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?
Oh 'tis a sad day when the portapotties are gone! Glad there is a second option :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome week Wendy.
The trail always has one portapotty in the winter, but it's not on the section I usually run! Thank goodness for Marianos!
DeleteI'm usually pretty good with wardrobe choices but I was definitely off on Thursday -- but I survived.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I enjoy a deal, those ads are relentless and somewhat off putting at the same time.
Sounds like this week was just what you needed!
I really feel more balanced after a week like this!
DeleteI'm trying to avoid buying anything... it's not easy but I don't need anything.
ReplyDeleteI run warm and so I was off with every run... it seemed cold but it wasn't.
I think the port apotties remain but many of the real rest rooms on the bike paths get locked.
Oh need vs want...lol
Deleteexactly. I want new headphones and new mittens... alas. Will Power!
DeleteThe weather was just fabulous this week again! I have been able to up my weights significantly lately but the lateral raises are always so hard for me too. I’ve hit a few sales myself mostly house stuff and may snag a few Brooks items for gifts. Have a great week and Thanksgiving
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're making progress on the weights. Upper body work overall is just so much harder!
DeleteHa, wardrobe choices. Today my husband was heading out for his run and I exclaimed incredulously, "Is that what you're WEARING?" He had on a t-shirt! For some strange reason he thought it was going to be cold, hahahahaha. He changed into a tank top and thanked me later.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a great week. I'm glad you had such beautiful weather!
It's still beautiful today! Where am I?
DeleteSounds like the perfect week! Speaking of perfect, your form for that front squat looks absolutely perfect, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm scared of tomorrow's WOD: 100 pushups with 25 double-unders every minute, on the minute.
I'm thinking about buying a Kindle on the BF sales next week. Do you use one?
I use the Kindle app on my iPad. You should sign up for Kindle First reads if it is available in your country--every month you get to pick one free book from a selection of new releases. Sometimes they're pretty good!
DeleteThat's a very solid at-home strength workout! And congrats on those bench presses!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to choose clothes these days. We've had good temps lately but with strong winds and all of a sudden it gets cold again. I usually take layers, with something fleece-lined (unless it's warm for real) and something wind-resistant on top.
Your trails look fantastic as usual!
Thank you! I could not be happier with my progress in the gym. I don't know what's happening with running tho--it sure feels hard these days.
DeleteFall here has been glorious this year. No complaints at all. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll get another mild winter. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteI keep waiting for the bottom to fall out, weather-wise, but man, i am loving our weather!
DeleteThis has been the warmest fall I can remember in many years (other than a few icky cold days early on). The clothing choices are confusing, though...my mind is wanting to revert back to my summer gear, but the reality is that the wind is much colder now, LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm not longing for summer, but I could have this weather all winter long!
DeleteBeautiful pics as usual. Here's to this fall weather lasting until I want to go to Alpine Valley! Ha, ha.
ReplyDeleteAre you running a Turkey Trot this week?
DeleteYou know I will RUN from burpess, so you made the right choice. I might snag a new pair of running shoes but they aren't necessarily a Black Friday special. I do want a new crockpot, but I don't NEED one. I guess we'll see what grabs my attention.
ReplyDeleteI do struggle with what to wear. I usually need to take a long sleeve to start, but peel it off pretty quick for a tank and shorts.
We have such rapid shifts in temperatures this time of year and in the spring. I had to peel off a layer yesterday and I wished I had worn shorts!
DeleteI had many questions about dressing this past week! For the most part I was good, but it was chilly in the mornings.
ReplyDeleteIf the weather would just pick a lane, I'd be fine!
DeleteGreat week of workouts, Wendy! And yeah, I have wardrobe amnesia every time the seasons change. LOL
ReplyDeleteIt's always a challenge when the weather changes a couple of times per day!
DeleteIt sounds like a perfect week for your workouts.
ReplyDeleteHere the cold has come, the leaves are on the ground and the winds from north rule: for this reason now my workouts begins at 10:00 a.m. (I'm retired for this reason I can run when I prefer).
It's suddenly very cold here and we are supposed to get snow. I knew it was time but it's always jarring!
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