Sunday, November 15, 2015

Same Old Song (WW # 15)


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. 




This week was the same old song and dance for me.   I apologize in advance for sounding like a broken record!  I continued my biking and pool running while waiting for my foot to heal.  It's getting very close, but I haven't run...yet.  This is how my week played out.

Monday I finally got a flu shot.  The shot itself never hurts, but my arm is always sore a day or two later.  Tuesday, I got my first controversial red cup from Starbucks.  No, I don't think it's very festive at all.  Just RED.  And the Gingerbread Latte?  Meh.  {I can't believe I just said that about my beloved Fivebucks, ahem -- I mean Starbucks.}


Because of Wednesday's holiday, I worked a short day and had extra time to ride my bike.  I  rode 21 miles.  It was 49 degrees with heavy fog.  My average heart rate was 160.  As someone who paid little to no attention to HR when running, I now find it to be valuable!  It's how I judge the intensity of my workouts. 

Thursday morning I was back on the bike.  Again, it was foggy but a much warmer 64 degrees.  I rode 14.5 miles with an average HR of 152.  A yorkie dog chased me up and down the rural road I was looping on.  Every time I passed his house the game started anew.  {Go inside, doggie!  Where's yo' Mama?}

I found a little Fall color cutting through woods.
Saturday I rode another 40 milesMy HR averaged 154.  I've learned to keep my Garmin on HR display and forget about speed.  I make sure the number doesn't dip too low.  It helps to really push on the uphills and never coast on downhills.  It's important to change gears accordingly and always pedal.  

Being honest, this started out as such an aggravating ride.  Adding strong winds to the cramp in my right foot, both feet continually going to sleep, and the snot running out of my nose  (yep, I said that) just about put me over the edge.  I wanted to quit at mile 10.  Taking my compression socks off and stuffing them in my bra helped (yep, I did that).  I got over myself and pedaled on.  

Just some fall color from my front porch.

Everyone came over for college football Saturday afternoon.  It was one of our typical Griswold Family functions, complete with a small oven fire.  Suffice it to say the sausage balls had a wonderful smoky flavor.  Roll Tide.

Sunday afternoon I was back in the pool.  These pool running sessions I consider as my long slow runs.  I.got.it.done.  121 minutes of pool running with an average HR of 134.  There's simply nothing else to say.  

Sunday's supper was Shrimp and Grits.  It's a favorite and one of my own concoctions.  The three ingredients are sliced smoked sausage, peeled raw shrimp and Pace Picante Sauce sauteed together and served over grits.  It doesn't get any easier.  I served with green beans and homemade pumpkin pie for dessert, just because.



In summary, I rode 3 times for 76.5 miles and pool ran once for 121 minutes.
 

***  As a special Thank You to the supporters of the Weekly Wrap and our hope for continued success, we are giving one lucky linker a $75 gift card.  If you have linked every week from the beginning, you earned one entry.  If you linked at any time between week 1 and week 14, you earned one entry.  This means some of you already have two entries.  Starting NOW, each week you link earns you another entry.  You can earn 5 entries from now until the December 13-16 link.  

***  Don't forget this link opens on Sundays at 6 (CT) and stays open for three daysYou have plenty of time to link this week, even if you didn't originally plan to do so.  Tricia will be crunching the numbers for us.  We hope you'll join in for a chance to win.    


And that's a wrap!

Please tell me about your week!


59 comments:

  1. Sounds like your cycling is going well! That's quite a lot of miles! And yum, shrimp and grits! I haven't had that in a really long time. I made red beans and rice tonight - it was pretty good. I haven't been to Starbucks in a while. In theory I like their lattes but usually I find them too sugary. I will sometimes ask them just to use one pump of the flavor syrup.

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    1. That is something my husband would love for me to make and I never have. Thanks for the idea! Next Sunday! I ALWAYS order my lattes with half the syrup, no matter which coffee shop I'm in. I agree they are too sweet!

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  2. I am so impressed you ride that many miles. I started riding when I hurt my leg and couldn't run, but I don't like my bike, so I didn't stick with it. Your shrimp and grits looks yummy!

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    1. I like riding but just had an old mountain bike. Kelli (up at the top comment) helped me understand what to look for in a new bike and her blog has been a great resource too. I've learned how to make it an even better experience and how to get my HR up.

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  3. I don't get the red cup controversy. Personally, I like it bc red is my favorite color!

    I didn't link up this week bc I have the book club. It's not really a Weekly Wrap. But I'm here...

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    1. I like red too. It's funny that a plain red cup can even be a news story. I'm more concerned with what's inside. You know I wouldn't care what you linked. Link it or your next post. Remember, it stays open through Wednesday.

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  4. I really need to look into HR monitor training, I have heard nothing but GOOD things about it. And what is the big deal with the red cup? It seems people from "both sides" are angry, and I'm like, "It's a frickin cup! Be glad you can afford to buy the coffee that gets poured into that red cup, and don't let it burn your mouth as you drink it." #rantover (I took you suggestion to heart, and linked up with you and Tricia) ;-)

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    1. It is very interesting to watch the HR numbers. I plan to use HR training more when I start running again. I didn't get the red cup controversy. Its red, but otherwise not very festive. OK. So what? I'm more concerned with what's in it. I'm very glad you linked!

