Saturday, December 18, 2021

At Least the Buckthorn Was Happy to See Me

 


Weekly Rundown
Sunday: run 6 miles
Monday: pool running
Tuesday: CrossFit
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 5.25 miles
Saturday: rest

Running: 

I woke up tired on Sunday after a late night out with my oldest. I swear, if I stay up past 10, it's like I miss the window of sleep. No regrets, but I still wanted to get out for a run. I took my feet to the preserve with the limestone path. It was cold and windy, but I managed to push myself to 6 miles. 


It was really warm and humid on Wednesday morning--60 degrees in December, anyone? I was thrilled to pull on shorts and head to the trails. I ducked into the woods on the single track, starting out around the lake. The buckthorn seemed to be happy to see me because a couple of thorns latched into my thighs and wouldn't let go. Ouch! Once I got myself loose and pulled the thorns out, I kept moving. It was really, really muddy and I did a lot of water crossings that made for slow going. I can't remember the last time I ran in the mud. I was grateful to stay upright. In spite of the mess on my shoes and my legs--or maybe because of it, I really really enjoyed this run!

Yes, that's a TV and I used it to help cross this creek

Friday morning was cold and clear--a little colder than I was dressed for. My glutes were still engaged from Thursday's strength session and even though I kept my 4:1 run/walk intervals in the run, I felt like I was flying! This was my fastest run since I broke my ankle and foot in July, running an average pace of 9:45. I was a little too early for the actual sunrise, but look at that sky! Sometimes running gives you exactly what you need.

Pool running:

When I got to the pool on Monday, there was another woman tethered to the side, pool running. I had never seen her before. I climbed in next to her--there is nowhere else to tether in the dive well- and she turned away, refusing to make eye contact with me. Do I smell? Whatever. I did the Trifecta workout, which is a combination of endurance and sprints. After Sunday's tough run, it was just what I needed to shake everything out. 

Strength training and CrossFit

On Tuesday, I returned to the WOD for the first time since my injury. The strength portion had a 10 minute EMOM of pull-up prep work on the bar. The MetCon was an EMOM of 2 power cleans and 2 front squats with double under for the rest of the minute. I don't have double under, so I just jumped rope. It felt great to be back and let me tell you that I was really sore the next couple of days!


We worked on more glute activation at my strength session on Thursday with Bulgarian split squats holding a 25# DB in each hand. I alternated those with pull-up negatives. After that, SJ had me rotate through barbell rows, perfect push-ups, and a really fun drill where I had to toss a slam ball overhead back to the wall while lifting up to my toes and not bending my elbows. 

Off the road...

Holiday prep continues at my house! When I'm not at work or working out, I'm getting ready to host Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year. I'm done gift shopping and have been chipping away at wrapping. The hubs does the cooking, so he's working on his menus and doing food shopping. My youngest comes home from college on the 23rd. I cannot wait to see him! At work, we adopted one of my families again this year and the mom came in on Saturday to pick up all the gifts. I love doing that! In spite of the explosion of Covid cases, it is nice to have some sense of normalcy with the holidays this year, isn't it? 

How was your week? Are you getting your runs in? How about that woman in the pool? How is your holiday prep going?

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


34 comments :

  1. Another week where you get it all done... so happy to see that and you are lucky to have access to the pool to play nice to your body on the run. What pool runners are different but I find runners the nicest and friendliest people.

    Working makes it a challenge some days but it helps that I am still at home and can squeeze in those runs whenever. So far weekend weather forecasts have been wrong. Fingers crossed that things stay statis quo or improve in 2022.

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    1. I am feeling a little discouraged by the rapid increase in Covid cases again, but at least we have the vaccine this time! Hopefully that will help keep things open now.

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  2. I guess it’s like the runners who fail to acknowledge you!

    It’s so nice that you help out those in need since you’re so busy — feels good though, doesn’t it?

    Congrats on your speedy run!

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    1. It feels so great to give to these families. The moms are so grateful!

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  3. Yup, You Stinky - Too Funny For Sure - Enjoy These Holiday Moments In Time - Big Hugs

    Cheers

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    1. I'd love to just sit back and enjoy but alas...that's for kids, lol

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  4. The 60F day was great, glad you could enjoy it on the run! Wow that lady in the pool was rude!
    I'm done with the gift buying but I still need to wrap everything up...I keep postponing it. Maybe tonight lol.

