Mammoth Challenge Complete!

On Sunday this week, I wrapped up the Mammoth Challenge with a run on my favorite trail. This year's Mammoth Challenge was challenging for a couple of reasons: I had only 3 weekends to complete 46 miles and visit 3 trail towns, and I have been having issues with my knee. But I got it done, thanks to the great fall weather we've had and the cooperation of my knees, which have been improving with intensive PT. Instead of running the whole thing, I hiked more miles than I have in the past and found that I didn't mind it at all. Slowing down gave me time to see a lot more interesting things. I just have to allot more time to cover the distance. I explored new-to-me segments, and I plan on doing a lot more of that after I retire in May. 

After pushing hard the last 3 weeks, I was tired, and I dialed it back. I did more walking than running on Wednesday's trail run. I'm going to continue to focus on healing my knee. PT has been so helpful--running feels good--and I'm making a promise to myself to continue with the exercises at home once I'm discharged. 

Weekly Rundown:

Sunday: Ice Age Trail Run Lodi Marsh Segment 7.5 miles/1100 ft climbing

Monday: Strength Training, PT

Tuesday: Yoga with Adriene

Wednesday: Trail run 6.75 miles

Thursday: Strength Training

Friday: run 3 miles

Saturday: rest

Mammoth Hike Challenge Compete: 46 miles

Bonus miles: 10

Elevation Gain: 5210

Trail towns: 3

After my Full Moon Hike the night before, I was up before the sun and out the door as it began to rise. I drove to my most favorite IAT segment of all, the Lodi Marsh Segment, to finish out my Mammoth Hike Challenge miles. It was another perfect fall morning--warmer than it should be, but who's going to question that? 

I started with a brisk hiking pace, but once I got to the top of the hill, I decided to try a run. I felt a brief twinge in my knee, and then it was gone. I kept running, waiting for the pain to return, and it didn't. There were a few walk breaks to take photos of the beautiful fall foliage, which was at its peak. I also stopped to pet all the dogs, most of whom were pheasant hunting with their owners. What a wonderful morning to be out on the trail!

Monday's 'heavy' lift was the back squat: 

#1: 5 reps at 75# (45% 1RM)

#2: 3 reps at 90# (55% 1RM)

#3: 1 rep at 105# (65% 1 RM)

Deadlifts 5 x10:

#1 10 reps at 80# (40%)

#2 10 reps at 90# (45%)

#3 10 reps at 100# (50%)

#4 10 reps at 110# (55%)

#5 10 reps at 120# (60%)

Bench Presses 5 x10: rep scheme as noted above

#1 10 reps at 38#

#2 10 reps at 43#

#3 10 reps at 47.5#

#4 10 reps at 52.5#

#5 10 reps at 57.5#

Wednesday was another perfect fall day, and I laced up for a run on the trails at the preserve. I saw one little deer along the preserve road, but otherwise, it was just the squirrels and me on the trails. The colors were at their peak, the sun made them pop, and the temperatures were pleasantly warm. I didn't want this run to end!

No PT today because I had to drive out to my parents' to take my mom to her semiannual appointment with the neurology NP. Strength training continues. This week SJ told me not to do the bench presses since I did them on Monday. Call me confused...

Deadlifts: 5-3-1 for load:

#1 5 reps: 100#

#2 3 reps: 120#

#3 reps: 140#

Back Squats 5 x10 ascending weights starting with 40% of 1 RM and increasing by 5% per lift. These got spicy!

65#, 72.5#, 80#, 87.5#, 90#

On Friday, I had to push myself to go out in the dark to do this run, but I reminded myself that fall is coming to an end. I'm so glad I went because wow--what a beautiful morning I experienced! With the time change, I will hopefully see a few more beautiful sunrises before the darkness returns. 

Off the road...

My father-in-law has been dying to see his first great-grandchild. We made it happen on Sunday. My little grandson is more awake now and cute as a pumpkin...

I took my mom to her neurology appointment on Thursday. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that her cognitive score didn't change much. She seems more confused to me, but she isn't wearing her hearing aids, and I think that may be a big part of it. My dad did a lot of complaining when I arrived, and I offered to schedule appointments for him with his doctors, but he declined. I guess it's easier to complain. My quiet quitting and not pushing him anymore have helped me a lot. You can't force someone to do something they don't want to do....

Here's a photo of my little pumpkin from Halloween!

How was your week? Are you dialing back on your running mileage and/or your routine for the winter? How do you feel about turning back the clocks? I asked this on my IG--as an early riser, I am a fan of the extra light in the morning, obviously, but I am in the minority!

BTW, if we were runfessing, I'd tell you that I prepared a Halloween IG post of all the creepy things I've seen on the trails this year, saved it to my draft folder, and FORGOT TO POST IT! So there it sits, until next year, I guess...

I'll be sharing my October Mini Book Reviews on Tuesday!

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