A Record Breaking Week!

Ok, the title of this post might be a bit misleading...but I did have 2 big PRs at the gym this week! I might not be able to PR in my running shoes, but it is nice to know that I can still make gains in the gym. This made me so happy and was a really nice way to wrap up my year of fitness. 

I haven't made any plans or set any goals for 2024. Right now I'm content to soak up what was one of the most fun years, both on and off the road, that I've had in a while. My running shoes took me to some really fun places--from running the mountains in Palm Desert to running that trail race in Leadville, Colorado to running on the beach in Santa Monica at Brooks' Hype Fest! I ran the streets of Chicago, trying out a new half marathon on the boulevards of the west side. And while I didn't run in Alabama, my feet got plenty wet while I skied behind Holly's boat. Don't forget about that sister trip to Banff! Of course, there were all those miles I ran on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin, culminating in completing my 3rd Mammoth Challenge in October. 

While I take some time to catch my breath, I'm also waiting to hear if I've been invited back to join the Brooks Running Collective. In the meantime, I'm just going to lace up and enjoy my miles. At this writing, I have 38 miles to get to 1000 for the year. I had no idea I was that close, so let's see if I can dial it up for the next 2 weeks. You know I love a challenge...

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run 7 miles, 900 ft

Monday: CrossFit

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: trail run 5 miles

Thursday: Strength training

Friday: run 6 miles

Saturday: rest

We were up at the lake, so on Sunday morning, I took my feet to the Lodi Marsh Segment. It was chilly and gray, but since I hadn't run there all month--it had been closed for deer hunting--I was excited to be there. After being sick last week, it felt good to just move. I was surprised at how strong I felt! There were a few pheasant hunters in the woods and 2 other women running, but overall it was really quiet. 

At CrossFit on Monday, we were going to challenge our 1 RM for the bench press! Out of all 3 lifts we've been working on, during this powerlifting cycle, the bench press is the one where I've made the most progress. I was anxious to see how it went. I am happy to report that I had a big PR--I hit 95#! At the beginning of this year, I set a goal to hit 100# on the bench press. After hitting 95#, I did attempt 100, actually 3 times, but I just could not do it. Still, I was not disappointed--I'm so close and it will happen. Plus, I got to ring the PR bell! The MetCon was a 8 minute AMRAP of 10 dumbbell snatches (20#), 6 DB bar hop burpees, 10 single arm dumbbell snatches (20#), and 6 leg lifts over the dumbbell. Rinse and repeat. I finished 4 rounds save for the final leg lifts.

My spotter also PR'd her lift at 160#!

Wednesday was beautiful--sunny and seasonally cool. I received the final gear drop from Brooks and was excited to try out some of the pieces they sent. I wore the Notch pullover under the Shield vest. I worried that I'd be too warm,  but it was perfect for my trip around the woods. I ran into some mama deer and babies! They weren't afraid of me and I was able to get close enough to get some photos. This was just a gorgeous morning to be outside and such a treat this time of year.

On Thursday, SJ and I met with the plan for me to challenge my 1 RM on the deadlift. I warmed up and stretched before attempting this. Then she slowly built up the weight on the bar. She never told me how much I was lifting, but complimented me on my form each time. My final lift was so heavy that I struggled to pull it up, but I did and she was soooo excited! It was 205#! Yes, it was a small PR over last year's 202.5#, but a PR nonetheless. I attempted and failed twice at 210--I think I lifted the bar an inch off the ground. She told me how proud she was of me! She also told me that once we get to our heaviest lifts, it is much harder to PR and that our increases are going to be small.  What a great way to finish off the year!

For my Friday run, instead of running to the bike path, I drove to the local retention pond. It's been a long time since I've run there. My goal was to catch the sunrise and get some speedy miles. I started out in complete darkness and was the only person there, which was a little unnerving. The next two loops were in the emerging sunlight. I caught this gorgeous sunrise on my last loop and it put a huge smile on my face. So did my splits, which were pretty even and averaged 9:38. What a great start to the day!

How was your week? Did you set any new records this year or get any PRs? Do you have any goals for 2024? Are you have a sunny winter so far? 

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