Sunday, November 8, 2020

Then there was...So.Much.Good

November decided to turn into September and I'm loving it! All week, we've been blessed with temperatures in the 60s and 70s along with sunshine. This never happens, so I took full advantage of it and got in some really nice miles! Running was a great way to burn off some of that election result stress. 

You know how it all turned out. Sometimes, you get exactly what you need. I'm breathing much easier. That plus good weather and a strong 5k trail race?

It was a good week.

When your run isn't going so well, you kick up into a handstand.


Weekly Rundown
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: Run 5 miles
Wednesday: Trail run 8.5 miles
Thursday: Strength
Friday: Run 6 miles
Saturday: Autumn Trail Chase 5k 
Sunday: rest

Running

With the time change, it was easy for me to get up at 4:30 so I could run before work on Tuesday. That just sounds so weird, but yeah, I was already awake. My legs felt unusually heavy and sluggish, and these 5 miles were kind of a slog. Hoping to turn my mood around, I kicked up into a handstand, which felt great.

After a restless election night, I laced up on Wednesday morning for the trails. I planned to just run the loop around the preserve, so I didn't eat breakfast. If you've been reading me for a while, you know that I didn't follow my plan. Nope. I parked in a different lot and started in a part of the preserve I don't normally run. Just to mix things up and to enjoy the gorgeous morning. I ended up running way more than I had planned and yeah, when I finished my 8.5 miles, I could have eaten a side of beef. I didn't, but note to self. Eat the damn breakfast.


Friday's run was early but the sun was up and so were the temperatures. I took my legs to the bike path where I worked on not taking walk intervals. I felt pretty good, but when I passed a friend who told me I looked like I was flying, my legs felt lighter! Oh, the power of suggestion. It was a great reminder of how much encouragment can mean to another runner. 

So surprised to see the trees in full color this late in the season!

I ran a live race on Saturday, a 5k at a new to me trail on another spectacular morning. I'll have a full recap on Tuesday. Spoiler alert: I had a well-paced run with even splits. I couldn't have had a better run, considering that I was placed in the very last corral. I finished in a very satisfying 26:03. 

CrossFit/Strength

Monday's WOD had 4 rounds of 8 front squats (60#) and  30 second/side side planks for strength. The MetCon was a 5 x 2:30 round of a 250m row, 10 overhead squats (25#), and as many as possible pull-ups. Overhead lifts are always hard for me and overhead squats are ridiculously hard. I used a black band for the pull-ups and it was hard to get more than 3-4 per round before we were back on the rower! I felt this workout for a couple days!


Sammy Jo had a de-load day for strength this week. We worked on 4 sets of 6 pull-ups alternating with weighted sled sprints. After that I worked on pistol squats alternating with some banded core work. These so-called 'skill' days are always a welcome break during a heavy lifting cycle. The timing was good with my upcoming race on Saturday.



And this: November is National Running Safety Month

Through my running club, I was fortunate to be able to screen a documentary that was recently released by Runner's World and Runners Alliance called Not Today. This excellent documentary shares the story of 3 women who were attacked on the run. It's very moving and timely, as I was scolded this week by a coworker about running alone on the trails. Interestingly, one of my most popular posts of all time is a post I wrote about self defense weapons for runners


One of the women in the film, Kelly Herron, has become an advocate for women's safety and sells these shirts on her website to help fund her efforts. The slogan on the shirt is what she shouted when she was attacked. You can read more about her story or purchase the shirt here. 

Runners Alliance is a campaign dedicated to keeping women safe on the run, although they have expanded the initiative to anyone who faces the threat of harm or harassment on the run. Fully 84% of women have reported being harassed on the run. Runner's World offers tips for staying safe on the run, and one of their key tips is never to run alone. As a runner who lives for her solo runs, that is definitely not an easy change for me to make. In fact, all the women interviewed in the film say the same thing. 

