Sunday, May 3, 2020

100 Miles!

This month, I hit the 100 mile mark for the first time since January 2018, totaling 107 miles for the month.  In spite of all that is happening now, what with COVID19, races being canceled and social distancing, as far as running goes, 2020 is turning out to be pretty good so far. I'm ok with not running a ton of races, as long as I get the chance to tackle that 50k trail race in September!

I runfess...that I chased that 100 mile benchmark for socks. Smartwool had a Strava challenge where if you logged 100 miles running, you were awarded a $25 gift card. I'll do anything for good running socks. My sock obsession was once again satisfied. So was my ego!

Monday's recovery run where I hit 100 miles for the month.


Weekly Rundown
Monday: run 4.5 miles
Tuesday: strength and CrossFit
Wednesday: treadmill run 6.2 miles for the Uncanceled Project
Thursday: strength
Friday: yoga
Saturday: trail run 8.25 miles
Sunday: run 6.2 miles



Running
Monday's run was a recovery run after last Saturday's virtual half and boy, did I feel those miles. It was a pretty morning and I took it slow. I hit 100 miles with this run. Got my gift card via email from Smartwool immediately after I logged my miles in Strava. I ordered the cutest socks and they came the next day. I saved them for Saturday's trail run.

You all know how much I loathe the treadmill. Loathe. Did I mention that I loathe running on the treadmill? On Wednesday, I woke up to flooding rain, wind, and temps in the 40s. I'm a tough mother runner, but nope, I wasn't going to attempt to run a 10k in that. I found a channel on YouTube that has some virtual treadmill runs through all kinds of beautiful places. They also had the Bolder Boulder 10k. Well, how perfect was that? Even better, the guy recording it was running a little faster than my pace, which pushed me. I might be just a little competitive and I tried my hardest to keep up with him. I hoped to finish in under an hour. I made it to mile 4 with a little time in the bank and then the wheels came off the bus. Ok, let's just say my tummy was unhappy. Even in spite of that, I finished my 10k in 1:01:21.

Now where's my beer?
Running the race with the video felt very much like I was there. The course itself wasn't anything special. There were a lot of bands and entertainment lining the course, although I couldn't see them on the video. Still it was fun, since I ran it without music. As in every race I've run, there were the annoying people who stop to walk in the middle of the course and "we" had to weave around them. As we approached the finish line in Folsom Field at the University of Colorado, I felt that excitement that you feel at a real race. Obviously it wasn't the same, but it was the closest I've felt to actually racing during any of my virtual races. I highly recommend it!

On Saturday, I woke up to blue skies and warmer temperatures. I was really feeling the pull to run the trails and I hoped that by then, they would be dry enough. For the most part, they were. But when I ventured deep into the woods, parts of the trail had turned into a creek. The path was under water and navigating around it had me sinking into the mud. I reflected on how nice it was not to worry about pace, just forward progress. I had a few close calls, but I stayed upright. The best part of this run was that I saw very few people. I just really enjoyed this run, in spite of the mud!


As I prepare to return to work this week (more on that below), I had to adjust my running days, which meant I'm back to running on Sunday. Since I'll need to do back-to-back long runs when I start training for Ice Age, I would have had to do this anyways. I headed out early to the bike path on this beautiful morning, hoping to avoid the inevitable throngs of people. I was rewarded. Almost everyone out there was a runner, probably with the same mindset as me!


CrossFit/Strength
My strength workouts have gotten much more challenging. Sammy Jo has incorporated some skill work along with the heavy lifting. On Tuesday, she had me do a deadlift/squat clean combo followed by push presses and body rows. I was really excited to PR those push presses! After that, I did the WOD, which had some weighted skater lunges, spiderman pushups, and flutter kick presses. I took the MetCon outdoors and as soon as I got started, one of my neighbors walked by. We started talking and well, I never finished the MetCon!

PR! 5 reps at 55#
Occasionally on the day after I take my Humira, I wake up feeling 'hungover'. That happened on Thursday. I still did my strength workout, which would have been a tough one even in the best of circumstances. I did 3 sets of front rack lunges alternating with sumo deadlift high pulls. My heart was pounding with these. She also had me do some resistance band work, followed by perfect pushups, v-ups, and sprints. I did not feel well after this workout, so I skipped the WOD.


Hey, it happens. This was a recovery week anyways, so if I had to feel crappy, this was the week to do it. Plus, I still got it done.

Off the Road
If you read my coffee talk post on Friday, you already know that I saw my rheumatologist on Thursday and got a great report! I am heading back to work this week. Since we are still really limiting who we see in the office, I will only be working 2 days in person and will still be doing 1 day at home. Many of my colleagues will still be working exclusively from home, but I am fortunate that we are seeing patients 24 months and under. I won't be busy, but it will be nice to see my babies!

I made Marcia's GF Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe this week. Even though I have that 50# bag of regular flour, I had to try these. I credit a lot of my RA improvement not only to my medication but also to the changes in my diet. I have really reduced my wheat/gluten products and refined sugar intake to help manage the inflammatory process. These cookies were right up my alley! They turned out perfectly and even Mr Picky aka my husband thought they were delicious. I will definitely make them again.


