Thursday, November 2, 2017

How 'bout A Warm Drink?


Care to join me for a warm drink?

It's that time of year, after all. What would you be drinking? I'm going with a chai latte' (big surprise, I know), but feel free to pour yourself whatever you desire. It's always fun to get together and chat about life (in general) and running (in particular).


Anyways, let's chat.

First of all, if we were having a warm drink, I'd tell you about my October. I carefully eased back into a regular running routine. I utilized some walk breaks at first, but really didn't seem to need them after the first couple weeks. My October (running) mileage came it at 70.5 miles, which is comparable to what I'd be running anyways (had there not been a surgery a few months prior). I also had some monthly goals to focus on, most of which went well...but I did catch myself slacking off a bit in the final days. I made my planking goal of 150 (cumulative) minutes, and the early morning cardio happened every morning (often times it was just a 15-20 minute walk around the neighborhood). Everything else stayed constant until the final week or so (#fulldisclosure).
Remember these? 
 Secondly, I'd share with you my goals for November. I will still be running 3-4 times each week, as well as planking everyday, so there's no need to highlight them. I'm going to continue the daily cardio each morning, and try to do 10-minutes of yoga everyday as well. I also plan on adding 20 daily push-ups to the roster, and bring back the daily leg lifts (which I did while in the early stages of post-surgery recovery). It looks like a lot, but it's probably just an additional 20-minutes to my day (in addition to the cardio and/or running). Most of these "mini workouts" will be done intermittently throughout the day, so they will not require a huge chunk of time. At least that's my plan....stay with me and we'll see how this goes.
 new month = new goals
Thirdly, I'd disclose that I think I have finally acclimated to the sudden temperature drop. I met my friend, Barb, Thursday morning for our weekly #5at5 (5 miles at 5:00 a.m.). The temps were in the low-40's, there was a thick fog, and there was ZERO wind present! My (unlined) tights, long-sleeved (flannel-lined) tech top, and puffer vest were perfect. Woot! Doesn't it make you feel like a super hero when you have the layers perfect and your run feels effortless as well?
Image may contain: 1 person, sitting
Boom! I mastered the layers for an early morning run!
Of course, I'd also need to rant (slightly) about the forecasted temps for this weekend, which are supposed to be slightly warmer than what we've had...so wish me luck on nailing the perfect layer-combo for my 10K race on Saturday. I've done this race, the Hillbilly Hike, twice before  (in 2014 and 2015). Both of those times, I ran the half marathon...it was a crazy, cold, and windy mess that first year, but we had ideal weather conditions the following year (somehow, though, I totally bonked around mile nine and couldn't take advantage of what should have been a perfect PR opportunity). I'm not really in condition (yet) to do back-to-back half marathons (I'm running the R'nR Las Vegas 13.1 on Nov.12th), so I elected to register for the 10K distance this weekend instead.


The Hillbilly Hike Half in 2014 (above left) and in 2015 (above)
Finally, I would share my total gratitude that my return to running has gone so smooth. Seriously, I've already snagged an AG award and did a 10-mile training run last weekend...with no DOMS raining on my proverbial (recovery) parade! I'd like to try for a 10K PR on Saturday, but we'll have to wait and see what the race day conditions have in store. The course is pretty flat, with a net downhill grade (it's a rail trail, after all), so there's potential for every racer to PR as well. Fingers crossed all goes well!
Feeling good, feeling fine!
So, those are a few things I'd share with you, if we were getting together on a cool fall morning for some chatter. How about you? How did your October play out? Any big plans for November? What's your weather been up to?

***By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:
Let's connect : Facebook Instagram  Pinterest Twitter

I'm linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. 

And, since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm also linking with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. What would you share, if we were having coffee?

46 comments:

  1. Good luck this weekend! I agree with you, I've finally acclimated to the cooler conditions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Even when I think I'm acclimated, Momma N throws me a curve with "warmer" weather LOL

      Delete
  2. I love when I am dressed perfectly for the weather and i'm still not "over dressed"! It seems to be more of a challenge as the weather gets cooler. Summer is easy as its always a tank and shorts!

    Good luck this weekend! I continue to be impressed with how you've bounced back so quickly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree...summer definitely is the easiest season to dress for!

      Delete
  3. Hooray for getting the layers right! All the best with your 10k this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's great that the return to running continues to go so well! I feel like I've gotten acclimated to the cooler weather too but it's certainly harder when the weather keeps going up and down.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love your goals for November.

    I wish the weather was get cooler hear - sadly we're still seeing 70 degree temperatures - I'm over it!

    Good luck at your race this weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our weather has been pretty cold this week, but is supposed to be a tiny bit warmer this weekend...which means it will feel A LOT warmer

      Delete
  6. It's impressive how you returned to your normal running schedule so quickly! I need to get the yoga back in this month too I was good for a while. See you tomorrow for coffee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think the running came back (knock on wood) easily because I maintained my endurance, but allowed my knee to thoroughly heal

      Delete
  7. Have a great race this weekend! I'm so glad you are back in the game!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Layers are key! It has been tough because it's chilly without sunshine, but then I warm up pretty quickly with sunshine. Good luck this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's gonna be chilly at the start tomorrow...but (supposedly) not windy...

