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 so enamored with triathlon that “just” running has changed so completely for me.
Happy trails!
At this time last year I was making my final preparations to run 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.
I also had to recover from the triathlon (where I did qualify for nationals!) while preparing for yet another race. 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 me 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
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 in Longmeadow, MA!
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 accomodate 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?
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 ukulele 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
After running diagnostics of all kinds, it turns out that I was screwed and needed a new laptop. Has anyone 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 at You’ll Grow Out of It by Jessi Klein. Since I’m 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.
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 | by 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 PICTURES 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.
How was your week?
Are you getting race ready?
Have you picked out a Halloween costume yet?
LOVE LOVE THE GUITAR PICTURE.
When I spied it on the book of faces it reminded me so much of when mine was that age and she settled upon the ukulele.
She never rocked it.
I stole it 🙂
WE LOVE US SOME ‘WEEN here as well.
Id decided not to dress up this year.
The child decided I would dress up this year (It’s my year to hand out candy).
Have I mentioned I hate my costume?:-)
I really hope they both rock it and create their own little half-band 🙂
We didn’t buy the Halloween masks but were VERY tempted!!
This is your first pair of Saucony’s?!?! What took you so long, girl? 🙂 I love the feeling of the Kinvara’s but my wonky feet don’t stand a chance in them for more than a few miles of speed work. I really should sign my son up for music lessons. He loves to grab one of Ron’s old guitars and strum it. Ron could teach him but you know how it is when a parent tries to teach their own kid something. Utter and complete failure! And those Halloween costumes. Perfect! 🙂
I know, I know!! Better late than never, right?
And the parent/teacher thing never works!! WHY? So frustrating to pay for something you can already do…
I’m so glad you went with the Kinvara and I’m looking forward to seeing how you (hopefully continue) to like them. I think you’ll be a huge fan. The leaf peepers half sounds like a funny name (I’m so childish). I remember that feeling of staring a half in the face when I hadn’t raced in a while. I know you’ll do great though!
I seriously love them and haven’t even put my Brooks on yet…
It’s a totally giggle worthy name but hopefully the leaves will be majorly peeper-tastic!!
The boys are too cute. Miles looks like an old pro sitting there like that, and wow the ukalele?! That’s too cool. They can be a duo, I can see it now. Uh oh watch out!
I have my trusty backup costume ready in case I forget to go shop: a giant bottle of Sriracha. I bought it last year then literally got preggo and couldn’t wear it. Not cuz it didn’t fit but cuz we went to my brothers wedding which was on Halloween night. Seems like forever ago!!! So it’s time to compete the circle d life and be the hot sauce. Yup. Happy monday happy run day! Loving those trail pics. Not jealous at all 🙂
It was so funny how he just sat down and crossed his legs like he had been doing it for years. He’s funny like that!
I absolutely LOVE your costume and you have to wear it this year and post ALL the pictures!!
I feel like the Apple store is a bit like Target: if you go in there, you come out with no memory of what occurred and $100-500 (or more) in the red. Never fails to happen.
I can imagine that you are like… what do I do with all this time?? Like Ricky Bobby WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS
Oh WAY more but yes, it’s exactly like that!!
And the Ricky Bobby reference is also right on 🙂
So I’ve realized that my oldest, Josh, is all into performing so he is currently in vocal lessons and might be starting drum soon. On the other hand the little guy is obsessed with kicking, hitting and all of the above–he has great hand eye coordination so he is in soccer. We have to put them in something they LIKE or else…..hahaha
What you described with your mac is literally my nightmare. omg. The apple stores around here REQUIRE appointments and if you don’t have one you WON’T be seen. Its so bad. How long did you have your macbook for?
If only there were something for all little boys with music AND hitting, punching and kicking 🙂 The boys also seem to really like basketball but, so far, that and guitar is it.