In an effort to amp up my excitement for running trails, I bought a ticket to view the Trail Running Film Festival. Normally held in theaters, this year's fest was held virtually. As you might expect for anything virtual these days, it was glitchy. The organizers had trouble getting it started, and once it was rolling, there were streaming issues. I watched the first half of the fest on Friday night and it was worth the trouble. I have the rest of the week to catch up on the films I missed. You can still buy tickets through May 4 if you're interested. The Trail Running Virtual Film Festival runs through May 7.


Finally, I was sad to miss our runblogger Zoom chat on Saturday. Instead, my oldest son made a spontaneous trip out to see us! The last time we saw him was Easter. It was a great afternoon with him. This is definitely the hardest part of the quarantine--not getting together with family. 

How was your week? Any wins? What are your goals for May? Are things loosening up by you?

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

55 comments :

  1. I Am So Proud Of You - Time Well Spent On The Blissmill - Stoked About The Crossfit Gains - Enjoy The Running Film Fest - Have A Brilliant Week Ahead - Big Hugs

    Cheers

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  2. Amazing job on hitting 100 miles in April - that's amazing!! You had some awesome runs and strength workouts this week too.

    I love that your son paid a surprise visit to you the weekend :) It's so hard not seeing family members during this time. I can't wait until I can see my grandma again but she lives in Manhattan so it will be a while before I go there.

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  3. Great job on that 100 miles! I had a 200 mile month, but much of that was cycling. I ran 5 miles on Wednesday and quickly realized I need new shoes. I placed an order and am waiting for their arrival. The one goal I've been working on is getting in a minimum of 7 hours a week in training - running, cycling, walking, yoga, whatever, just spending time being active. I'm feeling better than I have in a while.

    We're still pretty locked down here - we live in Ventura county which is right next to LA county. Our numbers are some of the lowest in the state, but LA continues to struggle. The natives are getting restless with our abundant sunshine and most of our beaches and parks shutdown.

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    1. The big cities are really having trouble. Chicago can't get their numbers down. This weekend we are having beautiful weather and I guarantee those numbers are going up over the next couple of weeks. It's really hard on people!

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  4. Congrats on your April Century! I will remember the 10k video for my next tready run. Hopefully I'll be outside for May but once June hits and it gets hot I'll probably be doing some inside running again.

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  5. I missed you in the Zoom, it was so exciting to see you last time! Great job on the 100 - I see I last managed that in December so something to try for in May, maybe. I have fallen behind my 1,000 miles for the year target but am trying to make my peace with that ...

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    1. I'm not going for any big numbers, but I was surprised how easy it was to hit 100 this month. The rewards of feeling good, right?

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  6. What a brilliant idea for the treadmill! If I ever end up on a treadmill again (heaven forbid), this will be my go-to plan.
    Well done on the 100 mile April! I also hit a milestone in April - I passed the 1'000 kilometer mark for 2020.
    So nice that your son could visit! I miss family meet-ups, too!

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    1. Nice job on that milestone! We're all making big gains in our miles during this pandemic. I mean, what else is there to do? Clean the house? lol

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  7. Nice on the 100 miles! I'm holding steady at 80 miles/month which is a big increase over last year. Can you share that YouTube link? I would love to check it out -- although it will make me miss my daughter in Bolder even more. Good luck going back to work. I bet the parents are nervous and relieved to have appointments.

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    1. If you click on the name of the race (Bolder Boulder) in the paragraph where I talk about it, it will take you to the video.

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  8. I had no idea there was such a thing on YouTube! Of course, I don't have a treadmill but if I did, I might watch one of those. I think that's pretty brilliant!

    Congrats on hitting 100 miles! It feels like forever since I've had mileage that high.

    At this point, my goals for May are to just keep up with my training plan. As of right now, non-essential businesses are set to open on Friday, May 8, so I could be back to work soon. We'll see. I expect the governor will push it back tomorrow but I could be wrong.

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    1. I had never done anything like that race on YouTube--I think it should be a thing!

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  9. Things were going very smoothly in my little boring state (and county/town) until a nasty outbreak at one of our nursing facilities, 10 days ago. 18 residents (probably more by now) and 10 staff (10 STAFF, what the what???). As you know, I loathe the treadmill, too. I don't think I could do a 10K, even with a YouTube video to entertain me. Congrats on 100!!

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    1. Hey, if I could do the 10k, you could! You're way more dedicated than me.

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  10. Congrats on the April mileage!

    Thanks for including the link to the trail running festival, buying tickets now!

    Great news from your doctor!

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    1. Let me know what you think of the fest! I have to finish it up and the 2 films I want to see are still unseen...

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  11. Congrats on a great month! It's so nice to see everything falling into place for you. It's as if the universe wants that 50k for you. How nice to see Tom!

