Sunday, November 10, 2019

Feeling Good!

Another great week of running and CrossFit. Guys, I don't want to jinx myself but can I just say it: It feels good to feel good! Who knows how long I can ride this wave--RA is always lurking in the corner, but I'm going to ride this wave as long as I can. I'm continuing to increase my miles in preparation for the Schaumburg Turkey Trot Half Marathon, which takes place in 3 weeks.

Sunday's 3 miler, which was slow and a bit painful!

The Week in Review:
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: run 6.2 miles, Five Parks Yoga
Thursday: strength train, bootcamp, date with hubs
Friday: rest
Saturday: run 11 miles, massage
Sunday: run 3 miles, Yoga with Adriene

Running:
I had several epiphanies Saturday while running my long run on the bike path: I hadn't run this far since January; over the years, I have run so many miles on this bike path; and I was almost overwhelmed with gratitude to have my endurance back. In fact, while I was taking this picture, a guy ran by and I may have been a little overeager in my greeting. He didn't wave back.

My legs continue to feel light as I run. Even using the 4:1 run/walk intervals, I had some speedy splits on the back half of the run. Overall, it was a consistently paced run and I finished feeling somewhat stunned. I received my flu vaccine on Friday and I'm hoping that I don't have any issues with it triggering any sort of flare.

Representing my Wisconsin Badgers.
Rugby win over Michigan State!
Football win over Iowa!
On Wisconsin!
In a twist of serendipity, my massage therapist texted me on Friday to tell me she had an opening on Saturday. Knowing I had a long run planned, I said yes and let her go to town on my ITB, among my other tight spots. Perfect timing and I already scheduled my next massage for December.

CrossFit: 
Sammy Jo has me pushing my lifts to PRs and Monday's CrossFit workout, the CrossFit total, fit nicely into our strength cycle. We worked on back squats, strict presses, and deadlifts, gradually increasing each set to a percentage of our 1 rep max. I struggled with my back squats, hitting 125# (90%). I blamed my difficulties on the race from the day before. But hold up--I PR'd my deadlifts, hitting 195#! 200#, I'm coming for you! Strict presses are hard, but I tied my max at 60#. Could not lift that extra 5# above my head. We'll be revisiting this workout in January.

PR at 195#!
Continuing our strength cycle, on Thursday, Sammy Jo had me do push presses x 8 reps, which put a little more momentum into that overhead press. I hit 65# in 8 reps and that was a huge PR for me. I also worked on front squats, lifting 105#. I have to admit that front squats are my least favorite lift--because everything is in front and it's hard to keep my elbows up, I struggle to lift up straight. She also had me work on handstands and toes to bar. Bootcamp was 2 series of strength workouts. The first consisted of 4 rounds each to be completed in 12 minutes of 1 lap barbell front lunges alternating with barbell rows. This was followed by 5 rounds of 8 toes to bar, 12 dumbbell thrusters, 12 ring rows, and 8 per arm dumbbell snatches. I felt a little nauseous after this workout but I finished it and challenged myself with some heavy weights.


Field Trip:
Some girls get flowers, some get a candlelight dinner, but when my husband wants to take me on a date, we go to brewpubs to taste craft beer. After I fired up the calorie furnace at CrossFit, we hopped in the new Jeep and drove to Munster, Indiana to try some brews at 3 Floyds. I don't know if you've heard of 3 Floyds, but it is very popular here in the Midwest. Some of their flagship beers include Gumballhead, Zombie Dust, and YumYum. I was a little surprised that the soundtrack for the pub was death metal and that there were horror films playing on the TV screens--we were treated to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I could see the appeal for people who were completely drunk--everything's a blur at that point--but it just gave us both a headache. Mike ordered a pint and I got a sampler of IPAs, which were good but nothing special with the exception of the Caldene. I think we would have been better off ordering the flagship beers--although what fun is that? For lunch, I had a ramen bowl and Mike had mussels, both of which were surprisingly very good.

The iconic label
By contrast, Lo Rez in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago was really laid back and much more our speed. We tried several beers--I had a wet-hopped IPA which was brewed with locally sourced hops from a community garden. The barrel-aged Imperial Stout was incredible. The brewer came out and asked us if we wanted a tour of the brewery. My homebrewing husband talked beer with him for quite a while--we loved that he spent all that time with us. We left with a 6 pack of a pleasantly malty wee heavy chili beer. Lo Rez is in an old factory and is a lovely space with exposed brick walls and artwork by local artists.  We will definitely revisit this place!