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  5. You know what since I've been a coffee drinker, I'm still quite new, I have never stepped foot into a Starbucks! Really! I wouldn't know what to order, I mean do they have just regular coffee??? Is the red cup for the Christmas season without trying offend anyone? Your supper sounds wonderful and I have been craving shrimp. The hubs worked through the weekend for the second weekend in a row so he picked up Dickys BBQ, we have found we really like the chicken breast there. :) It's going to be a great week!

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    1. Yes, they have regular coffee. Unless you just only drink black coffee, I would try one of their holiday drinks but beware they are really sweet. I always ask them to use half the syrup. The shrimp was delicious as well as the pie. I'm a fan of BBQ too. Anything I don't have to cook is always a plus!

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  6. I'm so excited about the surprise giveaway! I hope I win that gift card! I enjoy linking up with you each week! I'm impressed by your weekly mileage on the bike. 40 miles in that wind was no doubt tough! Glad we pulled off another win this weekend. Just sorry about Drake getting hurt and being out the remainder of the season. ROLL TIDE!

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    1. We are glad you are linking with us Debra! You'll have an excellent chance at winning. We are going to meet at a local race soon, if my foot will hurry up already. That wind was crazy Saturday. It was like the last straw for me. Drake getting hurt was awful! I didn't think the play looked injury worthy. Sometimes, I guess it just happens.

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  7. 40 miles riding in one day is awesome! Wow, that's a lot of miles! Great job pool running too! Hope your foot is healing well!

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    1. Thanks, Sherry. The foot is coming along, slowly but surely. I'm not in a big rush to run because I'm a wee bit scared to do so. I've got to overcome that fear.

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  8. 2 hours of pool running, way to go! Starbucks is pricey when it comes to the holiday drinks. I was going to get a pumpkin spice latte one day and saw that it was a dollar and some more than what I normally got (chai tea latte) so I went with the chai. :p

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    1. Starbucks is pricey. Period. I don't visit nearly as much as I used to. I can make an awesome coffee at home with my Keurig and a variety of specialty creamers. It costs less than $1.00.

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  9. Sounds like you are doing all you can to address your foot injury. I love the pool but not sure I could stand 120 minutes. That's a heck of a long time in a pool ! I am kind of Starbucks'ed out. I had it only once this past week in the US and it didn't excite me. Too expensive, boring Cappuccino. Have a good week & glad to hear about the gift card... I am pretty sure I qualify ! Don't think I have missed one link up... and even if I live in France, my mother can keep it for me. :)

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    1. My skin is so shriveled up when I get out. My feet are pure white too. I don't understand why I lose color. Weird. I also smell like chlorine today after two showers. I think I enjoy the iced coffees at Starbucks in the summer more than the lattes, etc. I do think you've linked since week one and we very much appreciate that!

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  10. That same old, same old will get you back to running (and to your marathon), so don't knock it! I'm sure my family would be happy to have one of your pumpkin pies. I make a great chocolate pumpkin pie (of course), although since no one but me actually seems to eat it it's not on the menu. Pumpkin brownies, yes.

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    1. OK, you have my undivided attention with Chocolate Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Brownies. I've never considered chocolate and pumpkin together but I have no doubt it would be delicious.

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  11. So glad you are getting close to being able to run again! Good for you for continuing with the cross training. I got a red cup yesterday...I'd say they are boring but nothing to get all worked up over. The prices are ridiculous but once in a while I just can't help myself! Thanks for continuing to host the link up- that is so generous of you ladies to include a giveaway!

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    1. I'm very tired of this injury and want it to be over, to say the least. I thought the cardboard holder was slightly festive looking. But, does any of it really matter? We appreciate your support on the link!

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  12. Great job on the cycling. I imagine that little yorkie thinks of itself as a great big guard dog. I did a crock pot meal yesterday for dinner, and other than browning the chicken before adding it to the mixture, it's all simple and I just throw the ingredients into the pot.

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    1. I cooked pork chops yesterday in the crock pot. It is just so easy! After being at work all day, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.

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  13. Awesome mileage!! I did think the Starbucks cups were a little less festive, but definitely don't agree with all the controversy! I think it's silly. I usually go between liking & not liking the gingerbread latte. I want to try the chestnut praline latte, but don't want to pay $4 for something I might not like!

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    1. I didn't think the Gingerbread was as good as previous years. I haven't tried the chestnut praline either, but I'm sure I will. I think the White Chocolate Mocha (with half syrup) remains my all-time favorite.

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  14. You'll be running before you know it and you will be in great shape because of all you've done. (Me not so much.) I had the gingerbread last year, Meh! Chestnut praline is better. I think I have the same running shoes. Are they from a few years ago?

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    1. I need to try the Chestnut Praline. Yes, those shoes are several years old. I've been wearing old ones to cycle in. I call them my Tidy Bowl shoes.

