Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!
 |
| The sole purpose of this linkup is to SUPPORT ACTIVE WOMEN Please click HERE to see complete rules. |
***********************************************
Fall finally came to visit this week and Winter may be sneaking up right behind. I ran two weekday five milers before work. They both ended up being progression runs. It's almost as it I can't run anything but progressively on weekdays. I'm simply still asleep in the beginning and then running late for work toward the end.
 |
| Thursday greetings from the mailbox! |
Recently, I decided to go back to my old plan of running 5ks to work on speed. This has worked well for me in the past. There are so many races this time of year but I chose the Saints and Sinners 5k. I've run it before and they have a cute graphics on their long sleeve T-shirts, runners can dress in costume for Halloween, and they have great door prizes. I did not register in advance since it looked like it might rain...buckets. When I woke Saturday and saw the yellow and red on the radar, I got back in bed and snuggled with the dogs.
After sleeping unusually late, I eventually got out for a midday four mile run. I was determined to make up for my lost speed work opportunity. After warming up, I felt I ran close to what I would have in the race. I was lucky to catch a break between showers and stayed dry until the last mile. It continued to rain most all day so PoPo and I celebrated Halloween a little early by watching horror movies.
 |
| This will always be my favorite Halloween decoration! |
Since we had plans Sunday, I had to get out pretty early for my long run. It was 39 degrees and very windy, but at least it was sunny. I kept my Garmin on its heart rate screen and ignored my pace. I was happy to complete my longest run since June.
I recently Runfessed about fast tracking for a few weeks to get back on schedule for my next race. After this week, I feel I'm caught up on mileage. My speed is not there yet but I'll just keep chipping away at it as best I can. Next week's 5k selection? The Cow Patty Trot. My fingers are already crossed for better weather.
And that's a wrap!
Do you have a favorite Halloween ritual? Favorite decoration?
Have you ever used a 5k race as speed work?
I"m trying to get my head around that your temperatures match ours! But I'm sure you warmed up nicely as the day progressed...see what I did there? Because all I can think about is that while you get faster as you run, I progressively run slower...
ReplyDeleteWe are actually far enough north of the Gulf to get a winter here. It just usually doesn't come in October! You could beat me any day. My slow is now even slower. [Sigh.]
DeleteLast spring, I ran a 5K for a speed work run, and it went well! The run was in the evening though, as part of the Tulip Time Festival in a nearby town...so the challenge was not being tired (after working most of the day) and not being too full on food (again, from what may have been consumed throughout the day). I did a 1-mile warm-up, and then the race itself. I think it may have been an actual PR (I've had faster 5K's, but they were on "shortened" courses). I am SOOO excited to see you real soon ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've never run well in the afternoon or evening. I just don't practice that enough. I don't think Vegas is in the cards (pun intended). I'm sure I'll have major FOMO though.
DeleteMy trail race got rained out too. :( Actually, it was just light rain this morning, but it was supposed to be for fun and I didn't consider muddy trails and slipper grass to be all that much fun so I passed. Still a little bummed but I got a lot done around the house today.
ReplyDeleteRaces are Darlene's speedwork. :)
I can't imagine having to run on any slippery surface. I think that would be a tragic accident waiting to happen, at least in my case. I need to get a lot done around my house. That just doesn't seem fun to me. LOL.
DeleteThe races down your way have the coolest names! The Cow Patty Trot - I'd consider signing up for that race even if I didn't run it just for the shirt! LOL
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting back into double digits and fast tracking to get back on schedule for your fall races.
Thanks for the linkup!
This is an older race recently revived. In the past, they gave out huge copper cowbells for AG awards. You don't know how much I hope they are still doing that!
DeleteI like the 5k distance and I'm currently doing shorter distance training right now. 39 degrees is chilly - I guess we're getting to that time of year!
ReplyDeleteI've never trained for a 5k, instead using them to train for longer distances. Maybe I should train for one!
DeleteIve thought about using a 5k to work on speedwork but honestly right now Im nervous about running that hard for 3 miles! It would definitely be a great workout though.
ReplyDeleteI find it difficult to run 3 very hard miles as a training run. Going to an actual race forces me to do what I would not otherwise.
DeleteI love that Mickey Mouse Pumpkin! So adorable! I enjoy watching scary Halloween movies this time of year. I never take notice to my HR when I am running. I should vary things up and look at that from time to time rather than just my pace.
ReplyDeleteI bought that pumpkin at WDW many years ago when the kids were little. It wasn't even expensive, especially compared to most Disney resort items.
DeleteYour pumpkins are so cute! We still need to carve ours - we just bought them today! I need to start working on speedowrk or something to get in the running groove again. I'm in a running funk - the cold and dark weather doesn't help.
ReplyDeleteI miss having our kids carve their pumpkins and go trick-or-treating. I'm having real difficulty getting up on dark cold mornings to go for a run! I hope the time change will help.
DeleteGreat job this week! I'm sure that your speed won't be far behind.
ReplyDeleteThat pumpkin is so cute!!
I hope at least some of the speed will come back. I am aging too...
DeleteHmm.That Cow Patty 5K sounds like it could require some agility work if there are cow patty obstacles on the course. I'm not a huge fan of 5ks because they take so much time for such little running, but I can see how they would be good for speed work.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope there aren't any smelly obstacles on course. Actually, the name comes from the high school that hosts the run having a bull as a mascot.
DeleteI feel like I am catching up on mileage too this month and finally feel good about running. The paces are still not where they once were but I think I am ok with that for now. We were traveling this weekend so no linkup for me again. I will be back soon
ReplyDeleteI need to remember to be patient. It takes time and hard work to make gains.
DeleteSounds fun to do 5ks as your speed work! Great job on your longest run since June! Love the Mickey pumpkin decoration!
