Friday, October 28, 2022

Wrapping up October

Well, October ended quickly! It's hard to believe that tomorrow is Halloween. I feel so grateful to have been able to spend a week out west with my sister and away from the chaos of healthcare. I returned home Monday night and jumped right back in the fray Tuesday morning. But I'm still basking in the glow of that California sunshine, time with my sister, and oh...those trails!


Weekly Rundown
Sunday: return to Palm Desert, rest day
Monday: trail run 6 miles
Tuesday: rest day
Wednesday: trail run 6 miles
Thursday: strength training
Friday: run 6 miles
Saturday: rest

Running

Monday was my last day in Palm Desert and a final trail run was a must! I left the house before sunrise and ran back to the Homestead trailhead, heading up the Cross Trail. But for this run, I detoured onto a different trail which my cousin told me would take me to the Bump and Grind Trail. I thought it would be a spur trail, but the Hopalong Cassidy Trail was an adventure all on its own! This trail snaked around the mountains, went up and down, and just kept going. I saw another amazing sunrise. Sadly, I had to turn around to head back to go to the airport, so I never made it to the other trail. But Hopalong was an enjoyable trail and I vowed that when I return, I will finish it!


On Wednesday, it was back to the forest preserve and cooler weather. Fortunately, the sun was shining brightly after heavy rains the day before. Sadly, the trees had shed most of their leaves, so it wasn't the colorfest I had hoped for. I was tired and my legs felt heavy as I made my way around the trails. I was happy to call it quits at 6 miles. I was also happy to wear some of the new Brooks fall gear that was waiting for me when I returned home from vacation!


I headed out for my Friday run in the dark again and can I say ugh? Looking forward to the time change next weekend. I wore my headlamp and about 2/3 of the way in, daylight broke, so I was able to take it off. It was about 45 degrees and the crisp air was favorable for a decently paced 6 miler. My average pace was 9:21 and the last 2 miles were my fastest. That was fun!

Strength Training

No CrossFit this week but I met with SJ on Thursday for strength. I had a rough day of work on Wednesday and I was ready to crush whatever she had on the plan. She had me work on bench presses, 4 sets of 10 at 55# alternating with front squats, 4 sets of 3 at 95#. I don't love front squats but I surprised both of us with really good form--elbows high and squats low. She told me they were 'beautiful', high praise from my tough coach! After that I did some accessory work : Bulgarian split squats, 3 sets of 10 per leg alternating with those bench leg extensions for core, 3 sets of 10. 



Some Final Photos...

Indulge me, will you, as I share a couple photos from Monday's beautiful sunrise run. I'm hoping to return in the winter. Fingers crossed that it all works out. What a wonderful trip!

The sunrise hitting the mountains



How was your week? Is fall peaking where you are or are the trees bare? What do you have planned for the upcoming week? As you read this, I'm finishing up the Mammoth Hike Challenge in Wisconsin. I'll return to CrossFit and pool running this week as well as continue with my runs. My October mini-book reviews will be posted on Tuesday and don't forget about our coffee date on Friday! Have a great week!

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


29 comments :

  1. It sounds like you had such a fabulous time with your sister, and those trails look amazing to run on!

    Your front squats are pretty!

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  2. We still have quite a bit of fall color here, but that will probably be a different story by next weekend. September and October flew by quicker than the entire summer...winter just seems to arrive earlier every year, LOL.

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  3. Oh my God that run- you would have had to drag me away from CA kicking and screaming. That truly is trail running heaven.
    My new favorite podcast- Hit Play Not Pause- has an episode about Crossfit for post-menopause, how to modify it so it has more of what we need and less of what we don't. Of course I don't do Crossfit but I thought of you. i'm pretty sure your coach is already making these modifications for you though.
    I'm looking forward to hearing about the Mammoth hike challenge and your book review post as always!

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    1. Yep, some kicking and screaming may have happened! Oh wait, that was at work on Tuesday...

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  4. You looked like you were in your glory out in California on the trails. So glad you had a fantastic time!

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  5. Glad you enjoyed your getaway! Those trails are gorgeous. I'd say our peak colors were last weekend, We still can't complain though. This fall has been so nice!

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  6. You looked so happy in all of your Cali pictures - I'm glad you had such a great trip with your sister! Those views are just amazing!

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    Replies
    1. I just loved all of California, but those mountain trails have my heart.

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  7. Wonderful photos, and I hope the new autumn gear is good. I've been for a couple of short walk-runs this week and my back has been fine - phew!

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  8. That trip looked amazing... such a beautiful part of the country and you are lucky to have your sister as a travel partner.

    Looking forward to your book reviews. You're my gude.

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    1. She told me that she loves traveling with me. That makes me so happy because I feel the same about her.

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  9. Well done on the Mammoth hike!
    I hope you get to go back to California in the winter and explore more of the trails.

    A question on the strength training session with SJ: how long is it? 60 minutes?
    I've started Crossfit and I love it. Absolutely need to continue with it, I'm so weak!

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    1. Congrats on starting CrossFit!! I love it too, although I don't love everything we do, lol. I do strength training with SJ once weekly--usually 30-45 minutes. Keep me posted on your progress!

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  10. It looks like you had an amazing trip. Those sunrise photos are fantastic. I'd want to stare at them all day!

    Congrats on nailing those front squats! Your hard work pays off for sure.

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    1. I keep looking at the photos and I wish I could see those sunrises every day!

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  11. Lovely pictures, thanks for sharing! Spending time with sisters is the best :)

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  12. Thank you for indulging us with those extra photos because they are truly stunning!

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    Replies
    1. I absolutely loved my time in California and I can't wait to go back!

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  13. I could stare at those photos all day. I am so happy you had such a great time with your sister. <3

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    1. It was just great. Coming back to reality was a little bumpy after that!

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  14. Wow, that looks like an amazing place to run. That trail looks pretty narrow! I'd be way too scared to run on that and I admire you for doing so!!

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