Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!
This weekly linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia @ MissSippiPiddlin. The purpose is to connect with and support other active women. We want to hear about your weekly adventures. You are encouraged to include anything you did to be active or anything you considered fun. Please tell us how you amazing women accomplish it all. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it. It's up to you! See rules here. Rule Change: You can now link beginning at 6 pm (CT) on Sunday evenings!
Life with injury requires a Plan B, and possibly a C and D. Tuesday I rode my new bike for 12.5 miles in the early morning wee hours. Riding in the dark is a new experience for me. I put a bright white light on the front and a red flashing band on the back and off I went. It's funny, the light shines through the front cables and casts a shadow on the road that looks like a huge bug with giant antennas. So I'm now thinking about Bugs as a bike name. I cut over to the rural road behind my neighborhood. Some places are a little darker than others but I am very familiar with this road and felt comfortable.
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| Don't even think about it! |
I think I saw two cars the entire time. I expected to see a deer, but the only animal I saw was a black cat who started across the road in front of me. Oh, no no kitty. Do not dare cross the path of this wild, injured woman! Kitty changed his mind.
My heart rate feels like it's at its peak on a bike. But when I check, it's always so much lower than my easy running HR (105 vs.150). I don't get it. My average speed was 14.15 mph. I need to work on that. That does include some super slow U-turns and traffic checking stops, however.
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| Chocolate Cures Everything |
Wednesday was not a good day. The reality of not getting to run my first marathon really hit home. I couldn't get a grip on my emotions, all the way to bedtime.
Thursday morning I rode again for 14.75 miles. I was treated to a beautiful orange sunrise glow about 45 minutes in. My average speed was 14.00 mph and I still could not get my heart rate where it needs to be. I spent too much time in fat burning zone.
When I came home Thursday evening, my kids surprised me with flowers and candy to cheer me up. Isn't that the sweetest thing ever? It made me want to cry...again.
I was off work Friday as I was supposed to be on a flight to Chicago {cue pitiful wailing in the background}. In an effort to maintain some fitness, and on the sage advice of my friend Marcia, I got in my car and drove to the Y for pool running. I can't tell you how out of my comfort zone I was! After getting over the initial I-feel-so-silly-doing-this, I ran non-stop for 60 minutes. Actually, I think I'd use the word jog. I couldn't seem to get my heart rate up with this either. The experience wasn't as bad as I had predetermined it would be. But, I will have to work harder to get a quality workout.
Well, as you are reading this we are headed home from parts unknown, or possibly still away because Monday is a holiday! Obviously, I needed a major distraction this weekend. Since PoPo had already taken off to accompany me to Chicago, we decided to travel...somewhere...anywhere.
And that's a wrap!
Has anyone else tried pool running?
Do you (would you) ride your bike in the dark?
Interesting about your HR data on the bike. When I first started cycling I had Lactate Threshold testing done on both the bike and the run around the same time in the lab. Run was 162 and bike was 147. Since then, as my cycling fitness has improved and I've learned to suffer more on the bike, my field testing in time trials shows my threshold HR to be on par with my running HR. Took two years for that to happen, though. What do you think of pool running? I could never get the hang of it and ended up just learning to swim when I was dealing with running injuries.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give pool running another try before I decide what I think. The worst thing is driving to the Y and swimming in a public pool with serious swimmers trying to use the lanes. Or classes going on. If it was warm, I'd do it in my own back yard!
DeleteSo nice of your kids to get you flowers and candy. I haven't really tried pool running but it sounds like something I would do when dealing with an injury especially since I'm horrible at swimming. I hope you are doing ok and enjoying your trip. Take care!
ReplyDeleteI have very sweet kids! Pool swimming is just one of those necessary things. I'll do whatever I can to stay in shape at this point.
DeleteGood plan to get away - I hope it helped! Nothing gets my HR up like running - not even spinning. I can get it up on the bike on hills, but not for a sustained time.
ReplyDeleteI'll just have to keep working on getting the best workout I can whether biking or pool running. But you are right, nothing compares to running.
DeleteThose flowers are beautiful. So thoughtful of your kids. I'm sure you are bummed about the situation but there will be plenty more races to run. Better to heal completely and get to the starting line strong.
ReplyDeleteBummed, oh yes. I'm not a patient person and I'm already tired of the healing process. I will not even try one step until I feel I'm completely healed. Big picture!
DeleteI would be too scared to ride my bike in the dark. Way to get out there early! I haven't tried pool running either. Sounds like a great workout to do it for 60 min! Take your mind off the situation and have fun on your vacation!!
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm actually more visible to others on a dark ride. I'm glowing and flashing! Thankfully, I can ride where there is very little traffic.
DeleteI hope you had a nice weekend....I would have done the same. Hang in there !
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was nice to get away but honestly it was also a reminder that I was supposed to be somewhere else. I'm glad to have "that weekend" in my rear view.
