Sunday, December 3, 2017

Recovery Mode

Following my half marathon from last weekend, I spent this week in recovery mode. Reflecting on what was a well-run race, I didn't mind taking it easy on my runs this week. In fact, I plan to kind of coast until the end of the year. It feels good to have some time to just enjoy my runs. It doesn't hurt that the weather has been picture perfect--makes me want to savor my time on the road!



I was so happy to see that as of November 30, I have run 1060 miles in 2017. November was my first 100+ mile month of the year. The running didn't stop this week, but I did run slower and shorter distances as I let my legs recover from my race and the training I did in the weeks up until the race. The weather continues to be unseasonably pleasant and I took full advantage of that, soaking up as much sunshine as I could. I ran on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, all 4 miles. On Sunday, I did 6 for my "long run". I kind of struggled with that one--I'm not sure what was up with that, but if I really had to think about it, I probably need some more recovery.

4 miles with the sunrise earlier this week
Knowing that I was taking it easy on the road, my CrossFit coaches, Kate and Sammy Jo have been upping the work in the box this week. Sadly, I was flying solo as Steph is recovering from a bad hamstring injury she sustained at our race last weekend. I'm not sure what happened, but she was sidelined all week and an attempt to test out the legs on Saturday did not go well for her.

On Tuesday, Coach Kate had me do conditioning. She had me do 6 rounds of 30 seconds on the Assault Bike, Ball Slams, Push Ups, and Lateral DB lunges. Those lunges had me so sore--isn't it funny how a new activity will do you in like that?

This is the activity that did me in! 
On Thursday, Coach Sammy Jo had me back at the bar with front squats alternating with jump squats. There were also tire flips and back flies.



Once again, I did yoga at home using a Five Parks Yoga Video I found on YouTube. Since I'm working so hard at CrossFit, I really need the yoga for recovery. As soon as I publish this post, I'm heading to the mat.

Marcia and I finally got together for lunch. We caught up on her experience at RnR Las Vegas, talked about plans for 2018, with a tentative spring half; and caught up on our personal lives. Runner friends are the BEST!

It was a windy day!
The tree is up! Now to start shopping....and baking...

How was your week? Do you wind it down in December? Or do you just keep on going? How's your holiday prep?

 I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. I'm sure looking forward to hearing about their weekend in PCB!



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38 comments :

  1. Kim at Running on the FlyDecember 3, 2017 at 2:00 PM

    Down time is always warranted (and feels so rewarding to me LOL). Happy December!!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeDecember 3, 2017 at 5:02 PM

      Yes and no! When I'm running well, it's a little tougher to take that downtime. I just want to keep the party rolling!

      Delete
  2. Lisa @ Mile by MileDecember 3, 2017 at 2:30 PM

    I'm thinking of taking it easy for a few weeks too. Its a good time of year to just enjoy running and not worry about miles or paces!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeDecember 3, 2017 at 5:03 PM

      I'm good with that! Come January, I need to get myself ready for a February half marathon!

      Delete
  3. TeamarciaDecember 3, 2017 at 4:42 PM

    I hear you on those lunges. I did those alternating with 90 lb farmer carries last week and I felt like I had my behind handed to me on a platter after. So great to see you as always!

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  4. Judy @ ChocolaterunsjudyDecember 3, 2017 at 4:50 PM

    I am definitely envious of those sunny skies. We have not been having great weather. At all. But it is what it is.

    That's too bad about your buddy Steph. Hope she heals up quickly.

    I am just in maintenance mode. I don't anticipate cranking it up for a long time, but I'm not sure yet. Nothing is technically on the plan for 2018 yet. I trained hard for a long time -- it's time for a break!

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeDecember 3, 2017 at 5:03 PM

      I'll be cranking it right back up again in January. I've got a half in February and maybe April? Stay tuned.

      Delete
  5. Deborah BrooksDecember 3, 2017 at 5:15 PM

    Those side lunges you are doing are the only thing that gets my butt sore in that spot in a good way. I love them and we usually do them every other week. hurts so good! You have had a really solid month and pretty impressive mileage for the year despite your few set backs.

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeDecember 4, 2017 at 6:40 AM

      I was really surprised to see those totals. Very happy about all of this!