Spread the word about runner safety. If you like to run alone, here are some of my tips for staying safe. I also shared some self-defense tips on this post after attending a Girls Fight Back workshop. Watching Not Today was a good reminder that we can never let down our guard when we are out on a run. As an aside, the video is not available to everyone for viewing unless you are part of a running group. How does that even make sense? Do I need to give another scolding to Runner's World that EVERYONE should be able to see this? 

Speaking of safety, roadID is having a big sale this weekend! Everything is up to 80% off. Use my code SHIPSFREE_WENDY for free shipping. I love my roadiDs and I never run without wearing one.


 
November is National Running Safety Month! What are you doing to stay safe on the run? #NOTTODAY @runnersworld @roadID @oldrunningmom #running #runchat #runnersalliance
How was your week? What are you doing to stay safe on the run?

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






 

39 comments :

  1. I do not do enough to stay safe on the run, besides living in a very safe area. Like you, I value my alone time running BUT do realize I need to stay hyperaware of my surroundings.

    How was your son's experience working election day? Hopefully boring, and nothing scary happened. You must be so proud of him!

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    1. I am so proud of him! He said it was pretty uneventful. Good experience for him!

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  2. I don't run in certain places on my own but always with a friend, but there are plenty of places I feel OK running on my own. It is a tricky balance, though, I know.

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    1. I always run by myself--I may be getting too complacent. It's always good to have a reminder to be more careful!

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  3. Our Week Was A Complete Roller Coaster, Right??? Felt As If Death Was Knocking On My Door Nov 4th As I Couldn't Wrap My Mind Around That A$$hole Had A Ligament Chance. Last Night, I Slept So Well. As For Safety, I Have A Road ID On Both Of My Riding Shoes. Never Really Gave It Much Thought Way Back When But A Client Of Mine Shared The Tales Of Emergency Room Incident Of Runners, Cyclist,etc Arriving With No Contact Info. A Simple Road ID Solves Issues Quickly, No Brainer. Same With Helmets, A Slow Fall Off Without A Helmet Could Take Up To 18 Month Of Recovery. Had They Worn Their Helmet, Maybe A Week Of Healing From That Same Spill.

    Anyway, Congrats On The Work Outs This Past Week, Stoked You Had Such Beautiful Weather, And A Sub 30 Always Feels Lovely For A 5K. Be Well This Week And Stay Strong!!

    Cheers
    P.S. WoW - What An Acceptance Speech - Been A Long Damn Time Since I Heard An Empowering Speech From A Leader

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    1. I just feel so much calm and inner peace. I was wrapped up like a pretzel inside! I know things are still going to be rough, but at least now we have hope ahead.

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  4. We were gifted with some perfect running weather this weed too. It makes all the difference! The most important thing I do to be safe is to run with a friend. The miles fly by faster with chit chat and we feel safe together. Yes it is a little weird to say it's easy to get up at 4:30 to run :) I applaud you as I could never do it

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    1. I never thought I could either, but I'm turning into an old lady, I guess!

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  5. I sure wish this fab weather would stick around awhile longer. Yes staying safe out on the run is so important. Our Southern friends who pack heat come to mind. Haha! Cheers to a good week and hopefully our crazy country is finally turning a corner for the better.

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    1. No firearms for me, but I did order one of those rippers from Kelly!

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  6. Yes, this has been an amazing week of weather! After the early cold we had in previous weeks, this felt tropical. Good job on the 5K!

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  7. Since the pandemic, I run alone all the time. I don't listen to anything, but I don't carry anything either. I try to pick areas that aren't super crowded but have some people around -- it's not easy. There was an attack not that long ago here on a very popular path.

    Kudos on a speedy 5k Wendy! Nice job.

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    1. Attacks on women runners can happen anywhere! It's all about stay aware of your surroundings and being careful.

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  8. High 5 on your 5k! So much good indeed.

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  9. My 17 year old niece volunteered at the polls too. Proud Aunt :) What a week though, wasn't it? Glad it ended on a high note.

    Congratulations on the 5k! What a great photo too- you look so strong!

