Saturday, March 25, 2023

All Mixed Up

Disclaimer: As a member of the Brooks Run Happy Team, I receive products in exchange for social sharing. All opinions are my own.

Not only is the weather all mixed up--we went from winter to spring and back to winter again, but my week was kind of mixed up too. I had to flex my workout schedule to accommodate not only the weather but also my 'niggles' and a fun opportunity with Brooks (more below). 

I was able to get everything in but I'm still bummed about a canceled field trip to the IAT in Whitewater on Saturday with the Trail Sisters Chicago Northwest. A late winter storm stymied our plans for a long morning of trails and vert. This storm dropped a foot of snow in Madison! The weather this year has sent me to the treadmill more times than I can ever remember. While I'm glad I have the option, can I say enough is enough?

Sunrise on the way into the city on Tuesday

Weekly Rundown:
Sunday: Ice Age trail run 7.71 miles, 1200ft of vert
Monday: CrossFit, yoga with Adriene
Tuesday: Fleet Feet Lincoln Square shoe fitting and filming
Wednesday: run 6.5 miles
Thursday: BootCamp, yoga with Adriene
Friday: Pool Running
Saturday: TM reverse hill pyramids 6 miles 778 ft climbing

Running

Sunday was sunny with bright bluebird skies. It was also bitterly cold. Since we were up at the lake, I really, really wanted to run on the trails. With the wacky weather we've had, the last time I could run on those trails was in early January.  I knew what I had to do, so I layered up and drove to the Gibraltar Segment, parking where I wanted to finish as a way to make sure I didn't quit on myself. It was 12 degrees when I started and there was a brisk headwind as I headed out onto the connecting road toward Gibraltar Rock. One speedy mile done and I was at the very icy trailhead. Of course. I cautiously made my way down the trail, hoping that it would eventually clear. About halfway to the top, it did, but not before I slipped and fell, right onto my elbow. More angry than hurt, I dusted myself off and kept going. That view at the top was my reward and while I was snapping a selfie, 2 bald eagles soared right above me! Ok, then! I cut this segment short after my journey around the back of the rock was icy again. There's an old access road back to the bottom and I decided to descend there instead of dealing with the icy trail. Then it was back out to the connecting road and to the other segment. Once again, there was ice at the start, but it cleared fairly quickly and I got some decent miles here. There was ice in spots, but for the most part, I didn't slip. I finished back at my car with a smile on my face. It's been a while since I've had a run that made me feel so happy!


After my visit to Fleet Feet Lincoln Square on Tuesday, I had some new shoes to take for a test run! With rain in the forecast, on Wednesday, I hit the bike path early to avoid getting my feet wet. I laced up my new Brooks Hyperion Max shoes--the newest speed shoe in the Brooks lineup. These shoes only weigh 6.7 ounces--even my non-running hubs was impressed when I handed one of them to him. I set out to run a 5k and my legs just wanted to fly! In fact, I may have gotten a little carried away because mile 2 was a little too fast and my heart rate redlined. Gotta work on that, lol. Still, I finished my 5k in 27:20. On my way back, I ran a nice recovery pace. I was impressed with how comfortable and responsive the shoes were. A bonus was that my legs were not gassed on my recovery run. I'm anxious to see what I can do in these shoes. I guess I've never really given up on my need for speed!


With the bad weather on Saturday, I considered my options. I really needed some hills, so I hit the treadmill again. I had another new pair of shoes to try out, which gave me a little more motivation. I used another IBX Running treadmill workout to do reverse hill pyramids. This one was a 15 minute workout, so I repeated it 4 times, running 6 miles and climbing almost 800 feet. I'm so happy to have this option, because I truly don't think I would do this on my own. The new shoes, Brooks Launch 9s felt great as well. Coming in at 7.1 ounces, they are another super light pair of shoes. The cheetah print makes me smile.

CrossFit

When I woke up on Monday, I was pretty sore from Sunday's agility training trail run! The WOD didn't look too bad, so I went. The strength portion was a clean complex, which I love. Once we built to a working weight, we had to do 8 rounds of a hang clean, a power clean, and a front squat. The weight was 70-75% of our 1 RM, which put me at 60-64 lbs. I stuck with 60# for my lifts, although looking back, I definitely could have done 65#. The MetCon was a 12 minute alternating EMOM: on the odd minutes, we did 7 devil's presses (burpees with a dumbbell push press at the top)--I used 15# DBs--alternating on the even minutes with 75 double under ( did singles) and 7 pull-ups (I did scap pulls). Again, I could have gone heavier on the presses but I didn't want to aggravate the shoulder. I liked this WOD a lot.


