Sunday, February 4, 2018

Hello, February! (WW # 131)




The purpose of this linkup is to
support active women.
Rules can be found HERE.


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Thank you for supporting the NEW Weekly Wrap 
and making Wendy feel welcomed.  
If you haven't read the updated rules, please do so.
There have been a few changes.

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In January, my running miles ended up higher than they have been in a long time.  I guess two half marathons in one month helps with that.  I was consistent all month with my weekly cross training; really enjoying my indoor cycling on the mag trainer while pedaling to 70's funk.  My strength sessions were consistent as well.  However, I still only run three times a week.

This was a typical training week for me.  It was pretty stressful at work coupled with a week of poor sleep, however.  Which...who am I kidding...is really is nothing out of the ordinary.   Although it was very cold, I was rewarded with a pretty sunrise on Tuesday morning's usual progressive run [10:13, 10:11, 9:53, 9:46, 9:05]. 



Another progressive four happened Thursday morning [10:01, 9:47, 9:35, 9:15].  These weekday runs I feel I could do in my sleep.  For curious minds, I don't eat anything.  I drink a few sips of water before heading out and I take nothing with me.  I do not stop unless a rare traffic issue forces me to -- like someone backing out of a driveway.   In winter's cooler temps, I am comfortable with this routine for up to 6 or 7 miles.  Anything longer and I'll eat a few bites of yogurt and stash a water bottle on my route.  Summer is drastically different. But, I'll save that for another post.

This side-tie, thumb-hole athletic top was in
my latest Stitch Fix box.  I like!


I'll be running the Mercedes Half Marathon next weekend with my ho-cost Wendy so I took one last opportunity to run a few hills on Saturday.  After one warm-up mile, I concentrated on running 7 hilly miles at a steady pace (averaging 9:40).  I've talked often about living in a hilly neighborhood and having the ability to run extra hills whenever I need.  Here is what that looks like. 




Since I've been busy building my running base for the last few months, I opted not to taper for my last two half marathons.  This time, I have decided to taper and rest in hopes that the Mercedes hills don't have me begging for mercy.


And that's a wrap!


How do you get your hill training?

Do you always eat before a run?


89 comments:

  1. I don't normally eat before a short run either! But there is coffee involved. It's like putting gas in my tank.

    You've got me sufficiently nervous about those hills, my friend! But after the weather I've been running in, it will take a lot to scare me!

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    1. I hope I'm remembering those hills way worse than what they really are. That way, we'll be like "Oh, that wasn't so bad!". LOL.

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  2. I need food. Must have food. But then I rarely run first thing in the morning, thank goodness.

    Major sleep deprivation last week too, probably contributed to whatever crud I have a the moment. This week was much better but I guess the damage was done. It's been a long time since I had to skip a "long" run (using that term loosely here).

    Good luck to you both next weekend!

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    1. If I wait until later (like weekends) then I have to eat before I run too. I hope you feel better soon. It seems like everyone is sick right now!

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  3. We have lots in common...bright colors, sunrise runs (sans food), and hilly neighborhoods. I do have slightly colder winter weather, though...don't be jealous ;-)

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    1. As long as you aren't jealous of my life sucking, breath stealing, gill requiring 100% humidity summer runs. Ha!!

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  4. How fun that you and Wendy are running a race together! I can't wait to hear all about that. I love your stitch fix top. They nailed that!
    Being a Pittsburgher, I don't have to go looking for hills. They will find you...on just about any route here!

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    1. It never occurred to me that Stitch Fix would send athletic wear. It's very versatile. I'd wear it with jeans too. I think running hills on a regular basis is good!

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  5. I just ordered a thumb hole top from Old Navy - I'm excited to get it.

    Eating before a run depends on the timing of my run. If it's early and a shorter run then no I can wait. But anything longer than 3 miles or so I need fuel. I love Eggo waffles with peanut butter before a race. But I'm not normally an early runner so I do end up having food before hand.

    I know what you mean about summer changing all of the rules - especially with hydration.

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    1. I just love thumb holes. Isn't that silly? Summer is completely different. I can barely make it 2 miles without hydration. And, I feel really nauseous if I don't eat something before any run -- regardless of length.

