Sunday, August 12, 2018

I Need Another Vacation!

This post contains an Amazon affiliate link.

"I've got that summertime, summertime sadness.." ~Lana Del Rey

I love going away but coming back to reality is so hard! After 3 really busy weeks of travel, activities, and fun, I spent this week getting back on track. My house was a mess, my husband did the shopping with very questionable selections, and my stomach was a mess from eating poorly.

Wouldn't it be great to come home to a few more days off? At least I have really great memories...

Thankfully, we still have a lot of summer left. I don't have any more vacations planned but I do plan on making the most of the time we have left before winter returns.



Running
To give myself time to recover from Holly and my very active weekend, I didn't run until Wednesday this week, but I ran a very satisfying 6 miles on the bike path using 4:1 run/walk intervals. The cooler temperature of 70 degrees felt really good. I did see something on this run that gave me pause and which I shared on Friday's blog post.


Saturday's 4 miler was run early with the sunrise before work. The early morning cooler temps made for a really nicely paced run. On Sunday, I wanted to get an 8 miler in before it got too warm out. I was out the door by 7:30. Fortunately, it was in the low 70s for my run, although it was really humid. No complaints, though. This was a well-paced run with using 4:1 run/walk intervals. I skipped breakfast and fueled prior to my run with Tailwind and sipped on it every time I stopped to walk. I finished with an average pace of 10 m/m.


CrossFit
On Thursday morning, I did my double workout with Coach Sammy Jo, starting with strength training. She had me do front squats alternating with barbell rows. For some reason, I really struggled with the weight she put on the bar for the front squats. I don't know if it was the smaller plates that messed with my head but the bar felt so heavy that I thought I might cry. She took off some weight and I ended up doing front squats 85# x 6 reps, 3 rounds. I was supposed to do 8 reps but I wasn't able to maintain good form while I fought the weight. I think she was frustrated with me. But guys, it WAS heavy. After that, I did a fun circuit of swing-throughs on the box, lunge jump switch thingees, and toes to ring swings.

Boot camp was tough! No nausea this week, though. We did two 6 minute AMRAPs followed by 21-15-9. With the last set of exercises, we ran 400 meters between each set. As hard as it was for me, the other participants struggled more with the running. Some of the ladies didn't even run but chose to row. How about that? Really?



Yoga
On Monday, I was really sore and tired. I did a much deserved Five Parks Yoga Deep Stretch for Athletes. I felt pretty good after that!

Thanks to Holly for this shirt. She knows me well... 💩
Overall, I'm really pleased with this week. While I'm still trying to get my head around only running 3 days per week, my body seems to like it. Replacing one of the runs with bootcamp is paying off. I'm enjoying some renewed endurance and I don't feel like I'm dying on my runs. The cooler temperatures help too. My knees are starting to ache again and I don't like that--fingers crossed that it doesn't require more steroids. 



Back when I was a Tailwind Trailblazer, we received samples of a recovery formula that Tailwind was developing. At the time, I didn't try it because I wasn't training for anything and didn't feel that I needed the extra calories. All that changed last month when I started boot camp! I felt so depleted after those classes that I felt the need to refuel with something that would provide me with protein and electrolytes. I pulled out the sample of Tailwind Nutrition Rebuild that was sent for me to try out, added it to 16 ounces of water, and was pleasantly surprised by how tasty it was and how well it worked for recovery after a hard workout. You can taste some of the salt but I found that to be perfectly balanced with the chocolate. For the rest of the day, I was able to push through without any issues with fatigue or soreness.

After trying it, I purchased chocolate Tailwind Nutrition Rebuild Recovery and have been using it weekly after bootcamp. Can I say that I'm in love? Tailwind, you've done it again!!! There is also a vanilla flavor which I haven't tried yet. Seriously, why would I? You can find Tailwind Rebuild in individual stick packs on Amazon or in a large 15 ounce bag (currently available only on the Tailwind website). Try it and let me know what you think!




Welcome to the Weekly Wrap! The weekly linkup is a great way to network with like-minded fitness bloggers. You can share your fitness and/or race recaps here. The linkup is open through Wednesday. Please don't link non-fitness blog posts here. Remember to link back to Holly and me, and be sure to comment on some of the other linkers' blogs. The goal is to support each other.

