A Week of Challenges

It was a week filled with challenges, but they were good challenges! I continued to add more miles to my total for the Mammoth Trail Challenge! I surprised myself on Sunday by knocking out almost 9 miles on one of my favorite, albeit very hilly, trails in Wisconsin, feeling strong after running 8 miles the day before. Back-to-back runs have never been my thing, especially longer runs, but here we are!

I also participated in a challenge for Fluid Running. The actual pool running wasn't the challenge; it was trying to get it done! But if you know me, I'm not a quitter, and I didn't let the glitches stop me. I even made it to work with time to spare.

As you read this, my youngest son and I are currently up in the north woods of Wisconsin, on some new-to-me trails. I always like to check out new segments when I do this challenge, and I was really excited for these. I'll share more on my IG this weekend and the blog next week!

Weekly Rundown

Sunday: Ice Age Trail run 8.7 miles/1500 ft

Monday: Strength training

Tuesday: Yoga with Adriene

Wednesday: trail run 5.7 miles

Thursday: Strength Training

Friday: Fluid Running 10k for World Arthritis Day

Saturday: Ice Age Trail Hike 6 miles

I woke up early on Sunday to rain. Fortunately, it stopped by the time I headed to the Lodi Marsh segment. It was still dark when I got there, but the sky was growing lighter. No sun, though! I decided to run the marsh side of the trail first, as it has a lot less tree cover than the other section. I could hear gunshots from the marsh. My hubs said they are hunting for ducks and geese. I was glad I wore my bright orange top and hat! 

I made my way up to the top of the meadow, and I stepped off the trail to take a photo when I felt a sharp pain in my foot. I hobbled back to the trail, only to discover a stick protruding from the bottom of my shoe! I pulled it out--it was very pointy! Luckily, it didn't break the skin. I swear, it's always something new on the trails. 

When I entered the wooded part of the trail, I saw more colorful foliage, but without the sun, it didn't really pop. I saw a hunter on the trail, but he was legit compared to the guy I saw last week. He had his retriever with him--such a sweet dog--and told me he was hunting 'roosters' (pheasant). Nice guy. It is Wisconsin after all! I finished up with a cup of coffee from a little shop in town. It was just perfect!

This was a surprisingly strong run compared to my run the day before. It was much cooler today, and I think that played a big factor in my endurance. 

Monday was deadlift day! We built to a heavy weight (2.5-10% greater than last week)  and did 3 sets of 2. I worked with one of my classmates, and we did 185 x2 for 3 sets. That last one felt heavy! After that, I skipped the accessory work, instead opting to do shoulder presses. I built to a heavy weight--70# and did 3 sets of 3, failing on my final rep.

Knowing that I had another big mileage weekend coming up, but wanting to move my legs, I decided on an easy trail run for Wednesday. The other dilemma was the weather--windy and cold, I considered all my options so as to avoid running into the wind. The main trail in the west preserve, where I normally run loops around east/west. The trail in the east preserve is mainly north/south, so the east preserve it was. The things we think about before a run!

Anyhoo, I enjoyed this run, only spotting one deer in the foliage, and soaking up the fall foliage. We're still not at peak colors yet, so there is plenty left to enjoy! I thought it was kind of cool seeing this tree from 2 different perspectives. 

Thursday is bench press and back squat day, and this week, I was all set to do my 6 sets of 3 for each lift. For the back squats, I did 80# for my lifts. The first 2 reps went well with each set, and I struggled with the 3rd rep, which told me that I picked the right weight for this lift. I'm still working on form, and may stay at this weight next week. We'll see! 

For the back squats, my plan was to work on depth. I started out at 125#, but couldn't get below parallel, so I dropped the weight to 115#. I guess you have to go backwards to go forwards, am I right? I was able to get lower with this weight, but my right leg was dipping inward, so SJ suggested I put a resistance band above my knees to give me something to push against. It worked well, made my lifts more stable, and my confidence soared. My glutes are deliciously sore, too. I'll probably try 120# next week, but will not hesitate to drop back down to continue to work on my depth. 

After being asked to share a post about Fluid Running's fundraiser for World Arthritis Day, I signed up to do the 10k. There were other options, including a 5k, a half marathon, and a 350 minute challenge. I already had Fluid Running's 10k workout loaded in the app, so I was all set to go. That is, until I was almost to the pool, when I realized I had left my phone at home. DOH! So I turned around and headed home, picked up my phone, and drove back to the pool. Whew! I tethered myself to the ladder and made it to mile 5 without incident, when I noticed women beginning to gather at the side of the pool. An instructor came over to me and told me that a class was starting, and I would need to exit the pool. I begged her to let me stay in the corner and finish my final mile, but she said no. "It's the rules!" Grrrr. I untethered, walked over to the lap pool, where I spotted a lane with only one swimmer. I asked him if I could share the lane, and he said sure, so I tethered myself to the ladder in the lane and began my final mile. Unfortunately, the guy was doing the butterfly and had a wingspan the width of the lane, so yes, I got very wet every time he passed me by. The things we do to get a run in, am I right?

I was honored and happy to be Fluid Running's featured runner for the World Arthritis Week challenge and fundraiser! It's such a great cause and obviously near and dear to my heart.

My son and I drove up to the lake on Friday after work, spent the night there, and then drove the 3 /12 hour drive north to hike some new-to-me segments and complete the Mammoth Challenge. 

We did a spur-of-the-moment stop in Chippewa Falls at the Leinenkugel brewery. My hubs and I had been there a very long time ago, so it was fun to revisit. While they brew commercially, they also have a 'pilot' brewery, where they brew micro batches. Matthew and I sampled some very tasty beers. 

We had lunch in town and then drove to the Chippewa Moraine segment. This was probably one of the most beautiful segments I have been on. Lined with small glacial lakes, we hiked a 3 mile out and back before it got dark. I was disappointed we didn't have time to do the whole segment. I will be back!

How was your week? Did you participate in any challenges? Did you have any challenges getting your workouts done? Any other kinds of challenges?

We're heading out to finish up the challenge this morning! I might not comment on your blogs right away. Have a great week!

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