Sunday, February 28, 2016

Big Sur Marathon Training Week 4

We were on a weather roller coaster this week with warm temps bookending a windy snowstorm midweek. Actually, the one thing that was consistent this week was the wind. In spite of the crazy weather, I was able to do all my runs outside. Welcome to spring in Chicago!


Monday: I started work later this day, so I was able to go to a yoga class at the studio. Megan had us do lots of shoulder openers--who doesn't need some of that? On the way home, I stopped to grab some sunshine and a humble warrior.

humble warrior
Humble warrior with hands in reverse namaste
Tuesday: I had an 8 mile run on the plan. It's always tough to get these longer distances done during the week, but the speed I found last week stayed with me. I ran on the bike path and caught some sunshine again! 8.09m/8:33m/m
Sunrise run
I am the fire
Wednesday: Since the winds were whipping, I was going to do my hill repeats on the treadmill. But I just couldn't. I dropped my son off at school and headed over to the hill where Walter Payton did his training. As it turns out, the wind was at my back for the uphills! I did 10 repeats on the hill path, and for the last repeat, I did a "plus" set--I ran to the top of the hill. Becky has me do plus sets with weight training, and I channelled my inner Becky to push myself on that last rep like I do at CrossFit with her.

hill repeats at Payton's Hill
Channeling my inner #34
After that, I went to yoga. We had a sub, but it was a lovely class and hit all the high points. But how sad is it that I don't remember much specific about the class? Note to self: remember to be more mindful. Or take notes.

Thursday: In spite of the post-run yoga I did the day before, I woke up sore from those hill repeats. I felt fine when I was doing them, so this was a bit of a surprise to me. Because I was so sore and knowing that today was my max lifting day, for my ride I chose to take it easy. I picked a cycling video from YouTube that was basically an endurance ride through Mallorca, Spain. There were no intervals, and most of the ride seemed to be downhill. Odd, I know, but for today, it worked. My guide was a little crazy--the roads were narrow and he rode into oncoming traffic just blowing past all the cars and a bus! This video had rock music, and I liked that so much better than the EDM that most of them use. But there were 2 ads in the video--one at 20 minutes and one at 40 minutes. Seriously. What is up with that? 1:02:02/13.24mi

Riding the bike trainer
Riding through Mallorca in my family room

After I rode, I went to meet with Becky. I was a little nervous about my max lifting day. I was thrilled to PR both my cleans to front squats and my deadlifts (177#)! Becky was thrilled too. She told me that I surpassed her goals for me this cycle.



After weight lifting, I asked Becky if she'd be up for a partner yoga picture. Sweatpink was hosting another Instagram challenge--this one was a partner workout. While they didn't specify yoga, and since Becky can get up in a handstand, I thought we could have some fun with it. And we did. Becky recruited the owner of the CrossFit box to take these pictures.

Partner Yoga handstand and side plank
She assures me she'll never be a yogi. I say never say never.
handstand and tree pose
My strong coach holding up my tree
Friday was a rest day. I woke up even more sore than the previous day. My wrists hurt from those cleans and front squats. My butt hurt from those deadlifts. As I headed into work, I remembered I had CPR renewal in the afternoon. That meant doing chest compressions on a mannequin to exhaustion. And also on those creepy plastic babies. Thankfully this class was a breeze. Although I did break a sweat pounding on the mannequin's chest, at least it wasn't prolonged.


Saturday: 5 miles, no goal pace. Still a little sore, I headed out into the sunshine and wind with no expectations. I actually felt pretty good and buzzed around the neighborhood at a brisk pace. 5.25m/8:34 m/m
Windy but sunny. #nofilter
Sunday morning I set out to run the 12 miles on the plan. My tummy was acting up and after multiple bathroom visits, I finally headed out. Sorry about the TMI. But this was a huge issue for me this morning. The wind was whipping, and I decided to head out into it, so that the wind would blow me home. I started out on the bike path, but took a detour to a different park after I passed a super creepy guy riding very slowly on a bike. My tummy was still unsettled. About mile 4, I knew that disaster was imminent. Then I saw this sign:


