I am writing most of this post ahead of my family’s visit, I’m planning to publish as is, and then come back and update with what actually happened the last few days of the week with them here!
I’m now 4 weeks out from the Vienna marathon; this upcoming week is the last big push before a 3-week taper (One 22 miler, then taper with 15 miles, 10 miles, the marathon!)
With visitors 4 weeks out, I’m really keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t end up with Covid again like I did before the Amsterdam marathon when I had visitors and then ended up testing positive. (Remember that whole story? Catch up no that story HERE.) So excited to have visitors though and we have a lot of fun stuff planned, follow along on Instagram!
Here’s how training went this week:
Monday: 7 easy miles solo before work. I saw a woman painting this early on my run; she was finished and gone by the time I got back!
Tuesday: Longer workout before work: warm-up, 15 min tempo, then 5×3 minutes on with 2 min jog recovery, cool-down for 9.2 miles total. Still made it to work on time, even on the tube!
(Ran into Dustin on my cooldown and he took this pic in Primrose Hill.)
I actually discovered a different combination of trains to get to work that eliminates some walking, but includes switching trains, where as my normal route on the Northern line does include a longer walk to the Belsize Park station and then one train. I’m not sure yet which one is “better”- it seems to vary! But on rainy days, the shorter walk is nice though the trains I take that way are VERY packed (i.e. barely room to squeeze onto the train when it arrives.)
New art outside my office in St. James Market!
After work, I did an Iron Strength session that focused on hamstrings + core on Peloton.
Wednesday: 5 mile recovery run around Primrose Hill park
Thursday: With my family arriving very early on Friday morning (6:30 am at Heathrow) I wanted to get in my long run on Thursday, which meant starting very early to squeeze it in before work. Fortunately it was a wfh day, which helped. And doubly fortunate that it was a cut-back week after last week’s 20 miler, so I only had 15 miles, which wasn’t too bad to complete before work.
I ran from Hampstead through Primrose to Regent’s Park to Hyde Park, did one lap of Hyde/Kensington, and then back for 15 miles.
After work, I did an Iron Strength session that was upper body focused + core on Peloton.
Friday: 7 mile run with Dustin and Ruth before my family arrived! We have a full day exploring planned.
My dad arrived with a suitcase full of American goodies for us!
Saturday: We had an early start planned for a day of touring London, so I used this as my rest day from running. Over 10 miles of walking though.
Sunday: I had hoped to do a run with my sister, but she was tired, so I ran solo, 7 miles before another day of playing tour guide for my family.
Summary: 50 miles of running, 2 strength sessions, and daily core on Peloton
That’s a wrap! I’m linking up with Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner; check out their blogs to connect with other fitness bloggers for workout ideas and inspiration!
blue skies in London!?
great runs and training… it’s flying by.
From IG I know your guests were treated to fun times.
Haha, yep, it happens!
I had a great week with my visitors! Sad to say goodbye today in Paris.
Wow, only 4 weeks left! I’ve been enjoying your post title, as they helped me count down to spring. 😀 How nice for you to have your family visit, although I chuckled at the poop bags in the goodie collection! Enjoy and I hope you’ll stay well for the marathon!
We can buy dog poop bags in the U.K. but apparently those were from an amazon order before we switched to a UK amazon, and they were delivered to my sister who lives in Minnesota on my behalf, so he brought them from her.
I much appreciated the peanut butter and nuun (and everything else!)
Hope you are having a fantastic visit with your family this weekend!
It was grand! I’m pooped though.
Ha – all the Nuun, love it!
Hopefully I’ll be all set for a little while!
I hope you are enjoying your family time! And I spy some peanut butter, lol. I still can’t believe they don’t have it in England.
Haha, well, they do have peanut butter, but its a healthier version. Not my sugar loaded Jiff 🙂
LOL on the goodies from the US — Nuun and poop bags! 😉
Does the art have a title? Interested if it sheds light on the depiction of everyone on their phones. I guess that’s how we are these days.
Enjoy your family visit!
Good question! It was a temporary installation as it’s already gone. There is a lot of rotating public art in St James Market where my office is located. It’s cool to see!
I hope you’re having a fun time with your family! And don’t worry- if you get Covid now (you won’t!) you’ll have plenty of time to recover and still run the marathon.
Nice job on getting that long run in before the weekend! Your dad did a good job with the goodies- but I think he should have brought more peanut butter ; )
Thanks Jenny! He brought those two huge jars, but I’ll burn through those quickly 🙂
I hope you’re having a wonderful time with your family! It must be so nice seeing them again. Enjoy!
It was wonderful to share this experience with them!
Oh those goodies are amazing. It’s always fun to play transportation jenga
Love the public art. Enjoy every second of their visit
Thank you Cari!
Nice goody package from your father 😉 Wow, a 15-miler BEFORE work…I’m glad that won’t be happening in my world, LOL Enjoy your family time!!
It helps that we don’t start work here until 9 am, vs. the U.S. (the days just go a lot later into the evening- at least mine do!)
i love that your dad came with such an epic box of goodies, and I know you were probably most excited for the Nuun!
I feel well stocked on nuun- at least for a little while!
Peanut butter and poop bags lol! What fun! I hope you have the best time with your family. It sounds like you will for sure.
Love all the street art!
Thank you Jenn!
Have so much fun with your visiting family! Can’t believe how Vienna is sneaking up. Your dad brought you some fun stuff!
Thanks Marcia!
Um, they must have poop bags in the UK, right? LOL!
How lovely to have your family visiting.
I just shake your head at “15 miles before work”. I don’t know how you do it! Fingers crossed that you’ll get to Vienna completely healthy.
Haha yes they have dog poop bags here, apparently I ordered those from Amazon and accidentally had them shipped to the US when we first got here and my sister in MInnesota had them for me.
So wonderful getting all those goodies from home from dad! Nothing quite beat snacks/ treats you’re used to/ grew up with!
Definitely! It was thoughtful of him to bring so much stuff along.
It’s a double treat to get goodies AND see family! I’ve enjoyed seeing all of the places you have been visiting and touring with your guests. I sure do hope the COVID stays away and you are finishing up your training cycle strong!
Thanks Lisa! I’m burning through that peanut butter too quickly