Sorry that I didn’t post a weekly recap last week; it happens sometimes! I did share this post about what I learned about myself during the pandemic, check it out.
The reason for a missed recap is that I did decide to cut back a little- on social media AND in running. I spent way too much time in front of a screen the past two weeks. With running, I thought it would be good to dial it back as well. In a non-Covid year, I would have run multiple marathons and therefore, would have multiple rest weeks and tapers built in the plan, but I haven’t done that in quite some time. For just about a year, it’s been 50-60 miles a week with 3 x strength training sessions with no breaks.
I don’t have any injuries, but with the icy trails and frigid temperatures, it was easy to pull back a bit this time of year. So, I kept last week very low-key and then eased back into it this week; a reverse taper.
Here’s how it all worked out.
Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 4 miles treadmill, Discover Strength Virtual 1:1 after work
Thursday: 5 miles treadmill
Friday: 5 miles treadmill, Discover Strength Virtual 1:1 after work
Saturday: 8 miles with my Covid-bubble of friends, 1.25 miles with Ruth afterwards, for 9.25 miles total.
The “feels like” temp when I started the run on Saturday was below zero. For me, that meant two pairs of tights (Craft and lululemon), two pairs of Smart Wool socks, Kahtoola nanospikes, this AMAZING Patagonia Capilene Air Crew base layer (I swear by it) and my warmest-though-very-old Nike running jacket. I also wore an old Oiselle gaitor, a beanie, Craft mittens, and my new Athleta mask!
I ordered a package of masks from Athleta months ago and they were backordered forever. I was excited to finally receive them.
The mask was pretty breathable, but like any face covering in the winter, it did get a little wet and then frozen; I’d pull it down occasionally to let it thaw. Overall, it was still a decent mask option for running.
Sunday: More snow overnight on top of icy trails meant back to the treadmill. 6 miles this time.
Our Landice L7 was the best investment for the Benson household! We use it quite a bit; it’s been icy enough lately that even my husband Dustin has opted for the safety of the treadmill. It’s no less of a run just because it’s on a treadmill!
In non-fitness news, what a great week, right?
I have to admit I was quite distracted during work on Wednesday while the inauguration was going on; I kicked off the day with my favorite coffee mug (and a superhero muffin).
I don’t know about you guys, but I couldn’t get enough of the Bernie memes! Here are a few of my favorites:
Bernie at my favorite local running store!
This one is for the Minnesota State Fair lovers; Bernie getting a butter-bust carved in his likeness!
His mittens were made by a schoolteacher in Essex Junction, Vermont. But I have very similar ones made from upcycled sweaters that were made in Minnesota; you can buy them HERE!
I’m feeling optimistic; I know the new variants of the virus are scary, but it’s so great to know that there is a federal plan. A real plan.
I think I can let Matilda know it’s safe to come out from under the blanket now. 🙂
I’m linking up with Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner Check it out!
I know what you mean about needing a break. I had to intentionally take a break from running at the end of the summer and then cut back alot in December just because I wasn’t really structuring my training around races like I usually do. And the screen time is definitely getting to be a bit much!
Exactly! Without the structure, it’s easy to just keep going, but my body appreciated the break.
I would be afraid of running on icy trails as well. It is always good to pull back when you are wondering about pulling back before it’s too late.Looks like a strong week of workouts for you. Stay warm!
Very true, thanks Deb!
It was hard for me to focus on work on Wednesday too! I had the TV on in the background all day so I would often find myself watching it if I wasn’t on a conference call.
The Bernie memes were simply amazing. I’ve seen so many of them and they are all hilarious. I love that he made a sweatshirt with that photo to sell and give the profits to charity.
The Bernie memes were the BEST. I heard that about the sweatshirt! Very cool.
I always seem to cut back on running in January–there’s not usually something to train for, and my routes are limited by ice and snow! I do feel antsy, tho, so I have still been getting out and doing something. Screen time on the other hand is out of control. I cut back on blogging last summer and will do the same thing this year. For now, it’s ok. I’m feeling so much less anxiety this weekend–I knew what was happening in DC was affecting me but wow! Feels good to feel like me again. And sleep is a wonderful… Read more »
Sleep is most definitely a very wonderful and important thing 🙂
I’m taking a cutback week next week and I’m very excited about it. If anything treadmill running is “more” running that non-treadmill running. It’s taken a long time but I feel like my body has finally adapted to it again.
Enjoy Becket!
It’s good to know what treadmill you have. I’m grateful for every run my 20+ year old Lifefitness gives me, but know it will need to be replaced eventually!
LOL on Matilda!
Ours has a lifetime guaranty, no matter what!