I crossed my fingers and went in without an appointment which, is usually recipe for disaster. But, since I could work on my laptop in the store I figured I could chance it. I got very lucky and it was only about a 40 minute wait!! But, in total, I was there for almost 3 hours. Insanity!
I’m sure you will kick ass on your half, because that is what you do! That book sounds interesting…. I started listening to a few episodes of the Girl Boss podcast in the last couple of weeks and I’ve been thinking about maybe reading her book at some point.
Thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂 I’m really trying to be happy with whatever the outcome is so we’ll see what happens!!
I’ll have to check out that Girl Boss podcast. Sounds like it’s perfect for me :-0
OMG, those masks…which one will you be wearing? Oh, never mind… I know! This election makes my blood boil, so all we can do is laugh….
Agreed!! We didn’t get the masks but it was funny to look at the pictures. I would never buy that Trump mask!!…WAY TOO SCARY 🙂
Oh my goodness! i am dying over those masks! Hilarious. Boohoo for the laptop. I recently had my charger crap out but was so thankful it was not the whole laptop. Even though I am prepping for NYC my training has been Meh so we will see about this half. At least the one thing I know is that we are going to have a blast!
YES, the weekend will be an absolute blast so I’m definitely focused on that 🙂
So glad you only had to replace your charger. I was hoping it was only a battery replacement but, of course not!!
See you soon
Oh wow! Yeah, it’s strange to imagine you only doing running! In my mind you are Tri Super Athlete !
I like how you say “Face your fear and get in the water!”… I’m going to research swim lessons! I’m done not knowing how to swim!
We are almost set for Halloween! We are going as the Avengers, My son will be Vision, and I’m still trying to decide if I want to be Captain America or Black Widow.
Ouchies on the computer! But I hope the new one has a long healthy life!
OMG that makes me SO HAPPY!!! let me know if you sign up for lessons because I’m seriously excited 🙂
LOVE the family Avenger theme. You guys really have your sh*t together over there!
YAY for Saucony Kinvara! I love mine also. Obsessed. I love the wide toe box and the responsive ride, and the colors are fantastic. Those Halloween costumes are perfect! Both of them.
I’m nervous about this half – those hills! But it’s going to be so much fun that time no matter what. You are ready to crush it – nice week of workouts!
Somehow, I just knew my spirit animal would be playing the ukelele.
Exactly! 🙂
Woohoo! Congrats on qualifying for nationals. I suggest we celebrate with cake. Just sayin’.
This time I am one step ahead of you…I celebrated with cannoli cake this past weekend and OMG I could eat it every single day!!!
Thanks 🙂
Can’t wait to see you and cheer you on along the course this weekend!!!! xo
YES! That is going to be awesome 🙂 Cannot wait to see you!
Cutie. And yeah, I need to get in the pool except Callum HAAAATES the childminding at our gym. Like, he goes postal. GAH. I swam when I was pregnant with him and I really enjoyed it. Maybe I just need to be consistent with him and firm about him going into the childcare area. Bribery helps too. I should stock up on Smarties.
I definitely have a fear of the pool and I need to get over it, I just don’t know how. I would need to take some lessons but ain’t nobody got time for that! Love that the boys are learning to play the guitar. Ryan asked it he could take violin lessons….I don’t want to stifle him, but maybe a more manly instrument…lol. I’m going to hell for saying that.
LOL!!! No way man, Ryan would make the violin the most manly instrument ever!!! All little boys would grow up dreaming about playing like him 🙂
Interesting = Painful for me also lol Congratulations on qualifying for nationals! Not sure if I’m late but thats an amazing accomplishment. My boyfriend brought me a guitar before we broke up and I’m dying to take lessons. I love the sound of music also, the boys are so cute.
That is a perfect was to describe it – interesting and painful! At least I qualified and it’s over and done with.
And yes, definitely make some time to learn how to play. I think it’s such an amazing thing!
Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
My boyfriend brought me a guitar before we broke up and I’m dying to take lessons. I love the sound of music also, the boys are so cute.