Sunday, May 29, 2016

Happy Memorial Day (WW # 43)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. 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}   

We are thrilled that we continue to have a record number of linkers each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


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Monday -- Strength
Tuesday -- Ran 5 Miles Progressive
Wednesday -- Rest
Thursday -- 12 Cycling Miles  (Speed 14.1, HR 140)
Friday -- 12 Cycling Miles  (Speed  15.4, HR 160)
Saturday -- Ran 4 Miles Slow
Sunday -- 17 / 2 Brick Workout

Total Bike: 41
Total Run: 11

This week I concentrated more on cycling.  I'm trying to give my body some recovery time from the races I've put it through so far in 2016 (including 1 full and 6 half marathons, among others).   I need to be ready to start marathon training in 4-6 weeks.   I'm also contemplating a little duathlon, although there has been no registration as of yet.

I was pleased to get my heart rate up on all of my rides.  This is something I've struggled with in the past.  Here are the elevation charts from my two typical bike routes.  Can you believe I thought the first route was flat?  HA!  I had it backwards.  Garmin reported 309 feet gained on the first and only 176 on the second.  Both graphs are looped courses totaling 12 miles.  Obviously, the second course's loop is much longer than the first.  




My May the 4th Be With You medal, which I delightfully adapted to May the 24th Be With You arrived this week.  If you have not tried a Level Up Virtual Run, I hope you'll consider one.  You'll be very pleased with the medals, the price, and the time frame they give you for completing your run.



After a steamy, slow 4 mile run Saturday morning, the rest of the day was spent in the backyard just relaxing.  PoPo worked his magic on the grill and we enjoyed family time with the kids and grand kids. {There was also a little planking for fun, because I like fiberglass in my elbows.}



I did another brick workout Sunday:  17 Bike / 2 Run.   Welcome back, jelly legs!  Here's a better description:  it's like your brain and your legs don't communicate for about half a mile.  It also feels as if cement blocks are tied to your legs for the whole run.  I had a hard time getting out of the bed early.  So although the cycle portion started out pleasant, it was scorching when I got to the run. Accordingly, I spent the afternoon on a float.   My total brick time was 91 minutes (Avg cycle HR=149 / Avg run HR=170).




I hope everyone is having a wonderful long holiday weekend.  I've been in the back yard the entire time, but that did include some yard work too.  Got to get those squats in!  We plan to spend Memorial Day on the lake where I'll indulge in another favorite activity -- water skiing

Remember, you can link through Wednesday evening.

And that's a wrap!

How are you spending your Memorial Day weekend?


81 comments:

  1. You described how it feels to do a brick workout perfectly! I made it easy on myself this time and ran before riding - so much easier for me!

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    1. It's the weirdest sensation! I'd much prefer running before riding but that's not going to help if I take that plunge and do the duathlon. I'm really enjoying the cycling right now though.

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  2. I can't wait to get my bike out this summer. I avoid routes like that though. I ride more for leisure than workout so I make sure my routes are flat..lol

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    1. That top route looks relatively flat when you are on it. I can feel gradual inclines and declines, but I was amazed by the gain that Garmin picked up. The road is curvy and that is probably where the deception comes in. But, I should have known by my speed. I'm ALWAYS slower on that route.

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  3. I really want to take up cycling. We ride around our neighborhood right now with our beach cruisers, but they aren't so good for serious cycling. Sounds like you had a good week of workouts. Have fun water skiing tomorrow!

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    1. I traded up from an old mountain bike. A road bike is definitely faster. I really enjoy it. You make your own breeze!! And she (Sanity) saved me last fall when I couldn't run.

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  4. I can't believe all the racing you've done already. I feel like a slacker! :) Switching to bike seems like a good idea to prepare for marathon training!

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    1. I have to squeeze all the races in when it's cool! The bike worked well for me last fall when I couldn't run. It really helped me stay in great cardio shape. That's why I really pay attention to my HR. And, I really enjoy it!

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  5. Great job with more cycling! I've never done a brick workout and they sound tough! I actually got on my bike for the first time in a while since my boys have started riding.

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    1. I didn't realize how tough there were! How fun to ride bikes with your boys! Enjoy those moments. They grow up too fast.

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  6. We don't have a holiday today like the US, so its back to work for me this morning. Nonetheless, it was a great weekend despite the really crappy rainy weather. Congrats for getting in a brick workout in that heat. But hot weather does mean you get to enjoy the pool and the lake, so there is an upside to everything ! Have a great week Holly. ps - have you decided what training plan you are going to use yet for your marathon ?

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    1. The pool and lake (water skiing) are the only things that get me through this time of year! I think I'm going to design my own training plan. As a newly certified running coach, I have the resources to do it. I don't plan to do a extra lengthy one though. Maybe 12 or 14 weeks.

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  7. I love seeing hill profiles like that - shows that you are stronger than you think on the bike! Love your pool plank too!

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    1. I always wondered why that course felt tougher than the other one. Ha. You really can't see those inclines. It looks very gradual. But, the road is curvy too.

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  8. Great job this week! The brick workout sounds so tough. Nice plank too! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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    1. I was just goofing around with that plank. It was pretty short. The fiberglass really doesn't feel good.

