Running Away

“As this epidemic has progressed, we have had to make some hard decisions. To avoid the loss of potentially tens of thousands of lives, we must enact an immediate stay at home order for the state of Illinois, so that is the action that I’m announcing today.” ~ Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, 3/20/20

Most of us were already prepared for this. We've been staying home as much as possible, save for going to the grocery store and work. We've been running and working out, either solo or in very small groups. Those of us who can, and that includes me! are working from home. While many are complaining about the restrictions and inconveniences, most of us are grateful for the ability to continue our lives via technology.

These are challenging times but personally I've been impressed by the ability of so many businesses and people to adapt to the restrictions. Life hasn't stopped! Although on my walk this morning, it sure felt like it. There was no one out in my neighborhood. It was a little eerie!

Wednesday's St Patrick's day run

Weekly Rundown:
Monday: virtual CrossFit
Tuesday: 6 miles on the bike path
Wednesday: virtual CrossFit
Thursday: virtual CrossFit
Friday: rest
Saturday: COVID 19 Mile Social Distancing Challenge (virtual race)
Sunday: 2 mile walk with Cocoa, Yoga with Adriene

Running
Even though I came home early from Florida,  I was still on vacation all week. I took advantage of some good weather to run 6 miles on Tuesday. The luck of the Irish was with me on this run. Even though everyone was 'social distancing', I got to pet some very friendly dogs. The library along the bike path, which has been closed for the virus, was open for voting and I snuck in to use the bathroom and get some water. On my way home, I passed a dad and his kids who were on a scavenger hunt, looking for some shamrocks. Glad I wore my Shamrock Shuffle hat!

Last week, I signed up for the COVID 19 Mile Social Distance Challenge. What was I thinking? I'll tell you what I was thinking about--that DNS in Florida. Not only was I upset about missing my race, I had all this training under my belt and I didn't get to use it. Plus, there was novelty in running 19 miles! On Saturday morning, I headed out to run 19 miles. It's been 4 years since I've run anything farther than a half marathon, but I figured I should try. With 24 hours to complete the distance, I could split it up and finish the next morning. I hoped not to have to do that.

For insurance, I wore my InkNBurn Run or Die shirt--I mean really, what else would do? My plan was to run it ultra-marathon style, with four 4.5 mile loops around my neighborhood. I stopped at home after each loop for fuel and the bathroom, but didn't linger. This was a great plan! My route was not pretty--it took me along 3 major thoroughfares and along the highway, but it worked for what I needed and I had my music to distract me.

19 miles-DONE!!!!

I was surprised at how great my legs felt--naturally I was tired at the end, but my pace was pretty consistent. Indulge me please--I never post my splits, but looking at this just made me so happy!

I am SO GLAD I did this. What a wonderful feeling to know that I still have endurance left in these old legs. And kudos to my strength coach, Sammy Jo, for the amazing strength training she's been doing with me. All that hard work is paying off on the road and the trails. I can't wait to get back in the gym to work with her!

CrossFit
The CrossFit box is closed but the workouts didn't stop! The 4 coaches took turns posting virutal workouts. On Monday, it was raining and snowing so I did the workout inside. There was running, which I did on the treadmill, along with burpees and atomic situps. The strength portion had plank walkouts and Bulgarian split squats.

Yes, it was snowing. 

I took Wednesday's and Thursday's classes outside. On Wednesday, we did a Tabata Triathlon: flutter kicks, bicycles, and shuttle runs. The strength component was 'Linda-ish'; a 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 of sumo deadlift high pulls, floor presses, and modified KB swings. On Thursday, we did a tough 28 minute workout with a running clock. There were 3 AMRAPs which included double unders (I did singles) among other fun things.

Yoga
I woke up Sunday morning pretty sore from the previous day's long run. Personally, I don't believe in running the day after a long run--I like to give my legs a break. I took Cocoa for a walk and then I came home to stretch it all out on the mat with Adriene. I chose a 40 minute flow which hit all the hot spots. I felt great when I was done and really, isn't that the whole objective?

She encouraged us to play with our arm positions during this boat pose variation.

ROAD iD review and a GIVEAWAY!

As a long time solo, social distancing runner, I've had the opportunity to use ROAD iD since the product was first introduced. Initially, the ID band was large and a big clunky. I used to take the ID badge off the band and slide it onto my wristwatch band. Fast forward to the present and ROAD iD has completely revamped its product lines. In addition to the original wrist ID, there are shoe IDs and pet IDs! As an ambassador for ROAD iD, I've had the opportunity to try several of the products, including the sidekick ID, which slides onto a watchband and the pin-tuck 13mm ID, which is a slim silicone band that I wear alongside my Garmin. This is my favorite and it comes in a variety of colors. This week ROAD iD is sharing 2 gift cards with me to giveaway to my followers! The giveaway is on my Instagram and is open until Tuesday, 3/24/20. US residents only. 

GIVEAWAY!

Are you staying home? Working from home? Running outside? What virtual workouts have you been doing? Do you have a ROADid?

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