Welcome to June! That means summer is here, right? I hope so! I swear, I’m not going to complain about the heat and humidity, as I much prefer this to worrying about slipping on the ice in the winter!
We received an update this week from Marathon Tours about the Patagonia marathon and trip, and they are still optimistic; no cancellation yet.
So here’s how training went this past week, with the idea that I will have a (challenging) marathon in 14 weeks!
Monday: 8.2 mile run, 9:10 min/mile average before work, 1:1 virtual strength training session with Discover Strength after work.
Tuesday: Hot and humid (not complaining, I swear!) Christie and I met in the early morning as we had the same workout. 20 minutes easy, 5x(2 mins HMP, 1 min recovery, 1 min 5k, 2 mins recovery) , 15 minute cool-down. 8 miles total, 9 min/mile average.
Wednesday: 10 miles before work, 9:20 min/mile average. Nice and easy. Even though it was just an easy run, I need to start carrying fluids, even during the week, as I was feeling the heat this morning.
I saw this guy on my run!
1:1 virtual strength training session with Discover Strength after work.
Thursday: 4 miles with Ruth before work, 9 min/mile average, 4 miles with Dustin after work at 8:30 min/mile average for 8 miles on the day. I actually like splitting up the run this way; each run was short enough that it was almost easier to fit in, though it does lead to lots of laundry!
Friday: 4 miles with Ruth before work, 9:15 min/mile.
Saturday: Mile #3 in the McKirdy mile series! Dustin opted out of participating due to an injury he’s nursing, but he still jogged over to the Cedar Trail with me (and took some pics!)
4 mile warm-up, 1 mile race, 3 mile cool down for 8 miles on the day.
I ran side-by-side to Christie for most of the race this time; it was good because she helped me to pace better and not go out too fast. This time my quarter splits were as follows:
My official time was 6:36. Over the series, I ran 6:47, 6:40, and now 6:36. Maybe on the last one, I can break 6:30!
That last 5-6 minutes at the end on the above screenshot was me standing around catching my breath and forgetting to turn off my Garmin! Fortunately, the mile split still registered at 6:36, and I was able to post my result to the McKirdy Mile website and get credit for that time.
I didn’t feel pukey at the finish and didn’t spend the next ten minutes coughing when I finished. So even though I paced myself better, I think I can push a lot harder for the next (and final) mile of the series!
(Twinning in full Oiselle!)
My sister Erin ran the mile at her lake house and cut a few seconds off her time. Virtual high-fives, sister!
Sunday: Since I did the mile on Saturday, my long run was moved to Sunday. I had two hours on my schedule, so Christie, Julie, and I met early in the morning to beat the heat. We covered 11 miles together and then I did 1 with Ruth and 1 with Matilda for 13 miles total. Legs were definitely feeling the 1-mile the day before though. Uffda.
It was my first time wearing the Camelbak I ordered; it didn’t bounce or bother me, but the extra layer did add to the sweat factor! I think I need to put ice in it. However, it held plenty of fluids for a 13 miler in the heat, so that was good.
Summary: Nearly 60 miles of running, 2 strength training sessions with Discover Strength. A little part of me was tempted to run another 0.3 miles to get to 60, but I am sure I will cover it walking the dog later today.
In Minneapolis news, a run club friend of ours had his car stolen before the riots; apparently it was used to ram into an ATM multiple times to try to break it open (it was caught on video). This is what it looks like now!
This was from last weekend; things are pretty peaceful now in Minneapolis with continued protests, but less looting. I do hope the cause continues to get the attention it deserves, even though the rioting seems to have ended for now.
In less serious news, I have been enjoying the new and improved Kona Cola flavor from Nuun! I used to be a big fan of the original version and was gifted a tube of it in 2018 (long after it was off the shelves.) I saved it for a special occasion (my first 20 miler post-broken leg!) and it wasn’t very good! I’m guessing that’s because it just didn’t age very well.
Fortunately, the new and improved version of Kona Cola is much better! Just a subtle hint of a flat Coke taste. I like it!
(My dad made the wooden display case for all my Nuuns!)
And that’s a wrap for this week!
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:
What a great week although I’m a bit envious of your hot and humid as it’s been SO COLD here the last few days (literally long sleeves, hoodies, the heating on when we have our showers …). My friend who lives in downtown Minneapolis has had a scary time of it but was also cheered by the community effort in gathering supplies to give to people in need.
Love your virtual hi-five with your sister. I might get back to doing my running blogging this week as will be doing 3/5 runs with one friend each time …
Liz, I’m sorry to hear your friend in downtown has had a scary time of it. I hope things have settled down a bit. It has been amazing to see the community come together to provide supplies and clean up. It’s incredible.
I can’t believe it’s been so cold there! Glad you’re back to running and run blogging (soon!) We’ve missed ya!
Ah, I’ve been running all the way through, I’m averaging 25 mile weeks so my usual, just haven’t felt like blogging about lonely lockdown running! And things are a bit better for my friend now, thank you. My other friend there is a bit further out so has been more OK although sad and shocked.
