Sunday, February 9, 2020

A Change In Plans

A few weeks ago, I posted my goals for 2020 as well as my spring race plans. I can't plan too far in advance because who knows what RA has in store for me. My first race was planned for this weekend, but my plans changed and so did my race! I'll tell you, flexibility is really the name of the game here.

Logistically, driving up to Madison for a Saturday morning race just wasn't going to work. My husband was also fussing about what to do with the dog. Since the weather was iffy all week, I hadn't signed up for the race yet--I was going to do that at the race. Instead, I signed up for a local trail race. I'll share more about the race on Tuesday's recap. But I will say that I was thrilled to find a trail race this time of year! I need some time on the trails to get myself prepared for my upcoming Everglades Trail Run and this time of year, trails are snow covered and difficult to navigate.

I had RA symptoms all week, with pain in my joints. I didn't let it stop me, but I did have to pop some ibuprofen and use some topical analgesics to get myself moving. Thankfully, I was able to keep up with all my workouts. Praying that RA doesn't pull any tricks on me this year.



Weekly Rundown:
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: Run 6.5 miles, Yoga with Adriene
Thursday: Strength training, Bootcamp
Friday: rest
Saturday: Universal Sole Valentine's Trail Challenge 4.5 miles
Sunday: run 10 miles, Yoga with Adriene

Running
After reviewing all my options, I finally settled on a pair of trail shoes and on Wednesday, I took them for their first run. I drove to the preserve with the limestone path, thinking that it would be a good place to test out the shoes. The path wasn't snow covered but it was frozen. There were a lot of frozen footprints, which made for uneven footing. Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for--the uneven terrain kept me guessing! It was cold. I overestimated the temperatures and would have preferred another layer. But I sucked it up and ran 6.5 miles, a little more than my planned 6. I also saw a herd of deer drinking from one of the ponds.


On Saturday, I ran that trail race I spontaneously signed up for. Once again, I underdressed, but as we ran, the sun came out and I was really comfortable. Funny how things work out, isn't it? This time, the trail we ran on was mostly snow covered, although there were some muddy spots. I was pleased with how I ran but clearly, everyone else was also having a good day since I finished 7/24 in the 50-59 age group. I'll share more about this on Tuesday.

It was blustery and raw Sunday morning and I had to talk myself into heading out for my long run. I knew that I'd be running into the wind on the way back, but my desire to run on the bike path, which I hoped would be clear of snow and ice, won out. Well, I made it about 4 miles before I ran into all that ice and snow in the title photo. I had to change my route and try to figure out how I could get 10 miles out this run. It also meant that I'd be running the rest of my miles into that raw, east wind off Lake Michigan. Keeping things positive, let's just say that I got it done without walk intervals. It felt really good to run on pavement--I know, weird, but running on trails and uneven surfaces is much more challenging. My splits were fairly even. But I just have to say that the wind was really mean. My face still hurts.

CrossFit
Monday's WOD had strength and MetCon components. We worked on a complex of one power clean followed by 3 push presses at the same weight. I was really excited to hit a PR for both at 85#! Hoping to push that to 100# eventually for both lifts. The MetCon was 3 rounds of 500m row, 12 deadlifts (I did 95#), and 21 box jumps (20"). I went lighter on the deadlifts than the rx (135#) because we had to do so many. It was a good move because I hit them all. I'm learning that there's no need to be a hero. I'd rather complete all the lifts in the WOD than have to drop sets.

Getting ready to PR my complex!
On Thursday, bootcamp started with a 42 calorie ride on the assault bike. That was followed by 5 rounds of 20 slamball over the shoulder (30#), 10 burpees over the slamball, 20m slamball bear crawls, and 10 anchored situps using the slamball. After that, we finished with 1000m of rowing. We had 30 minutes to finish and I finished up with plenty of time to spare.

Strength
I thought we were done with heavy lifting but apparently, Sammy Jo has other ideas. She had me work on front squats. I have to say that front squats are one of my least favorite lifts. It's just so awkward, trying to keep my elbows and chest up while not letting the weight pull me forward. I did sets of 5 and maxed out at 105#! I alternated with these squatting shoulder presses. SJ started me with 5# dumbbells, but that was pretty easy, so I ended up with 12#. Try it. It's not as easy as it looks! After that, I carried the wreck bag (85#) for 6 laps. Not a fan.







I have great news! I was accepted to be a RoadID ambassador! I've used RoadID for years, sliding the identification badge onto my watch band. I run by myself most of the time and having identification readily available is just good common sense. I'm excited to share my love for RoadID. Stay tuned for some more information including product discounts!

