Holy…Did you feel that? It’s the cold dead hand of winter slapping me in the face and causing whiplash. Although it’s already the end of February, winter chose to rear it’s ugly head in the form of sub zero temperatures and snow last week, just in time for my long run and a trip to New York City.
Take a seat because this one may burn a little…
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 8, 2016
RUNNING
I am spinning from this week of running. I had one of the greatest runs of my life, in the snow, while it was actually snowing. No music, just the sound of my breathing and footfalls as a gorgeous landscape unfolded. I wish I had brought my phone to take some pictures but I’m almost glad I didn’t because they would never match the memory I have of the run itself. It was perfect.
I took these before and after…
A very different run happened at the end of the week. It was a 15 miler on the treadmill.
I’ll just let that sink in.
The forecast was for like 10 below zero and even I’m not that crazy, however, two hours on the ‘mill will have you delirious so I’m not sure which is worse.
Sunday: Easy 45 minute snow shoe after an hour swim
Tuesday: Speed progression run beginning at 7:00/min mile pace and increasing to 6:15/min mile by the end. This was a super hard effort over 6 miles. I did it on the treadmill because the weather! but had my focus on one word the entire time – SIMPLE!
Wednesday: Winter wonderland run – 4 easy miles before Barre class
Friday: 15 miles done as 2 mile warm-up, 4 miles @7:40 pace, 4 miles @7:30 pace and 4 miles @7:15 pace with one mile cool down.
Total mileage = 30 miles inside and out!
CYCLING
I was on the trainer and the spin bike this week. I had to move my whole operation upstairs last Monday since my kids were home again because of the weather! and my husband was working downstairs. I did a cycle workout and then IronStrength while watching The Lion Guard, PJ Masks and some other ridiculous cartoon. Did you know Rob Lowe is the voice of Simba now? That guy is everywhere!
One of my “friends” captioned this QUADZILLA on Instagram. Compliment? Insult? I’m still trying to figure it out.
Monday: Force 10 x 30 second spin ups at Z4 heart rate zone
Thursday: 45 minutes staying aerobic before hour swim
Only two rides this week since I have my half-marathon coming up on the 27th!
SWIMMING
Another great week of swimming in the books! The YMCA pool was closed for over a week which caused a complete shit show…at least I think I did. I was over at my “other gym” swimming in their pool! However, it seems no one can get the pool temps regulated (probably because of the weather!) so the water was 76 degrees on Sunday! Just for reference – it’s usually 82. I needed my wet suit.
Sunday: 2500 yards muscular endurance
Tuesday: 2000 yards anaerobic
Again, only two swims because my running race is up next!
FUEL
I give up and will be having this for dinner from now on. After all, I need to stay warm…
Too many carbs?
GEAR
Have you seen this in the latest Runner’s World?
I loved the look of the pants she has on so I had to order a pair (at a very reasonable $46)! The company is called Spool No.72 and they have some very cool stuff. Their tagline is: Vintage and Bohemian Style Affordable Clothing for Women. Yes, please!
As soon as I have them in my hot little hands, I will do a full review.
THINGS I LOVE
The elderly telling me what a nice stroke I have.
Usually the older adult pool ladies are nothing but nasty and territorial but I seem to have broken them with the astonishing beauty of my swim stroke. I was told not once, but twice this past week how flawless it is.
Ok so they probably have cataracts or at the very least cannot see very clearly, but I’ll take it! I don’t care who a swim compliment comes from, if they tell me it’s amazing, I will believe it 100 percent.
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Almost killing myself on the treadmill. You knew it was only a matter of time right? So, this may be one of the most embarrassing things I have ever disclosed on this blog but I have a nice burn on my left leg from almost falling on the treadmill last Friday after my 15 mile long run. How did I manage this? By keeping the belt moving while I set up my phone to take a picture for social media. So humiliating.
At least I got the shot…
In case you’re wondering, I feel BEFORE taking this pic.
TELEVISION
The Olympic Qualifying Marathon was on television for the first time! Hundreds of people tuned in… Ok, so fine, not very many people cared and yes, watching running on TV is almost as bad as actually running for most but, this was a pretty big deal for the running community!
And this was my favorite shot by far!
Shalane Flanagan collapsing into her teammate Amy Hasting’s (and fellow Olympic marathon qualifier) arms right after crossing the finish. These women prove there is no “I” in TEAM!
The second best thing on TV for me is Homeland. I finally started watching it and I am hooked! It also got me though my 15-mile treadmill run. Thank you Carrie for being such a fascinating character!
READING
Thank you to everyone who answered my desperate plea for more reading material. I’m now happily reading two fascinating books – This Is Where It Ends and Fates and Furies.
The first is a very quick and unsettling read and the second has me not knowing what the hell is going on but…I like it.
RANDOM TWEET OF THE WEEK
I will be taking a blog break the rest of the week! There may be snowboarding involved. See you back here on Monday, February 22…
How was your week?