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    1. It was a crazy stressful week. The feeling of relief I felt yesterday when they finally called it was like a fresh breeze!

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  10. My husband thinks Scooby makes me safer, but he comes with other risks. I’ve definitely run alone in places I shouldn’t have (usually in unfamiliar areas on business trips), but it’s hard to make the decision not to run.

    I wish I shared your optimism on the election outcome. I am breathing a sigh of relief, but I know Biden’s going to have a rough term, and Fox News and QAnon will keep fanning the flames. I am interested to see what Trump does on January 20. Will he sit there with a sour face, or suddenly come down with a second bout of covid and stay away?

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    1. I'm just happy he didn't win. I agree with you that Biden is going to have a tough time but I can't imagine 4 more years of this. I'm just hoping people start being kinder again.

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  11. Glad you had a great race. The sun is such a motivator. Breathing a little easier, and cried ugly during the speeches, but I'm still a stress ball.
    I hate that we have to worry so much about running safety. I'm confident in my before/after dark route, but I'm starting to feel more skittish. Likely in my head, but I don't like smelling weed and not knowing where it's coming from if I can't see the person

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    1. i wouldn't like that either. I feel pretty safe on my trails, but now I'm a little nervous again. Only because i was called out on it.

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  12. so happy for you on your race.

    Definitely feel better now that the election is over and the sun has been shining several days in a row.

    I don't worry about my safety as much as I should. But I usually run where there are others...but not always.

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  13. The weather this week was so refreshing! After a stressful week some sunshine was just what we needed this weekend. Thanks for sharing all the links for safety tips. There is a blogger on Instagram chrissy.nich.runs who recently posted a video about self-defense that was helpful.

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  14. Congrats on the trail race! Your time was great! Wasn't the weather perfect for running this week? I run mostly with my hubby now that we are both retired. Running with a guy makes me feel safe. I know there have been encounters that make me think "If I was running alone, I would be nervous right now." We women runners need to stay safe!

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    1. If only my husband was a runner! I can't even get him to go for a walk with me. LOL

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  15. Sounds like a great week of running! And, congrats on your trail race!

    I'm breathing much easier now too - such relief!

    I am mostly a solo runner - I do my best to stay alert and on guard, but must admit I have been debating about whether to start carrying some form of protection.

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    1. I ordered a 'ripper ring' from Kelly's website. I figure I can wear it and it will be right on my hand if I need it. Wish I didn't even have to think about it.

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  16. How is it possible that not everyone can watch the documentary? Makes no sense. I want to see it too. I remember reading her story. I also run alone and there is nothing I can do about it but just be careful. Thanks for the link to your self-defense weapons. I've been meaning to get a whistle.

    Saturday was a great day for a race. Looking forward to reading your recap!

    I also loved this weather! Wished it would last till the end of 2020. I mean, we need it, right?

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    1. It's just been so nice to have this prolonged interlude of good weather! My race could have had such bad conditions--instead it was like September!

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  17. Awesome job on your 5k this weekend! Thanks for mentioning that documentary - I had not heard about it but now I will be sure to check it out.

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  18. I plan to volunteer to work the polls at some point. I wanted this to be the year, but with COVID and all the aggression... it wasn't the right time. I am so grateful for everyone who worked and helped.

    Great week for you. Congratulations on your 5K - what a great feeling!

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    1. Thank you! I'll share the recap tomorrow, but yeah, I'm pretty excited about how well it went.

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  19. I rarely run alone and frequently with friends and a group but its always a good reminder to stay safe and take precautions. How cool that you got to screen the documentary! I'd love to see that when it releases!

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  20. I've been running since 1978 (!) Mostly alone. If I couldn't run alone I would stop running. I'm so tired of people telling women they shouldn't do things. Life can be risky. Take precautions, be alert, but live life.

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  21. Nice job on the 5K! Looks like amazing weather for November! My daughter had thought about working the polls, but with her school work and job, it was a bit too much. One of these years I'll help out.

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