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    1. I've got some baking to do and a little bit more wrapping. Right now, recovering from my run!

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  5. That's weird about the woman in the pool- I mean, you should have had an instant bond! How often do you see another pool runner? Even if she was in the middle of an intense workout, a smile and nod at the very least!
    I feel the same as you- if I'm not working or working out, I'm getting things ready for Christmas. It's a crazy time, but I love it. You son comes home late! Mine got in on Friday and will be here for an entire month. I'm psyched!

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    1. Mine will be here for a month too! I'm looking forward to having him home.

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  6. Yeah, I just don't get people's rudeness or indifference. There are so many walkers we pass on our runs, and we always greet them...and it's amazing the number who refuse to make eye contact. The runners always exchange greetings with us, though. More people ought to be runners!

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    1. Seriously! I kept thinking that she wasn't a runner because she was so rude.

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  7. LOL on that woman in the pool. Maybe she was afraid you’d be a Chatty Cathy and she did not have time for that!

    I’ve started doing 10 min workouts to wake up my glutes — and the rest of me — before my runs, and it really makes a difference!

    Enjoy the holiday with your family. My daughter is coming home, but my son is going away ….

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    1. I definitely need to do a glute activation sequence before I run as well. What a difference it makes when they are awake, lol

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  8. How rude of Pool Woman! We love you, though! Glad you've got back to all your terrifying activities - that ball throwing thing?! - and hope you have a lovely festive period!

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    1. I loved the ball throwing activity, lol. Yes, there are more terrifying things to come!

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  9. Bummer to the rude woman in the pool. It literally cost nothing to be kind - I wish more people would remember that!
    We had two 60 degree days last week but this morning it was back in the 20s. I'm not sure what Mother Nature is doing these days lol

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    1. Did you have the big wind too? It has been crazy windy lately. The weather is out of control.

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  10. How nice to be able to help out a family in need at the holidays! Ok that TV is nuts. How on earth would that get there of all places?? I've got some baking left to do. My sis is having Christmas Eve but I've got Christmas Day to plan. Great week of workouts as always!

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    1. I saw the TV earlier this year and yeah, it makes me wonder too! That creek isn't close to a parking lot or anything!

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  11. What an interesting place for a Tv! We alway have adopted families in the past a well and my kid enjoyed picking out gifts for them. I could not find a place to do it this year. I guess I will have to look harder next year. So nice to be hosting your family this year. Have a great time with everyone home. Way to get it done this week. Looking super strong back at the gym!

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    1. We have a lot of needy families in our practice--the nice thing for us is we can select one that we know. It makes it extra special.

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  12. I love to see that your running is returning and going well! 60 degrees in December! Wow. We hit 50, which was a treat, but then cold and snow.

    Sometimes you have to live a little, but I hear you about staying out past 10. I'm an old 40 year old :)

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    1. Haha! I've never been a night owl but if my boys want to hang with me, you know I'll suck it up!

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  13. How odd about the woman at the pool - I guess she's the water version of runners who don't wave back LOL

    It's great to see that running is going well for you!

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  14. The woman in the pool sounds a lot like a runner a see on the trail in the summer. I *always* say Hi to her and make it a point to do a little wave. She never acknowledges me! Whatever. Glad to see you are progressing back into running! Have a great party for Christmas!

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    1. I am really happy about my rapid return to running. There's something to be said for staying strong during injury recovery!

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  15. When people fail to acknowledge me I see them when running, I give them an extra big smile and hello, but I guess if they turned their backs it would be hard to do so. Don't let it bug you, she's apparently just one of "those people."

    Enjoy your time with your son home from school!

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  16. The photo of the sunrise is very beautiful. That is the perfect place and the perfect moment for a run.
    When I went to the pool I also found many rude people: maybe the narrow and crowded lanes, the little time available, the type of sport. Who knows?
    Have a good week.

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    1. I'm sure it's because I had to tether in next to her. There aren't many places to do that.

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  17. That woman was odd!

    I still have to finish Christmas prep, but we will get there. Or not. Christmas will come anyway, I guess.

    You are so strong and so inspiring. I'm so proud of you.

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