      Delete
  6. SaraDecember 3, 2017 at 6:19 PM

    Great job!! Congrats on your 100+ mile month and hitting over 1,000 miles for the year! That's awesome. Great job keeping up with your strength training during your recovery week. I'm going to have to look up that yoga video. I need some new things to try out this month!

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  7. AmyCDecember 3, 2017 at 6:29 PM

    I'm just cruising as per my usual and hoping to do a fun holiday run ---> just have to find one here in HK ;)

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  8. Fairytales and FitnessDecember 3, 2017 at 6:35 PM

    That is a pretty tree! I have gotten a few things and hope to finish shopping this week. I can't believe Christmas will soon be here.

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  9. HoHo RunsDecember 3, 2017 at 6:36 PM

    I may cruise for a week or two. I'd like to run more than a few winter half marathons but that depends on how the body feels in the next few days. Congrats on the mileage! Mine is nowhere near 1000 for the first time in years. I'm looking forward to our next adventure. Thanks for linking!

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  10. LesleyDecember 3, 2017 at 7:09 PM

    Lateral lunges always make me sore. I have knots in my inner thighs for days.

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  11. UnknownDecember 4, 2017 at 4:45 AM

    oh GIRL.you have me realizing I am in recovery mode full on full tilt here from life.
    FULL ON.

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  12. VITA Train for LifeDecember 4, 2017 at 5:06 AM

    I was also super sore from lateral lunges with weight!! And I'm becoming a pro at those front squats but ouch!! I definitely need more recovery yoga in my life but it's more recovery swim or bike these days :-)

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  13. KookyRunnerDecember 4, 2017 at 6:46 AM

    I'm glad that you were able to take this week to recover after the race!

    Lateral lunges, actually all lunges, make me sore!

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  14. DebbieDecember 4, 2017 at 7:13 AM

    It’s nice to be able to wind down the running year just as you’re jacking up the holiday frenzy. It didn’t work out that way for me since I have a February half, but I’m still pretty excited to get my training started.

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    Replies
    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeDecember 4, 2017 at 10:07 AM

      I have a February Half too, so I'll be ramping it back up in January again!

      Delete
  15. ChaitaliDecember 4, 2017 at 11:42 AM

    I'm glad you're enjoying the time running for fun! We've been having unseasonably nice weather here too. December is usually a wind down month for me as well but this year it's still training until January :)

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    1. Wendy at Taking the Long Way HomeDecember 4, 2017 at 6:55 PM

      In 2011, I trained for the WDW half, so yep, I was training through the holidays!

      Delete
  16. RachelDecember 4, 2017 at 3:26 PM

    Sounds like a great week! Our picture perfect weather is quickly coming to an end. It's about to get all "winter" in here... #eyeroll

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  17. UnknownDecember 4, 2017 at 8:55 PM

    Look at those high elbows on the front squat! Looking good, Wendy! I'm glad your feeling good and the weather is staying nice for you.

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  18. findingfabulousatfiftyDecember 4, 2017 at 9:07 PM

    Wow, impressive mileage for this year Wendy! I took too much time off during the summer so now I have to ante up! Side lunges ....oh my, those hurt so good! I sure hate that it didn't work out for you to make it to PCB, I was so looking forward to meeting you. However, I have a feeling that we'll meet up in 2018!

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  19. Clarinda @ Enjoying the CourseDecember 5, 2017 at 12:05 PM

    I plan on kind of coasting my way through the end of the year, too. I recently discovered Five Parks Yoga on YouTube and have really enjoyed her videos. I'm heavy on the yoga this week (hopefully) as I recover from my amazing half on Saturday. :)

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  20. Janelle @ Run With No RegretsDecember 5, 2017 at 12:46 PM

    It's nice to have that time to really recover post-race. And that's great that you and Marcia got together to catch up! The weather this fall has been WEIRD - it was like 50 degrees on my run last night!

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  21. MichelleDecember 5, 2017 at 4:32 PM

    There's something about lateral lunges that always kick my arse! Enjoy your down time :)

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  22. runhikeplayDecember 6, 2017 at 1:45 AM

    Congrats on your 100+ mile month! Nicer weather helps lots. It's pretty nice here in NorCAl but the mornings are getting pretty darn cold. I'm looking forward to running for fun and getting some down time. Enjoy yours!

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