What's Your Idea of Fun?

My idea of fun is certainly different from most people's!  I love running and I love trail running the most. Getting muddy doesn't bother me. I also love lifting heavy weights and challenging my body at CrossFit. It's hard in the moment, but the reward at the end is a feeling of accomplishment. Of doing something difficult, wanting to quit, but not giving up. 

I have been struggling with finding goals for myself this year. What's a runner to do but to pick a challenging race? I signed up for a trail half marathon, Run From the Taxman, in 3 weeks on a segment of the Ice Age Trail. I ran there last fall during the Mammoth Challenge, so I know what to expect. It's really hilly, so I know it won't be easy. I'm already feeling anxious, lol.

Oh, but that finish line feeling is everything. And that to me is fun!

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: Shamrock Shuffle 8k

Monday: CrossFit

Tuesday: Fluid Running

Wednesday: trail run 6 miles

Thursday: CrossFit

Friday: Run 6 miles

Saturday: yoga

On Sunday, I ran the Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8k! I've run this race since the early 1990s--I just don't remember how many times I've run it. This year I was excited to run it with Deborah, who was in town for her daughter's birthday. Normally, I run this one alone, at race pace. This year I planned to run it with Deborah at her pace, so we could catch up on life while we ran. We lined up in the F corral and at 8:50, we were off! She was using 5:1 run/walk intervals, but within a minute or so, my shoe untied. We resumed our run and our conversation, only walking on the intervals and at the water stations. We also stopped once for a photo with one of our former Brooks teammates, Bonnie. As we neared the finish, we ran up 'Mt Roosevelt', the only hill in the race, and down the slope on Columbus Drive to the iconic finish line, the same as the Chicago Marathon finish. 

We made our way down the chute, collected our medals, and walked up Columbus until there was an opening where Deborah could exit to get a cab back to her hotel. I was sad to see her go!! I continued up Columbus to the post-race party at Buckingham Fountain, hoping to find my friend Frankie and my other Brooks teammates. It was packed! Once I found my way to the beer tent and collected my beer, I walked around the entire fountain. My employer had a booth handing out shamrock cookies, but the line was long, so I kept walking, making my way back to the front, where I literally bumped into Frankie! We were joined by Bonnie and her husband. We talked and posed for photos, and said our goodbyes. I made my way back to the giant Millennium Park garage but couldn't find my car! After a brief moment of panic, I entered a different part of the garage and found it. And yes, I hugged it, lol. 

The WOD on Monday took us back to the bar and those clean complexes! For the strength portion, SJ put 18 minutes on the clock and we worked on 6 clean complexes: power clean, hang clean/squat, and a front squat. We were supposed to work at 65-70%, so I built to 75#. I was pleased with my lifts, as they were challenging but didn't sacrifice my form. The MetCon was a 10 minute 10*9*8*7*6*5*4*3*2*1 of hang cleans and push presses (55#). In between each set was 25 double or single under. It was hard and I made it all the way down through 3 when time was called. I was kind of bummed not to finish. I could have gone lighter and I would have finished, but I wanted to challenge myself.

The winds howled all day and night on Tuesday into Wednesday. It was really cold and I contemplated running on the treadmill, but I needed some trail time. When I got to the preserve, I was the only car in the parking lot! No sooner did I start running down the single track into the woods did I see one of my deer friends, seemingly waiting for me. He wouldn't let me get too close, though, dashing off as I approached! The creeks were high, but this week, all my crossings were successful. I saw a few more deer in the woods and a lot of birds. As I finished my muddy run, I couldn't help but ask: where is spring now?

I checked the WOD first thing on Thursday and was excited to see running in the MetCon! In the spring at CrossFit, we run. We also do other things and I didn't do a good job of pacing myself. The MetCon was the WOD: a 12 minute E2MOM of 100m sprints, 6 unbroken power snatches (35#), and 12 Wall Ball Shots (8#). I shot out of the door like a cannon on the first set but ran out of gas during the 4th set. Knowing this, next time I will definitely manage my time better. After all, we runners are the masters of consistency--splits and speedwork. I was rightfully humbled by this one. We finished up with 4 rounds of 8 GHD hip extensions and 8 evil wheels. 

Maybe it was the work I did at CrossFit on Thursday--maybe it was the weather--maybe it was those new Glycerine 21s--but wow, this was a good run. It was chilly but there was no wind and an impending sunrise. I started out running at a comfortable pace but at the one mile mark, I checked my watch and it read 9:30. I tried to hold back but I let my legs carry me, stopping only for photos and a song change. On the way back, I picked up speed. My final mile was my fastest--9:12--and maybe, just maybe...there might still be some speed left in these old legs! This run was fun!

One More Thing...ok, two

After last Sunday's race, I reviewed my photos from Marathon Foto. There was one of Deborah and me that I liked, but the rest were meh. This one may be my favorite, though! I don't remember the guy in front of me, but my expression sure looks like I saw what he was doing, lol!

Also fun was running into one of my IG followers at the grocery store on Thursday! She came up to me and greeted me by my name--then laughed, and said she felt like she knew me from my IG. We talked for a bit and I invited her to join the Trail Sisters run on Sunday. It really is true--even though I haven't met all of you, I feel like I know you well! 

How was your week? Did you run any races this week? Have you ever run into one of your blog or social media followers? 

And don't miss my book reviews for March--I'll be sharing them on Tuesday! You won't be disappointed--it was a great month of books!

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