Sunday, March 29, 2020

All the Challenges

Does it feel like this was the longest week ever? Every day seemed to bring some new challenge, be it adjusting to working from home, working out at home, and managing anxiety with the spread of COVID-19. I don't know about all of you, but I need my runs and my workouts more than ever. I'm still trying to figure out the whole working at home thing, although I had a major technological victory on Friday which made me feel like a boss. Social distancing hasn't been a big issue for me, as I get out the door very early for my runs, but I'm feeling the isolation. By Thursday, I was really down. I'm grateful for video chats--it was nice to see some familiar faces and have some laughs.

Besides the challenges off the road, this week, there were all kinds of fitness challenges happening! Thanks to everyone who tagged me to do the 10x10 push up challenge. With the 1000 burpee challenge being held by my CrossFit, I couldn't participate. It was just too much, trying to get all those burpees done and my shoulders thanked me. I don't think I've ever worked out so much in my life as I did this week!


Weekly Rundown:
Monday: CrossFit virtual workout, 2 mile dogwalk
Tuesday: CrossFit virtual workout, 212 burpees, 4 miles
Wednesday: Bigfoot Virtual Running Challenge 10k (trails), 215 burpees
Thursday: Crossfit virtual workout, Yoga with Becci (virtual), 105 burpees
Friday: 'rest', 200 burpees
Saturday: CARA Social Distance Challenge virtual 5k, 160 burpees
Sunday: Peloton Treadmill run 4.4 miles, 108 burpees
Total miles run: 17.7  Total burpees: 1000

Running
After running the COVID 19 mile virtual run last Sunday, I cut back on my miles this week. I had 2 other virtual runs to complete as well. On Wednesday, I took to the trails to complete the Bigfoot Virtual Running Challenge. It was a beautiful morning and I plotted my route to complete the 10k distance. I went extra early in order to avoid any large groups. I was rewarded with solitude, several encounters with deer, and lots of mud.

By the way, it isn't too late to participate in the Bigfoot Running Challenge--you can sign up until 3/31. Proceeds go to local food banks. I have to say that the race shirt (I'm wearing it in the top photo) is probably the best shirt I've ever gotten from a race!


Saturday was gloomy and stormy, so I was glad I only had to run a 5k to complete the CARA Social Distance Challenge. My legs were tired and I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to pick up speed, running with negative splits. Finish time was 27:27. Maybe all this extra work off the road is paying off?

The CARA Social Distance Challenge is closed to registrants. The very cool race shirt has a stop sign on the back, reminding people to stay 6 feet back. After a trip to the very crowded grocery store this week, I plan on wearing it on my next shopping outing.


The weather on Sunday was not conducive to running; with 40+mph winds and 40 degrees, the treadmill was an attractive option. Peloton is offering a 90-day free trial and I decided to check it out. I chose a 45 minute treadmill class with Becs Gentry and it was awesome. I loved that you could preload the class before taking it, eliminating the streaming issues that happen with online classes. Her cueing was spot on and the class was challenging. My only complaint was the constant shoutouts to the participants who took the live class. I get why she does it--her mom was in the class, too--but it just kind of annoyed me. But after taking the class, I totally get why everyone loves their Peloton classes!

CrossFit
Monday's CrossFit workout was a 2 part strength and MetCon with RDLs, Plank up-up, down-downs, and wall sits. That was followed by handstand push ups (I did pikes) alternating with hang squat cleans, counting down from 10. On Tuesday, the new coach--I think she's a runner--posted a brutally difficult workout of burpees alternating with sprints. We started with 20 burpees and counted down. In the end, I did 212 burpees. I ran more than I wanted to--4 miles--because I miscalculated my sprints. This was a hard, hard workout.

I can't do HSPUs but I can do a handstand. In the snow.
On Thursday, the workout was much more tolerable. We did 3 AMRAPS with a variety of movements. I subbed in burpees for the pushups, though. I needed to get them when I could. On Sunday, I completed the Cross Fit Arlington Heights burpee challenge with a total of 1000 burpees. This was probably one of the toughest things I've ever done. It got to the point that when I approached the mat, I got queasy. Don't.Like.Burpees.


Yoga
My very favorite and first ever instructor, Becci, came out of retirement to do a FB live yoga class. It was in her basement studio and there were a few comical moments when her husband dropped the camera, but the class was vintage Becci. It was like slipping on a pair of comfortable shoes. I hope she makes this a regular thing.