What is giving you whiplash?
Have you ever fallen off the treadmill? Please say yes.
The Olympic trails. No words. I had tears. So unbelievable to see women supporting women but also the power of teammates even in a solo sport like running. Falling off the treadmill…never happened to me BUT I did fall on the Magic Carpet for the first time. In front of a ton of kindergarten through 4th graders, the other chaperones, parents, ski instructors, lift operators and probably a ton more on the resorts webcam. That was just a teeny bit embarrassing. Ron was like, how do you fall on the Magic Carpet!!? I don’t know! It just happened.
OMG that is hilarious and totally something that would happen to me!! Thank you for making me feel a teensy bit better 🙂
It’s been so cold the last few days. I’ve honestly been miserable LOL. I am a treadmill puncher so I end up running very close to the front of the thing (not really on purpose but it does happen).
I loved watching the Olympic Trials. It was so motivating.
I had never heard the word “treadmill puncher” but I know exactly what you mean! Ouch!!
You are going to look much better in those pants than the model they used…… The social media leg burn, hilarious!!! Let me know if any of those books ends up being a MUST read (I have no time mediocre) … Thank you for all your messages and cheering me on!!!
HAHA – thank you Paria! And I’m still reading Fates and Furies so I will let you know. The other one is definitely NOT a must read but at least it was engaging and a fast read!
I’m so exited to read all about your first marathon experience. I absolutely loved the picture you posted to FB!!!!
Quadzilla is a compliment! You have awesome legs!!!
HAHA ok, if you say so. Thanks!
I have come so close to falling off the treadmill so many times! Glad you’re okay. I definitely think that quadzilla is a compliment. 🙂
Is your nutrition coach focusing on metabolic efficiency? Curious with your carb confusion photo!
Enjoy the week off from blogging!
Yes, my nutrition coach is focusing on metabolic efficiency but I told him how I feel about my carbs!!! That photo is actually a very old one from Christmas and I was only using it because of the bottle of Vodka 🙂 Basically I’m not starting my day with carbs like I used to, and just being more conscientious of my carbs vs protein intake. I have another call with him on Wednesday but so far it’s going very well!
Great! Yes, it doesn’t have to be “low” carb- but it’s more about the right balance of carbs to protein. Are you able to get tested to see where your metabolic crossover point is?
I’m looking into that now. Kind of hard to come by in these parts!
Ok, so I have a little whiplash today, along with lots of aches and pains after that run yesterday. What happened to me? Was it the cold air getting into my joints? Was my running formed all jacked because I was so cold? I felt like a bus hit me when I rolled out of bed this morning.
Seems like the treadmill would have been the smarter choice… :p
Anytime you are battling the elements it takes a greater toll on your body for sure! You are an animal going out there and suffering though this deep freeze!!
Have an enjoyable week off! You deserve it. And for the record, I think treadmill accidents are incredibly common! I’m pretty much only coordinated enough to walk or run on ground that doesn’t move!
HAHAHA – thank you Brittany!!
No such thing as too many carbs, and all goes better with ABSOLUT; absolutely!
Is Allie having fun running in the snow? What are the clip ons called that are on your shoes? Can’t find those in SoCal! I’d like to buy a pair and go up to the snow and try them out.
What you think you look like, and what you really look like in the H2o is hilarious!
I did the same thing many years ago on a TM in physiology lab, except with a chair. It was on the TM from the previous stress test, the protocol measuring the HR drop sitting down (@ 10sec intervals) after a max stress test. I was absorbed in calculations, and I turned it on to calibrate equipment for the next victim.
It flew off the back into a mirror that shattered in a 1000 pieces. We all laughed so much I nearly pucked ribs!
Snowboard away:)! I’m going up to the snow in march to snowboard and I’ll be waxing and putting edges on my 1970s skinny skis as well. Can’t wait!
PS. How do you like your Cutco cutlery?
They are called yaktrax and they are fantastic! Zero slippage and they grip snow, ice, road, whatever.
I cannot believe you shattered glass with your fall!!! OMG! Lucky you were not hurt and glad you could laugh about it 🙂
Have a great time with those old skis! I bet they feel fantastic cutting though the snow…
I love Cutco cutlery. I would not buy anything else.
1. 15 treadmill miles?! I either think you’re amazing or insane.
2. I have totally fallen trying to take pics before. Vanity and oversharing trump all else.
3. Vodka with a side of salad is my favorite meal.
Have fun snowboarding!!! I wanna go back!
1. Definitely insane.
2. Thank you so much for saying that.
3. This is why we are friends.
Thanks! I’ll try not to kill myself taking some pics 🙂
I DVR’d the Olympic Trials and oh my goodness. I got so emotional because well, my experience was similar in the regards to simply wanting to collapse at the finish line!
Are you getting tired of your treadmill? You are doing so well (well except for that little spill—SO happy you are ok–its could have been SO bad!!)
Have great time snowboarding!! There was plenty of snow today 🙂 Enjoy your week off!!