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  15. I still think they made the cup red to make it more unique and recognizable on sites like Instagram. They know people are going to post photos of their drinks so I think it was a design decision that did not anticipate a backlash! I had my first holiday drink of the year and they gave it to me iced instead of hot and it was too sweet. :'( Oh well, I'll try again. ha

    121 minutes in the pool is very impressive! I'm tried just thinking about it.

    Have a good week!

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    1. The red color definitely pops. What's the saying -- There is no such thing as bad publicity? 121 minutes sounds a little insane. LOL.

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  16. Dedication or insanity...some days it's up for discussion. I didn't set you straight--I believe it's the other way around. You've been such a great support for me. I'm so happy the skirt worked. It looks much better on you! Go to Starbucks and order a holiday drink just ask for half the syrup because they are too sweet. I love K Cups. Dark Magic is my favorite! I've got my kids addicted too. Oops.

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  17. How cool for you all to do a giveaway. Your link up has just shot off!
    Look at you with all the bike miles - forget running, you're going to be a pro biker!

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    1. Feel free to link with us again! Bike racing would terrify me! I don't think I could ride next to someone else. LOL.

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  18. Just regular plain grits? No cheese, I am thinking about trying this now that your shared! I like how you are sharing the heart rate- I have my consult with the cardiologist tomorrow morning so I can find out what the heck is going on with mine! Great weekend for college football- Go Gators! :)

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    1. Oh, it's good with cheese grits too! I cubes of use Velveeta Mexican to cheese mine up sometimes. Good luck at your doctor's visit. I hope you get good news.

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  19. Your porch is so pretty! Love the fall colors. Glad to hear that your foot is feeling better and that you are on your way back to running soon. Sending good vibes your way

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    1. I had to find a little color somewhere since I'm not finding it outside! Thanks for the good vibes.

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  20. Great job on your mileage!!!! Your porch looks lovely!!! My week was meh, so avoided an actual recap. lol

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    1. Thanks. I feel very "meh" about my crossing training, I must admit.

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  21. Ha! Fivebucks is right, but sometimes it's totally worth it!

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    1. Yes, sometimes it is. My favorite is still White Chocolate Mocha with half the syrup.

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  22. You are kicking butt and taking names with those bike rides! You aren't kidding. Fivebucks. heh heh.

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    1. Thanks. I think I may have to change it to SixBucks soon!

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  23. I miss shrimp & grits! My husband doesn't like the dish, so I never make it and only get to eat when I travel down south. Fingers crossed that I'll get to have some over Thanksgiving when I'm at least a little more southern!

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    1. I hope you get to have some soon. It's one of my favorites! A local restaurant here had the best and then went and changed the recipe to a grits cake underneath. WEIRD.

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  24. I LOVE shrimp and grits. Love it! Now I feel the need to go buy some shrimp and make this.

    I'm not running much either, but haven't paid any attention to my heart rate. Maybe I should...

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    1. This is the easiest recipe. Just cook your sausage a little before adding the shrimp. I say I'm going to use my HR monitor once I can run again...we'll see.

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  25. You know, I've never had grits, but you hear about it all the time in Southern TV shows, so it must be good stuff!
    At least you have your bike and are able to get out on it. I laughed when I read the compression socks in the bra, LOL totally something I would do! As to your snot comment, I can't believe I will admit this, but ya so in the winter because for some reason the nose likes to drip more in the cold, I have to wash my gloves after nearly every run, because I totally find them to be a great tissue, LOL

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    1. Grits is definitely a southern thing and an acquired taste. You've got use lots of salt and butter or they taste like sand. LOL. I had on knit gloves Saturday. That's really the sole purpose of wearing knit gloves, right? Mine have been through countless washings! You may not want to high five me after a winter race.

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  26. I like the comment about the smoky flavor :) was anyone else able to tell about the fire?

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    1. Oh, yes. The smoke alarms went off, we got the fire extinguisher out. Typical family function. LOL.

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  27. Such a fun and generous idea to give away a gift card!

    I never liked grits until I got some in Blacksburg last year. I haven't had them since, but they were certainly yummy!

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    1. I've heard of putting all types of things on grits to make them palatable. With enough salt and butter (and cheese is always good too) they are pretty tasty to me.

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  28. 40 miles!? You are killing the bike rides! Especially after you didn't feel like going more after 10 miles. Do you think you'll want to try triathlons after you start running again to keep up with the biking? And thanks for the very generous and kind gesture of giving away a gift card. I've already met so many new bloggers thanks to this linkup. Oh, and I've been meaning to tell you that I had to ask my husband what "Roll Tide" means since I see it in yours and others' posts. He told me. :)

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    1. The swim part of a triathlon would be very intimidating! But, you know -- never say never. I'm glad you started linking with us! In the south, college football is like a religion! On Fridays you are allowed to wear your team colors to work in a lot of offices, especially before a "big" game. I'm glad your husband filled you in. That's funny.

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  29. Your front porch decorations are cute! And you are putting some serious mileage in on the bike! Great job. I really don't know how you do it. It's so hard when you can't do the activity you want to do, and have to fill it in with something else. With the impending holidays, I enjoyed the Chevy Chase reference :)

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    1. It has really gotten hard after all this time to keep this alternative training up. I'm ready to do what I love.

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