The Weekly Wrap is celebrating our 3rd anniversary! It's hard to believe that it's been 3 years since Holly started the WW along with Tricia, who co-hosted until about 9 months ago when I stepped into her shoes. Prior to co-hosting, I linked with the WW since its inception. I love the support and friendships that have developed through this linkup. To share our appreciation for all of our linkers' support, during the week of August 26 we will be entering everyone who links in a drawing for a special prize!



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79 comments :

  1. Happy anniversary to the Weekly Wrap! I've really loved being a more regular participant and love chatting with you all. I have been doing some run and walk intervals to baby this achilles thing I have going on. I should do it how you do it and make it more official instead of waiting until I have to walk. Have a great week thanks for the link up

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    1. I program my Garmin to alarm for my intervals. It's great! I'm glad that I have them.

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  2. Three years, wow. That's impressive endurance.
    I need to look into Tailwind, although Skratch is my go-to when Propel isn't handy. Which reminds me, I need to buy some.
    This weekend is a weekend from my vacation-so glad I booked my return flight on Friday as I needed it. I'll regret my flight timing in two weeks' time.

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    1. I've heard good things about Skratch! Interestingly, when I was a Tailwind trailblazer, Skratch wanted to send me products. Now that I'm not, I don't hear anything from them.

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    2. I found Skratch for the first time at an Expo. Maybe cherry blossom? Tried it later that week and found it right for me. It's way less sweet than even Propel or Gatorade Zero, which is what makes it workable. If you can find them locally, they're pretty cheap so I'm willing to experiment with flavors. Let me know if you can't find & Im happy to send

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    3. As long as TW keeps working for me, I'm good. But I'll let you know if things change!

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  3. Three years! That's amazing. I am a somewhat recent participators, but happy to have found the link-up, it's a great group of bloggers!

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    1. I love reading about your training! You were really an inspiration coming back from your broken leg.

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  4. I can't believe the WW has been around for 3 years! I started linking up around the 2nd or 3rd week of the link-up and Ive probably only missed linking less than 5 times since then, which is pretty crazy to think about! Sounds like you had a good week of workouts. Its always so hard to come back from being away!

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    1. The week started out a little rough but once my tummy settled down, everything fell into place. As fun as it is to go away, it's always nice to come home.

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  5. Whoops typos! I love the fitness community that WW is and even though I've only recently joined in I appreciate everything that you and Holly do! I've also tried the Rebuild and like it - the chocolate is my fav.

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    1. I would never have gotten to know you if it hadn't been for the WW. I hope we can meet IRL!

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  6. I think I received a sample of the Tailwind Recovery in StrideBox one month. I'll have to look for it and try it out. You know how much I love their stuff!

    Happy Anniversary to the Weekly Wrap! I am so happy that I joined this link up. The friendships I've made from this link up are incredible and all the posts help to motivate me and keep me accountable.

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    1. I'm thrilled that we finally were able to meet up! I hope we can plan something for 2019!

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  7. Happy Anniversary! Congratulations. 3 years is a long time in blogworld! I love the Weekly Wrap link up.

    Loved seeing the picture of you on the rings. You look like a total bada$$.

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    1. I love the rings! It's one of the favorite things I do at CF. But when I look at what my son did in gymnastics on the rings, I feel very humbled. Upper body strength is so elusive for women!

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  8. Happy Anniversary! I really can't remember when I started linking up. Maybe 1.5 years ago when I started recapping my weekly workouts? It's a fun link up for perspiration inspiration. :)

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  9. Happy Anniversary and yay for a solid workout week. 3 runs/week is plenty with the kind of crosstraining you do. Your body will thank you!

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    1. My body is pretty happy with 3 days/week on the road. It's my brain that's struggling, but hey, that's nothing new...

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  10. I can't believe how long we've been wrapping things up -- seems like a contradiction. ;-) I'm so grateful for the supportive community we have here! As for post-vacation vacation, I try to come back from vacation on Saturday so I have one day to recover. It doesn't always workout that way. As for husband's grocery shopping, mine shops like a teenager -- bring on the junk food!

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    1. I've been doing these long weekend type vacations and so I don't have the luxury of the extra day. I wish!

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  11. Happy anniversary to the Weekly Wrap (oops, I forgot to congratulate Holly in my comment on her blog). I'm sure she's very grateful that you were able to step in and help her out! I don't think I started linking up until almost a year into the Weekly Wrap.

