Sunday, November 29, 2015

I Was Thankful... (WW # 17)


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 adventures. 

You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!   {See rules}

If you are visiting, Welcome!  Tricia and I would be honored if you would link with us here on the Weekly Wrap. 




I was thankful to rest Monday and Tuesday after the torture I put my old body through over the weekend. I was feeling recovered by Wednesday and biked 15 predawn miles.  My heart rate averaged 156.  I was treated to that beautiful orange glow of sunrise at the end.  Pictures never do it justice.





On Thanksgiving morning, I gave some extra thought to what I was thankful for during my 25 mile bike ride: 
  • strong legs pedaling beneath me
  • beautiful blue cloudless sky
  • ability to be outside on such a gorgeous day
  • family at home getting ready for travel
  • knowing everyone is healthy, relatively speaking 
  • freedom and the good old US of A
  • my MIL still hosts Thanksgiving
  • smell of turkeys being smoked outside
  • scrumptious peanut butter GU I ate at mile 11
  • dinner plate sized leaves all over my street 
  • knit gloves to catch nose drips with
  • extra Watergate salad and peanut butter balls
  • I do not go shopping on Black Friday !!


Friday I was thankful our kids helped me decorate the inside of the house...after bribing them with gingerbread hot and fresh from the oven.  Around noon I went out for a run/walk, intending to walk more than run.  That didn't happen.  I ran 3 miles alternated with walking for a total of 4.5 miles.  I was aware of a weak feeling and occasional slight discomfort in my foot {along with the feeling that I weigh 682 pounds}.  I enjoyed this run very much but will wait a few days before I run again.  I was thankful  I didn't feel hobbled by it Saturday morning.



Saturday I rode 45 miles, a new personal distance record on the bike.  It was a shorts-and-tank warm beautiful day, but somewhat breezy.  This mileage took slightly over 3 hours and my HR averaged 151, a bit lower.  Later we watched the Iron Bowl and I was thankful our team came away with a victory.   Roll Tide.


Sunday we were busy at a family function and I was thankful to skip pool running this week.  We finished up our outdoor decorations later in the afternoon.  I had time to squeeze in a 3 mile dog walk before it got too dark. 

In summary, I cycled 3 times for 85 miles, ran/walked 1 time for 4.5 miles, dog walked 1 time for 3 miles, and pool ran zero.  And that's a wrap!


Tell me something you were thankful for this week!


******************************************************************************

A Reminder... 

 As a special thanks to the supporters of the Weekly Wrap and our hope for continued success, we are giving one lucky linker a $75 gift card.  Each week you join here through the December 13-16 link, earns an entry for this prize. You still have an opportunity to earn 3 more entries!   The link opens on Sundays at 6 (CT) and stays open for three daysYou still have time!

******************************************************************************

Don't forget about the Thank You To My Follows holiday giveaway hop. 
There are a lot cool items you can win!  Click on this image!

http://hohoruns.blogspot.com/2015/11/holiday-giveaway-aurorae.html





57 comments:

  1. I love your "thankful" twist on your recap. I was thankful to have my kids home for the holiday!

    Thanks for the linkup!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was nice to see everyone at my in-laws. It's been a while since we've been able to get together. All the Kids and cousins are so grownup now. It was fun watching them catch up with each other.

      Delete
  2. I love this. I was thankful to be with my extended family over the holiday. Holiday travel is a bummer although we actually had no issues but getting the cousins together is priceless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All of the kids and cousins in our family are older now. But it was really fun watching them catch up with their high school, college, and career happenings. Thankfully, we only have to drive about and hour and 45 minutes. Pretty easy considering what a lot of people do.

      Delete
  3. Love this recap! I was thankful for some extra rest days this week after my race but also thankful that I was feeling good enough to get out for some carefree runs. I'm so glad you have been running a bit again. I really hope it continues to go well for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You earned those extra rest days, Lisa! It's great you were feeling well enough to run some too. I've still got to take it easy with my foot. I hope to make steady progress, though.

      Delete
  4. I'm excited that you got to ride 45 miles all in one fell swoop! My farthest distance is 32 miles. Someday...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well as you know, it's not the most comfortable activity in the world at that distance But, I do enjoy it -- especially on weekends when I don't have to get up so early and ride in the dark. I'm aiming for about 60-65 by the end of December. We'll see.