DeleteThat was so sweet of your kids! Great job getting in the cross training. It was tough for me to do that stuff when I've been injured, but it does help you stay positive and of course it will help maintain fitness too.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to do because you want to be doing something else. But, it's better than losing fitness and sitting around doing nothing. It helps to work toward something as opposed to away from it.
DeleteI am glad you decided to get away after all, sounds like the best part of plan B. The flowers and candy are super sweet. I have never tried pool running like that before- sounds interesting! Sounds like you and the bike are bonding, I am feeling for you! BTW- I am Fitbit back! I upgraded to the Charge HR, now I need to learn how to interpret all this info! :)
ReplyDeleteI love my Fitbit Charge HR. It's how I track my HR on the bike. Too bad I can't use it in the pool. I try not to even look at my numbers right now. I don't NEED steps. But, I walked way too miles this weekend. It just couldn't be helped.
DeleteI don't monitor my HR, although it makes sense to me it would be lower on a bike - running does use both arms & legs. But I know biking is fantastic cross training.
ReplyDeleteI can't even imagine how tough this weekend was for you. I hope you got to go somewhere fantastic!
Tough does not come close to it, Judy. I wish I could have mentally vaulted over it, but unfortunately I had to plow right through. Being somewhere else did help. But, I'm glad it's behind me.
DeleteDrivers here are nuts and I don't have a bike :-p Hang in there and your injury will heal. I've found actual swimming gets my heart rate up more than pool running.
ReplyDeleteI'm not good at real swimming, just dog paddling. After I complained about my HR not getting up on the pool run, I found my lungs were sore for two days. Maybe I just couldn't tell?
DeleteI have a really hard time riding my bike intensely enough as well. I had FTP testing done by my tri coach so I know my heart rate needs to be in the neighborhood of 167+ and unless she's standing over me like a hawk, I never ride that fast. Yay for pool running. It's weird, I know. I typically go one length easy then the next "fast" and end by taking off the belt and "sprinting". That should get your heart rate up. Glad you survived this weekend. Cheers to sweet, thoughtful kiddos!
ReplyDeleteAfter I said my HR wasn't up on the pool run, I found my lungs were sore for a good two days! Too much inhalation of chlorine? Or perhaps a decent workout after all! No way I could cycle at 167 HR on the road. I'd be in the ditch somewhere. Spinning maybe? But not for long.
DeleteI hope the getaway helped! The flowers and candy were such a sweet gesture from your kids :) I hope the alternative exercises continue to get better.
ReplyDeleteThanks. My kids are the best! I will do whatever it takes to retain some fitness.
DeleteYou have some awesome kids to do that!
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear you are enjoying your bike a bit!
Also, glad to hear your off taking a little vacation. When I had to cancel races I took trips instead and it actually helped take my mind of things. Hope it's doing the same for you!
Yes, they are sweet and took pity on their old Mom. LOL. The trip helped, even though it was always in the back of my mind that's not where I really should have been.
DeleteI sure missed you yesterday. But the conditions were tough. I'm glad you're biking, that was really my go to both times I was in the boot. I've never tried pool running! Like you, I thought I'd feel silly!
ReplyDeleteHopefully I'll get to Chicago one day. Let me know if you are ever interested in a southern race. I do get a few strange looks at the pool, but I've gotten over it now.
DeleteGood for you that you are biking and pool running. I have never tried pool running. It sounds like you have a great attitude. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's better. On the upswing anyway. I'm not going to lie...it was rough for a while.
DeleteHang in there! You're a champ for trying pool running and working on your bike. That'll get you back to your first marathon better than ever!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope so. That comeback will be so sweet.
DeleteI find the same on the bike - no matter how hard I feel like I'm working, my HR doesn't get as high as I think it is. I suppose that's a good thing in that my cardiovascular fitness is good, but it can frustrating. I'd be nervous about riding my bike in the dark with our roads and traffic!
ReplyDeleteIt was better on my last ride, but still not like running. Maybe that's a good thing, for endurance purposes anyway. Time will tell. Luckily I've got a place to ride with little traffic. No way I'd get on a busy street in the dark.
Deleteaaahhh - flowers & chocolate usually does help hurt hearts :)
ReplyDeleteI can't think of anything better. LOL.
DeleteI've never tried pool running, but many in my running group have used that method when they are injured. The bike is a great way to keep up your fitness and mine kept me sane this summer when I had the calf injury. Swimming is also a great option for cross training and pretty fun if you have a planned workout and can go with a friend.
ReplyDeleteI've never felt very comfortable with "formal" swimming, just dog paddling. I guess it would be something to work on. It would be fun to take a class, I think. I took swimming way back in college. I remember we had to swim 40 laps using different strokes to get an A. I did.