I was all signed up for the WOD on Thursday, but when I looked online to see what we would be doing, I knew it wasn't going to serve me well. It was a lot of bar work and with my cranky shoulder, there was no point in going. The boot camp, on the other hand, looked right up my alley! It was a 2 parter--both chippers of 18-15-12-9-6-3. The first part had deadlifts and hang power cleans. I used a barbell loaded with 55# for both but had to break up the first couple of sets of power cleans. In between each set were 10 abmat sit-ups and a 200m run. The second part had front squats (I used that 55# barbell) and 2 shoulder to overhead (push presses using 20# DBs). Again, I had to break up the first couple of sets and there were 10 ab mat situps and 200m run between each set.

So let's do the math:
-63 deadlifts, hang power cleans, and front squats. 
-126 push presses
-120 ab mat situps
-2400 m running

Time was called at 35 minutes and I wasn't quite finished, so he kept the clock running for me. It took me about 45 minutes to do the whole thing. But you know what? Finishing felt like winning!

Oh, those cleans!

So fun!

On Tuesday, 2 other Brooks Run Happy Team members and I met at Fleet Feet in Lincoln Square (Chicago) for a shoe fitting and filming of each of us running in the new Brooks Hyperion Max. I was really excited about this, especially for the Hyperion Max, a shoe I've been wanting to try! The Hyperion Max is a speed shoe and it is super lightweight and responsive. The fit was amazing right out of the box.


We were all given a shoe fitting using fit id, a new technology at Fleet Feet. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know, but it was nice to confirm that I am running in the right size shoes! With my high arch and narrow foot, he definitely felt that a neutral but cushioned shoe was appropriate for me. He had me try on the Glycerine and the Launch. The Glycerines were really comfortable, but I really liked the feel of the Launches--they are light but very comfortable and I went with those. The Cheetah print sealed the deal!


After that, my fellow RHT member and I were taken out for our photo/video shoots wearing the Hyperions. Kristin did hers on the track and mine was done on a running path. We each did a few still shots--tieing our shoes, stretching our legs, and a close-up of our faces. He also did quite a few shots of the shoes. There were videos of us running and that was fun! 


We met up back at the store where Frank, our other teammate was finishing up his shoe fitting. It turns out he was wearing the wrong size shoes, so the fitting was especially helpful to him. We all were awestruck by the experience and the team told us they would be in touch with future opportunities. I sure hope so! When the finished ad is done, I will definitely share it. Or maybe you'll see it on FB or IG? Most likely you'll just see my shoes, lol. 

What a fun day!


How was your week? Does it feel like spring where you are? Or are you bouncing back and forth between winter and spring? Do you love that new shoe feeling? Did you have any fun adventures this week?

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



42 comments :

  1. Ooh, I can't wait to see the final ad. What a cool experience indeed!

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    1. We were told there would be ads on social media. I'm thinking most likely it will be my shoes, lol

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  2. I have a pair of the Launch-8's that I really like. My trusty Adrenalines just aren't feeling as good as they used to...I have a pair of the 22's, and they've not served me as well as all the previous versions (I've been wearing them since the 15's). I don't know if I just got a rogue pair or if my feet (or needs?) have changed. I'm glad there's plenty of options available to us!

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    1. That's interesting about the Adrenalines--I still love them! But like you said, maybe your needs have changed. Maybe try the Ghosts? I really like those too.

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  3. How fun to be a run model! I also have a pair of the Launch from last year and I cannot remember why I stopped running in them. Have to pull them out again. Can't believe you still are getting snow!

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    1. Thankfully it all melted yesterday afternoon. Sadly, the trails are a mess, so I'll be taking it to the pavement this morning.

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  4. Those look like some fun new shoes! Glad they're working for you. What a fun experience at Fleet Feet. I've done that FitID at Fleet Feet before and it is cool. Always good to know you're in the correct shoes! Yeah this weather can leave any time now.

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    1. I still can't believe we got to do that whole thing at Fleet Feet. What a great experience!

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  5. I'm glad you weren't really hurt on your fall. Yikes on the late foot of snow! The Fleet Feet fitting filming looks like fun.

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  6. Your fleet feet experience sounds like so fun... you are the perfect runner to take part too.

    Too bad when weather gets in the way... this has been a difficult March to make plans,

    Phew, happy to read that you are not hurt. BE careful!!!

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    1. That fall on the ice unnerved me--I was being very cautious but it snuck up on me. Yes, very glad I didn't break my elbow.

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  7. What a fun week! Well, other than running on the treadmill, but it sounds like you got the training run you needed (when I complete a 20 mile run my Garmin will tell me I've done something like 100 feet of elevation. i'm surprised it's even that much- that's how flat it is here.) Anyway, your trail run sounds incredible, and that's exciting about the new shoes. I love the cheetah print! i wish New balance had cuter styles.
    How do you like having a break from your trainer? Sounds like you're still getting in some killer workouts. Is it nice to do something different for a while?