Have you changed races at that last minute? Since I didn't sign up for that 5k in Madison, it's not technically a DNS, right? How was your week? Any races? Have you done trail races? Which do you prefer, trail or road? Have you used RoadID?

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

55 comments :

  1. Congrats on your ambassadorship! That's totally understandable about the 5k, I'll drive an hour for a half marathon but that's just too much of a haul for a 5k. I remember a 10 mile run that I did last year where I started with a tail wind and was sailing on it and then things turned around and I was stuck with wind blowing in my face for 5 miles, definitely a miserable experience. But the run got done!

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    1. That is exactly what happened today. I had hints of what was to come because that wind was sneaking around me too. Brrr!

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  2. Yes we runners have to be flexible.

    For me it means running skier and fewer miles and even running in pain

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  3. Sometimes a change in plans can be for the best! It sounds like you had a lot of fun during that race and I can't wait to read your recap.

    Congrats on being accepted as a Road ID ambassador!

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    1. I had so much fun! I didn't even know anyone there. But everyone was so friendly.

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  4. I say if you didn't sign up it's not a DNS for sure. And that's exactly why I wait to the last minute -- a lot! I can't believe you tackled a trail race in Winter. I can't even imagine. 1 trail mile feels like 2 road miles, I swear!

    Congrats on becoming a Road ID Ambassador!

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    1. I was really surprised at how 'easy' my run felt today on the pavement after yesterday's trail race! I needed that!

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  5. love your flexibility! I had to be pretty flexible too this week. sometimes it's just like that! There's no DNS if you didn't sign up in the first place. Nice that you got to run on the trails though! Perspective: I'd have been dead last so 7/24 isn't that bad ;-) Congrats on RoadID! I do have quite a few of those laying around the house! I used to make Ron wear his on his sneakers!

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    1. I always carry my phone but I think it's still a good idea to wear ID. You just never know, right?

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  6. I think you have to be flexible especially now in winter when conditions change on a dime. You know I love my trails!

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    1. I'm happy to have both options this year! But I won't lie--the flat, smooth pavement felt good today!

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  7. That run or die shirt is awesome on so many levels!

    I use the RoadID app for live tracking so my husband can make sure I don't get kidnapped on a run. It's great... works way better than whichever one I was using before.

    You may have explained this in the past and I missed it, but what is meant by "42 calorie assault bike"... is it what it sounds like... how many calories burned? Or something more complicated?

    Good job on the 2 PR's! BAMF!

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    1. Oh and no, it's not a DNS if you never signed up...otherwise we are all dns'ing every race, in a way!

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    2. Calories are used as a benchmark for rowing or riding the bike at CrossFit. It took me about 5 minutes to get to 42 calories on the bike! On the rower it would be shorter.

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  8. Wish I had known about that trail challenge. I did a 15K cross country race in the snow in Caldwell Woods about 3 weeks ago. Those off road runs really are a different animal, and you will start hurting in places you don't normally feel when road racing. I've used RoadID for years, although right now I'm wearing 1BandID. I'm definitely going to try those squatting shoulder presses. That looks like a good strength exercise combo.

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    1. I wish I knew about that race in Caldwell Woods! I'm going to need to stay on top of that. Trail racing is a great way to mix it up!

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  9. Congratulations on the Road ID ambassadorship!

    Way to go with the flow with regards to race plans. Still an awesome week, trial miles in the winter are extra challenging!

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    1. The race yesterday was only 4.5 miles but it felt like double!

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  10. Congrats on the Road ID gig! I do have one and I wear it. I haven't been signing up for races in advance much these days. Seems like I'm always changing my plans last minute or I don't want to get hurt by over doing it. A trail race sounds fun!

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    1. I have a few races that I know I'm going to do, so if nothing else, they are on the calendar. It was fun just to jump in at the last minute!

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  11. Congrats on the ambassadorship! I have a Wrist ID and love it. Definitely not a DNS if you didn't sign up for the race. I don't think I've ever changed a race at the last minute. I could be wrong too since I've run so many races and I cannot remember.

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    1. I know this wasn't my first change but for the life of me I can't remember!

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  12. I commented on another blog that sometimes flexibility has to be our forte. Whether it's a change in training runs/workouts or race day strategy, going with the flow serves us well (most of the time). I'd think running snow-covered trails will give you a huge advantage for your upcoming trail race. You probably won't have all those extra layers either, nor any hidden ice to take you by surprise :-)

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    1. Yeah, the only factor I can't train for would be warmer temps/humidity. But the snow packed trails are certainly giving me a whole new challenge! My run today on the clear path was such a pleasant surprise!