      Delete
  9. Your return to running has been awesome! Wishing you good weather for your race!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yes, I'm hoping for nice weather to shine down on me...

      Delete
  10. Getting those layers right . . . so hard! We have mid 30s forecast for tomorrow morning -- guess it's time to break out some gloves (and it's always colder by the river, where we'll be running).

    Good luck this weekend AND next weekend! Vegas should be a ton of fun. I'd say I have FOMO, but really it's just about missing meeting new bloggers. And I'm better in small groups than large ones. I'm kinda traveled out (although we still have another weekend away planned!).

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ha! We'll see if the weather gods grant me PR-friendly conditions ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good luck this weekend!! You'll do great.

    As for me, I have no goals for November. :) I'm good with that (for now).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha!! You don't need goals...you just spanked a PR at MCM ;-)

      Delete
  13. The weather here in PA is being so bipolar right now, which is generally how PA is at this time of year! The temps have certainly drops for my early morning runs (it looks like we run around the same time!) but during the day, it can be in the 60s or 70s. I am loving the fall/wintery smells on my chilly runs, though! This morning I am meeting friends at 7 for a trail run and I just know it's going to smell so good out there! I hope it's not foggy like it has been... that would be a little creepy!

    ReplyDelete
  14. The temps here in NC have been very up and down, which is typical. Yesterday sunny in the 70s, today's high is like 50 and rain. So I made sure to get outside for workouts the past few days knowing this weekend wouldn't be good. Have a great 10K today!!!! You'll crush it! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try to get outside every day (even if it's just for a quick 15-20 minute walk)...but, ugh. Dressing for the crazy temps is tough!

      Delete
  15. Great goals for November!Best of luck with your 10K!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have not acclimated to the cold and don't want to. Im like a baby throwing a hissy fit knowing i can't change the fact the its getting cold but it makes me feel better. Perhaps I should just move. lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The cold is tough...once I'm acclimated to it, I'm usually fine. It's the over-night all-of-a-sudden winter stuff that throws me into a frenzy.

      Delete
  17. Between traveling and crazy weather I don’t know what season it is. I saw snow in Denver last week but now I’m in Phoenix. I did no running last week but have a Half next week so I need to get back to it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd think it would be hard to stay active with all the time zones you make your way through...but you manage!

      Delete
  18. October was a switch from cycling to running for me. And, it went fairly well. My 5k speed is definitely not there yet. So, I'll just keep at it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As I learned this morning, my 10K speed is not where it was last time I attempted that distance either. Oh well....I'm gonna keep playing the "recovering-from-surgery" card a bit longer LOL

      Delete
  19. LOL, low 40's is still shorts and a tank (or possibly short sleeved shirt) for me, but with gloves and a thin headband to keep my ears warm. The weird thing is, I tolerate the heat and humidity pretty well in the summer.

    I'm so happy your running has come back so nicely. You've been consistent and worked very hard to get back to your current level!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Well, if I could have a written agreement from Momma N that she'd NOT be blowing wind at me in those 40-degree temps, I might consent to shorts (but would still probably have long sleeves). She simply does not play nice in the winter months in my region.

    ReplyDelete
  21. The weather this time of year is so hard! I am almost always over or under dressed. It almost always windy hear this time of year so I try to dress for that.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hope your 10k went well yesterday! Finding the perfect layer combo for a run can be difficult. Congrats on nailing it! I'm so impressed with your return to running. It's going so well.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Good luck on your November running goals, and I hope you had fun on your 10k! I'm not a fan of the temperature drop and will probably be breakin' out my heated blanket soon because I am a wimp when it comes to the cold, haha.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm also a big fan of the chai latte :)

    I'm so glad to hear that your transition back to running has been so smooth! I wasn't sure if you were still doing walking intervals - very nicely done and congrats on your 10K!

    I'm still figuring out my fall running outfits since the temps keep jumping all over the place, ugh!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great job on your October mileage!!! I love how you meet your friend, Barb, to run 5 miles at 5am. I wished I had a friend that that. For sure I wouldn't be slacking off. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your transition back to running has been incredible Keep up the great work. Your determination and persistence will carry you far!

    ReplyDelete
  27. So glad your recovery has gone so well! Your running doesn’t seem to have suffered at all from your time off!

    ReplyDelete
  28. You have done such a wonderful job with your comeback! Your patience and persistence have really paid off and I am so proud of you!

    Great goals and I think you can really nail them!

    We are struggling with yo yo temps: 40s one day, 80s the next. It's driving me nuts!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I decided daily yoga is part of my goal this month too! I know it will be so good for me in lots of ways!

    ReplyDelete