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With April right around the corner and no races on the schedule, I'm ready for a new virtual running challenge. The Un-Canceled Project, sponsored by Run the Edge, is a free weekly virtual running challenge. You can do as many runs per week as you want and enter your runs in the tracker. There are no times and no rankings. You just run. Each week will have a theme and participants will receive an email at the beginning of the week with prompts and instructions. I've decided to dedicate my Wednesday trail runs to this challenge. I'm looking forward to earning my bibs and sharing my runs here and on my FB page. And by the way, I am not affiliated in any way with this. I just thought it would be fun!

To sign up, click here: The Un-Cancelled Project


How was your week? Are you feeling overwhelmed or anxious like me? Did you participate in any challenges running or other? Have you tried the free Peloton trial yet? If you do Peloton, who's your favorite instructor? Will you be joining me for any April challenges? 

Stay safe, everyone! We got this!

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



52 comments :

  1. My biggest challenge right now is my dad. Everything else is for stress relief purposes. I've reached critical mass here. Have fun with all the stuff!

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    1. It's really tough without the added stress of caring for your dad. Hugs to you!

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  2. You sure did workout a lot this week! I also feel like it's my way to stay sane. Also I am eating a lot crap and having daily wine (and whine) I am also really into the virtuals and will check out the 2 you mentioned. Thanks for linking up, hang in there and can't wait to "see" you for coffee

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    1. Oh, I didn't mention the wine, but yeah, it's a daily thing for me. My biggest struggle is holding back... :p "See" you Saturday!

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  3. Work is still keeping me busy this week, but may slow down after next week once I get caught up with previously scheduled deadlines. I’m doing OK, and trying not to keep track of my husband’s unnecessary paper towel consumption. At least I am ignorant of his TP usage ;-)

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  4. You have a great attitude with all the virtual challenges. Maybe I should sign up for some. I am starting to get "itchy" will a bunch of spring races canceled. I will check out the Un-Canceled Project. Thanks for the heads up!

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    1. The virtual challenges have given me some benchmarks and that's not a bad thing right now!

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  5. Love the idea of the shirt with the stop sign. Lots of challenges this week, I have got my runs in but they look like they might be curtailing what we're allowed to do soon. I need to get some strength work in again soon, too. But we also had family illness meaning my parents-in-law suddenly weren't covered for grocery deliveries except the slightly unpredictable online ones, so had to find a group like the one I'm in where they are and make sure there was someone nearby who could help if necessary. So stressful but I think sorted now. I've been distracted and not able to work well so that has to change this week. I hope and pray for a calmer week for everyone. Thank you for modelling calm and hard physical work!

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    1. On the outside, it's all calm. But on the inside...it's why I need to sweat! Hang in there friend. We're in this together!

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  6. That's a crazy amount of working out! I've been getting at least 30 minutes of *something* a day. I'm finding that running is still the most effective for my mental health, so I'm 4 days into a running streak. I need to join the Peloton app though.

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    1. Last week was an aberration--I wanted to keep up with my normal workouts but that burpee challenge kind of ramped it up. Back to the usual!

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  7. Cody is my favorite!! I know I should be aware of how serious it is but sometimes I don't like watching the news. It makes me sad and anxious. How much longer will this last? I also signed up for the April challenges. Hopefully I don't mess up like I did with the other virtual race you posted about. :-)

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    1. This April challenge seems pretty low key. I think you'll be fine.

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  8. Love all your virtual challenges! A great way to stay connected during this uneasy time. You got in so many great workouts, I'm impressed!

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  9. I think that challenges are such a great way to stay motivated during this time. Congrats on completing 1000 burpees this week. Just typing that out made me tired, lol.

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    1. I'm not sure why I did it, but I guess to see if I could. Ok, moving on!

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  10. March was a month for me to take it somewhat easy, in spite of everything going on, not because of it. I know that lots of people are loving the challenges, though, so that's wonderful that so much is available. I have actually managed to avoid the treadmill so far, despite some not so great weather this week. I guess my reward was a beautiful day to run on Friday!

    That's so great that your favorite teacher did a FB Live. I thought the dogs might make appearances in mine (they often do in my YT videos, and while they were all over me while I was setting it up they disappeared once I started. Weird.

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    1. Her dog was in the corner on a pillow. It's so funny how much dogs love yoga!

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  11. I must admit that I'm really liking the Peleton app too. I've done some strength and yoga workouts. I even got my husband to do a treadmill workout. He surprisingly liked it too! My shoulders and triceps have been talking to me all week with my increased push ups and burpees. I slacked on my personal burpee challenge just because I forgot about it. LOL!

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    1. I'll have to try some of the other Peloton workouts. The TM ones are great!

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  12. Ha, ha, I love it that your rest day was 200 burpees! I think I've signed up for All The Challenges on Strava plus some virtual racing, gotta stay sane in these times. Oh wait, that's what we runners do to stay sane in any times.