Do you believe in signs? You know I do, and I decided not to ignore this one. The church was locked but there was an elderly gentleman and his wife at the door. I knocked and they let me in. His wife gestured towards the sanctuary. "Come in!" she smiled at me. I asked to use the restroom, apologizing profusely. She looked confused, but her husband pointed me in the right direction. When I came out, I thanked them and again apologized. He asked me how far I was running, and when I told them 12 miles, they looked shocked. I explained why, and they nodded, still looking at me like I was crazy. Hopefully, they prayed for me. I continued on my way towards the park, and began to make my way around the lake. I stopped to take a gel at mile 7, and struggled to catch my breath after that point. It was getting fairly warm (60F). At mile 10, yep, another side stitch, just like my last 12 miler. I slowed down and breathed it off. By mile 11 it was gone, but I was toast. I finished up just before my driveway. When I saw my time, I knew why it was so hard. I need to do a better job pacing myself on these long runs. I've got to slow down. 12.02m/8:55m/m

Crow pose
Crow on the run
So I've got 2 weeks to go until my Sarasota half marathon. Today's run showed me that I'll probably run into problems with the warm temps if I don't slow down. Note to self: that race is a training run.

Right.

How was your week? Any crazy weather conditions to contend with? We're supposed to get snow tomorrow. Any signs on the run?

I'm linking this post up with Holly and Tricia, who are most likely basking in the glow of their RnR NOLA race this morning! Be sure to check out their posts and congratulate them!




90 comments :

  1. I would also describe this week as a roller coaster of weather! Today it's 65 and sunny but we had alot of wind, rain, and cold throughout the week. I have a feeling we're not quite done with the cold yet, but hopefully the temps will be pretty mild.
    You had a really great week! Those CPR classes are no joke, I'd say that definitely counted as a workout:)

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    1. It was a really good week! I'm happy with where my marathon training is heading.

      I have a pair of YakTrax to review, and I think I'll get to test them out this week. Sadly.

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  2. I love the yoga pose pictures with Becky! Really fun, and you can tell that she's a great sport!

    You killed your training this week. Beat it into submission!!!

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    1. Haha! I'm trying, but it's beating me back! Today's long run was a tough one! LOL!

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  3. Wendy - I can't believe your Half-Marathon is almost here - time flies! That is so good that you got your hill repeats in. I think hill training every week really shows on race day, it makes all the difference. They make you sore! Unfortunately here in Florida I don't get a lot of hills. I'll be forever running on flat grounds:)I think I know 1-2 little ones in the area, that's it (!):):) Great training weeks as usual, and always inspiring. I had to laugh when you couldn't remember much about the Yoga Class - that's usually my problem! Our runner minds are always too busy! Great read!

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    1. I wish we could meet up in Florida! Too bad you are across the state. If anything changes, and you want to connect, send me an email!

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  4. Great pictures with Becky!

    Imminent disaster... been there, done that. But that church sign? Too funny!

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    1. It was perfect timing. And if I didn't heed the sign--yikes. I hate to think what could have happened.

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  5. Weather is stupid crazy, still. Warmer today but windy. Pretty bad crosswinds in one section of my ride. #34 - love it!! I am still a Bears fan, remembering fondly the days of the Superbowl Shuffle "They call me sweetness and I like to dance, running the ball is like making romance..." And so cool about Mallorca, too! My friends Scott and Nicole just took a cycling trip to Mallorca and I was drooling over all of their IG photos!!

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    1. Stupid Crazy is the best way to describe our weather! And I may need to use that rap when I'm running his hill...

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  6. Congratulations on your lifting PRs! I enjoy them almost more than running PRs because I feel like they are so much harder.

    I love fun church signs. It's always good to have a sense of humor. There is one church I pass on the way home from work and sometimes I notice they have a funny sign.

    I don't really BELIEVE in signs, but I believe that we can find MEANING in things we see. So not that it's the universe or some higher power giving us the sign, but rather our own brain/soul/heart whatever deciding the meaning of something. Man, was that too deep for a blog comment??

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    1. Never too deep for my blog. I'm all about deep thinking. And then I crack myself up....

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  7. A crow pose on your 12 miler with GI issues. Wow! Amazing. On wednesday, I almost stopped just 1 block from my house. I ran in so quickly I didn't even shut the door. #runnerproblems. BTW - your muscles look amazing! :)

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    1. The crow pose happened after the church stop. So I was in pretty good shape at that point...

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  8. I love those yoga pictures! LOL on that church sign, and on you going on in. I'm sure they didn't mind. I've got a few fun signs saved on my camera somewhere - I should dig them out.