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  6. I don't normally eat before a short run either. If it's going to be longer than 8, then I'll eat a banana or some dates or something small.

    I have to get my hills on a treadmill. *sigh* I mean, we have "rolling" hills here but those don't work for an actual hill workout.

    Have fun at the half next weekend!

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    1. Some of our hills are what I consider "rolling" and I enjoy those. But when race directors use that term, it usually means plain ol' HILLY. LOL.

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  7. I don't have any hills on my trails so I have to run up on the bridge in town! I have a hill in my neighborhood but it's noting I would run on a regular basis because it's on a cul de sac! That would get boring..haha

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    1. I've heard of a lot of people using bridges as hill repeat workouts. I think that would be pretty cool, especially one with a nice view!

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  8. I have hills nearby but I need to purposely run them. There are routes I could opt for that are relatively flat. I hope that the taper helps you to prepare for your half!

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    1. Oh, I'm guilty of re-routing myself so that I don't run our hilliest streets. But at least I have a variety, including our flat trail at the neighborhood park.

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  9. I pretty much always have to eat a snack before my morning runs (though I haven't done a morning run in so long). I just wake up so hungry!

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    1. As long as I get up and right out the door, I can do without. But in summer, I'll get nauseous without food.

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  10. I run after work and I always eat. Usually a banana.

    Great pace on your runs. I rarely do well on my training runs. Can’t get motivated.

    Good luck next weekend. Have a #holottafun

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    1. That's why I like progressive runs so much. I can slowly work into a harder pace (or sleep for a few miles, if I'm being honest).

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  11. It's crazy, I can run on an empty stomach in the winter, too, but as soon as it's warm out, the heat and humidity just zap my energy. The difference in how I feel from cold to warm is huge. I'm definitely enjoying the fact that we're actually getting a real winter this year.

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    1. Working hard in the humidity make me nauseated so I eat a few bites of yogurt in the summer before running. It is freaky how different it is in the summer!

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  12. I usually do not eat before a short run, I have a hard enough time stomaching anything before a long run!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. This is such an individual choice. We do whatever works for us at the time. And sometimes, it changes according to seasons.

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  13. I predict you're going to have a great race next weekend. You are killing the miles and the hills!

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    1. This is such a well spectated race, that energy will definitely help propel us up those hills. And of course I'll be with Wendy -- you know we'll be up to something.

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  14. Wow! I thought my neighborhood had hills! I almost always carry water/nuun with me, even if I only take a few sips.

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    1. If I am desperate, I can cut over to our neighborhood park and use the water fountain. Well, that is, when the city doesn't have it turned off due to freezing temps. UGH.

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  15. My goodness I thought I had a lot of hills on my routes! I don't usually eat before runs shorter than 5 miles and I really dislike carrying my handheld in cold weather. Good luck next weekend!

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    1. I can't stand holding anything during a run. It makes me feel "off". It's hard enough carrying a bottle to my stashing point on long runs (a half mile from my house).

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  16. I think I need to come train in your neighborhood. I'm going to need steeper hills than I have in mine.

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    1. Mine are steep but short. It would probably serve me better to find a really long one to run.

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  17. Good luck at your half next weekend, and enjoy taper week.

    I don't eat before my runs that are six miles or shorter, but I do drink at least 16 ounces of water every single morning as soon as I wake up whether I'm running or not. It's what gets me awake and going - going in more ways than one if you get my drift. ;-)

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. I absolutely get your drift. That is my exact trick on race days. I drink half a bottle of water before I even get out of my bed. Things just seem to move along better that way. ;)

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  18. I like that top too! Gonna need to request that for my next Stitch Fix!

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    1. Looking at the top, I thought "meh". But it wears great and feels so soft! It's always a bonus if sleeves are long enough for my extra long arms!

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  19. Do I eat before a run? Hmm. Sometimes. Weekday runs generally not because I'm too focused on getting out the door. If I've woken up super hungry, I may eat a gel quick before heading out.

    Good luck at the Mercedes Half!