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  9. I've only done a couple brick workouts, but they were swimming and biking, not with running. I think that would be harder and yes, definitely jelly legs. I am also cutting back before the start of marathon training. Love the plank by the pool and isn't it nice that it is pool weather again?

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    1. I haven't decided when I'm going to start training. I don't want to repeat what I did last summer. I plan to get my mileage low for a few more weeks. I'm very glad to be back in the pool. I napped on that float after my brick workout!

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  10. That pool looks so inviting! I was hoping to go on our boat today but the weather is not cooperating.

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    1. Oh, no! I thought for sure you'd be boating today. Bummer. I hope we don't have an afternoon thunderstorm pop up -- very common in the south.

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    2. The rain stopped and my hubby went boating. Being away twice, I just needed some catch up time around the house. But now I'm regretting my decision to stay home.

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  11. NIce job on the brick! and have fun waterskiing today. I'm a little jealous...we didn't go out of town because of Matthew's broken leg. He wouldn't be able to get in the boat. Looks like I have to wait until the 4th of July for that!

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    1. Oh, no! I was hoping you'd get to ski today. But, I can see where that would be difficult. Our kids quite often don't even go anymore as they have other things they'd rather do. But, the lake is just 15 miles away so it's easy for PoPo and I to just go whenever.

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  12. Sounds like a great week. Mine was rather boring, flying cross country & not doing much with my MIL, but I got to meet Paula! And the weather was horrible until the day we left, when I was too tired to squeeze in a run. :(

    Your jelly leg description sounds a lot like a lot of my runs . . .

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    1. Jelly legs is probably also a great description for running in heat and humidity Ha! Forget the bike ride! It's very cool you met Paula.

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  13. The May The 4th medal is beautiful!! It seems like it came in a more timely manner than the Incredibles medal.

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    1. I received both of those medals very close together, actually. I think that May medal came the day I ran the race -- so perfect timing on that.

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  14. Sounds like a great weekend! I love when I get the chance to spend most of the day on a float in the pool. Love the plank picture on the diving board lol. Looks like the perfect place to get some planks in!

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    1. If I get still, I fall asleep...especially in the pool on a float. Now if I could just get all my neighbors not to do their yard work and use all those power tools!

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  15. I did the May the 4th be with you 5k and absolutely love my medal. My son keeps trying to steal it actually, lol. I would love to float around in a pool but even though it's in the 80's the waters not quite warm enough for my tastes. Have a great week.

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    1. My teen sons have really oohed and aahed over both of those BB8 medals. In a couple of weeks, we'll be complaining how the pool water feels like a warm bath. Never satisfied!

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  16. Great job with your brick workout - those always sound so tough! I hope you're enjoying some water skiing today :)

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    1. The heat certainly did not help the run portion of that brick. I was roasting by that point.

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  17. You have been a racing machine this year!!! Enjoy a chill weekend in the backyard. The pool lookes perfect for a day like today! 😎

    My husband is working in the field today so the kiddos and I have been hanging outside. I filled up the kiddy pool and have some splashing planned for this evening!
    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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    1. I remember the days of splashing in the kiddie pool. They always loved that so much! Of course, I'd be right in the middle.

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  18. I'm drooling over your pool photos! It's been so hot here. I did yard work today too. It was hot and dirty work, but I got all my veggie plants planted! Have a great week!

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    1. My favorite thing while working in the yard in the summertime is to take the plunge! When I can't take it any more (gnats, mosquitoes, sweat) I jump in. My guys do the same after cutting grass too.

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  19. I guess the name brick is appropriately since your legs feel like bricks during your run - I'd never really thought about why they were called bricks before...

    So glad you're getting to water ski!

    Thanks so much for the linkup!

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    1. Ha -- I should have seen that correlation. The heat could be mostly to blame too. Both bricks I've attempted have been extremely hot. I won't know until I can test my theory in cool weather. A long, long time away...

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  20. Wow, that brick workout seems intense. Great job with all that cross training - cycling, hills, pool, gardening, water skiing - you're so active!! AT 9+ months pregnant I am a little jealous :)

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    1. There's so much more I feel like I could do given the time...and energy. You are going to be very active very soon in a different, wonderful, fulfilling kind of way.

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  21. Sounds like a nice week! My legs would probably feel like jello too while running after a long bike ride. I will have to try it sometime. :) Hope you had a great time at the lake!

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    1. I hope that jelly feeling gets better with time. If I could just train my brain!

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  22. ha ha ha..."jelly legs." True dat! The one du I did, my legs and brain had NO connection in the final running leg to the finish line....it was only 1.5 miles, and it was tough.

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    1. The final portion of this race is 2 miles. It sounded like a piece of cake! Oh how I've realized I was wrong about that. It's pretty humbling.

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  23. That medal is adorable! Nice work on cycling! It's funny how deceiving false flats can be in terms of elevation gain.

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    1. I was shocked to see my "flat" route had that much elevation gain. No wonder it feels so tough.

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  24. Love that May the 4th Be With You medal! I'm such a Star Wars geek. Nice to see you getting those bike miles in. That's awesome!