    I hope those knees hold out and it's just a temporary overuse/tired thing and not RA acting up.

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I'm pretty sure the knees are RA saying hello again. So frustrating!

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  12. I love that shirt! Yes, she obviously know you well! 😉 Congrats on your anniversary! I’ve managed to join once in all that time. Better get my butt in gear!

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  13. You did have like a 3-week long vacation! They do say "we need a vacation to recover from the vacation" for a reason LOL I remember back three years ago when most of us all met via that blogger hook-up/follow thing (I'm totally spacing on the official name and the gal who organized it).

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    1. I don't remember that...was in IRL or virtually? I know you and I first met at that Christmas in July when you guys ran and I brought donuts!

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  14. Wow-- 3 years? Congrats!! I cannot remember when I joined but wow my life has changed in that tine- 2 kids and 1 move! I would love to meet other WW-ers someday.

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    1. I think there are a lot of running bloggers in your area! Hopefully you can do a meet-up.

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  15. Happy Anniversary to you two fabulous ladies! I started linking two years ago this very month and have loved the friendships I've made through it. Thanks for all you ladies do to keep it going!

    I think I'm extra paranoid regarding creepers ....everyone who isn't an obvious runner, walker or cyclist is a creeper in my book. Lol And I would NEVER be doing this trail running gig if it weren't for the training group I've hooked up with... just too dangerous. Be safe out there my friend!

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    1. Yesterday I went back to the bike path--it was well-populated with runners and walkers. Hopefully that was just an isolated incident.

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  16. You had a great week! Chocolate with a salty taste? Yes please! I will have to check it out. Happy Anniversary to WW!

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  17. Happy 3rd Anniversary to the weekly wrap! I didn't realize it's been 3 years now, wow! I didn't know Tailwind had a recovery drink. Great that it works for you!

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  18. Some of the other volunteers at the race I was at this weekend were raving about the Tailwind endurance fuel. One guy said he ran a 50K on just that plus 2 gels. I'm terrible about forgetting to eat while running, so I really ought to try it!

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    1. I've been running on TW for a couple of years. If you want me to send you some samples, let me know!

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  19. Happy link-up-iversary! I love your shirt, I need one of those!! And I love all your inspiring weight training - after feeling the lack of strength in myself in my race at the weekend I've womanned up and asked our club coaches for a strength training plan. Whee!

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    1. Strength training has been a game changer for me, that's for sure!

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  20. I always need a vacation from my vacation -> well, I used to. It's easier now because I don't work. I tried doing front squats last week and felt so awkward holding the bar :/ I'd love any tips if you have them!

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    1. I have trouble holding the bar in front squats too! You can see in that picture that my elbows aren't high in the air at all. I should have the bar higher up on my shoulders so that the weight of the bar isn't on my wrists. I did that in the last set and it was much easier (altho I still couldn't do all 8 reps!).

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  21. Happy anniversary! I enjoy the 3 runs a week thing! I think it helps with injuries too. Hope you have a good week. And I always need another vacation - lol!

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  22. Happy anniversary to the Weekly Wrap and a great week of workouts for you! I am jealous of your wrist flexibility with the front squats. It's pretty cool how our bodies sometimes want different levels and balance of activities, and kudos to you for mixing it up and finding what works.

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    1. I don't feel that I have a lot of wrist flexibility, so thanks for that! I have to work on my form a bit.

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  23. Happy anniversary! I love this group. I don't always link up, but I almost always read a bunch of posts.
    That cross-fit sounds brutal. You rock! I haven't tried Tailwind but it sounds like something I should. I'll add it to my list.

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    1. I love our community too! And if you wan to try the Tailwind, let me know so I can send you some.

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  24. I remember I had my husband go to to grocery store once and it was so weird because he came home with so much "off list" stuff and I don't even know how lol.

    Happy Anniversary! You have been busy but it seems like you're getting into the swing of it again!

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    1. It's so fun to travel and play but it's always good to get back to the routine too.

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  25. Happy anniversary! So cool!

    Summer is officially over for us - it's kind of a bummer, but I am really glad to be back into a routine.

    I have never seen tailwind around here, and I am so nervous about trying new things, but I am so glad you have something that works so well for you!

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    1. We're not done with summer yet! Our season is so short that we try to squeeze every last minute out of it.

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  26. It is so true, we need a vacation to recover from vacations!

