Sunday, May 2, 2021

Blown Away

Literally and figuratively, this week I was blown away.

Spring weather in the Midwest is always a wild ride. We often joke that if you don't like the weather, wait a minute and it will change. Sometimes it feels like you have all 4 seasons in one day--a few years ago at the CARA Lakefront 10 miler, we started out with sun and 70 degrees, only to finish in the wind with temperatures dropping to the 40s.

Oh, that wind! Even though the Windy City got its nickname from its windbag politicians, Chicago is known for its fierce winds that blow off Lake Michigan. We've had our share of wind this spring and this week was no different. Apparently, any large body of water will do as I battled winds at my race around Lake Monona on Saturday in Madison, Wisconsin. 

But the wind wasn't the only thing the blew me away this week--there were some good runs, including another live race and a hike to one of my favorite spots.

Weekly Rundown
Monday: home WOD
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: trail run 8 miles
Thursday: Strength
Friday: run 3.3 miles
Saturday: Lake Monona 20k 1:56:11
Sunday: hike Gibraltar Rock 2 miles
April miles: 91

Running

After last Saturday's trail run where I didn't feel good at all, I was pleasantly surprised by my trail run on Wednesday. I felt strong and that gave me confidence for this weekend's 20k. I looped around the preserve hoping to get 8-ish miles. I combined runs on the main trail, which allowed me push my pace a bit, with slower run/hike on the single tracks. The trails are so dry right now and there are a lot of exposed roots and fallen trees, more than ever, which made for a fun agility workout! I hate to even say this, but we need rain badly. 


With a race on Saturday, I didn't want to push myself hard on my Friday morning run. I did want to get out for a short little run to shake out the legs. It was a beautiful bluebird morning, but there was a stiff breeze from the northeast (brr). That helped me keep my pace under control. It was also a sign of things to come...


For some time now, I've been wanting to run the Lake Loop around Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin. The Lake Monona 20k is a race  on the lake loop, but last year it was canceled due to the pandemic. Again this year, they offered a virtual option, but that wasn't the option for me. I put my name on the list for the live race should it happen and guess what? Two weeks ago, the live race was approved for Saturday, May 1! Having run my 10 mile race 2 weeks ago, I was certainly trained for the distance, but who knew how it would go? I'm happy to say that this was the strongest I have run in a long time. The last race that felt this good was the 2018 Shamrock Shuffle, a race I've run multiple times. I felt really good in spite of the strong winds and the cold temperatures at the start. I paced myself really well. At mile 10, I knew I was going to beat my goal time of 2 hours and I couldn't stop smiling!! It felt good to feel good on a long run; especially on such a beautiful race course! I will have a full recap on Tuesday.


Sunday morning, I took my legs on a recovery hike to Gibraltar Rock. This segment of the Ice Age Trail is a relatively short but steady, steep climb with spectacular views at the top. I've written about it before. It was a gorgeous morning and shockingly, I had this very popular spot to myself! I completely enjoyed this hike and was serenaded by the birds both up and down the trail. It was just perfect.

Strength/CrossFit

On Monday, I was home waiting for a serviceman to do some work on my new sofa. The WOD looked totally doable for home and it was! I worked on building to a heavy clean for the strength portion. I'm not sure what my 1 RM is for cleans, but I set a goal of 80-85#. I built up to 80#, but I was not able to clean 85#. Goals for sure. The MetCon was a 12 minute EMOM with box jumps, overhead empty BB strict hold x 30 seconds followed by an AMRAP of empty BB strict presses, and calories rowed ( I subbed a 1 minute sprint on the treadmill). I was pleasantly sore the following day after this one!


For my strength sesh with Sammy Jo on Thursday, I started out with some legwork using a resistance band. I alternated those with some balance work. After that, she had me do box step ups holding 20# DBs alternating with skater jumps. I finished with Copenhagen planks alternating with situps on the bench. I'm enjoying this strength cycle where we are focusing on skill work as well as strength! 


May is Arthritis Awareness Month!

For the month of May, I'm participating in the Cure Arthritis Challenge! The goal of the challenge is to move at least 30 minutes or walk at least one mile every day. There is also a virtual 5k. The challenge was started to raise awareness of the need for a cure for arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. All funds benefit the Arthritis National Research Foundation. As you know, I have rheumatoid arthritis. I've benefited directly from research on autoimmune diseases--my medication keeps me active. I kicked off the month with a 20k. Won't you join me in supporting this wonderful cause? Learn more here.

