Sunday, September 1, 2019

Desperately Seeking Endurance

Another week, another recap as I continue trying to push myself to get out of this running slump. Maybe it seems like I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth when I say I don't care about running far anymore yet complain about my lack of miles. Maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better about my running struggles.

Bottom line: I just want running to feel good again.



The week in review:
Sunday: moved my Badger back to UW-Madison
Monday: CrossFit with 1450m running
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: ran 6 miles, Yoga with Adriene
Thursday: strength train, bootcamp with 2500m running, lunch with Marcia
Friday: rest
Saturday: ran 8 miles, Five Parks Yoga

Certainly, running twice weekly isn't helping my quest for endurance. Life has kept me busy and it's been tough to even get 3 runs in each week! I never dreamed I'd ever say that. I guess I could get up and run in the dark before work, right? Anyhoo, to help me push my mileage, I brought back the 4:1 run/walk intervals. While I've slowed my pace considerably, I'm still needing walk intervals so I decided to add the scheduled intervals back in for now. I've been able to run farther and I feel much better doing it. The pleasant weather we've been having helps too! My 8 miler on Saturday felt better than any run I've done in months.

Can I just comment on how the lower angle of the sun is messing with the lighting in my photos?
Believe it or not, I've been getting some miles in at CrossFit as well! The coaches continue to program runs into our classes and that makes me happy. Monday's class was a 24 minute AMRAP with lots of power moves--front squats, power cleans, overhead presses, box jumps (I subbed in box stepups), and a 400m run. I got through the AMRAP 3 times--again, moving a little slower, to make sure I did the strength moves correctly.  FYI, I sped up the video. Don't think for a minute I move that fast!!!


Thursday's bootcamp was ridiculous. Probably one of the hardest workouts I've ever done at CF, we ran a total of 2500m; some of those were 250m carrying a medball. There were also wall balls, medball cleans, pushups, hanging knee raises, air squats, and plank stepups. I'll spare you the breakdown but we were all sweaty and exhausted when we finished. This workout took about 40 minutes.

Sammy Jo wanted a photo of the class because this was such a tough workout!
Coach Sammy Jo continues to make strength training fun. She had me do an alternating EMOM of 2 reps of front and back squats, increasing the weight each time. After that, I did RDLs (I am SO bad at these) alternating with a new move for me, Sumo Deadlift High Pulls. I loved these and let me say how powerful they make you feel!


Also at CrossFit, we wrapped up the Summer Challenge. I love a challenge--I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a competitive streak--and having a weekly activity to complete really lit a spark in me. The challenge pushed me to do activities that either I've never done or don't like to do. Of course, there were favorite things (rope climb, I'm looking at you) as well! It's so weird to see my evolution from a long distance runner to finding a new passion for strength training and CrossFit. I'll always see myself as a runner and I still have the hope that all this work at the box will pay off on the road. I'm sure enjoying it!

Looking for my lost endurance /via @oldrunningmom #runchat #runner

How was your week? Do you have any cross training activities that you enjoy as much as running? Any plans for Labor Day? We're hoping to head up to the lake for one last hurrah behind the boat. Stay safe and sending positivity to those friends in the path hof Dorian. 

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.


48 comments :

  1. I need to add more cross training as I do very little these days. My crazy travel schedule has started so that puts a wrench in it. Hopefully the cooler weather will help you with your endurance.

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  2. Here I can say ... "Desperately seeking endurance and speed"!
    I am sure that your cross working and the cooler weather help to find soon the enduramce you are looking for.

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  3. Wow those crossfire workouts sound intense, especially Thursday's class! I love that the workouts also include running.

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  4. I can’t remember the last time I ran 8 miles it seems so far away now. I think I will be bringing back the intervals for September as well. Thankfully I do enjoy my cycling and ST too!

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    1. 8 miles seems to be my max right now. Hoping to push past it to 10 soon.

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  5. I wish there were some cross training activities that I enjoy ., but I basically only run. I think the sun is making the light in those photos really cool!

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    1. I've really benefitted from the conditioning workouts--it's nice to mix it up!

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  6. You are so tough at the cross-fit - amazing! I'm on a 2 minute run, 30 sec walk at the moment, which seems to be keeping my heartrate down. I got all my runs this week at the same pace. A godawful pace even for slow me, but consistent work is good work, right? And it's all at less than 6 hour marathon pace, which is good as I'm pondering a sign up for next year to give myself something to look forward to ...

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    1. I don't see a marathon at any speed in my future! 6 hours is a long time to run, that's for sure.

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    2. It will be interesting to see if I can just sustain this 13:30 pace for longer and longer, in which case I would know I could trot on and on and actually get the same time I get from going a bit faster at the start and a lot slower at the end!

