Monday-Thursday, 7/11-14/2021

Monday-Thursday

• 55 minutes of deep water running every morning
• Daily short hike
• 2X physical therapy
• 2X strength work at the gym 

4th of July 2022

 This is basically a rest day, but I did do some stretching and took a short (1) mile hike with the dog.

Sunday, 7/3/2022

 We hike Gaviota Peak. See IG post for details.

Saturday, 7/2/2022

I did a 7AM Fluid running class called Fundamentals + 5K. This is probably my least favorite class. I did not like the cuing in the first half. It was a level 1 class, so I expected it to be easy, but the cuing was not consistent with all the other classes I've done. In the other classes, "jog it out," is only said between sets, but in this class, "jog it out" was cued during the working set. It made it confusing. I thought the set was over, but we were in the middle of the set. The second half of the class was a 5k, that is 28 minutes of non-stop running. The 5k was excruciating. The music was crap, as in almost non-existent. If we can't have good music, I wish it at least had a beat that you could follow. My only problem with Fluid running is that there is absolutely no thought as to how even a beat could enhance the workout. The visualization cuing was fine, but with no change of pace I was struggling. My husband said that I had a miserable look on my face. I won't do this class again. I'd rather do a thirty minute interval class, and then put on my own music for a 5K.

When we got home I did an endless amount of PT exercises. I was dragging. then, back to the gym for 5X5s.

In the evening, we went on a 4 mile hike with the pooch.

Weekend, 6/25-26/2022

Saturday, both my husband and I did a Fluid Running class at 7:00AM. I did the 10 Year Anniversary class. I thought it was going to be an easier class, but it was challenging. It ended with ten 30 second sprint repeats with 30 seconds rests. That was a little bit tough (in a good way).

After breakfast, it was back to the gym for 5X5s. Thankfully, it was bench press day, so no overhead press. You know how I feel about overhead press.

We did a four mile hike with the dog, in the afternoon.

On Sunday, I did a lot of housework & just took the dog on a short walk.

I normally don't plan out my Fluid Running week of classes, but next week, I am going to run according to a schedule. Here is my plan.

Monday: Go Big or Go Home (Endurance, Run, Combo, Sprints)

Tuesday: High Gear (Endurance, Sprints)

Wednesday: One Step Ahead (Level 1, Combo)

Thursday: Max Out (Endurance, Sprints)

Friday: Fundamentals +5K

Saturday: HIIT a 5K (Combo, Sprints, Run)

Sunday: 10K Fluid Running (Endurance)

Thursday, 6/23/2022

• 7AM  of Fluid Running

I did a class called Back on Track. The class consisted of two identical routines. You do the first one at an easier effort, and then you do the same routine at a harder effort. I probably did both routines at nearly the same effort. I didn't really go all out, but I didn't take it too easy in the beginning either. Honestly, I didn't really put in the effort that I could have. The thing about water running is that you get what you put into it more than running. If I were running on land, as long as I was running, no matter how slowly, I would stay in at least an aerobic state. With water running, you have to put in the work to be in an aerobic state. If I'm not putting in the effort, my heartrate could fall to 95. You have to be present and serious about the workout.

• 5X5s at the gym

I want everyone to know that I really hate overhead press. I don't use the word hate a lot, but it might be that serious. I have to take a full three minutes between each set if I am going to have any hope of lifting that retched bar. It takes forever, and it never gets any easier.

My son agreed to go on a short hike with me. It is his last day visiting. He goes back to school tomorrow. 

Wednesday, 6/22/2022

 Training

• 7AM Fluid Running: I did a class that was new to me called Fortitude. It is a Level 2, Combo class. I liked this class. It had a little bit of everything. There were longer sets with some sprints. I think it was truly a level two class, but I gave it a good effort. The pool was crowded, but pleasant. I shared with someone who didn't splash at all.

• The entire family went on a 2.4 mile mid-day hike. It was hot.

• 30 minute Peloton class in the evening

 

Sunday, 6/19/2022

 Rest day, but I did go hiking in the morning. We went about 4.5 miles.

There was a vulture on the back fence. I think that they are weirdly pretty for some reason.

We ended the day with a Father's Day BBQ. I tried to get my husband to let the kids cookf ro him, but he decided to BBQ for us instead.

Thursday, 6/16/2022

Training:

• 7AM at the pool Fluid Running. I did Running on Empty. It is a track workout. I truly felt like I was doing a track workout it. It was hard, but in a good way. I also think I finally really understand the leg stroke. It was a great workout overall.

 

 

• Rehab-ish Knee Exercises

When I got home, I had a protein shake and settled into knee focused exercises while I watched the hearings.

• After lunch, I headed to the gym for a round of 5 X 5s. I didn't want to be there, but I felt strong nonetheless.

• The dog doesn't care if I'm tired. We took him on a hike in the late afternoon.

• Finally, a short Peloton class with Tunde. I did a 90's hip hop class that I love so I got through OK.
  
  
  

Tuesday Topic: Trail Running...Yes or No?

Today's Tuesday topic is Trail Running: Yes or No? This is an easy one. I love trail running. So, for me, the answer is yes, yes YES! I live in a temperate climate, and I'm pretty close to the trails. My heart and my passion for running is on the trail. I'm very protective of my trail running. I try very hard not to let anything get in the way of me hitting the trails at least once a week.

The way that I think about running and the way that I feel when I run differs depending on whether I'm on trail and road. I don't care about my pace on the trail. I barely ever check my watch. I could easily run without a watch at all. I often take my phone and stop to take pictures. Even during trail races, I am less competitive is spirit. My approach to the race is more about the experience rather than placing or performance.

On the road, I'm completely different. I'm very pace oriented. The Garmin rules. I check my watch about a thousand times during a run to make sure I am meeting training goals. During a road race, about the only thing I care about is my performance.

There are lots of benefits that I can give about the physical aspects of trail running and why it's beneficial, but it's either in your blood or it's not. Running has brought many wonderful things into my life, but I could live without road running. I would be an incredibly sad if I had to give up the trails. If I couldn't run for some reason, hopefully, I would be able to hike. I am a nature girl through and through.

Tuesday topic Link up with KookyRunner and Zenaida