ReplyDeleteIt helps break up the monotony of always running in the same location too. I get to see something different for a change!
DeleteCongrats on that 11 miler! It must have felt soooo good! Botswana has never celebrated Halloweeen but over the last 5 years it has slowly crept in and this year there were so many parties/events over the weekend, especially for kids! They had so much fun getting dressed up. :-)
ReplyDeleteHow fun that your kids can now celebrate Halloween! After this, sadly we'll completely skip Thanksgiving on go straight into Christmas.
DeleteWoohooo for your longest run in awhile! And I'm loving the name of next week's race - The Cow Patty 5k...hahahaha! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, who can resist a race named The Cow Patty Trot? Not me!
Delete5ks are a great way to switch to speed work! I like to do that after a season of distance training too. I just hope winter doesn't come too quickly!
ReplyDelete5ks seriously hurt when I run at full effort. I'm trying to hold back a bit and use them for training instead. Maybe I'll enjoy them more?
DeleteThis weather has been so much better! It's still warm here with highs in the 70s most of the week (except today - highs in the 50s!), but in general, it's feeling much more fall-like. I'm so ready for colder weather. Good luck on all of those 5Ks! I like to use 5Ks as speedwork sessions, too. I'm more motivated by a race than I am on the treadmill or track.
ReplyDeleteThat's the way I am! I will try 10 times harder at a race than I will in a training run.
DeleteI kind of love that it's called the Cow Patty Trot. Haha! Gross... ;)
ReplyDeleteIt should be fun as long as I don't have to SMELL any cow patties. LOL.
DeleteMy races ARE my speed work LOL
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
I knew we thought alike when it came to this subject. I need to get back to running all the 5ks like I once did!
DeleteI thought about running a 5K for speed work this weekend...then I slept in and ran later in the day instead. I guess getting to run on my own schedule is more motivating to me than a race.
ReplyDeleteIt must be the cooler weather, but I'm having trouble finding the motivation to get out of bed to go for my morning runs.
DeleteFor whatever reason, the 5k distance always seems harder than the others. I normally do 5k races for fun, and work on my speedwork on my training runs.
ReplyDeleteOh, they feel much harder to me! There is no time to work into your pace. You have to run a full blast the entire time. Ouch.
DeleteYeppers, I wouldn't have wanted to race in that weather either...nice that you held off on registering so you didn't lose your $$. That is a cute Mickey pumpkin. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very glad I didn't register in advance. Although, I'm sure they had few racers and I would have score big with the door prizes.
DeleteThat 5k sounds fun in general but I don't think I would have been able to do it in that type of weather either. That's great you were able to find a window in the rain for your run later that day.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind if it starts raining while I'm out on a run, but it's difficult to start a run if it's already raining buckets. LOL.
DeleteI like Halloween a lot, but we aren't doing much this year since we moved (and didn't keep many decorations). Maybe I'll stock up in the after Halloween sales. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get back to using 5ks for speed. I'm trying to get over some leg tightness, but think I'll focus on short and speedy before my spring half.
There will be a ton of stuff you can buy after Halloween for little of nothing. That is a great idea!
DeleteGreat job on the 11 miler! 5k's are such a great and fun way to do speed work. Love that idea.
ReplyDeleteCow Patty 5k- too funny!
As a race organizer, there are many ways you could play up that cute name!
DeleteI would say just getting together and eating treats is my ritual. It stems back to my childhood where every year my Grandfather who's birthday was on Halloween would decorate and have fun with all the kids who came to trick or treat! This holiday reminds me so much of him and how very much I miss him!
ReplyDeleteI bet you have a lot of great memories of him! I did not eat one single treat this Halloween...candy-wise, anyway.
DeleteIt's been a while since I've trained for a fast 5k but that's on my list for next year. Getting back to a PB for 5k! No Halloween rituals other then eating my kids candy when they go to bed, mah..hahah!
ReplyDeleteI would also get my kids' coconut candy since they weren't a fan. I'd always keep my fingers crossed many Mounds and Almond Joy!
DeleteNow that Cow Patty Trot sounds fun! Wonder if they give out Moon pies at the finish line! lol! You 'fast-tracked' quickly there lady ...when I grow up, I hope to be as good a runner as my coach!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the linkup!
Years ago (it's a revived race), the AG awards were cow bells. Now, wouldn't you just LOVE that? You are too sweet!
DeleteI LOVE your Mickey Pumpkin! I need one of those. - Meranda
ReplyDeleteIt came directly from the Mouse's House (aka WDW) many years ago.
DeleteCow Patty Trot... that's a name to remember! That Mickey pumpkin is cute.
ReplyDeleteI love create names for races. I think it benefits a school whose mascot is a bull.
DeleteA 5K race would be great speedwork! Sorry that it rained on your 5K race day. Hope next weekend will be better! Your Mickey pumpkin is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI just hope it's not raining when I get up that morning. I don't mind if it starts raining after I'm already running.
DeleteCow Patty Trot....love the name of that race! I wonder what the awards are?? lol!
ReplyDeleteand yes ive used 5ks as speed work, this past weekend I raced a point to point 5k and ran back to my car and used the additional 5k as a tempo run. so basically a 2x5k-and it works! congrats on your 11 miler btw. I hope the cooler weather sticks around but I know here in SC its going to get back in the 80s by Friday. I love the heat and humidity but I don't love running in it. I am SO ready for lower dew points and humidity! hope you have a great week and happy Halloween!
They held this race years ago and gave out cowbells for awards. They are so cute -- I have a few. 2 x 5k is a very intense workout!
DeleteIt is nice to have a rabbit to chase. Even if you don't catch it, it does help with the motivation.
ReplyDelete