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  7. If intervals help, use them. Simple. Problem solved. The rest is mental (not wanting to use intervals).

    We are going to my parents tomorrow. High chance of showers & we're bringing the dogs, which could make it an interesting day. Let's just hope Lola can be a good girl at my parents.

    I enjoy many types of activity, actually! There just isn't enough hours in a day.

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    1. The intervals help with training but they are really annoying to use in a race. Hoping to get a handle on pacing as I increase my miles. The goal is to drop the intervals. I look at them as a crutch. Sorry not sorry.

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  8. It's great that you have CF and all your strength work to work on while the running goes through this tough time. Not everyone has those alternatives. Proof positive that runners need more than just running to keep us active, strong and healthy. My favorite cross-training option is the stairway because it combines strength, balance, speed and hills (and all kinds of sweat equity).

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    1. Everyone should have cross training built into their regime--as I always say, runners can't live on miles alone!

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  9. I know your running is not where you'd like it... but dang, you continue to crush it with the crossfit! So impressive. I wish I could say I take the time to cross train, but I don't. Or do core work. Or my PT exercises anymore. Shameful!

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    1. All the years of running have taken a toll on my body and cross training is keeping me active! I couldn't do all that pounding anymore.

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  10. Badgers had a great game against USF this weekend! I'm bummed I couldn't make the game, they were so close to me!

    I'm not a cross training person, I get too bored. I never stick with any type of cross training for long. I was doing a bootcamp last year but then gave it up when I got into the thick of marathon training and haven't really replaced it with anything yet.

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    1. I watched that game--it was a blowout! I hope the Badgers can crush their Big 10 opponents like that.

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  11. I do enjoy cross training! I can't run every day so subbing in cross training keeps things interesting. P.S. you are my CF inspo!

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    1. I know you love your strength training! You back muscles are #goals!

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  12. It's great to see how strong and empowered you feel after your workouts! Makes me anxious for the day when I can pick up a weight heavier than 10 pounds, LOL.

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  13. I've never really been that interested in Cross Fit, but you definitely make it look fun! Your gym seems like a good one.

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    1. I never ever thought I'd do CF. But as running has become more of a challenge for me, CF has done a nice job of keeping me fit. It is a great box and I'm having a lot of fun!

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  14. I think those run walk intervals will help you to get your endurance back! If they allow you to spend more time out on your feet, then you can gradually work on progressing back to all (or mostly) running! While I do enjoy strength training, I definitely dont like it as much as running. Although some mornings when I wake up its easier to know i just need to get into the basement to lift weights than to head outside for a run.

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    1. That's exactly what I'm hoping for the run/walk intervals. Fingers crossed that's exactly what happens!

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  15. Cross training is one of the many casualties of marathon training - I get rows in, but my knees can't stomach the elliptical or even LateralX. I've been better about some strength training, so suppose that's a win

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    1. That's a huge win and hopefully as you strengthen those leg muscles, the knees won't take so much of a pounding!

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  16. I’m glad you’re finding joy in CrossFit. I’m sure hats what is keeping you run ready these days. I think the run walk intervals will help too. Have a great holiday!

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    1. I feel very fortunate to have access to such a great backup plan!

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  17. You know I'd be nowhere without my crosstraining. I'm glad CF is there for you while running is being a jerk. It all ebbs and flows.

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  18. I hope you find your running mojo soon!!! Happy that crossfit is there to fill a need for you. I am having to take a break from crossfit right now so thankfully I still have running.

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  19. My strength training had to take a back burner over the summer - I'm looking forward to getting back into it this month. Hope your 8-miler is a positive sign for more good runs ahead!

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  20. Your crossfit workouts are intense! It's great that you were able to get 8 miles - hope that is a sign of good things to come!

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  21. So in an odd sort of way, I'm comforted in knowing I'm not the only one looking for more endurance and better-feeling if not actually better runs. Hate that you have RA and it's impacting your fitness goals but I so appreciate that you keep it real. Stupid diseases :(

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    1. Yep, I hate it too. Even more, I hate that you're fighting Breast CA. Leave us alone!!!

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  22. That's great you were able to do 8 miles! Run-walk intervals are such an effective tool. Your strength workouts are amazing - I'm in awe of that CF workout!

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    1. I guess I am too! It was ridiculously hard. Pretty sure that's why no one showed up for class. I'm so glad I did it!

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  23. I totally get it -- the wanting to push the pace and distance, yet also not really caring. It's a delicate balance! And yes, you could run in the dark before work but that doesn't sound that appealing to be honest... :) Keep on keepin' on because you're doing great!

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    1. Thank you, friend! I'm enjoying this mix of stuff and isn't that what it's all about?

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