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  13. I never like to register for races too far in advance unless I know it will sell out or a there's a really good deal going on. Especially during the winter, I stalk the weather the week prior before I make a decision. Congrats on the trail race! That's awesome! I can't wait to read about it.

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    1. I do the same thing as you--after the last couple of years and having to DNS a few races, I'm content to wait!

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  14. I love my road ID that hooks onto my Garmin. Congrats on joining their team. I love how you turned your RA setback into a pretty stellar week. Looking forward to hearing all about this trail run! Have a really great week ahead and feel good. Thanks for linking up

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    1. I figure that I should go and at least try--if it's a bad flare, I won't be able to continue. That hasn't happened. In fact, this morning, I was miserable with pain but I went anyways. The pain cleared! I think movement is a good thing.

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  15. I think it's no secret I prefer trail races! Glad you found a fun one. Also not a fan of front squats...my wrists don't really bend like that.

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    1. You live in such a wonderful place--I would only run trails there!

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  16. Congrats on the trail race! I need to scope one out to try this year. Yay on RoadID but boo on RA.I’m glad it didn’t impact your plans too much.

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    1. I am so glad that RA behaved itself. When I'm hurting, I try to get moving. Usually it loosens things up and I feel better.

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  17. I don't register for races too far in advance anymore either since my back has been acting up so much lately. I will make an exception if it's a race I really want to run and know it will fill up quickly.

    Congrats on the Road ID ambassadorship! I've been using Road ID since you had to order via the mail after seeing the ad in the back of Runner's World Magazine. I was an ambassador several years ago until they ended their program. I've recently noticed people mentioning it and that it's back up and running again. That's great news!

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  18. You didn't do a planned 5k but did a 4.5mile trail race instead? Well, you did MORE than you planned to do, so it's a WIN! Definitely not a DNS.And finishing 7/24 in your AG is great. Looking forward to your recap.
    Those squatting shoulder presses look easy but I'm sure they're hard to do!

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  19. That's awesome that you were able to jump into a trail race! Sounds like a fun change of pace for this time of year. Congrats on the ambassadorship!

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    1. I'm on the hunt for more trail races! Excited to have this option.

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  20. LOVE that you are keeping all options open and exercsing those options as you see fit < - - see what I did there? You are amazing and I love that you found a winter trail race!? I mean, what?? And I cannot even imagine (nor do I want to) the wind that comes off the lake!! I hope your face has recovered. And finally, congrats on the new ambassadorship!! They are lucky to have you!

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    1. The worst thing is that I live 25 miles from the lake, lol! Those cold winds are far-reaching, dammit!

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  21. Yay! Well done on doing that Trail Race! Can't wait to read all about it. I laughed at your comment about running on pavement being easier! Oh yes, after I've done a trail run nothing feels better than that hard predictable surface, LOL!

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    1. That was a revelation that I wasn't expecting, but there you go!

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  22. Definitely not a DNS - and glad the switch didn't happen for health reasons. Congrats on a solid trail race. Sounds like more fun than a 5K
    I know I've said it before, but the shirt in your title pic is great against a winter backdrop
    Re: face hurts. There's a great meme "I don't want to live where the air hurts my face" Wet winds are the worst

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  23. I've been wearing a Road ID since I started running 10 years ago and I'm a huge believer in them. Was kind of sad recently to have to order one with a medical condition listed as the last line instead of my usual "will run for cookie dough" or "milk was a bad idea" - but it's great that they are an affordable way to communicate when you can't.

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  24. Congrats on those lifting PRs and the ambassador news! I agree that's it's not a DNS if you didn't sign up for the race :) And it sounds like it was a good experience at the new race you signed up for.

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    1. I was in need of something new and different and I think I may have found it!

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  25. Congratulations on Road ID!

    I do love trail races. It's been a while since I've done one, and it will be a while until I can do one again, but they are such a nice break from the road. I am so happy you had a great experience.

    Those front squats look challenging!

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    1. I do not like front squats but I need them. Isn't that always the way?

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  26. Definitely not a DNS since you hadn’t signed up. Also you totally did another race ;-)
    I’ve been having so many issues dressing lately too... mostly overdressing ... first time winter runner. I have no idea what to do lol

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    1. As hard as it is to start out feeling cold on a winter run, that is the best way to dress. Layers are good and you can always take off a layer and wrap it around your waist! Enjoy the winter running.

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