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    1. It was really good timing...and I hated to go in but I knew what would happen if I didn't. That couple was so cute!

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  9. You had a great week of training!! I love your comment about remember to be more mindful! Lol i have to take notes! I can't remember anything!

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  10. I get tired reading out active you are. I keep making excuses on going to the gym or to yoga. I get my runs in and no speed work or hill repeats.

    I can't wait to hear about your half. I wish I were there with you.

    Enjoy!

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    1. Haha! You're one to talk about being active! I read about your tennis and running--you're always moving. I wish you were going to Florida with me. We probably should coordinate something for next year!

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    2. Definitely. I am thinking of Florida for Nov (west coast) & March (east coast). Those NE winters are tough!

      Would love to meet you.

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  11. The wind was a beast this weekend. I tried to plan my route accordingly but there was no avoiding it. Love your poses with Becky!

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  12. I love your partner yoga pic! I need to step it up on the photos you have gotten really good at it. Are you using a go pro or your phone?

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    1. It's just my iPhone. But the partner yoga pix were taken by the owner of the CrossFit box.

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  13. You take the best pictures! Please teach me your ways. Do you carry a tripod?

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    1. Haha! I do carry a lot of stuff on my run, but not a tripod! Nope, I use trees, light posts...whatever I can find to prop up my phone.

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  14. Sounds like a great training week! Wow, congrats on your lifting PR's! Love your pics!!

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  15. That is hilarious about the church bathroom visit!!! And I absolutely love the Walter Peyton hill you run on. It gives me chills every time you write about it.

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    1. I get the chills every time I run there! It's hard to believe that this suburban garbage hill is where he used to train!

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  16. Your training plan is really intense. I can't imagine doing all the exercise you manage and working full time. You are amazing. You certainly had some speedy runs this week too.l By the way, we visited Mallorca as a getaway sun break when living in England and I do not remember alot of hills. The bike ride with views of that island would be fun though.

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    1. I never thought of my training plan as intense, because it's not high mileage. But the cross training is a little over the top! LOL!

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  17. Iowa's weather was the mirror image (except we avoided the mid-week snow). I'm SOOO ready for spring! I'm headed to Florida tomorrow and when I return, winter better be packed up & gone. #justsaying

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    1. Oooh! Lucky! We're supposed to get snow tomorrow. I leave in 10 days for Florida, so I promise not to complain about the weather..

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  18. bhahahahahahahahahaha about the church. They were so happy to save you, and you were like YOU DON"T UNDERSTAND YOU ARE SAVING ME

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  19. I'd say Becky is quite the yogi. I can't do that!

    I'd also say that you had a great training week, aside from the tummy issues.

    Oh yes, the weather has been quite weird. But we had sun on the weekend, so I'll take it!

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    1. I can't get up into a handstand without a wall. I keep telling her, there's a place in yoga for strong people!

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  20. I'm sure you'd absolutely hate running here. Our LOW is around 60 right now, which is great for me. We're supposed to be in the 90s all week. Ugh, too hot, too soon. Love the church sign story, and your partner yoga photos. You both look strong and beautiful.

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    1. I'm writing about heat acclimation later in the week. Wait until you see what I learned!

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  21. Your photos are beautiful! Also, I recently took a CPR class, too. We also had to do several minutes of chest compressions (or at least it felt like several minutes). Good practice and definitely a workout!

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    1. And doing CPR on a mannequin is nothing compared to the real thing!

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  22. The church sign and your interaction with the couple there made me laugh. Sometimes we as runners have to do what we have to do. Clearly, that sign was your invitation to use the bathroom there.

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    1. I was so tempted to pass on by but I had a feeling that it would be a mistake!

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  23. Looks like another great week!!! And LOVE the cool pics of you and Becky!

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  24. Congrats on your deadlift and clean PRs! That's so exciting. I love those photos with your coach in yoga poses =)

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  25. Sounds like another great week! Way to get those deadlift, squat and clean PRs!! 177# is awesome! Great pics as always! Have a great week!

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  26. 2 weeks and I am super excited! I will have to get up and leave super early to get there but oh well- still excited! sounds like a good week and I am glad the church was there for you- you won't forget them :) Cool yoga pics! You all look like contest winners to me!

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  27. Nice job! This is so inspirational to me, makes me want to continue to kick my butt with my workouts. I love your photos too!