Good to hear they are doing better.
I am actually one of those people who likes running in colder weather. It’s awfully humid here in the summer time but we can only control things we can control. Looks like a pretty good week of training for you! I sure hope your race is on. I will be hoping for it!
Haha, well, maybe that’s because you don’t get QUITE as cold near you! But I get it, it doesn’t affect your performance as much in the cold, but there’s so many more layers. I love just throwing on a tank and or sports bra and shorts and that’s pretty much it!
Sweet! Congrats on getting a faster mile each time;-)
Thank you Becket!
Amazing splits on those miles! Glad you felt ok after you did them. I’m also glad you all are safe! What a week!
Thanks Wendy!
Fingers crossed for the marathon! Hydration vests do increase the sweat factor, but if you freeze the bladder 1/2 full and then add water, it can be like a cooling pack on your back.
Yikes on the car. That sure does bring the vandalism close to home. It does seem like most of the looting has stopped — fingers crossed peaceful protests continue and local leaders implement change.
I love this idea of freezing the bladder! Good call!
Isn’t it crazy how one (fast) mile can have such an effect with DOMS? I saw your post on Insta about the Kona Cola flavor…I’m thinking I should give that a try. I’m not really a fan of Nuun (due to the “fizziness”), but with a cola flavor, I might be fooled into thinking it was a Coke LOL
Haha, yes, it’s kinda like a flat coke, but subtle. I like it!
You had an amazing week. Kudos..that is one speedy mile time.
Fingers crossed that your marathon does not get cancelled.
I prefer being hot to cold. Still it’d hard to adjust quickly.
I need to start carrying water. Never used a camelbak. I bet it does make you hotter and with the humidity – ugh.
Thanks Darlene! Hot over cold for me. Easier to dress for!
What a great Nuun rack. As soon as you posted about Kona Cola earlier this week I messaged a friend who was lamenting it when she didn’t like the flavors on offer last year. I think you probably heard her squeal from there.
Glad things are improving for you, how awful re: your friend’s car.
Congrats on the mile progress, that’s amazing
Haha, good to hear!
Great week of workouts and congrats on the mile improvement! I’ve never tried this with my hydration vest but someone suggested putting the bladder in the freezer (not filling it entirely), fill it with water and then the ice will melt as you run and also keep you cool. Sounds like it should work in theory, right? Although it might be heavier at the start.
This sounds like an amazing idea!
Thanks to your post on Instagram, I found out about the Kona Cola and purchased a few tubes. I loved it too. One time I ordered lots of tubes and then for some reason I sold them. Don’t ask me why because I do not remember the reason. I did regret it later. Congrats on that mile! You are doing great. Can’t wait to see how you do in the last one. Which Camelback do you have? I love that blue flyout top? I think that is the one. I have it too but am looking for the short sleeve… Read more »
Glad you enjoyed the Kona Cola, Zenaida!
Great job on the mile! I’d agree you probably have an even faster time in you if you weren’t pukey at the end. Oh wow on the car. It’s only a car but still. It’s all heartbreaking. Glad to hear the rioting has stopped. I didn’t know Kona Cola is back! I was a fan as well, but yeah they do expire.
Hah, yes, the Nuuns definitely expire…the old one had a really funk to it!
Good luck breaking the 6:30. Man, you are speedy! Must be the 60 miles a week, LOL (although that might just kill me, too).
Your poor friend & his car! Does insurance cover riots? Such strange times we live in.
Good question about insurance, I hope it’s covered!
I’m so glad that you and everyone you know is safe. Minneapolis has been through a lot but I know that the city will rebuild stronger than ever.
Great week of workouts as usual! Also, I love the Oiselle hat you wore for your Tuesday run.
Hooray for the return of Kona Cola! I never tried it when it was out before but I know that so many people are ecstatic that it is back!
Thanks Kim! Ha, yes, people are happy about Kona cola- myself included! Might need to order some more today…
Great week of training!! Ruth sure is turning into quite the runner.
She sure is! Just like her cousin Ollie!
wow Jessie the marathon training has started!! I do hope it doesn’t get cancelled!
stay safe – it’s so crazy what’s been going on!
Fingers crossed!
Awesome week of running. You and your sister look so much alike! You are really rocking it out there. I never liked Kona Cola, either. Maybe I should try it again.
I’m glad things are settling down by you. I’m sure things have been tense in the last few weeks. Stay safe.
Interesting you think we look alike- I have 4 sisters and this one (Erin) in the pic looks the least like me 🙂
Great job on the mile races! Hope Dustin heals up quick – I’d go crazy without running right now.
Can’t cosign on the warmer weather – I will take the cold.
Fortunately he can run, but not speed- that’s when it hurts.
Ha, hot over cold for me 🙂 Great job on your virtual Grandma’s marathon!
My husband tried an old GU he found in his bag one time on a run. It didn’t end well LOL!! Crazy about the car being stolen. That sucks. Great time on your mile… you’re so close!!
Ha, oh boy..yes, I’m sure GU’s expire too!