A Week of Breakthroughs

I might have mentioned previously that I'm in the middle of training for the Leadville Silver 15 mile trail race in July. I'm at the point in my training where I'm tired of pushing myself--it's been a while since I've pushed myself this hard--and I'm just ready to be done. I remember feeling like this last spring when I ran those 3 races back to back. I was so happy to be done and to return to running just for fun. In fact, I bailed on a planned fall half marathon last year because I just didn't want to train that hard anymore. 

But then there was Friday's run, which was a reminder of what I am capable of. It's kind of funny when that happens.

In contrast to my running funk, I'm really excited about the progress I'm making in the gym! I continue to have breakthroughs in my training and that is making me so happy. I guess it's good to remind myself that even if I can't get faster as a runner, I can get stronger in the gym. Don't worry, I'm not going all gym rat after my races. I could never give up running, But as I look ahead to fall, I'm not going to sign up for any races, instead doing the Mammoth Challenge again and running just for the enjoyment of it. 

I'm just not sure how much more I want to participate in races. In a sense, this may be a different kind of breakthrough. Can I still be a runner and not race? We'll see how I'm feeling after next Sunday's half marathon. 

Or maybe it's just the pre-race jitters talking!

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run 14 miles, 1500 ft of climbing

Monday: CrossFit

Tuesday: Yoga   

Wednesday:  trail run 6 miles

Thursday: Strength training

Friday: run 6.2 miles

Saturday: rest

Running

Last week, I mentioned in our Trail Sisters Chicago Northwest Facebook group that I planned to run on the Ice Age Trail on Sunday. I planned to head back to the Blackhawk Segment in Whitewater, a segment I ran last October. I wanted some miles and some vert. Our group leader asked if she could join me and we made plans to drive up together. Another woman, who was new to the group, also said she would meet us there and when we arrived at the trailhead, we had one more runner as well! It was sunny with low humidity and the 4 of us headed down the trail. We quickly sorted ourselves out on the single track with the younger woman leading the pack (or should I say pushing the pace?!) and the new woman keeping the pace reasonable, as we had to stop frequently to ensure she was still behind us. I started to struggle on the way back--was it the heat? Or do I need to change my fueling plan? It's a good thing I have time to sort that out!

Still sore and fatigued from Sunday's run, I had to push myself to lace up on Wednesday. I promised myself an easy recovery run around the preserve and that's what I did, save for my usual jumping over the fallen trees that are strewn across the trail. I also got up close and personal with this young buck, who has little antler nubs sprouting. Could he be any cuter? Could the weather have been more perfect? Could the pollen have been any more irritating? Achoo!

I guess 46 degrees is my running sweet spot because on Friday I ran the fastest 10k I've run in a long time! I woke up feeling anxious and unsettled. I figured the run would be a bust but my legs wanted to go, so I let them carry me. I was surprised to see a 9:11 for my first mile, but miles 2 and 3 were even faster. Full disclosure: I only stopped twice during the first 5k for photos and to briefly chat with a friend. On the way back, there was no stopping and I had negative splits for my last 2 miles. Anxiety? What anxiety? Man, did I need this run! Who's old?

CrossFit/Strength

I promised myself I'd take a recovery day on Monday, but after checking the WOD, I broke that promise. The strength portion had clean complexes, one of my favorites! The complex consisted of 2 clean pulls, 2 hang cleans, and 2 cleans, building over 5 sets to a heavy lift. I built to 75# and hit a PR on the hang clean. I struggled to turn over the bar and it wasn't pretty, but I did it! To contrast that, SJ posted hers later and hit 175#. The MetCon was 5 rounds for time of a 250m run, 12 toes to bar (I did knees to chest), and 12 wall balls (10#). I finished in just over 16 minutes. 

On Thursday, I did a short Yoga with Adriene flexibility video before getting to the gym early to stretch out my shoulders. It was a good thing I did because when SJ arrived, she told me we were working on snatches. I loved how this strength sesh went. She started me out with that banded shoulder mobility movement I did last week and then had me do overhead squats with a PVC pipe and then the 15# bar while using a resistance band. This was to work on not letting the bar pull me forward. After that, she had me do some snatch balances and snatches from the hang position. Finally, we did full snatches (from the floor) and gradually added weight, sets of 2. In between, I did crunches on the bench. Not all the snatches were pretty, but I had some good ones and a big PR at 50#! I love that I am having all these breakthroughs at the gym. I've been working hard on my shoulder mobility--I guess the injury served its purpose--and it has been paying off!

Off the Road

As you read this, we are up at the lake, enjoying some beautiful weather and spending time on the water. Last night, the hubs took me for my first waterski of the season. While the air was warm, the water was really cold--probably 65 degrees. It was a little rough! No photos, though. In the meantime, I'll share a photo of one happy little pup. Looking forward to getting back out there today!

How was your week? Have you ever had a breakthrough after training hard? Do you think you need to run races to be a runner? What are you doing for the weekend? 

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