Training, week of 4.23

By | April 29, 2018

Weird week, take two.

nothing whatsoever to do with running, but this was a gorgeous work meeting Tuesday!

I was feeling strong after last weekend’s escapades, but when I went to the gym Tuesday (planned off day Monday), my legs had nothing and my ankle was bizarrely sore. So after a mile warmup jog-there was no running to speak of-I did a 5K row. Rowing has always been my favorite cross training activity and I was thrilled that Blink really did replace them after they broke. The ones at E. 54th are the fancy new ones with wifi, so it’s not to need to photo & input a 16 digit validation code. For a while I’d gotten good at getting under 30m but this one was nearly 32m as I was fiddling with my headset. I love the Aftershokz, but they’re more fiddly than my cheapos.

Thursday I was back to the gym and I went PR chasing. I knew I wouldn’t set one, and didn’t, but I was trying to figure out the math to see what I’d need to run to get that elusive 32:14. I really can’t math and run, but this one felt good. 5.6 for 2.53 miles, then 5.8 until 2.88 then 6.2 and 6.4 to close out. Although the 6.4 winded me, the overall workout didn’t, which means it’s probably time to try 5.7. 5.7 will probably get me a treadmill PR, but I wonder if I’d have the oomph to do a flying sprint in case it’s close. We’ll see. It’s definitely a goal to work toward.

Beautiful day to go long. Maybe?

Speaking of goals to work toward, the Brooklyn Half is less than a month away and this week marked a bundle of nerves. Last long run was Cherry Blossom and this week marked my last opportunity to try to hit double digits due to upcoming travel, although I think I’m good for a 10K each upcoming weekend. Due to some poor planning, I didn’t have my usual late afternoon window available to me, and I wasn’t at all sure I’d have time to get in a long run. I really need to get back to weekend morning runs with summer coming. June will help with that since I have a race every weekend.

So I headed out on a beautiful spring afternoon without a plan beyond 9ish and knowing my legs aren’t ready for 2x West Side/Cat Hill. Yep, still haven’t touched the Harlem Hills since January. I took an odd route, heading from the road to the bridle path around the reservoir at about 2.2 miles because it was warmer than I realized out and I wanted the 4 fountains after coming through the west side rollers. Yes, I was carrying my water bottle but I seem to default to water fountains. That ~1.6 mile lap helped me put off Cat Hill longer. Procrastination much? When I finally hit it, it went better than I expected. That mile was nothing to write home about, but I kept everything below 12 before pausing the watch to take in some gorgeous flowers near the Fred Lebow statue.

What fun is that, The Supply House?!

I was not so lucky on the final two miles which got me home via the park to get to the 9 miles. It was only way I was going to get the miles in & get home in time to meet my cleaner. This type of run never ends well because I’m virtually guaranteed to hit every light. Yep. At least it featured a fun sign, but I like TRexes! I got my long run in and I think my legs are ready for Brooklyn even if they’re not ready for the hills.

Week on Week volume

Six of this was actually reflected in last week’s recap, but it explains too why my quads are absolutely shot and the stairs when headed out for sushi were not pretty. A lower volume week is exactly what my knees ordered.

March of Dimes and mental health day in Madison Square Park

I was glad the only thing on Sunday’s calendar was a 5K charity walk (I ran it last year, this year was all walking) and a book in the park. Mental health days win. Alas Mother Nature is confused, and I was indeed wearing a fleece-lined coat through most of the day. PS: 100% glad I made the decision to get transition lenses.

Overall a good week. Travel is going to impact the next two, but running clothes in the suitcase.

Linking up with Wendy and HoHo (whoa, what gorgeous photos!) for their weekly wrap since my first one last week was so much fun. Join us?

 

 

12 thoughts on “Training, week of 4.23

  1. Wendy

    I’m kind of jealous that you get to run in NYC all the time! Maybe I missed it, but do you row outside? That would be really cool.

    Thanks for linking up! Heading over to check out your book review.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I wish I rowed outside. I’m not that confident of a swimmer, but it’s on the “some time” bucket list.

      NYC is a fun place to run. Definitely come out here when you can, lots of fun races of all lengths. One of my personal favorites is the Women’s Mini 10K that is, to my knowledge, the only one to go clockwise in Central Park.

      Even before I started running I realized how spoiled I was (I hate hate hate the word ‘blessed’) to live where I do. Not the city in general, but the Upper East Side specifically with Central Park and Museum Mile in my backyard and the East River Greenway even closer.

      Reply
      1. Liz Dexter

        I’m not a confident swimmer but I still row on lakes with a lifejacket on. it’s cool. But not as measurable.

        Reply
  2. Lisa

    I hope you can get in your runs while traveling! I’ve never tried rowing but I’ve heard its a great workout.

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      Me too. Will definitely be indoor this coming weekend as weather app says 100+, but Westins are usually reliable for a good fitness center. The following one is nearly guaranteed if there’s good weather – just a question of the local one or whether I can borrow a car to get to the lake one. Much prefer the latter as two loops is ~6 miles vs 4+ which gets boring

      Reply
  3. Coco

    Glad to see you back in the link up! Hitting traffic lights on your run can be frustrating, but I took advantage of them yesterday to catch my breath. 😉

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      There are times I love them. I think I was just too time pressured by that one to truly enjoy it,which didn’t help

      Reply
  4. HoHo Runs

    I have run in NYC (Central Park, coolest thing ever) but I’d really like to do a race there one day. I’m glad you were able to get your long run in on Saturday. So people rave above rowing. And, I’ve never even tried it. I should! Thanks for linking with us!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      If you have an accessible gym with a machine, I recommend it. Keep hoping to find one of the water ones as those look cool. NYRR’s Central Park schedule is robust so if yours ever allows, I’d recommend it.

      Reply
  5. Liz Dexter

    I love love love rowing, it’s my cross-training of choice. Unless I’ve got a STUPID COUGH of course … Well done you on a good week. Another half to come, whee!

    Reply
    1. cari Post author

      I think it’s just so easy to lose myself in it, which helps. Hope your cough is on the mend

      Reply
  6. Debbie @ Deb Runs

    It sounds like you had a great week! I can’t do math and run either, especially during the later stages of a long run! LOL

    Reply

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