Week 9 of the quarantine….
Week 9. Crazy, right?
But things are changing a bit in Minneapolis; a little bit, that is. Read on.
To start, I have to admit that this week was a little sad, as we were supposed to be leaving for Bhutan this past Friday to run the Thunder Dragon marathon there.
Delta Airlines still sent me a notification that my boarding pass was ready on Thursday; obviously a glitch in the system as our flight has been cancelled for months, but still a harsh reminder that I should be on a flight to an amazing destination, but instead I am…at home.
It’s selfish, I know, but it doesn’t change that it was a bit of a bummer to think about ‘what might have been’ and I gave myself the space to feel disappointed, even though I completely recognize that I am so fortunate to have a job, my health, and to be in a place where I can even take trips like this.
Minnesota actually lifted its Shelter-in-Place order. As of May 18th, we are now allowed to gather in groups of less than 10, but still encouraged to social distance and wear masks. Our governor was under a lot of pressure to open up the economy. Yet having a sister who is a doctor on the frontlines who is telling me that this is still too soon makes me nervous to think we can just return to normalcy right away, so I won’t really be changing my behavior much for now.
I’m easing into it I guess…My company still has us working from home, potentially until September 1. I haven’t yet met up with friends to run yet, but might start in small groups.
I am not sure if I can keep titling these recaps Week X of the Quarantine though, now that its technically lifted. But there are still no races on my calendar; we found out this week that Hood to Coast was cancelled. This was to be Dustin and my first time participating in this epic relay race, but I guess 20+ runners crammed into a van to run 200+ miles isn’t safe right now. No surprise there.
Anyways, here’s how my fitness went for week 9 of the quarantine.
Monday: 8.20 miles before work, 8:58 min/mile, last 1.5 miles with Ruth the pup! Virtual 1:1 strength training session after work.
Tuesday: I had a break in meetings, so I took advantage and ran over lunch, which was awesome.
I felt really sluggish when I started, but I warmed up quickly! 3 miles easy, 5x (90sec@ 5k effort, 1min easy, 30sec@ Mile effort, 2min easy), 2 mile cool-down. 8.2 miles at an 8:35 min/mile average.
Wednesday: 8 miles before work. I had a few miles around 8:45, but on my last mile, I felt really tired all of a sudden and slowed to a 10:30. Listen to your body I guess!
I had another virtual 1:1 strength training session after work with Discover Strength.
Thursday: Technically my rest day, but I’m keeping the Covid running streak going- day 61!
I ran 4 quick miles early in the morning before a 7 am meeting, 8:45 min/mile average. I like these 4 milers, they feel so short!
Friday: Beautiful 50 degree sunny morning! I did 5 miles solo and picked up Ruth for another 1.5. 6.5 miles at an 8:58 min/mile average.
Ruth had gone to doggy daycare again on Wednesday and played so hard, she actually pulled a muscle in her leg. She was a little limpy for two days, so we tried to force her to rest a bit for two days. But by Friday, she was ready to rock and roll and was crying at the door to join me for a run. I figured 1.5 easy miles was okay!
Over lunch, I did another 1:1 virtual strength training session with Discover Strength. With Shelter-in-Place ending, Discover Strength plans to open their studios on June 1. They are still going to offer virtual sessions for awhile as well. I think I will continue with those for now, until I’m ready to ‘enter’ the real world again.
Saturday: Race #2 in the McKirdy Mile Series! Dustin joined me, even though he wasn’t racing the mile this time, since he has a sore glute muscle from the last one and didn’t want to push it. We ran 3 miles to the Cedar Trail, where we ran the mile last time. You’re encouraged to run the same route each time. Once there, Christie met us and we ran the 1 mile to the ‘start line’ straight down the trail.
Dustin took off to do his mile and then Christie and I took off. I started out too fast this time and definitely died at the end. I ended with a 6:40 mile, which is faster than last time, but I still need some work on pacing. I programmed the mile into my Garmin as a workout with 1/4 mile splits and you can see how poorly I paced myself!
I’ll always be working toward that 6:19 I ran last summer; I’m going to have to pace myself better to beat that! There are two more races in the series, and I’m optimistic that I can do better next time.