How was your week? Have you run any live races? Is the weather on a roller coaster for you? Will you join me in the Cure Arthritis Challenge?

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









34 comments :

  1. Sounds like you had a really good week, not to mention a fantastic race! Lake Monona looks so pretty but ive heard about the wind from others.

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  2. Cheers to TWO great races for you so far! That's awesome and look at those blue skies! I hope this week stabilizes a bit, a little warmer please and thanks!

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    1. Thank you! The 20k far exceeded my expectations and goals. But it has to be everything I did for that 10 miler, I guess!

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  3. Love that you had such a great race! You look so happy. Can't wait to read more about it. Thanks for linking up and happy May

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    1. Thank you! I know my speedy runs are dwindling, so this was extra sweet!

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  4. Congrats on your race! Sounds like a really good week. We had alot of wind too, which I could definitely do without.

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    1. Except when it’s a tailwind, which I had for several miles!

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  5. OMG this wind this week was crazy here too! We even had a few wind advisories which is rare for us, but we didn't have as much rain so I guess that's a win, lol.

    Congrats on your great race this weekend! I love that photo of you.

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  6. I'll have to talk to a friend about the challenge. There's a lot of arthritis in her family (and she has some too).

    Our weather mostly wasn't very pleasant, I'll leave it at that!

    Congrats on a strong race! You look very happy again in your race photos.

    I can't believe you had the trail mostly to yourself on such a beautiful morning!

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  7. Congratulations Wendy on a strong race! And hilly too...wow! The wind can be tough, but you powered through. Nice work!

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  8. Your race sounds great, and the picture from your hike is gorgeous! It used to annoy me so much when people would say "You know, Chicago isn't called The Windy City because it's windy..." Yeah, I lived there and IT IS WINDY. I don't care what anyone says. Looking forward to your race recap!

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  9. Wind, wind, and more wind...seems like it's been plaguing all of us. We have wind in Iowa, but it's been much more extreme in recent years. I'd researched the Lake Monona 20K, I think in late 2019. We were trying to reunite our relay team of cousins (we'd done a marathon relay in 2016), and I think this event also had a 5K (?), so it would have a shorter distance as an option. No one could commit, then the event (of course) was cancelled in 2020...so it fell off my radar. Sounds like a great event, and a scenic course. Good job on your race, I bet that felt amazing!

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    1. Thank you Kim! I couldn't be happier with the outcome, in spite of the wind and the hills. What a great race and I hope you get to run it someday.

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  10. Congrats Wendy on your race Wendy! It's great to hear that you felt so good on the 20K. Looking forward to reading your recap!

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    1. Thank you Michelle! I really think my trail runs have helped a ton!

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  11. Well done on your race, I'll look forward to the recap. Also: that side plank - what?? How did you get into it??!

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    1. I put one foot/ankle up on the bench and raised myself up on my forearm. Then I held it for 30 seconds. I felt it mostly in my inner thigh.

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  12. isn't it so weird how one run can feel bad and the next feels great?? I don't get it!! Congrats on your race Wendy! I'm so pleased that it was a good experience for you! What a great boost!

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    1. I don't know--from day to day, things vary, right? But when I have a run where I don't feel well, it always shakes my confidence.

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  13. I can’t wait to do a real race again. Glad yours went well.
    It seems like you have the best coach.
    I’m so glad you are able to keep your RA in check. I see patients with RA and wonder why they aren’t more like you, knowing full well I shouldn’t compare them. Stay strong Wendy!

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    1. I think being a runner first, then getting the diagnosis of RA, helped me to deal with the physical challenges of the disease. I also have an amazing rheumatologist who lets me do my thing. From talking with other patients, I know that many of them are really restrictive. Such a shame!

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  14. Congrats on your race and feeling so good! That Copenhagen plank looks intense! It's one I've not seen before. Thanks for sharing!

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  15. A great week for you! I am looking forward to reading about your race. I know what you mean about the weather. Last week it was constantly changing and this week it will be the same.

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  16. Your comment on my blog made me giggle-- I am so happy you are falling in love with trails. It is a great change of scenery and also a bit more challenging, which is what I love about them. The Ice Age Trail is in my bucket list to do because I have heard nothing but great things about it!

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  17. Solid week and hooray for your race! So great to finish a race with a big smile!!

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