DeleteWhat sweet kids you have! And good for you staying active when you're injured. I know how hard it is to get a DNS for a race, but you'll be back out there in no time! Pool running is no joke. I added it in as cross training and it's definitely outside of my comfort zone too, but it gets easier and easier each time!
ReplyDeleteThe fear of starting completely over will make you try just about anything to stay fit. There is such resistance when you run in the pool! You are right, it is NO JOKE.
DeleteSo, I'll admit that I'm often a bit behind in the blogging world these days, and I tend to hear about things a bit late. I'm so so sorry that you are unable to run your first planned marathon:( It seems like this has happened to a few of us this season for multiple different reasons. I do hope that you heal fast and can get back to training when you are comfortable. It sounds like your kids are being super supportive!! I used to pool run when I ran track....more than 15 years ago (yikes) and I remember it being a serious workout!! Good luck and I'm going to try to stay more on top of things to remain connected!!
ReplyDeleteDon't feel bad. I'm so far behind in blog reading too! Unfortunately, injuries happens to most of us at one time or another. The timing of this particularly injury was just plain cruel. There is so much resistance when pool running. I don't think I expected how much.
DeleteI love your good attitude while injured! I hope that chocolate was amazing!! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks. I can't say it was good all this time, but it's on the upswing for sure. Chocolate helped.
DeleteSo sweet that your kids got you flowers & candy. I'm glad you decided to travel for the weekend. You deserved the weekend away, and I hoped it took your mind off Chicago a little. Great job getting other workouts in!
ReplyDeleteGoing away helped some. There were times though when I would realize I should have been elsewhere. Things improved once Sunday was over. You know, you'll try just about anything not to lose your fitness level. I hope it works.
DeleteSorry you are missing the race! I ride my bike when I can't run, but I get to do most riding on a car-free road. Nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks. That makes biking so much more of a pleasant experience. I'm lucky to have little traffic.
DeleteI'm so glad you got away to recharge sometimes it just takes different places an scenery. Wow 60 minutes running in the pool I'm so curious, were you waist deep did you run in place. I think this would be great to help heal you faster too. We do water therapy on our horses all the time. It could be different kinds of injuries but it sure can't hurt huh? That is neat about how the bike looks like a bug in the light. :) I hope you enjoyed your mini retreat.
ReplyDeleteYou run in deep water (no touching) with a flotation belt. Your body does the whole running motion. It's good to get all of the parts moving! I listen to music and try to keep the same cadence as running, but that is just about impossible with the resistance of the water.
DeleteI have never tried pool running but have wanted to-i think it would be a good workout! I am sorry to hear you missed out on Chicago-i hope you had a great weekend traveling though :)
ReplyDeleteThe resistance you get from the water gives you a killer workout! It was nice to get away.
DeleteLast week was going to be the hardest week, but now that the race is over, and you had a weekend away, I hope you feel a bit better! You are kicking butt with getting the workouts in! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. I'm glad to have "the day" behind me. I'll try anything to keep in shape!
DeleteI am so sorry that you had to miss this, I know how upset you must have been. But remember, there WILL be more marathons. Take the time to let your body heal and re-evaluate. In the meantime, eat chocolate, lots of it ;) As for the heart rate thing...it's hard for my heart rate to get up on a bike too unless I do a spinning class. And pool running is way out of my comfort zone, I haven't had the chance to do it yet but it seems like it would be so boring!! Chin up! xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt was a tough pill to swallow! For pool running I use music, which helps. And people watch. There's usually an aquatics class going on. I also play little mental games going up and down the lane. Or just zone out. The time passes quicker than I thought it would.
DeleteSorry about your race! That was sweet of your kids to get you flowers. Great idea to get away. I hope you enjoyed your trip! You're doing so well with your cross training. I'm sure that will lead to an even stronger comeback. I've never tried pool running, but I do love to swim. If I could afford to be a full time lifeguard/swim instructor I would.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I was so touched by the kids surprise. I watch the swimmers while I "run". They seem so disciplined with their formal strokes. I would be dog paddling! There are quite a few people in the pool at 5 am too!
DeleteYour kids are the sweetest to get you flowers. You are already hitting it out of the park with your bike workouts and pool running! I love the idea of naming the new wheels "Bugs"! I've never tried pool running but I read somewhere that it is by far the best way to maintain your conditioning. I hope you had a wonderful getaway and as always, I wish you the speediest of recoveries!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Emily. So bummed I didn't get to meet you in Chicago! I think I'm liking Bugs cause you know I love my Bugs Bunny. They say pool running is the best thing. Only time will tell I guess. I hope to go twice a week and ride 2-3 times a week too.
DeleteYou have been so sweet to worry about and check on me! It means more than you'll ever know. I do feel more visible to cars on my bike in the dark. I'm a glowing and a flashing! I actually got my HR higher on my last ride and felt better about that. I probably shouldn't do hills yet with my foot, but that would give me something to work on later.
ReplyDelete