      Delete
  5. A lot to be thankful for!! I need to try the peanut butter GU, that just sounds delicious. Nicely done getting out there and trying out the foot. You're getting there! The better thing is that you didn't feel any pain afterwards! Still hoping and praying for your running return.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The peanut butter GU has no caffeine, which I don't like during running or now cycling. It tastes good too. I've still got to be very careful with my foot. I will not run for a few days now. It's so hard to be patient.

      Delete
  6. I love that you biked 25 miles on Thanksgiving morning! That puts my Turkey Trot 5K to shame! And 45 miles on Friday?! You're killing it! Glad you enjoyed nice weather and a nice run. I'm thankful that so many people put up their Christmas decorations this weekend. I love holiday lights, and pretty much everyone on my street already put their lights up this weekend, including us. I'm also thankful I got to see runners doing the Ugly Sweater Run on my own run this morning. There were some good sweaters!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Last year, I appreciated the houses that kept their Christmas lights on all night. On my dark early runs, I got to enjoy those lovely decorations! Maybe I'll get a few of those runs in before Christmas. I think the Ugly Sweater Run is a fun idea! I bet I have a few contenders in the closet.

      Delete
  7. Happy to hear you have been able to run. Hope you are healed... Our trees are all bare already. Winter has arrived.

    I am always thankful when I can run.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not healed completely yet, just enough to get by for a few miles I need to strengthen my foot. I plan to get more walking in and hope that will do the trick. I think cycling has helped, but it's just not enough weight on it. When you can't run for a period of time, you certainly do appreciate when you are able to.

      Delete
  8. I would love to be able to ride a rail trail or some thing like that. I ride with traffic, which is blessedly light -- but still. Where I ride during the week is very wooded but I sometimes get just a peak of the sunrise. That always makes me happy. I've gotten accustomed to being weightless in the water and light on the bike. Starting to run again always makes me feel like I'm made of cement.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your pictures are beautiful! I love leaves and wish we had more of them around. We visited Ohio last fall and I just loved running the streets near my aunt's house. It was like it was snowing leaves. I will never forget how cool that was. I keep doing what you did with your foot...testing it out (in my case, my leg) before it's ready. It's just so hard not to! Nice bike riding mileage you've got going on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love that snowing leaves thing too! It was like that on my walk yesterday. Sadly, they'll soon be gone. Well, all over the yard at least.

      Delete
  10. So great to hear you managed a run! I managed to do a little shuffling myself and I'm very thankful for that even though I know I have a long way to go! Also thankful for all the great family time this week :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's good to hear you are back on your feet! I have a very long way to go too. We'll have to both practice patience.

      Delete
  11. Nice job biking and on your run last week! Great to hear you enjoyed the run! I'm thankful for being able to spend time with family this Thanksgiving as well as our good health!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sherry. It was great to catch up with family we haven't seen in a while. That's what it's all about.

      Delete
  12. Lots of wonderful things to be thankful for on your list ! I am thankful that in 3 weeks the days start getting longer. November is one of my least favorite months.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are getting very close to the winter solstice! November is very pretty around here, so I have to say I enjoy the month.

      Delete
  13. Whoohoo-for your run. I can only imagine how that felt!!

    You had/have a lot to be thankful ffor :)

    45 miles biking-get it girl!!

    I am thankful to have visited my dad in NY this weekend and the kiddies had a blast with him.

    Have a great week.

    Tamieka@fitballingrunningmom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's great you got to visit with your Dad! The run felt good, although it causes me to worry too. It will be a while before I completely trust my foot.

      Delete
  14. Sounds like a great week Holly! I was with you on no Black Friday shopping (unless you count a few things purchased online). I took my sons out Mountain biking! Sorry I wasn't able to get a post together to link up. I'm having someone migrate my content into a self-hosted wordpress site and it still isn't finished so I'm not able to (or don't know how) to write a new post, yet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did some Amazon Priming myself. My goal is to not go into a store during December. Mountain biking sounds fun. It sure was a nice warm weekend to enjoy the outdoors. Good luck with your self-hosted site! You can always link later if you decide to.

      Delete
  15. Your bike miles amaze me! Do you have a seat cover or wear padded shorts? I've got a pair of padded shorts, but I can't imagine how my bum would feel after 3+ hours of riding. Glad you were able to get in some more walk/run time this week. I didn't do any Black Friday shopping either. I hate the crowds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a gel seat cover and wear padded shorts. I should try thicker padded shorts too. I'm not going to lie, it gets uncomfortable after a while at that distance -- but it's not extreme. You do get used to it somewhat. I got on my computer and did some "click" shopping. So much better.