As you can see, the course we chose is very flat, ha!
After a few minutes to catch our breath, we jogged the 3 miles home for 8 miles on the day.
My sister Erin raced the mile again too; she cut 7 seconds off her time!
After the run, we took the dogs to the dog park for some play time before a pretty chill rest of the day.
I spent part of the afternoon relaxing in my NormaTec boots; definitely my favorite way to recover!
Sunday: Since I raced the mile on Saturday, I had a longer run on Sunday. My coach put two hours easy on the plan; I woke up to pouring rain and the forecast only showed rain the whole day. I thought about running on the treadmill, but Dustin said he would run with me. So we headed out in the pouring ran and covered 10 miles, then picked up Ruth for a short 1.2 more, for 11.2 miles total. Close enough! I was so drenched; no picture taken, but it was not the most fun run. At least I had company! 11.2 miles at an 8:50 min/mile average.
Summary: 54 miles of running, 3 virtual strength training sessions
I really hope all of you are staying healthy and safe during this stressful time. It’s great to have the ability to stay connected virtually and support each other; this link-up hosted by Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner ‘s is a great way to do so! Check it out below:
Wow! Even though you didn’t pace yourself quite right, that’s still a pretty fast mile! And that’s awesome about your sister! 7 seconds is a LOT! *virtual high five!*
Running in the pouring rain is awful but it is a little better when someone is suffering right alongside with you.
Way to go on your weekly mileage!
Thank you Jennifer! Need to start a little slower next time 🙂 Having the quarter splits is helpful for next time.
I feel very conflicted. I understand that so many people are hurting. OTOH, I do think it’s too soon for most of these states. I mostly try to keep my opinions to myself (and Mr. Judy). Poor Ruth! Didn’t sound like it slowed her down much though. I’ve done some pouring rain runs. Never fun. I’m sorry about your vacation. I totally get it — I was just going to OR for my race end of June (which obviously is canceled) and yes, I’m totally disappointed I can’t go. Grateful at the same time to be healthy & that knock… Read more »
Ruth recovered very quickly and is as will as her!
I agree, I also feel conflicted. It’s such a tough time.
I’m impressed that you took your 10 miler out in the rain! Having company had to help. There was no way I was going to run that far in the rain today. The treadmill, tho… And nice work on the mile!
I know you’ve said your sister lives in my area–so she’s definitely on top of things. I’m reassured that so many people are being cautious. You’d never know it by what you see on the news (which is why I limit that!)
I hope Ruth is feeling better! Poor baby!
I definitely was wishing I was on the treadmill at some points! SO soaked by the end…
My sister who is a doctor is the one who lives in Minnesota; my sister who is pictured above that did the 1 mile lives near you outside of Chicago. She’s not in the medical field though. I know everything varies so much by state, but it seems like Illinois and Minnesota aren’t too different.
It is totally understandable to be disappointed about having to miss the amazing trip you had planned. Hopefully you will be able to go there in the future. We are not opened up at all here yet but I agree, I am also a little nervous about it all. As much as I miss my friends, I am not sure when and how to start socializing. It’s a weird time indeed. Way to crush your runs and virtual races this week thanks for linking up
Thanks Deborah! Weird time indeed. Each person has their own comfort level with certain things. I would like to trust the experts/scientists to be helping to make sure we’re doing the right thing, but its hard when each state is so different right now.
I’m so sorry about your canceled Bhutan trip. I’d LOVE to run that marathon and see that part of the world. Delta did the same to me with a recent canceled trip. Made me double check if I remembered to cancel!
There is growing pressure to start reopening here in Chicago but I don’t really see it happening anytime soon. I can understand both sides.
Glad Ruth is feeling better! Great job on that mile!
Thanks Marcia. Yes, I do hope I get to go to Bhutan next year!
Ooh setting 1/4 mile splits for the Garmin is brilliant, I’m going to steal that idea when I do my mile time trials. It’s true that we have so many things to be grateful for, but I’m right there with you on “what could have been”. This was supposed to be the big race weekend in my town, and I think it’s OK to acknowledge that we’ve lost something. My state was very aggressive about shutting down and I have to believe that they know what they’re doing as we open back up. My work is keeping us all home… Read more »
Definitely steal the idea! Seeing how poorly I paced is so helpful for next time.