The tasting board at Lo Rez
We had initially planned to revisit Lagunitas but instead decided to check out 5 Rabbit Cerveceria. The drive from Pilsen to Bedford Park was not far, but in city traffic, Mrs. Google had us at about 45 minutes away. Perfect timing, since the brewery didn't open until 4. The taproom at 5 Rabbit is in the brewery, which is located in an industrial park. I had an Ironica IPA which was so tasty. While we sipped our beers we waited for the taco guy to finish preparing tacos al pastor, which are served only on Thursday. He sliced the meat off of a spindle (it reminded me of gyros) and let me tell you, they were delicioso! At $7 for 3 of them, it was a bargain as well.

The view of the brewery from our table at 5 Rabbit Cerveceria
What a fun day! While we probably won't make another trip to 3 Floyds--although I do think my sons would like it--we loved Lo Rez and 5 Rabbit Cervercia. It's so much more fun to seek out these small little brewpubs and you know what, after reading that book about big beer trying to crush craft beers, I'm going to support the little guys as long as I can. I'm looking forward to our next field trip.

How was your week? Is the cooler weather helping your running? Do you like getting massages after a long run? Flowers or beer? Local peeps, will I see you at the Schaumburg Turkey Trot?

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








49 comments :

  1. Isn't it great when everything comes together?! I understand that overwhelming feeling of gratitude (and of greeting others enthusiastically, lol!)
    I find massages always so painful - how is it for you? Pleasant or more on the painful side?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I find these massages very painful! But it's a hurt so good thing--and I do reap the benefits!

      Delete
  2. Glad you're feeling good! Hope the trend continues.

    I've only had one post run massage - Les surprised me after the Honolulu Marathon and scheduled it for me. It was wonderful!

    Flowers or beer? How about coffee or chocolate?! We were on the North Shore of Oahu yesterday and picked up a bag of coffee that had been picked and roasted locally - so fresh they hadn't even had time to put the price on the bag. We don't have a coffee grinder here, we go home on Thursday and I'm looking forward to giving it a try. Also looking forward to cooler California temps.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yes you definitely need to take advantage of the days you feel good and do what makes you happy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Team Beer here! I always get enthusiastic when I pass by another runner, and it's a sad truth that not everyone wants to high 5. Oh well. But seriously, congrats on a strong week.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Glad to hear the running (and endurance!!) is back on track. I say ride that wave and enjoy ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's wonderful that you're feeling so good! Fingers crossed that the vaccine has no lingering effect.

    Flowers over beer, for sure (since I don't drink at all & especially loathe beer, and Mr. Judy can't have it either due to Gout). Aside from our day in Lake George on our anniversary, hasn't been a lot of fun going on, mainly because I've been gone so much. I'm under no illusion that that's all behind me, but hopeful for a bit more time at home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope that things with your parents settle down so you can have some time for yourself!

      Delete
  7. Yay, ride these good times, go go go! I wouldn't fancy that first pub, even though I like my rock music. I once went to a gig where they played the film Battle Royale behind the band (the Flaming Lips) and so I had to watch the gig with my eyes closed!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL! We were pretty shocked by the continual loop of death metal. My oldest son told me that is "who they are". I guess the brewers are also in a band. Ok then.

      Delete
  8. Hooray for feeling good! Maybe it's in our frigid air?? Haha! 3 Floyds and Kuma's Corner must be affiliated because what you described is exactly how Kuma's is. We found the heavy metal and weirdo movies irritating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have never been to Kuma's corner but I've been told to check it out. I don't know if it's old age or what, but I don't want to lose my hearing over dinner.

      Delete
  9. Daaaang, WELL DONE with the deadlift PR!! I had never though of tracking my weights and focusing on a lifting PR - that's now going to be one of my November/December goals :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's what they do--then once you hit a one rep PR, you can calculate all your lifts off of that. The CF Total we did was building on percentages of our 1 rep PR, with warmups of lighter lifts x 3 before doing singles. It's a whole new world for me but it's kind of fun! I wish you lived nearby so you could join me!

      Delete
  10. I am so glad you are feeling better! Hold on to that feeling! Your brewery tours sound fun! I'm sipping a new "rescue ale" IPA that supports dog & cat rescue. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would gladly take a day date to brew pubs over flowers! Sounds like a great day. I'm so happy for you that things are feeling good. It DOES feel good to feel good. Let's keep this good thing going!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had so much fun! Glad it's not just me who loves to try different beers.

