make your transition back to running fairly seamless. I can't wait to follow along in your Big Sur training!

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  38. I have heard such awesome things about Great Sur! I can't wait to see what your journey there brings!

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    1. Big Sur has been a bucket list item for years! So this is very exciting for me.

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  39. Ok, what are your favorite things to wear when running in such cold weather? I would LOVE to get outside and run right now, but I won't lie- the cold has me not exactly motivated! Oh and the Big Sur Marathon sounds like it's AMAZING!

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    1. Perfect question, since it's 3 degrees this morning and I'm heading out! Layers. A balaclava. Gloves with the mitten covers.

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  40. Yay! So glad you are back outside! I wish I could get outside. I totally skipped my long run this weekend but I'm hoping I can get out there next weekend. Loved all of your yoga poses, you have really upped your IG game! Nice work!

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    1. I'm going to brave the 3F temp this morning. I need to get outside.

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  41. Love your yoga pose photos! I've been practicing yoga more often, and it has really made a difference in all of my other fitness endeavors. Thanks for linking up with me! I really enjoyed reading your post!

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    1. I've been doing yoga almost as long as I've been running and I believe it has given me more time on the road.

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  42. My week was awesome. I started yoga teacher training on Friday! Yay!

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    1. So exciting! I can't wait to read all about what you're learning.

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  43. Glad to see you are loving the bike too and your are absolutely right: it is YOUR training plan!! I have heard so much good feedback about Big Sur!

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