This past week I have been almost exclusively focused on running, in preparation for the Leaf Peepers half marathon (part of the Rise.Run.Retreat) in Vermont on October 2. It’s so strange how I have become soĀ enamoredĀ with triathlon that “just” running hasĀ changed so completely for me.

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Happy trails!

At this time last year I was making myĀ final preparations to runĀ the New York City marathon and had just run a marathon PR in the spring. This year? I haven’t run longer than 10 miles or 25 total miles in a week yet, I’m staring down my first half marathon in more than eight months. It will be interesting to see what happens. And by “interesting” I mean “painful.”

For now, let’s take a look back at what has already transpired.

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2016

RUNNING

This is what it’s all about! I have to say that I have really enjoyed my hard running efforts but, afterward I’ve been left with the feeling of “that’s it?” No bike? No swim? I’m trying to enjoy the runs, and the needed recovery from racing but in all honesty, it’s been a tad depressing.

Yes, I needed to write my workout on my hand because I'm old and can't remember stuff.

Yes, I needed to write my workout on my hand because I’m old and can’t remember stuff.

I also had to recover from the triathlon (where I did qualify for nationals!) while preparing for yet another race.Ā My coach works hard for her money!

Tuesday: Form run with strides (2 mile warmup, 1 mile build, 5×30 seconds at 5k pace with 30 second recovery, 1 mile at half marathon pace, 5×30 strides, 1 mile easy, 5×30 strides, 1 mile easy) – 6.56 miles at 7:37 pace

Thursday: 6 miles at half marathon and 10k paces | 7:55 pace

Friday: 4 miles easy | 8:11 pace

Sunday: 8 miles long slow distance | 8:05 pace

Total = 18 miles

CYCLING

What cycling? I had the option of doing a ride on Monday, the day after the triathlon, but the weather conspired against me. It was pouring on and off all day so I decided to take a full rest day. It was much needed but I wasn’t able to ride for the remainder of the week which sucked.

SWIMMING

My coach threw me a bone and gave meĀ one swim workout for the week. For all you runners reading this, you should really consider getting in the pool! Now is a perfect time of year to start swimming (or learn how) so by spring you will have increased your lung capacity, endurance and strength all with zero impact on your body. Face your fear and get in the water!

Wednesday: Endurance form – 2,300 yards

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GEAR

Since I was forced into a rest day by mother nature, I took the extra time to go shoe shopping! I mean running shoe shopping of course, at my favorite Fleet Feet store inĀ Longmeadow, MA!

Happiness is a new pair (or two) of running shoes.

Happiness is a new pair (or two) of running shoes.

I had read a few reviews from Hollie about how the Saucony Kinvara is comparable to my Brooks Launch so I decided to give them a try. I seriously cannot believe I waited this long because I absolutely LOVE them! They have a wide toe box to accomodateĀ my splayed feet, enough cushion to be comfy but also very responsive. Naturally, I bought a pair of Brooks Launch and the Saucony Kinvara but, I’ve been running exclusively in the Kinvara’s all week.

[Tweet “Getting back to my #running roots which obviously involves new #running #shoes! #train4life”]

THINGS I LOVE

The sound of music. Yes, I adore the movie but I’m talking about the actual sound of music in my home. The boys suddenly became extremely interested in playing the guitar when we randomly popped into a local music shop.

Miles just sat down and crossed his legs like an old folk singer. What?

Miles just sat down and crossed his legs like an old folk singer. What?

The next thing I knew I was signing them up for lessons, which they were more than a little excited to attend. I have to admit, after dragging them to every sport imaginable, it was such a relief to see them excited to get to a practice. I can only hope it lasts.

P.S. Vaughn is playing the ukuleleĀ because of course.

THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH

My laptop suddenly just shutting down and displaying a huge “x” over the battery icon. After I recovered from my heart attack I went to the Apple store. Is that place ever not busy? No. The answer is no.

Working on my Mac at the Apple store while I wait for my appointment. #loser

Working on my Mac at the Apple store while I wait for my appointment. #loser

After running diagnostics of all kinds, it turns out that I was screwed and needed a new laptop.Ā Has anyoneĀ ever gone into an Apple store with an issue and come out with a repair? I didn’t think so. They are evil geniuses.

READING

I’m still finishing up, and laughing hysterically atĀ You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein. Since I’mĀ in between book club books, I think this may be worth a read:

Trainwreck – The Women We Love to Hate, Mock and Fear…and Why

From the author: “She’s the girl who breaks the rules of the game and gets punished, which means that she’s actually the best indication of which game we’re playing, and what the rules are.” Tell me more.

 

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I learned about it from this article in the New York Times online which also has a big picture of Brittany (bitch) as a glaring example:

What We Can Learn from Women Who Break the Rules |Ā byĀ Salmamishah Tillet | NYtimes.com

I’m always interested in rule breakers and what women have to write about other women. I’ll let you know how it goes.

RANDOM PICTURESĀ OF THE WEEK

This is what my husband and I do for fun while the boys are picking out Halloween costumes. And yes, we’ve already bought their costumes because they love Halloween more than Brad Pitt loves weed.

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How was your week?

Are you getting race ready?

Have you picked out a Halloween costume yet?

 

 

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