Beta testing what I’ll need: 4/17- 23 Weekly Wrap

That’s what training is: beta testing. Do these clothes feel good (and don’t chafe)? Does that fuel sit well in my stomach? How should I carry my water?

NOLA was easy to pack for, but this race is much trickier, and while I’m trying not to check a bag because we’ll be there less than a week, I’m pretty sure I want to have some options.

I’m joining up with the Weekly Wrap from Holly @ Hohoruns and Tricia @ Misssipppiddlin so we can all inspire each other to stay active.

Workouts update

• Monday: Dogwalk, Pilates Rapid Results Arms, Total Body & Stretch, Iron Strength Glute Blaster, JY Hips & Calf Reset
• Tuesday: Dogwalk, 5 mostly flat trail miles
• Wednesday: 5 miles with some hill downhills, Dogwalk
• Thursday:  Dogwalk, Iron Strength Abbreviated
• Friday: 5 miles easy, Dogwalk
• Saturday: Pilates Tighten & Tone Arms, Lower Body Body, Stretch, Strala Arms, Back & Shoulders, Dogwalk
• Sunday: 9 mile, hilly LSD, JY Aligh Your Stride

Mileage: 24 (-1)

JY = Jasyoga
TM = Treadmill
YFR = Yoga for Runners*
WU = warmup
CD = cooldown
SB = Stationary Bike
YFPR = Yoga for Pain Relief
YTU = Yoga Tune Up Lower Body*

*Disclaimer: Amazon affiliate links; I will make a small amount of money if you buy through these links

Running updates 

 

Finally a somewhat flat trail

 

Tuesday

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I set out determined to find a flatter route on the trails. I knew I’d run some way flatter from what I’d run this past weekend — but there are a lot of trails in this preserve, and there’s the whole trying to remember where the heck I turned thing.

I was successful though! And with the weather a good 20 degrees cooler, I had a much better run. They weren’t completely flat, and they’re still somewhat technical, but I didn’t have the life sucked out of me like I did on my last couple of runs.

I even managed to stay upright, although I caught a toe on a root during a walking break. Geez!

 

Forsythia is fleshing out

 

Wednesday

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The temperatures dropped even more. It was insanely windy — I thought we left the wind in March, but apparently not. I got out with Bandit to warm up, then tackled some more downward hill repeats. I could squeeze 4 into 2 miles — I know this doesn’t seem like much, but it’s a long way back around to the top of the hill. I think that plus my hilly trail runs are preparing me for my trail half and UT just fine.

At least I hope so.

Friday

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It’s been about 6 weeks since I’ve run with anyone. It’s also been quite some time since I ran somewhere flat. And it’s been almost 4 months since I’d seen the friend I ran with (she’s a snowbird and goes to FL for the winter).

We ran together for about 3 miles, but then I ran on ahead for the last 2, and the run was lovely negative splits without trying. Running has really seemed hard the last couple of weeks, so this was a gift. We also ran on a flat path, the weather was just about perfect, and so was the company. So much so that I totally forget to take any photos.

Just one of many very steep hills on this trail

Sunday

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What a difference 25 degrees makes! A truly lovely day to run, and probably mimics race conditions fairly well (minus potential showers & mud).

Parts of these trails are still insanely hilly — trust me, the photo doesn’t do it justice. This was a more confidence building run and didn’t suck the life from me like last week. I still find it more tiring to run trails — I think. We’ll see what race day adrenaline does for me.

I think I may have a seen a turkey. I never got close enough to it to tell, but it was a damn big bird.

I also got to try out a Camelbak Hydration vest Mr. Judy bought a while ago but has never used — because I was already getting my cheap one to dry out to pack. And now I’m not quite sure which to take! Pros and cons to both.

Favorites of the week

Everything tastes better eaten outside

Running with a friend — finally! We also checked out Halotherapy on Sunday — if nothing else, it’s very relaxing. More on that at a future date.

My car passing inspection. Hopefully Old Faithful and I have more time together. The check engine light came on again just a couple of days later.

Being able to spend a whole weekend at home.  Even if it means I’m still packing my own stuff!

Being able to eat out al fresco on Sunday. Nothing like fresh air (and 9 miles + 1 mile walking because you misjudge your turnaround point) to whet your appetite!

And that’s a wrap 

This week I am also linking up with the Sunday Fitness & Food Linkup brought to you by Ilka @ Ilka’s Blog and Angela @ Marathons & Motivation.

Let’s get the conversation started:

If you raced this week, how’d it go? 

If you haven’t raced, are you gearing up for a race? 

Ever used a race as a training run?