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  12. Congrats on 100 miles! Wish I'd known about the Strava thing, but I don't think my mileage would've been there anyway. My Garmin does actually still automatically sync to Strava, but I don't think I even had a 20 mile week last month.

    Seeing family is definitely worth missing us bloggers. :) I'm trying to arrange a Zoom virtual birthday call for my brother in a week, he's turning 60. I finally realized my mom could just call in!

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    1. My mom has had her struggles with Zoom. I'm sure we'll have a chat this weekend!

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  13. Tomorrow they are supposed to start reopening the Hillsborough county trails which I'm looking forward to. I've missed running some of my favorite routes. They had them all blocked off and park rangers patrolling to keep people out.

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    1. It's so funny that they had all the trails blocked off but they've reopened the beaches! This whole thing is so messed up.

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  14. Way to go on hitting 100 miles! It makes me smile to see running going so well for you and RA staying in check - I hope this streak continues!!

    Missed seeing you yesterday, but so glad you got to see your son!

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    1. You and me both--I hope things continue to go well! Missed you too. <3

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  15. Congrats on 100 miles. I love the challenges that Strava and their partners come up with. That's some quick fulfillment!
    So glad you get to see your little ones again. Sounds like a good, balanced schedule. We missed you yesterday too

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    1. My oldest son and I had such a tough time in his teens and it is so good to be where we are right now. I love every minute of time I get to spend with him! I'll see you guys at the next chat. <3

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  16. I'm so thrilled you got a great report from the doctor and that things are going well! Love that your son came to visit, too! What a special surprise.

    Things are loosening up, so we shall have to see what happens. I don't know how oI feel about the malls or stores being open, but I am glad to see some small businesses might be able to get back to it. Fingers crossed that nothing moves too quickly and everyone stays safe.

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    1. I do feel that things are opening up too quickly--especially here. But there is so much pressure. We'll see what happens.

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  17. wow 100 miles! Pretty fantastic mileage! I have never run anywhere near that type of mileage. I did bike my highest mileage at 138 this month. So glad that you are feeling so good out on the road and in the gym. Sure helps during all of this! Thanks for linking up

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    1. Fingers crossed that it all continues. I'm forcing myself to hold back--I don't want to overdo it.

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  18. Wait a minute - you got something about the smartwool socks? I completed it but didn't hear anything...unless I deleted it? I'll have to double check. I love their socks. Just make sure you don't toss them the dryer. That's how you get holes in them! I watched the trail running film. It was so good and has me amped on running everyhwere...when we can!

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    1. Some other people were saying they didn't hear anything either, but I got an email right away when I uploaded my miles. So odd!

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  19. Thats great that your got a positive report from your rheumatologist! I'm sure it will be nice to see some of your patients again. We haven't started opening back up yet. I've heard maybe around 5/15 but our governor wants to see our numbers start to go down which they haven't yet. That must have been so nice to see your son!

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    1. It will be nice to go back to the office. My partners have been covering for me and it's reassuring to know that I'm not at any higher risk than they are. Our numbers aren't going down here either, but certain businesses are able to open back up. I'm not sure I understand why but it is what it is.

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  20. Congrats on the 100 miles! That's a great achievement. It must have been nice seeing your son. We went down to my husband family cottage yesterday and saw his mom, her husband and my sister-in-laws kids. It was nice but kinda awkward too. Hope you have a great week!

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  21. Congrats on 100! You definitely have me beat in the mileage department. Woo hoo, way to go!

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  22. Dang woman, 100 miles??? HUGE accomplishment! Big congrats to you!!!

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    1. It's been building up but I really wasn't sure if I could do it!

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  23. Congrats on 100 miles. I rarely run that many even when I am training for a big race. I had 91 in March which will probably be my highest. I don't wear a watch but for something free I could be convinced to start lol

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  24. WONDERFUL news from your doc! So happy you're doing well and keeping strong - you work so hard! Rooting for you :]

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    1. Thank you! I am going to ride the wave as long as my body will let me.

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  25. I watch my DVR/Netflix on my treadmill, but I will have to look up that YouTube video. I'm intrigued by the Boulder Bolder as I've heard friends talk about it. Now I can check it out! Your 100 miles made me think about my April miles... only 98.2. whomp whomp. Congrats to you!! But hey, I'm feeling better than I was in April so that's a great thing. I love Smartwool socks!

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  26. you would run for socks, Wendy!! :D

    the treadmill run with the video actually sounds like something I *could* do. You know I'm not a fan at all but our treadmills at the gym also have different programs you can choose so that you are running somewhere rather than staring out the window at the DIY center across from the gym...

    glad you had a good report from the RA doctor! we did miss you saturday as well but glad you got to see your son!

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  27. Congrats on your mileage!!! I am on Strava but don't sync the data to my Garmin. Honestly, not a big fan of it but that is a story for another day. I love Smartwool socks too. I had a bunch and gave them to Kim but I did keep the longer runs to use with my Peloton. I didn't know about the virtual runs but I am not surprised because pretty much everything is on YouTube.

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  28. Thanks for posting such a nice article. It feels very good when you are feeling health

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