    I did a local race on Monday, although it wasn't my best. I'm glad I was out there though. I hope you enjoyed the weekend.

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    1. Getting out there is what it's all about. What fun would it be to always run our best? I think boring -- and we'd all quit.

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  25. Now that my marathon is over I really need to pick up the bike! I am also in awe of your planking.

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    1. I really enjoy it, although it's not my primary activity. I really should ride more than I do. It's fun.

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  26. My poor bike is still stuck in the basement on the trainer. I've been meaning to take it out in the fresh air for a spin but running has taken up my outside time.

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    1. I confess, I do not like riding on my trainer. I just had to have one -- and then only used it a few times over the winter. I need a better setup, I think.

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  27. Kudos to you for a great week of workouts, especially as its started heating up. You logged quite a few miles on that bike!

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    1. I'm just trying to mix things up while I'm not officially training for anything. It gives me body a break from the pounding.

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  28. Good job with getting your cycling in this week!

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    1. It's something enjoyable, especially when it's hot. It's more tolerable than running in heat.

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  29. That is a really good description of a brick workout, but not likely to encourage anyone else to take on one. :) Cute medal!

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    1. Oops. I didn't think about that! Seriously -- it is a challenge, but one that I am obviously willing to take. And one I plan to conquer.

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  30. I love that plank picture! I really liked your description of a brick workout! I don't know that I will be doing one anytime soon, but it does sound like something I would like!

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    1. I'm purposely putting in more cycling miles than I have to. It probably wouldn't be so bad at a shorter distance -- and if it wasn't so HOT.

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  31. How are those jelly legs now? I know you are excited to be out on the water! I am loving the Level Up medals too- can't wait for the TMNT one! Cowabunga!

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    1. The legs are much less like jelly now. I see the Cowabunga race is a 5k too. That will be much easier in the heat.

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  32. I vote yes on signing up for a duathlon, if only I can read more about your training and how you prepare! So selfish. ;) Great week! I'm getting inspired to ride my bike more often!

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    1. It looks like my duathlon will be postponed. But, I plan to continue with the brick workouts. At least this way, I'll have more time to get my act together.

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  33. I'm not a confident enough cyclist to ever attempt a) a brick or b) a duathlon. I'm in awe of all y'all that can pull dua's and tri's off and make it seem like nothing. Heck, I can't even run a marathon un-injured!

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    1. Oddly enough, biking has always been viewed as something I do when I'm injured. But, I realized I shouldn't look at it like that. I enjoy it. I can make my own breeze.

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  34. That is such a creative way to do a plank! and perfect form too!

    A duathlon sounds like an amazing adventure!

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    1. I was really just goofing around. I couldn't hold it very long with the fiberglass digging into my bony elbows. It's much easier on the soft carpet! LOL.

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  35. I need to start using my bike Hoho. So good for your running muscles! The planking pic looks great! You really inspired me to do more planking! I need to pick it up again! Great active week as usual! Love that water skiing pic on Instagram! Fab! :):)

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    1. The bike would be a perfect way for you to beat that Florida heat! You get to make your own breeze. You don't get nearly as hot. It's great cardio too!

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  36. What will you do first in the duathlon? Bike or run and is it the same in most of them? A friend of mine suggested we do a bike race in August in Greenwood. It's called Bikes Blues and Bayou. I'm told they have different distances and even have a mountain bike class. Course she has a road bike. Maybe something different to try. Great job on the Pool Plank! :)

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    1. It is 1 run / 9 bike / 2 run, which is a very short one -- I think. I don't know if they are all in that order or not honestly. I'm such a newbie. I wish I could find "just" a bike race around here. I'd do that in a heartbeat.

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  37. Great job on the bike this week! I think you should sign up for the duathlon, but I can understand your reservations. I'm always nervous trying new things. I'm jealous of the pool. I would lounge out of the float after all my runs.

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    1. I'm always scared of the unknown, not necessarily of an activity itself. It's weird. Once I get there and see my surroundings, I'm usually OK. During hot marathon training, I will being taking the plunge after my runs!

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  38. I certainly can get those quads burning when pumping up those hills! I didn't enjoy my trainer very much this winter. I was uncomfortable. I'll need to try a different set up next time. A TV on the floor maybe?

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  39. That jelly feeling in your legs - exactly how I felt when I did my first brick workout years ago. If you sign up for a duathlon, you would be ready for it!
    I probably would concentrate on more indoor cycling after my half marathon for recovery and strength training will be my focus during the summer.
    Surely you had a great time water skiing on Memorial Day - my family went camping and it was an awesome time.

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    1. I hope that jelly-legs sensation goes away eventually. I need to make sure I continue my strength training during the summer.

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  40. you are rocking the planks-I really need to get on this bandwagon for sure. I was working on core strength and then with the taper and recovery time from races, I fell off a bit

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    1. I definitely don't plank every day like a lot of people do. You've run so many races lately -- I don't see how you have time for anything else.

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  41. Brick workouts sounds so tough! I think your plan to focus more on cycling for now before your next marathon training cycle sounds like a great one. You have been racing the heck out of 2016 thus far!

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