      Delete
  12. What A Wonderful Way Of Surfing This Wave Crest - Good On Ya - So Thankful About Your Adventurous Date With The Main Man - Specially With Common Interest - Stay Strong And Keep On Keeping On

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  13. So glad to read that you are feeling good. Isn't it great to get out there and run and feel good? My hubby and I love to go craft beer tasting too. We got a free beer with our race entry this weekend and tried a new brewery. I was good! Maybe not make-a-special-2-hour-trip good, but we will be back the next time we are in town.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure beat having Michelob Ultra at a race! I'd rather have water. I do love a good craft beer after a race.

      Delete
  14. So glad you are feeling good! Going to breweries sounds like the perfect date. I also really like trying small local breweries. There are a few more I know of that we haven't tried but they are like 30 mins away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There are so many breweries here so we've got a lot more to check out!

      Delete
  15. I absolutely love that you go to brew pubs on date night and I really love how many choices you have...but not the traffic - oof! SO happy to read you're feeling so good. Ride that wave mama!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's always traffic in the city! You just have to expect it. It was fine because we would have gotten to the brewery too soon otherwise, lol.

      Delete
  16. I love craft breweries! That's something my significant other and I should do one weekend. I'll suggest it to him. We do have a few cool pubs here locally.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Last winter when we were in Tampa, we visited Cigar City and Coppertail. Both were really good!

      Delete
  17. Glad you felt great this week! I love it when that happens.

    How fun checking out the breweries! I've been to Lagunitas and 5 Rabbit Cerveceria. I did go on a Thursday and the tacos are delicious!! Lo Rez is one I've been meaning to check out. I am hoping to go during winter break.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I figured you'd been to 5 Rabbits! We drove right through Midway Airport on our way there, so I knew we were nearby your house. We will definitely go back.

      Delete
  18. It always makes me happy then you’re feeling good! ❤️ Your beer tour sounds like a fun date! Much better than some silly old flowers or chocolates.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great!! Gotta be the fall (winter) air!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. That's great news that the runs have been feeling so good! And I love that idea of a field trip to try out local breweries. Sounds fun, especially with 2 out of the 3 being hits. There are a couple new breweries that have opened up near us that I've been meaning to try and this is a good reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  21. That's so awesome that you're feeling good. And man, all that strength work has ME out of breath. You are definitely one strong lady and I admire that so much about you. I get what you mean about Front Squats, I feel like I'm going to tip over at points. It's amazing to see how you haven't let RA stop you!

    Those breweries sound so cool! Although that first one is probably not my taste either. Tacos Al Pastor does sound pretty awesome with some awesome beers though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm loving the strength work-it's one area where I can continue to make gains! At my age, that is definitely a win!

      Delete
  22. Hooray on running feeling better! I could double date with you - we love visiting breweries too :) This past summer our running club had "running on tap" nights where we ran a 5K and went to a microbrew. I only made it to a few of them, but plan on going to more next year. It was fun to hang with friends and try all the beers. I'm not an IPA fan, but my husband is. I like the less-hoppy varieties and seasonals.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd double date with you and your hubs! We've been drinking craft beer since Goose Island opened back in the late 80s...it's fun to have so many options available!

      Delete
  23. I never understand when other runners don't take the same enthusiasm from another runner - I mean, this is fun, right? Well you showed him you were having fun anyway. So good to hear that you're feeling great!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He looked very intense, so maybe it was best that he shied away!

      Delete
  24. I love that you are feeling good and kicking so much ass in the crossfit gym!!

    We have an amazing "pub" here in town that has so many different microbrews on tap; we haven't been for a while but I think I many be suggesting this soon! Funnily enough we were at Decathlon (a huge sports store here - the biggest in the country in here in town) and next door is a rock climbing place; they have a pub/cafe and they serve GOOSE ISLAND! Ron and i both looked at each other like "WHAT?!??" and promptly went in haha!

    and massages ? anytime. in fact went for one wednesday because my back (upper, from stress) is killing me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What the what? Goose Island in Europe? The power of ABInBev, I guess....

      I hope your back feels better. Just breathe...

      Delete
  25. Oops, I read and commented last week, but apparently didn't post - just kept the tab open with my comment... Sorry!

    Wow, you're killing it on those weights!

    Since I don't like beer, I suppose I'd go with flowers, but of course we could go to a favorite sports bar for margaritas instead!

    ReplyDelete