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  27. I love the community you foster here - happy anniversary to Weekly Wrap!
    I am in awe of your 85# front squats! I'm still trying to master good form on those because of wrist and shoulder mobility with just the 45# bar.

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    1. That was kind of my struggle--she was pushing me to go heavier but I wanted to have good form. It really was hard to maintain with such a heavy weight.

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  28. Congrats on the third anniversary and the great week! The week after a vacation is usually so hard but it seems like you did a great job with it :)

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    1. I was really worried about how I'd do with my 3 full weeks of activity and travel but except for my stomach issues, I think I did a good job rolling with it.

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  29. I really kind of feel that we should be sending you guys gifts for the anniversary rather than the other way around!

    This has been a tough summer. My race in July was our first vacation of the year. Of course my next race is the next one, but a much, much shorter one. I'm actually eyeing a half at the end of September now . . . but the weather has been so atrocious that we haven't been able to do much of the other things we enjoy, like hiking.

    I'm sure if I'd done your Bootcamp before I started to run that I would never have chosen running! Because I hated running!

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    1. But think about that...if it's programmed into the workout, wouldn't skipping the run mean you'd be cheating yourself of some benefits?

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  30. It is definitely hard to get back to the swing of things after vacation! I definitely feel like I need another trip!

    You had some great workouts this past week! I can't imagine every being able to lift anything as heavy as you do, lol! And those rings...I haven't been able to do that since grade school!

    I still haven't given Tailwind a try. Once I start training for a race (which is no time soon), I may look into using it as a fueling option...I know you're a huge fan!

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    1. Oh, you have to revisit the rings! Actually all the fun things I'm doing are from childhood. It's so fun!

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  31. Chocolate anything is good with me! I haven't tried Tailwind but sure would give chocolate a chance ;)

    I agree with you about having a vacation from vacation! It's hard to adjust to normal life while catching up on laundry and likely a lack of sleep. There's no time to sleep on vacation! hehe. Your boot camp looks hardcore BTW!

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    1. I feel like after 10 days, I'm finally caught up. Summer is always a crapshoot anyways!

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  32. There are lots of benefits to 3 days of running- full recovery. Although your boot camp days are pretty intense too- you always impress me!

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    1. With 4 days of running, I wasn't making any progress. Bootcamp has thrown some variety back into my workouts! And my running is benefitting from it.

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  33. I'd really need to try the Tailwind recovery drink! I like a salty sweet combo. This has been a very busy year. Although I've traveled and had tons of fun, I'm ready for things to settle down. My eating has been very crappy as a result. The shirt looks great on you!

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  34. I did the Furman First training for a few races years ago. It was nice to have the break from the intense running 5 days a week, but without a gym membership these days, that would be tough. I also just enjoy my outdoor runs and walks so much more than any other workouts I do!

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    1. I've never heard of that training, but I assume it's similar to my bootcamp? Its such a nice change of pace!

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  35. Busy week! I always want a little more vacation when coming home from being away... I have enjoyed the Tailwind Rebuild as well! The chocolate is quite tasty!

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  36. I need a vacation from my vacation too! I recently got back from Portland, Oregon. I'm glad you're likely the three day a week run schedule. Sometimes it's nice mixing things up!

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    1. It's hard to get my head around running only 3 days per week, but my body loves it!

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  37. I often feel like I need a vacation from my vacation too. My house currently looks like a bomb went off in it. Hopefully I'm able to get things somewhat back in order before I go back to school.

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    1. My house looks like a Kohl's warehouse. My son is leaving for college in 2 weeks and I've been spending all that Kohl's cash buying stuff for the dorm.

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  38. I'd love to try that Tailwind drink! I love the packs for my endurance runs.

    Listening to your body is good...maybe you need the 3 days per week running schedule right now. It sounds like your body is responding well to that.

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    1. I'm pleasantly surprised how well I'm running on the 3 days per week. who knew?

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  39. Returning from vacation is always so disorienting! I'm on vacation right now (well, I'm at least away from home - working the first week, next week is the real vacation), and I know the week back will be a doozy. Ha!

    I've dropped to 3 days per week in the past and been just fine with that! Sometimes it's a good thing to cut back a little.

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  40. ^ That's from Christine/Into the Glimmer. Blogger comments are really funky for me when I have to select a Google account and can't just type in a Name/URL.

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