      Delete
  16. I am amazed at all of your biking! I am thankful for more than I have time to write about...the biggest of which is my family. We had both of the college kids home for an entire week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Our second son will be going to college soon, but it's not very far - thankfully. It will be easy to come home on the weekends...if he chooses to.

      Delete
  17. You are really staying in shape with all the miles on your bike. I never got around to writing a thankful post, but my family, friends and health are the most important things on my list. Don't worry about using run/walk for training. After all, that is how I ran my marathon when I qualified for Boston. You can go fast and run/walk! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's very encouraging Pam! I realize if I am able to do this marathon, I can't even think about any time goals. Beating the sag wagon will be the main thing. I've already looked at the time limit. Hopefully, I can do that.

      Delete
  18. I'm also thankful I don't go shopping on Black Friday. I did this year to get some Christmas decorations, but that was it. I slept in and let the crowds get the deals before I headed out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just did a few clicks on the computer but I went nowhere. I was very happy about that. Sunday I did go out for a few decorations.

      Delete
  19. You are slamming on that bike and woot for a cautious RUN! I am thankful my MIL did NOT host this year as she always blows a gasket and ends up screaming. Ugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just want this foot thing to be over with already. I don't know how much longer I can keep up this routine. I am thankful my MIL is very easy going.

      Delete
  20. Sounds like a great week! Yay for another run! I am thankful that Hubby got us back to the West coast and that are move went as smoothly as it could. Have a great week Holly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sharon. I know you are thankful to be settled in and enjoying your new house and community.

      Delete
  21. Great job this week -- especially that long bike ride. I'm thankful for the mild weather this November. It was in the upper 40s and sunny during our Turkey Trot. Normally it's low 30s, dreary, and overcast. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really been warm here lately too. I am thankful because it is difficult to ride a bike in the cold and wind (at least for me!). I have to get out extremely early on weekdays to get that in.

      Delete
  22. I love this post! It's great to have reminders to feel thankful about things at this time of year when we can otherwise be overwhelmed by how busy we are. I was thankful to be able to spend the long weekend with extended family and have lots of quality hang out (i.e. lazy) time with them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly does get busy this time of year. I'm trying not too stress out this holiday season. I'm calmly shopping online too.

      Delete
  23. I love all the thankful things! I would have helped you with the decorations for homemade gingerbread too! Let's not talk about football, this UF/Alabama game is not going to be pretty! UGH! The run/walk sounds promising! I know you are still smiling :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You never know about those championship games. They can go either way. I'm ready for this injury to be a thing of the past. It's taking too long.

      Delete
  24. OOOOO I love this post. I am thankful for awesome people like you that I've met through blogging! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love for you like with us something Michelle! Hope things are going well.

      Delete
  25. I love your thankful list! Sounds like you had a good run and it's even better that your foot didn't hurt afterwards!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tara. I'm not good at being patient! I just want my foot to feel normal. It's not quite there yet.

      Delete
  26. Gingerbread sounds amazing! You could bribe me with it any day! You are killing your bike miles! Over 3 hours, wow! I'm so glad you are easing back into running! I hope the next 5 weeks go by without any issues! As you know I did complete my 18 miles and I'm so thankful it all went fine along with our trip. I'm playing makeup at work, in fact this is the first time I've had my head above water all day! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I doubt the biking will be sufficient for marathon training. There is simply no substitute for time on your feet. But, I guess it's better than nothing. My cardio and endurance is great, but those two things on the bottom of my body have got to hold me up!

      Delete
  27. I love your thankful list! A very active thanksgiving break :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I'm not one to sit around. It actually makes me feel a little sad.

      Delete
  28. I love your thankful list! I'm thankful you host this link up where I've found so many fun blogs. :) Great to hear that your run went well!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy the linkup too! I get to see what all of you great ladies are up to.

      Delete
  29. Great news on the run feeling pretty good and your foot feeling good the day after, as well! I like taking the time during a workout on/around Thanksgiving to think of things I'm thankful for and appreciate the blessings in my life. I did so in the woods among the trees on my Sunday afternoon trail run.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I still have a long way to go with the foot. It's frustrating how much time it is taking! I would love getting out in the woods for a trail run!

      Delete

I enjoy reading your comments. Thanks for taking the time to leave one!