I have that same Athleta mask! And I love your coffee mug.
I think a treadmill is a necessity where you live! Treadmill miles definitely count- for a while I did all my speedwork on a treadmill with good results. Have a great week of running!
Thanks Jenny! The Athleta masks were popular 🙂
Our treadmill (a Pro-Form) is approaching its 20th birthday. It doesn’t see near the miles your does, but I dread the day it dies (even though I totally don’t give it much respect LOL). I’ll keep yours in mind if/when we’re in the market for replacement. I had a similar layered outfit for my run yesterday…double layers almost everywhere, but I was comfortable (except for my face). Bring on Summer!!!
20 years, wow!
I am also afraid of the icy road. Though it hasn’t been as bad here as where you are but it is enough for me. I checked out the gloves and many are sold out already. I am loving all of the Bernie memes too. They make my day.
It only takes one sneaky patch of ice though- be careful out there Zenaida!
OMG that pic of Matilda is priceless! I think it was a perfect week for a cutback. I’m not sure I’d want to run in weather that cold without a very important goal race in my future. I do love my treadmill runs too. That Athleta mask is pretty! Bernie memes for the win!
Haha, thanks Marcia! Tilda loves to be under a warm blanket. I don’t know how she breathes sometimes 🙂
Butter Bernie!
I feel you on needing the screen break. It was good while away and I’ve tried to continue it while back
I took a desk break Wednesday at 11. No shame
Nope, no shame. It was an important day in history!
Im going to invest in that Patagonia base layer. What size do you wear?
Hi Erin, thanks for reading! I wear a medium but you might take a small. It’s not short in the torso like a lot of Patagonia stuff.
I totally understand needing a break from socials and screens! I had more than a couple of months break!! great that you guys have a treadmill for cold and snowy and icy days! and I love your wallpaper! we also bought a treadmill and I’m really glad we did. great investment! never thought I would say that ever! the bernie memes are so funny! So here in my new neighborhood my neighbors know I come from the States; when we moved I put my Biden/Harris poster in the window ;). One of my neighbors contacted me today asking if I… Read more »
Thank you Renee! It’s actually not wallpaper but a mural my friend Angela painted for us! I absolutely love and treasure it and it makes the treadmill room not so bad 🙂
I love that your neighbor wanted the Bernie shirt, that’s so awesome!
oh wow! Send Angela my way! amazing work!
I am so LOL at Matilda under the blanket! I think a lot of us are hopeful. It’s so sad that there is a long road ahead of us — of course there was always going to be, but the mess left behind — it just didn’t have to be this bad. Oh well, moving on. I’ll have to let my husband know about the woman who made Bernie’s mittens! We lived in Essex Junction 20+ years ago (and Bernie was the governor then). While I never want to be sick, I really wish it had happened next month, because… Read more »
My sister who lives in Minnesota near me- also used to live in Essex Junction! It is a really cool town!
You were smart to cut back. It would be easy to overlook that aspect of training when not running races.
Did you hear about the lady who made Bernie’s mittens? She started the business as a side hustle, but the taxes on her business were so high that she quit selling them because it just wasn’t worth her time. Now just makes them for friends.
Exactly! My body was happy for the break, even though mentally it felt a little hard not to be running.
I hadn’t heard that aspect of the mitten maker! That’s interesting.
I never thought about masks freezing! Yikes!
Also, it was a good plan to pull back.
The Bernie memes are pretty much everything at this point, and I just want to cuddle with sweet Matilda!
Haha, yep, they sure do freeze, with condensation etc, from running. And it was darn chilly that morning!
Gosh, that was a good idea to take a break from the relentless running! I’ve had an enforced one this week as it’s thick snow and ice here for once and I just cannot risk breaking a wrist or something! Oh, Matilda, you can come out now. Too cute!
Wow, that sounds like a lot of snow! Be careful Liz!
It’s definitely difficult to know when to back off when you’re not racing. As you said, normally you’d have built in taper weeks. I’m glad we are back to racing down here in a manner of speaking because now I know when I can officially take short breaks from running. Since getting injured last year I know how important it is to take the downtime.
It can be tough! Glad you’re feeling good and have races back on the horizon!
That’s great that you are feeling so good to be running all of those miles, but yep, breaks are needed too. That’s the same thing my friend was telling me the other day. She just left her job and had a lot of new time on her hands, so why not run? I need a plan to keep me in line too. One thing that I learned about myself during the pandemic is that a break from all of my commitments was really nice. It was nice to not have anything to do!
I can relate to your friend- the extra time with no social life or travel left me with one option…run! But breaks are still needed 🙂