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  28. I'm writing a post about heat training (and other crazy running things) for Friday. Wait until you see what I learned about an alternative to running in the warm weather.

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  29. Use that sign, don't pass it up. Been there, I think every runner has. I have to remember to slow down too, but when I get in a groove, I just want to run faster.

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  30. Your Wednesday picture is so ominous! Way to get out there despite the wind! We had some crazy temperature differences and super heavy rain, but no snow, thank goodness. The weekend was actually beautiful here! Fingers crossed spring is coming!

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    1. Looks like we're going to get some snow tonight. Which is (sadly) ok because I have some YakTrax to review!

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  31. Oooohh! Wind always gets the best of me! I can deal with cold temps, but the wind just beats me! Way to stick with it!

    In Pennsylvania we've had very unseasonably warm weather this week! But did a 5 mile pace run last Thursday to light snow falling. It was fantastic! and we are expecting snow by Friday, perfect timing for our 19 mile run... !!

    Love the yoga poses!

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    1. Ugh...19 miles in the snow! I have another long run on the plan Sunday, but I may split it up with a bike ride. I have a half marathon next week.

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  32. You killed it this week!! As for crazy weather - there are high winds and ice pellets currently pounding on my office window. It was sunny 20 minutes ago. WEIRD!

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  33. You had a great week of training! How perfect that you spotted that church sign just in time! Your yoga pics with Becky are great - but actually I always love the pics you post!

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  34. Oh my goodness! I love that you were able to get the restroom break you needed!

    Such crazy weather for you all! The pollen has gone insane here - it will be 30s one night and 70s the next, and we have no idea what's going on anymore!

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  35. The partner poses are awesome! And hey, when you see a sign like that in a real time of need, you gotta take them up on it! Love it!

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    1. I knew passing up that sign would be a mistake. Glad it was there.. :p

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  36. The partner yoga poses are very creative! I think you'll win. You'll do wonderful in Sarasota, whatever the weather. Heck, it's a run in sunny FL -- it'll be fun. You can't remember the yoga class and I can't remember the half I just ran. Seriously. I hope something triggers a memory. Thanks for linking with us Wendy.

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    1. I wish you were going to be in Sarasota! We have to plan a race.

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  37. Loved the partner photos!! Uggh, good old CPR....I just did ACLS, talk about being tired from compressions! We have had similar weather here in DC and it's been so frustrating because my calf is bothering me and I haven't been able to run during the amazing weather!! Amazing job on the deadlift PR, I bow to you!!

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    1. I'm so sorry you haven't been able to get out into the nice temps. I hope your calf calms down!

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  38. Our weather is all over the place right now. I seem to be perpetually over or under dressed, sigh. Nice job on the speedy runs!

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    1. Crazy weather! 60 yesterday, snow on the ground this morning.

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  39. I just loved seeing you and Becky doing the partner yoga, and she looks like a pro at it! Wendy I thought of you during my run in NOLA! Know why? Cause I saw a sign that said you could be doing burpees! It was all you Wendy! Awesome job on the deadlifts! Only 2 more weeks boy time has flown! I can't wait to see how it goes. I hope you have beautiful weather too! Your meeting MB right?

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  40. Love your partner yoga photos ! you are fast woman ! I understand why you would have a side stitch. Our weather has turned COLD here, 35 and windy. We did have glorious sun yesterday, but man, winter is hanging on....

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  41. Sorry for your "issues" this week! :-(
    We've had bi-polor weather-- freezing and windy to 65 and sunny! Spring in the mountains! Going out for a run now before it turns frigid later today again.

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  42. Church signs are so funny! Big Sur has nothing on you if you do hill repeats in the wind. Go get it Wendy!

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  43. I enjoy seeing those challenge poses - you and Becky are strong women! Very admirable! Ugh to GI distress...ha I liked that sign and it definitely spoke to you right!? I understand how it's hard to slow down - I have the same issue but just need to tell myself easy running prevents injuries and will get me to the start line. Have fun in Sarasota!

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  44. Congrats on the double PR. I love the pictures of you and your coach together, strong and beautiful ladies.

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  45. Nice work on those hill repeats! also, way to push through on the 12 miler. I had some weird tummy upset on my run too this weekend but had to push through.

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    1. That tummy upset is the worst! Mine is still funky but at least it didn't affect my speedwork today.

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