We are gradually starting to open back up here in NH. There’s a Stay at Home 2.0 but certain businesses have begun opening up. The restaurants have to outdoor seating with limits on how many people but I still don’t feel ready for that. I definitely am not ready to go back to the gym but there’s no word on when those will reopen. I may run with one friend soon (with plenty of space between us of course)but we’ll see how the week goes. I do miss my running friends!
Sounds like New Hampshire is similar to Minnesota; restaurants can open up at 50% capacity after June 1. I too miss my running friends! Podcasts have become my replacement friends!
I had wondered about setting 1/4-mile splits on the Garmin…though mine is very basic and may not have that feature. When I ran my Grand Blue Mile (a year ago), I was curious what those splits would have been for me. It was too difficult to glance at my watch while in motion (ugh…just breathing and keeping my legs moving was too much effort LOL). Kudos for 10 miles in the rain! As you may remember, I ran most of the first 18 miles of MCM in the rain…but that was a race that I had paid a lot of… Read more »
I have run some marathons in the pouring rain, but that’s when I didn’t have a choice 🙂 It was hard to make the CHOICE to run outside in the rain, but I did like the idea of having company with Dustin. It was a wet sopping mess after though!
I’m bummed for you that your trip was canceled. We hadn’t put the final touches on our trip with the kids to another National Park this summer so we hadn’t booked anything yet.
How cute that Ruth cries by the door wanting to run with you. The few times we’ve tried to take Pablo on a run with us he either sprints like a lunatic or stops and rests. There’s definitely work to be done in training him to run. LOL
She does seem really excited to run every time! She needs a little work ‘staying in her lane’ so to speak though.
My state is starting phase 1 of re-opening on Wednesday and I 100% do NOT think this is a smart idea, but I get the need to open the economy back up. I will still continue to work from home and only venture out to the grocery store. I won’t be changing my routine even though more places will be open..
A 10 miler in the rain is pretty badass – you go girl!
Sounds like you’re the same as me…things are opening up, but I’m going to continue to be cautious!
I think you’re being very sensible. I’ve started back running with one other person sometimes, since we’re allowed to do that, and I had a lovely distanced run with a friend yesterday. Husband also has September as an earliest date to return to his office, however I don’t think he will be as he has to travel by public transport!
I think running in small groups will be okay. I do think the open air makes a big difference. It’s the small contained spaces of restaurants that I’m worried about (and the office!)
The DC area is still under quarantine, but other parts of VA and MD are opening up. It’s good to have your sister’s perspective. My office will be taking a cautious approach to reopening since we are doing fine working from home. I think I’ll be ready to back to the gym before my husband is ready for me to go …. Great week of running as usual. LOL at Ruth overdoing it at daycare.
We’re doing fine working from home as well. I don’t mind it as much as I thought I would!
Oh man, I would certainly be bummed about missing that trip. It sounds amazing. Hopefully you will get your chance to get go again! Good job on getting that rainy long run done. It is better with company for sure!
Thanks Lisa, yeah, it was a bummer, but not as much as missing Antarctica when I broke my leg. This one felt different since we’re all in the same boat with travel this year.
No surprise on hood to coast, but yeah, friends has asked me to be on their team and it would have been my first time (I’ve never done a relay race!) luckily I wasn’t too attached yet. I get your disappointment about your trip, I’m still a bit sad about Paris and Maine but that’s just how it is unfortunately (and yes it’s ok to mourn even if you know you have it good compared to many others). Also, great job on the mile and awesome weekly mileage!!
Amazingi! That a freaking fast mile!
I think all we can do is be cautious and make the decisions that seem best for us and our families. Ii hope everything goes well with your reopening. Things have been ok here – I am hopeful that trend continues. <3
Great job on that mile! That is still pretty fast. Ugh, I dislike running in the rain and tolerate it when it isn’t cold. I ran a little over 2 miles on Sunday and it was a little warm and humid which isn’t too bad. I see your sister is wearing Oiselle gear. 🙂
Oh that injured runner/pandemic meme is so so true.
I’m with you, I personally feel it’s too soon. I know the world seems very different to people who cannot work right now