That is part of what made the televised trials so great – every runner can relate and be so, so motivated by it! You will have plenty to think about while training for 2016 🙂
I absolutely love that I have my treadmill as an option but I was be very happy to never run more then 8 miles on it ever again!!
Thanks and see you back here next week!
Awesome week, awesome runs and thanks for the new book recommendations. I just finished the book I was currently reading and need some new ones to download. And maybe this isn’t the best time to tell you it is still in the 70s in FL??? Honestly I’ll gladly take some snow off your hands. My house is done in two weeks so come visit and run with me, er run way ahead of me. xoxo
I seriously just may do that!!!…right after I get my fill of snowboarding 🙂
So excited for you that your house is almost finished! I remember back in October when you were deciding on kitchen tile! It’s such a process but ultimately so worth it.
My son is a huge fan of Shalane. I’ll have to find some youtube footage so we can watch the playback of the finish line! And ya, looking at you in the snow, I be wanting to throw a snowball at ya.
That is very cool and yes you need to see it!!!
Bombs away! That’s what my boys always do and their aim is getting better…
I actually clip myself into the treadmill after nearly falling off several times. Glad you were safe!
I loved the Olympic trials, especially the Amy and Shalane teamwork.
Enjoy snowboarding and your week off!
I really should use my clip but I’m afraid it will come off in the middle of my run if I just back up too much!!
Thanks Laura! Have a great week…
Yes, I have fallen off of a treadmill. While walking. But I trip over my own feet, so that is not surprising.
Quadzilla is a compliment, as are the comments from the old ladies. Enjoy the rest of your week!
But did you fall off because you were trying to get a pic for social media? THAT is the embarrassing part!
Thanks Dana 🙂
GIrl, I am getting so freaking sick of the treadmill. It’s the winter blues kicking in and my traveling hubby. I can’t get outside for the life of me! And as far as i’m concerned, Quadzilla is a compliment! Those legs are on-fyah! Umm, and I can not tell a lie. I may or may not have fallen off trying to get a pic as well, lol 😉 I have heard great things about Homeland but have yet to see it. We don’t get Showtime, but I may have to look into it!
I’m feeling your pain! My kids are FINALLY going back to school after having Mon and Tues off this week which meant MORE treadmill time – UGH!!!! And Spring? What is that?
Thank you so much for saying you have also fallen trying to get a social media pic 🙂 I feel a lot better now that I am in good company.
As for Homeland – it’s amazingly good and you can probably get it though Amazon Prime for cheap!
Oh yea, my oldest had Friday off for teacher workshop day, both were off on monday for the holiday and snow day tuesday (when it was 50 degrees out…don’t get me started)……finally back to school today!! And what do I get to do? Study for the GRE, YAY! :/
I continue to be blown away by the amount of miles you do on the treadmill!
The other day I read a post about falling off the treadmill, it sounds awfully painful! I’m glad you didn’t fall down all the way. I once tripped on the treadmill, because it looks like I’m not capable of running in a straight line… so I stepped on the side of the treadmill, I was going a little slow, and that helped me catch myself.
The Olympic trials were amazing! such amazing athletes!
As for Fates and Furies… I found the Husbands side of the story, but the wife’s side was mesmerizing! I found myself not been able to tear myself away from her stories! I hope you enjoy the rest of the book!
Thanks for the heads-up on Fates and Furies because I’m slogging though the husband’s stories right now!!
And, let’s hope I never have to run that many miles on the treadmill ever again. The fall was less painful 🙂
Umm your quads are fabulous!! (insert flexed arm emoji)
Yea, this is usually the time of the year when my family members in NJ all hate me for posting gorgeous Southern Cali “winter” pictures (it’s been 80 degrees here)… Single digits is just too damn cold!
LOL – thank you 🙂
I always think I love the winter until it arrives and hits me over the head! I really don’t mind the cold (well, reasonable cold that is not below zero) it’s the inconvenience when your plans are cancelled or school is closed. Other then that…
Enjoy your sunny days and keep posting pics! They give me hope I will be warm again!
I think those are the first reasonably priced leggings I’ve ever seen that are actually reasonably priced. Sweet! The Olympic Trials were awesome and so inspiring!
I know, right? Now to put them to the test and see if they are even worth the 46 bucks 🙂
Thanks Jill!
I fell off the treadmill last year when my back was still recovering, not cool! It hurt so much. I don’t even know what happend. One minute I was running and the next minute I was on the ground. Eeek! Nothing worse then a cold pool when its like the arctic outdoors. Happy training Mama!
Oh no!! That is truly awful. At least I didn’t have any body damage, other then a burn on my leg and a terribly hurt ego 🙂
On the freezing cold note: I swam for an hour today and then had a run outside. It was about 25 degrees but the sun was out. Well, after coming out of the pool, I think my body temp was lowered of something because it took me 2 full miles to warm-up. I was absolutely freezing!!!! Ugh, where are you Spring??