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    1. Another reason I don't eat on the shorter weekday runs -- I'm usually too crunched for time. aka...I stayed in the warm bed too long.

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  20. I don't eat before weekday morning runs, only before long runs on the weekend. Just not enough time! But that does means I'm starving by the time I get to the office.

    Thanks for hosting the link-up!

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    1. Time is definitely another reason I don't eat before I run on weekdays. I do eat afterwards though. And like you, I'm starving.

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  21. I wish I could figure out how to do those progressive runs the way you do. Mine are pretty much the opposite!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. They come pretty natural when you start out still asleep and wake up midway through. LOL.

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  22. I don't usually eat or drink before my runs either...unless I'm waiting for my mister to wake up and join me! Cute top!

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    1. I'd definitely eat if I was waiting around! I was very surprised that top was in my monthly box.

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  23. That top is from stitch fix? So cute! I don't eat before my morning runs on the weekday either. No time and it works out fine!

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    1. I had no idea Stitch Fix would send an athletic top. I really like it!

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  24. Wow - your hills are so symmetrical. It's not the same ones, because they are slightly different, right? I have one hill on my route that is man-made to go over railroad tracks, unless I jump in the car to drive over to the park. You're going to be ready for those Mercedes hills! I'll be curious to see how your race goes!

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    1. Actually, this was the same hilly 1.5 mile loop run over and over. I think the slight variations may be due to running different sides of the road. I swap sides from time to time.

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  25. Great mileage! I used to do a lot of fasted runs but not most of the time I eat a little something. Good luck on the half!

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    1. I have to eat a little something in warm weather regardless of distance otherwise I get nauseous. Oddly, I can run up to an hour in the winter without food.

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  26. Great mileage for January! I am lucky to live in an area where I can easily run flat or lots of hills. I usually eat before I run, because I am usually awake a few hours before I run. Good luck on your half!

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    1. Oh yes, I'd definitely eat if I was up a few hours before a run (like most weekend runs). But on the weekdays, It is 10 minutes from getting out of bed to hitting the road. LOL.

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  27. Best of luck with your race next weekend! Hopefully the extra hill running and rest will pay off on race day.

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    1. The worst hills are all in the last half of the race. Hopefully, I can employ the correct strategy to run strong throughout.

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  28. I think I'm going to start doing all my cardio fasted. I did it for awhile, and there are weight loss benefits (which I need) but also I feel like when I DO eat before a race, it will be an even better run with the extra fueling.

    Good luck with the half and the hills! I have heard really good things about the Mercedes half, had a few friends run it a couple years ago.

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    1. I feel the same about fueling for long runs and races. Eating gives me an extra kick. Mercedes has great crowd support and swag. It's a challenging course but well worth it.

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  29. I only eat before a long run and even then it's usually just a banana. However, during marathon training I did start eating a bowl of oatmeal with fruit before runs longer than 13 miles and on race day ...I'd like to think that helped. But who knows.

    I've always heard the Mercedes course is pretty hilly but I wouldn't thin it would be any worse than the Callaway Gardens race, do you?

    You two will crush it, I have no doubt! Have fun!

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    1. I absolutely agree with fueling for long runs and races. I made the mistake of not eating enough before First Light and paid the price. No, Mercedes is not as bad as Callaway. I don't remember the hills being as steep, just never ending. LOL.

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  30. I've been running in the afternoons recently - but when I run in the morning I rarely eat first. I need at least half an hour for food to settle, even if it's just a snack, otherwise I'll get side stitches.

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    1. I simply don't have time to eat and digest on my early morning before work runs. But, the one thing I found I can eat and run right away is yogurt. So, if I'm going a longer distance I'll eat a few spoonfuls.

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  31. That side tie top is really cute! I live in a hilly neighborhood too so it's nice to know I can always get hill training in :) And I don't eat in the morning before short runs. It helps save time to fit things in before having to go to work!

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    1. If you are like me, you spend a lot of time trying to avoid the biggest hills during your run. LOL.

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  32. I go back and forth between eating something before an am run versus not. Do you tend to eat a bigger dinner?

