Still Can't Beat It!

And by that title, I'm referring to this fantastic fall weather! The leaves are mostly off the trees but it's still relatively mild and that sun just keeps on shining! No complaints--I'll take this fall as long as it wants to stick around. It's been an uneventful week for me and I'm happy about that too!

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run 7.6 miles, 1100 feet 

Monday: strength training

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: trail run 7.2 miles

Thursday: strength training

Friday: run 6.4 miles

Saturday: work/rest

It was another beautiful fall morning on Sunday! We were up at the lake and I took my shoes to the Gibraltar segment, hoping for some beautiful views. I wasn't disappointed. It was really windy, though, especially at the top! The local trail alliance volunteers have been busy creating loop trails on both segments. One isn't complete and shhhhh...I tried it anyway. This segment has been loved to death and I'm glad to see that there is an effort to decrease wear and tear on the trail. 

On Monday, I had a meeting at work which conflicted with CrossFit. I could have gone to the 6 am class, but when I looked at the WOD, which had 100 toes-to-bar with 5 burpees every time you dropped off the bar--I decided to work out at home. I did a variation of the strength and conditioning workout that was posted for the day, modifying based on the equipment I had on hand. There were back squats alternating with dumbbell pullovers. For the back squats, I used 2 25# dumbells held on my shoulders and did 4 sets of 10, which felt sufficiently challenging. I was able to do the DB pullovers with a 20# DB, 4 sets of 10. I felt that I could have gone heavier on those and will do that next time. Next were Bulgarian Split squats, 4 sets of 5 per leg, which I did holding 20# DBs in each hand. I alternated those with front and lateral DB raises, 4 sets of 5 per arm using 10# DBs. I don't have 12# and 15# is still a little too heavy. I finished up with Superman holds, 4 sets of 5 with a 3 second squeeze at the top of each one. 

With unseasonably warm weather predicted for Wednesday, I was excited to head to the trails. This run felt unusually difficult. I'm not sure if it was the warm weather or tired legs from Tuesday's Fluid Running session--I did a level 3 class. Regardless, I was determined to make the most of the beautiful morning and made my way around the preserve. The trails were strewn with crunchy leaves and it was hard to sneak up on the deer--their hearing is so good! It's amazing how well they blend in with the fall foliage. Can you see them in the photo below?

When I woke up Thursday morning, I felt unusually stiff and sore. I hit the yoga mat for a quick stretch sesh with Adriene and went to the gym early to do more stretching. By the time SJ arrived, I felt pretty good! She put me to work, alternating 4 sets of 8 front squats at 65# alternating with 4 sets of 8 bench presses at 65#. Neither felt easy--these were heavier than I'd done in the past-but I finished them all without any assistance, save for some reminders about form. I was really excited about those bench presses--I used to struggle with one rep at 65#! I finished up with 3 sets of 20 skater jumps alternating with 3 sets of 20 second hollow holds. 

What to wear for Friday's run? At 6:00 am the temperature was 57 degrees, but it was windy and the forecast was for a rapid plunge into cooler temps. I decided to wear shorts but a long sleeve half zip on top. I did not regret this decision--that north wind was brutal and the thumbholes came in handy. A sign that our extended fall is coming to an end. Not only were most of the trees bare, but the portapotties were gone. I had to make a little detour to a grocery store to use the facilities. Overall, this was a decently paced run!

Speaking of gear...

It's been hard not to notice all the early Black Friday sales! I have to do my due diligence and mention that Brooks has 25% off many items until November 24! Two of my favorite items are the Notch Thermal Hoodie and the Shield Hybrid Jacket. Both come in pink, so if you're shopping for me...just a thought... I shared some of my other favorites on my IG as well. So many good items right now!

How was your week? Do you struggle with wardrobe choices this time of year? What signs are you seeing that it's the end of fall? Have you found any great early Black Friday sales?

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