Raise your hand if you’ve ever spent a considerable amount of time mapping a route only to realize the weather’s going to be awful during said run time? (Raises hand.) I’m so over this weather. I can count on one hand (three fingers if you want to get technical) the days it’s been a little sunny in the last 10 days in the CLE. I know I live in one of the most overcast cities in the U.S. but come on!! Can’t we get a few rays of sunshine for more than 5 minutes at a time?
Lucky for me last week wasn’t a total bust for weather and training. It was a hodge podge, to be sure. My peak week of training for the 20-Mile Drop was important and I didn’t want to miss any workouts. We were traveling and busy, and things got a little wonky as such things do every now and again. But overall, a great week. Check it out:
Peak Week Training Shenanigans [Spring Training Week 12]
Monday — 8 miles + hips/glutes
Monday was exciting… but my workout made literally no sense. The only goal I hit of the workout was the distance. Otherwise, just, no. Things happen and plans get derailed and I’m thankful it’s only been a handful of workouts this training cycle. But this one was a doozy!
I ran roughly 3 miles with my husband. And I say roughly because I forgot to start my watch until about a quarter mile in. Oops. But it was awesome to run with him. We were staying at my in-laws house so we finally had someone to watch the kids! I love running with my husband. He’s the best.
When we got back to his parents’ house, the kids were playing outside. My son was on his bike so we decided to have a little speed contest. I sprinted the length of their road and he rode his bike. It was a little further than 100m and we did that about 3 or 4 times. It was really fun. I freaking LOVE sprinting. I just wish I were faster.
After my son nearly killed me with the sprints, I made him ride slowly for a mile so I could cool down. And by cool down, I mean sub-9 minute miles. Yeah, that’s a cool down… [insert eye roll here.]
I still had four miles to go but we had a busy day planned. We were going to the children’s museum in the afternoon. I started feeling really overwhelmed with work and running so I ended up skipping the trip to the museum. After I finished working I hopped on my in-laws’ treadmill for 4 miles.
Wednesday — 8 miles
Tuesday was a travel day so the next time I ran was on Wednesday. And you already know I wasted 8 miles of a sunny day on the treadmill. What can I say? I was totally exhausted from the trip. And honestly? Sometimes shorts + tank > fleece lined tights + jacket + gloves + ear warmer. I’m sorry, but it’s true. Sue me.
Thursday — 6 miles
I ran the treadmill again on Thursday. I was still wrecked from the trip. Unfortunately I had a really hard time hitting my paces for the workout. I rode the struggle bus for the whole run.
Saturday — 2.63 miles
Saturday was another typical Cleveland day. Cold, misting rain. The only saving grace is that I was teaching 5K training and was in really good company. If it weren’t for the ladies I’m working with now, who knows what kind of funk I’d be in! We had a fun run. They’re doing so well. We did a fun little workout at the end, too. I used to keep things the same for consistency’s sake but I’ve been changing things up on them during our once a week meetings. It keeps things interesting.
Sunday — 18 miles
My 18-mile run was nothing to scoff at. Not to keep harping on Cleveland weather, but get this: At our starting time at 7 am, the real feel was 36˚. That’s pretty cold, no? Especially considering it was going to be 52˚ by the time we finished. Now how on earth does one plan apparel for that kind of a temperature swing? I had about five outfits laid out on Saturday afternoon in preparation for “anything goes” the next morning.
I ended up choosing tights, a long sleeve shirt, and a jacket on my friend Julie’s suggestion. It was perfect. I brought several options for layering just in case I needed to switch something out but let’s face it, I’m a freeze baby. I need more clothes than most people.
The run itself was fantastic. It was my peak run during peak week this cycle. My girl Stephani (fellow Cleveland Marathon ambassador) joined us and we got to have some really good one-on-one time. We share a lot of the same views and have similar personalities which made it easy to run with her. Plus, we run virtually the same pace. It was perfect. We ran together for the entire 18 miles with very few stops and had a great time. We ran strong throughout which was a much needed confidence boost for both of us.
Still smiling at mile 14!
Of course we followed up the run with breakfast. Unfortunately a few from the group had to leave but those of us who stayed enjoyed delicious homemade breakfast. I ordered biscuits and gravy, was warned it was a big portion, but was still shocked when it arrived at the table.
Biscuits and gravy bigger than my head. And yes, I ate about 2/3 of it.
Fun fact: our server (who we’ve had a few times now) was a track star back in her day. I think we made her a bit wistful. I hope we inspire her to start running again. The glimmer in her eye when she was talking to us about her track days made me think if we dine there a few more times she may join us for a run one of these days. 😉
My peak week of training went really well all things considered. Though my workouts weren’t spot on, I’m glad I was able to get the miles in. My long run was strong despite a brief questionable period regarding my right foot, but nothing too major. I’ll follow up with the chiropractor this week and hopefully get this foot issue in the bag.
This week will be a few more tough workouts but lower mileage overall, which I’m really looking forward to. Taper is nice. 🙂
xo
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Are you experiencing unfavorable weather conditions, too?
Did you see the ending of the Barkley Marathons?
Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run, and HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap.
