Something Old, Something New

Tuesday's recovery run was the perfect example of why "recovery" means "easy pace". I took Sunday and Monday off after my 15-miler and my legs felt amazing, but after two miles Tuesday they were wobbly as hell.

Wet phone = melty runfie.

I guess as awesome as my legs felt, they were still a little tapped from the long run. At least the view was pretty, and there was a nice drizzle.

Anyway, I'm super excited for this weekend. Tonight I picked up my race packet for Sunday's race and seeing the medal on display and getting my bib just reminded me of how much I love racing.

It's been since April that I've raced, and part of me has been thinking I'm kind of over it. I had to skip a bunch of my usual fall races because we've been trying to spend wisely, and I don't really mind making that sacrifice.

But wow, am I excited to toe the starting line twice this weekend!

The something old race is the Sanibel 10k I've done twice before (in 2012 and 2013). I love the route and the cause. The something new race is the Rocktoberfest 10-miler. I've never run a 10 mile race before (the 15k I did last year was close I guess), so it's not only a new race, but also a new distance...automatic PR, right?

This may be the lowest bib number I've ever worn...and it's my lucky number, too!

More than 50 members of the Sub-30 Club are in PA for the Runner's World Festival. I couldn't make it this year, but luckily someone had the bright idea to send flatties in our places. Flat!Ali is already enjoying pho and good company thanks to Patricia!

Apparently Flat!Ali can eat gluten. Lucky.

I also picked up a belt to try out over the next few weeks before the marathon. I'd like to be able to put my phone in the belt and have room for Gu...I've been chafing under my armband and the velcro is giving up, too, so I definitely want to avoid wearing it for like...six hours of running.

On a different note, this week has been rough...not running-wise, but work-wise. Sometimes I just feel like I'm missing the mark. Once in awhile, especially when report cards loom, all I can think about is sleep. (Yes, quarter 1 ends Monday. Isn't that crazy?!) This is a candid Matt took the other night:

I'm literally asleep and Archie is sleeping perched on my eyeball.

When Matt showed me this I nearly died laughing. I was so exhausted I fell asleep and stayed asleep for over an hour with the light on and the bird on my face!

After a couple good nights' sleep, some wine, and an incredibly therapeutic bridge run with Kristin, I'm feeling much better.

When is the last time you raced?

 What's the weirdest place/position you've slept in?
What makes you feel better after a rough week?

 Photos of you sleeping: cute or creepy? I'd say creepy 99% of the time but this one is acceptable because it's really more of Archie than myself.

ABK

Victory!

Saturday at 8:30am, my confidence was fully restored.

I rolled out of bed at 4:15 and had a poptart and Caramel Macchiato flavored Gu, the pre-LSD breakfast of champions. I was out the door and into the pleasant 71-degree morning by 5:15.

The guys at Fit2Run were like, "Uh...stocking up?" I got two of each so Matt and I could both try them. Caramel Macchiato is my new favorite flavor. It's not too sweet and has a nice coffee-flavored kick.

My plan was to run my parents' neighborhood three times. The main road is a 3-mile loop with one offshoot that adds two more miles. I wanted to be done by 8:30 so I could make it to Matt's race in time to see him finish, so I was aiming to complete15-16 miles in three hours.

I ran the first five miles without any music; it was just me and the wild that is the golf course. There were quite a few frogs, but most of the creatures out at that time were of the silent variety; I saw bats, deer, and a bobcat.

A mama and fawn stopped grazing to watch me pass.

At mile 5.5 I paused for Gu (Peanut Butter this time) and water, then went back home to use the bathroom. It was my one and only "pause" on this run. I was beyond happy that I was able to run basically the entire thing.

My paces were so consistent, I couldn't have been happier.

I took the same loop backward for the second round. There are two water stations right near the sidewalk and I paused once along each repeat for a sip, and snacked on Lifesavers as I went.

Sandhill cranes taking a leisurely stroll.

Water-stop selfie.

By the time I finished the second loop I was bored and didn't want to have to cover that one random offshoot a third time, so I turned into a subdivision and ran two miles there, then completed the 3-mile loop one more time.

By the end it was starting to warm up, but I was filled with confidence. I knew there was no way I'd fail to finish this long run, and in the three hours I had planned!

The last mile was my fastest and included the one big hill on the run!

Hooray!

I cleaned up and drove to Matt's 10k SUP race; I got there with plenty of time to see him finish. 

Matt coming in toward the end.

There were two dolphins playing right near the last quarter mile.

This was the last in a series of races and Matt placed first for his division for Saturday's races! (He came in 4th in this 10k, and 1st in the sprint race right after, and the points averaged out to first place.)

He looks thrilled.

I had literally no pain post-run except in my right kneecap, but it was gone by the next morning. Considering this was the distance that left me injured last year, I'm pretty excited that this year 15 miles can go in the books as a success.

Beast mode: on. Training: full speed ahead!

How did you spend your weekend?

What kind of wildlife do you see on your runs?

ABK

Dedication Means Double Workouts

So, that whole "moving Monday's run to Tuesday" thing seemed like a good idea at the time, but immediately afterward I remembered why I never skip a Monday.

I wanted to do upper-body T25 with Elizabeth Thursday, so I was faced with the decision to do another three-in-a-row (shakeout Tuesday, speedwork Wednesday, upper-body Thursday) or do a double workout Thursday.

My legs were pretty tired from my recovery run because I can't seem to keep my paces slow enough when I'm only doing a couple miles, so I opted to rest Wednesday and double it up on Thursday.

In short: awesome. choice.

After warming up with T25 and getting my cross-training in that way (the upper-body video includes core and some light cardio, too), I came home and had a snack, then headed to the park.

I forgot to take off my necklace and didn't want to pause...so I had my classiest workout ever.

I'm really lucky that Matt likes to hangout when I run sometimes. He not only makes it to every race to cheer me on, but he even watches me train...how much more supportive can you get?!

And he even took photos and read the Stephen King book I recommended. Love.

I had some Gu because I was starving, then did a mile warmup on the road before heading to the loop. My plan was 6x400 if my legs held out, which they did.

Verdict on this new-to-me flavor: pretty tasty, a slightly thicker texture than the Salted Caramel or Espresso. I'll buy it again.

 I slipped an extra 400 into my repeats and was happy to see my paces coming down again. I kept my intervals around 8:20. The highlight of the run was when a high-schooler, who was pacing a friend and going the opposite direction, reached out to high five me.

It was a really pretty night; there were probably at least a dozen other runners out on the loop.

That was a first, and it really pumped me up. I always feel weird encouraging strangers or offering a high five but maybe I should do it more often, because it feels good to be on the receiving end of that kind of good will.

I look so speedy!

After my run, I watched my sister's recent yoga flow and felt a little envious of her flexibility. I guess that's good motivation, right? I have to brag on her a bit because she got certified as an instructor recently and is pretty freaking amazing. You should see her handstands.

 

I'm still feeling very up this week. I have 15 or 16 on my plan this weekend and feel 100% confident that I'll get it done. I finally feel ready for it!

Do you ever double-up your workouts?

Do you high five strangers, or do you draw the line at a wave/nod?

Are you a fan of yoga?

ABK