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    1. I'm really feeling the stress these days--I can only imagine how bad I'd feel without my workouts.

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  13. I keep meaning to check out the Peloton app, and keep forgetting. I have been so focused on stairs for the past two months, I haven't had much time to commit to anything else. I'm definitely ready for a new focus in light of all the race cancellations. That's a lot-o-burpees!

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    1. Yeah, I'm good right now with just running and maybe a side of home CF.

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  14. The anxiety is definitely settling in. I've heard many people doing zoom "meetings' with their running friends though so I'm gonna suggest that to my group and see if we can "meet" virtually a few times a week. Maybe it will help with this social distancing for me. I miss my friends.

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  15. You amaze me with your energy.

    I am challenging myself to run a half marathon every month...of course now they are mostly cancelled but I'll run them on my own.

    I do miss my friends...ZOOM is great but mot the same.

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    1. That's a great plan to keep running a half a month! I'm not that ambitious. But I don't want to lose all this fitness, so I may pull off some longish runs.

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  16. What a great week of workouts - you are crushing those virtual challenges! I have definitely experienced more anxiety and had to use running to cope with it more. I've doing a virtual race next weekend with many of my coaching clients!

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  17. Congrats on a great week and thank you for the link to the un-canceled project! I will definitely have a look at it!
    I love it when people come up with new ideas like that.

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  18. I've been enjoying some virtual races/challenges lately! Im planning a 10k next weekend but not sure what else I will be doing. I really can't believe you did all those burpees. Very impressive!

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  19. I love theme running so I'll definitely check the Uncancelled Project out!
    Did I read correctly - a 1000 burpees!?!? Wow!! Well done friend!

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    1. Yep, the challenge of all challenges! I'm pretty exhausted today. Glad it's done!

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  20. Thanks for posting the link to the virtual runs. I may try that, as I have been working from home (teacher) since 3/16. It is now spring break, so I will have even more time on my hands. One good thing about sheltering-in-place is that I have an opportunity to catch up on my blogs! I've missed reading your posts!

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  21. That's great that your favorite yoga instructor came out of retirement and did a virtual class! It sounds like it was fun :)

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  22. I've been tagged in a lot of challenges too. I've just ignored them for the most part. :-) Though I'm doing Kim's and Debororahs 19for19 Challenge. More my cup of tea that 1000 burpees!!! The Un-Canceled Project sounds like it's right up my alley though. I've been loving all the fitness options online. My favorite yoga instructor is also doing a daily online class. If you ever need to talk to a real person, I'm here. <3

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    1. I guess I'm doing the 19 for 19 challenge, but for me that really isn't a challenge, lol! I need a happy medium between that and the burpees. I may need to take you up on your offer--thank you for being there. Tough times right now.

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  23. I'm an absolute mess. I hate everything about being at home right now and just want to sleep through it. Of course, that's not what's happening, but that's how I feel. I'm doing a few yoga moves, but nervous about pushing it. :( We are starting distance learning this week, and that was great until the system crashed. So another time-killer gone. LOL!

    I may sign up for the un-cancelled project. I'll be walking, but it's something to dol.

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    1. I'm not a mess, but I am certainly on edge. I woke up at 5 this morning, anxious about my trip to the grocery store. Fortunately, very few people were there and I didn't have to wait at the checkout. Very grateful for that.

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  24. If you enjoy the challenges, awesome! Personally I am done with everything but that might just be a bit of "I'm over this" setting in.

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    1. That 'I'm over this' feeling settled on me this morning. I think that it would be better if we had some sunshine and warm weather. Being stuck in the house isn't fun. I know it could be worse, but it is what it is.

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  25. I've been super busy with a job project but not stressed about CV stuff. I just need to avoid some people on Facebook to avoid the freak outs and negativity! I'm more concerned with the Ramen noodle shortage at all of the stores. My teens are going to starve to death!! :) (maybe me too, I love Ramen) Kudos to you on that burpee challenge. Well done!

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    1. The weirdest things were out of stock when I went to the store this morning. No tofu anywhere? Since when did people eat tofu?

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  26. You had a great week of workouts - huge congrats on those 1,000 burpees! I.can't.even.imagine!

    That un-cancelled project looks like a good one - might be what I need to keep me going in April. I will check it out. Thanks for sharing!

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  27. Wow, that's amazing, but I can't imagine doing 1,000 burpees. I just know that at my age I'd get some sort of repetitive use injury from doing so many of something that I wasn't used to doing to that extent.

    I, too, had a great technological breakthrough last week when I figured out what needed to be done to take my business virtual. Changing times require a whole new set of skills.

    Stay safe!

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