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    1. I eat after my run; usually oatmeal topped with yogurt, milk and fresh berries. And then, I eat a protein bar mid morning.

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  33. I always eat before I run. Had one bad experience and I'm afraid to try it again. I used to do hill repeats a lot in Ohio, but if I run on trails here it's almost an automatic hill workout because the climbs are so high in the first mile. Definitely need to get out on the hills soon because I have a few hilly races in April. Have a great race this weekend!

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    1. I bet your trail running is great for hill workouts! I love to run on some not-too-technical hilly trails around here.

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  34. Great job on those progressive runs and I look forward to hearing how your next half goes with Wendy! I live in a hilly neighborhood and I try to tell myself that running through them is helping me get stronger!

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    1. I certainly don't shy away from smaller hills in races...just another day on my run. But big steep ones, I'll never get used to.

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  35. I don't eat before anything shorter than 90 minutes. Although Houston is fairly flat, there are a couple of hilly roads that I go to when I want to run some hills.

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    1. I know a lot of people use bridges for hill work in flatter locations. At least you have a few options.

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  36. We really don't have hills around here, so we either have to train on the treadmill or go to one of our intercostal bridges to get the elevation. I've been lazy about it because my run group leaves from my house, vs having to drive 30 minutes to get to the nearest bridge.

    I usually don't eat before a run. I wake up, get dressed, and roll out the door. In a race situation, I will eat because I'm awake for a good while before I end up running.

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    1. I agree about having to drive somewhere to get to the hill. I like to just leave from my house too! You sound like me. I can roll out of my bed and be on my streets is just minutes.

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  37. I really like that Stitch Fix top! My last two boxes have not been that great! I need to request that top for my next one. I have a hard time waking up and running. I really admire you for doing that. I guess I have just never stuck with it long enough to let my body adjust. I just do so much better in the afternoons, but I would love to be able to get up and get it out of the way for the day.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Some of my Stitch Fix boxes have been awful. LOL. At least it is easy to return the items. I used to always run at lunch when me kids were small. It was the only ME time I had. We do what ever works!

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  38. I don't eat anything ahead of my runs, unless it's going to be more than 13 miles or so, then I try to have some peanut butter toast or something. I always have coffee though!

    I get my hill training with a Hills & Stairs group that meets every Wednesday night. We start at a local brewery, run to a parking ramp and do a few flights, then run some massive hills.

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    1. I love that you have a group that meets specifically for hills and stairs. Misery loves company! LOL

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  39. My friend loves her stitch fix. She says she has enough now through SF but she can't stop herself getting "just one more" box . lol.

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    1. Ha! I've been doing the same thing. I say I'm going to stop but then I think...just one more box.

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  40. I’m feeling some hill envy coming on! We have ZERO hills here... besides a teeny sledding hill, my hill repeats happen on the good ole ‘mill. Living in a hilly neighborhood would have its ups and downs. Literally. Haha 😂🤪🤣 I know my kids would struggle on their little bicycles in the summer!

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    1. Ha! I'm not sure I'd envy any hill, but at least they are around if you need them.

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  41. Nice job on your progressive runs! Wow, so hilly there! Have fun and good luck on your half next weekend!

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    1. I should have worked on more hills and sooner than I do. Hopefully, the little I did will help with my race.

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  42. Sounds like a good week! We have no hills here in Davis. The only thing we can train on are overpasses. Sad but it's all we've got so I'm a bit jealous of your hills. Have fun at the Mercedes half with Wendy!

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    1. I hear a lot of people like to use bridges for hills. Whatever works!

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  43. I always say hill training is speedwork in disguise! I live in a pretty hill area, but I admit I don't run as many as I could be

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    1. Good point! It's amazing how much easier it feels to run a flat section after tackling a hill too.

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  44. Congrats on a good January! I had a good month too but then got taken down by the flu the first week in February so I'm only at 10 miles so far for this month. :-/

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    1. So many people are sick right now. I hope you bounce back quickly!

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  45. My plan is to conserve energy for the hills as they occur later in the race. I didn't do very well the last time at Callaway. In the summertime, I can barely go a mile without liquid. It's so different!

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