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    1. I've been thinking about that a lot. Part of me really misses the focused workouts, but part of me feels like I'm getting more done in the classes. She pushes me harder than I push myself, which is good. I just don't know what to think!

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  8. What a fun opportunity! I've been running happy in the Brooks Glycerin for quite a few years now. March is roaring out like a lion - it's windy this weekend and we've got another storm coming Tuesday/Wednesday. Our hills look amazing but I'm ready for it to dry out a bit so I can get back on the trails.

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    1. I cannot believe all the rain you have had out there! But i'm with you on wanting things to dry up.

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  9. That must be quite some fun to try those new shoes and be filmed using them. I think Brooks was the other brand I tried when I bought my new running shoes in October and I'll likely go with them when I need to replace my Asics because I remember they were lighter and had a better fit, I chose Asics because they felt like they had more cushioning.
    Here spring is in good swing although there's a way to go yet before it's spring for real - which for me is when it's a bit warmer and more buds on plants, it doesn't necessarily pour rain every day etc. But we'll get there soon. It's been mostly mild since we came home from Spain and very good running weather.

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    1. I used to run in Asics--for a very long time, in fact! But then they changed my shoe model and it didn't work for me anymore. I tried a couple of different shoes and fell in love with Brooks. Every shoe I've tried of theirs is so comfy!

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  10. I do love the new shoe feeling! What a cool opportunity for you.

    We are definitely back and forth here, although it's sort of trending towards Spring. But still cold!

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    1. It seems like it's trending towards spring too but man, it's a long slow process!

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  11. Love the leopard print! We've been up and down with the temps here, not helped by our trip to Spain of course! Not running still but apparently slowly improving.

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  12. What a fun RHT experience! I've been hearing nothing but good things about the Hyperions. Glad you got to try them!

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  13. How fun to get to try out different shoes and participate in the photoshoot. I wish I could still wear Brooks, but I've gotten to the point that there are very few shoes I can wear comfortable. Perhaps I should try them in mens' sizing for a wider fit and more space in the toes.

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    1. It's interesting how our feet change over time. I hope you can find the right shoes!

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  14. Who doesn't want shoes with a CHEETAH print?! Lovely!! Yes, please share the photos! I'm not on FB or IG and I don't want to miss them. I'm sure they're going to look great!
    Well done on that bootcamp! So nice that they let the clock continue for you. Did the other participants hang around and cheer you on? I hope so!

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    1. It was a really small class and I didn't know anyone, so no. The instructor did, though.

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  15. I love the cheetah print. I had a not so vibrant ghost pair that I Just retired. Didn't love them at first but they grew on me and yes made me smile.
    Way to go on the Bootcamp, and the Brooks event looked like fun.
    Our JackRabbit just turned into a Fleet Feet and hoping they get the Fit ID machines as I'm curious, although it's the drop my foot doesn't respond well too.

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    1. Shoefession, I've only run in New Balance and Ghosts. So afraid of injury to branch out.

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  16. You And Your Falls - I Mean Yikes - Whats The Underlining Tale Here - Stoked On The Photo Shoot - Enjoy The Rest Of The Month

    Stay Strong,
    Cheers

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  17. Ohh you already know i really love those cheetah print sneakers! Brooks really have the best colors and fun designs for sneakers, I love them. Boo to the late Winter storm, that's such a bummer. It's odd because here it's been colder in March than it was all Winter lol.

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  18. Such a fun week! I have the pink cheetah print adrenalines (and another neon animal print as well). I'm a sucker for the Wild color ways. Take care of that elbow and be sure to be careful on those trails!

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    1. Nothing hurt but my pride! I'm just ready for winter to be over.

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  19. What a great experience with the Brooks photo shoot! I have to look into the Hyperion Max, Brooks actually does wide, which is what I need. Hoping I can get them here! The running trail (in shorts! no snow!) looks amazing :)

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    1. I hope you can find the shoes--I was really impressed with them, as are many of my RHT teammates!

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  20. The sunrise picture is goregous. But it makes me think of red in the morning sailors take warning. 1 foot of snow......booo. Enough already. Seems this year has been tough in many locations. Love your wild colored shoes, which reminds me I think it's time for me to get a new pair. I wear Brooks as well, but the last couple of pairs seem like they haven't held up as well. I even have a tear in the fabric in the heal area. Just noticed it the other day after my walk...not sure I've ever had that happen before.
    Sandy's Space

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  21. A running rockstar! That's so cool you got to do the Brooks promo stuff. How fun! I haven't tried the Hyperion Max. I did try out a Hyperion shoe as a tester that I think had a plate in it. It was amazing! I haven't seen it in the stores yet, but it may never make it to the shelves. If it did I would buy it!!

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