Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Wednesday is Sneaky

Seriously, how is it mid-week already?!

A couple weekends ago, after my three hour long run, Matt's paddling friends invited me to go along. Some of the other wives were going, and they're not big paddlers like Matt and the guys, so they were wondering if I'd like to join. I'm happy to branch out and make new friends, but paddling after three hours of running sounded like torture.

So I promised to go this weekend. And I did. It's been ages since I last paddled and it showed. I was slow and unsteady. I may have even had a panic attack...there may have been tears, which I haven't experienced while paddling since my very first time going.
There's no better way to enjoy a cold front than getting completely sunburned like a moron. Note to self: cool weather doesn't mean weaker rays.
The good news is that I did get to meet new people and they were pretty awesome. And even though I fell off my board when a double-wake hit me, I dealt with it much better than last time I fell. We saw one dolphin but no manatees, thank goodness.

After three days straight of working out, I chose to push my run from Monday to Tuesday to give myself some recovery time. I took my short recovery run to the golf course, as usual, and it was pretty empty except for a surprising abundance of gnats. 

Is it just me or does one of my eyes like weirdly blurry in this pic?!
Afterward, I hopped in the pool and spent a little time with Archie. I feel bad when I'm so busy that he's in the cage all day. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind hanging out when I'm sweaty.
His fondness for sweaty sports bras is actually kind of disgusting.
We spent some quality time taking selfies. Here's one of us making the same face:
Don't be fooled by his apparent inability to change facial expressions; he's totally posing here.
Remember a few weeks ago when I was debating what to do as far as fall races go? Well, a decision has been made! After staging a very clear and logical argument about the need to race pre-marathon and my love for repeating local races, Matt buckled and decided we could afford for me to do both races I was hoping for! 
So in a couple weekends, I'll be running a 10k Saturday and 10-miler Sunday. I haven't decided on goals or strategy yet. Seeing as I'll be running 15 miles the weekend before and 20 the weekend after, I don't want to push too hard, but because the distance of my "long run" will be split up that weekend, it means I don't have to go as easy as I usually do.

I think weather will dictate some of it, too! Our cold front lasted all of 24 hours; it got steamy again PDQ. Come back, fall. I miss you already.

How many days in a row do you usually work out?
Long run experts, how would you strategize for these races?
Do you read more into your pet's personality than might be considered "normal"? Yes, and I'm complete unapologetic about it. Deal with it.

ABK

11 comments:

  1. Well I have cats so I think it is much more socially acceptable to read into their personalities.... but I am obsessed with my cats more than most people! I am not sure how to strategize for the races.. I guess it depends on what your goals are! Just whatever you do, don't do anything that would prevent you from running your 20 the next weekend.

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    1. Yes, I think it's become pretty normal to see cats as having strong personalities. That's why the memes are so popular!

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  2. I'm happiest working out six days a week, not all at the same intensity, of course.

    Oh, I'd probably try to race the 10k and then just enjoy the 10 miler. Weather would make a difference in that and what else is going on too. Or maybe if I could take the whole day to rest on Saturday after the 10k I'd do that one super easy and then race the 10M (which would probably be the best marathon practice, honestly). I just never get to rest on Saturdays - kids!

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    1. Major props...I can usually workout 4 days a week, but 6 is awesome.

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  3. Hahha yes I have definitely created a fully defined personality for Cecil and read into everything he does based on this personality. I think that's totally normal! :) I don't understand people who are like "it's just a cat/dog/bird/hamster/etc," I mean they're joking right?!

    I hate those runs where the gnats are out and you feel like if you open your mouth to breathe they're all going to fly in!

    When I was reading up on the science behind split long runs most of the research said that the split doesn't mean your body actually has time to recover as long as both runs are completed within a 24 hour period. So, I think even though you're splitting them up, you probably still want to do them both at your easy pace. But then again, I am obviously no running expert. Here are two articles I read and saved though:

    http://www.active.com/running/articles/should-you-split-your-long-run
    http://running.competitor.com/2014/07/training/are-you-overemphasizing-the-marathon-long-run_55719/2

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    1. I never get how some people see their pets as JUST pets and not little people! We always joke that Archie is just a little human who will one day grow up to be like us lol.

      Thanks for the articles! I'm going to read them and consider them before the races!

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  4. Clearly since you read my blog you know that Lola definitely has more of a personality than other's would see as 'normal.' LOL. I treat her like a person most times. That race weekend sounds really cool.....it is a lot of running, but with proper pacing and rest you can do it! I love ten mile races...not too short, not too long. :D

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    1. I've never raced 10 before, so it'll be an automatic PR! I'm super excited for it!!

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  5. Oh I bet the Sanibel Island race will be a good one. I love Sanibel! When I did two races back to back in September I ran the 10k easy and then the half marathon with a little more effort the next day. I would just do whatever you feel comfortable with!

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    1. I do love the Sanibel race. I've done it twice before and it's always SO pretty!

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  6. I can't wait to hear about your races!!!!!! I want to do a 10 miler in the future!!!

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