Welcome to the Weekly Wrap! Recapping all the holiday happenings from the week, plus the continuation of my speed training. Linking up with Holly and Wendy. Let’s get to it!

Monday 12/10

Run:  Easy + Massage.  I was feeling SO BEAT UP from my 5k on Saturday.  My quads felt like bricks and upper back was tight.  I did not expect to feel that sore!  Instead of an easy run before work, I opted for a 60 minute pool run at lunch instead.  Then I immediately booked a massage with my girl Justyna for the evening.

Other:  NEW RECIPE! On request from my friend Jackie, I posted a dehydrated tofu recipe.  While not necessarily in the holiday theme, it’s a great high-protein snack to make for holiday travel.  And this vegan jerky needs just two ingredients! Keeping it simple.

Tuesday 12/11

Run:  Tempo.  I met the Sprint Tuesday group in the morning for my tempo workout.  They had mile and half mile repeats, while I had a continuous 6 mile progression run.  My first two miles were an easy warmup to marathon pace, then two miles at marathon pace, and two miles building up to tempo pace.  My pacing needed work as I just held steady 7:20s the whole time and couldn’t inch to the tempo pace at the end.

Other:  Photo shoot.  After work, I met Amanda and Tara, (teammates) to help at a photo shoot for her friend’s company Only Human. Only Human is an organization that provides a platform to share personal stories, struggles, and create a community of support.  They promote being who you are, coming as you are, and all are welcome.  Such a beautiful message!  They have a clothing line that supports the mission, which we used for the shoot.  I’m so grateful I went and learned about the org – plus Chicago is beautiful at that hour.

Wednesday 12/12

Run: Strength class + easy run.  Due to my soreness Monday and busy Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday was the first day I was able to make it to an OYM strength class.  I joined teammates Jen and Lydia for an early morning session before an easy 5 mile run before work.  Since I was in the West Loop for class, I ran along the Riverwalk for the first time in months, enjoying the change of scenery.

Thursday 12/13

Run:  Speed.  Jen joined me in the morning for a speed workout.  Both of us are going for the 5k time qualifier and had the same workout – quarter mile repeats at goal pace followed by .3mi repeats at goal pace.  The workout felt manageable with her company.  Teamwork makes the dream work!

Other:  Strength class.  I went to OYM’s evening strength class and was greeted with box jumps, deadlifts and treadmill sprints.  I’ve heard the idea “Keep hard days hard” and this definitely fit the bill!

Friday 12/14

Run:  Planned rest day, Actual: NP + easy. I had a full-blown rest day scheduled for today, but knowing all the holiday events this weekend, I chose to run today and save my rest day for Sunday.  With the super dark mornings, it’s been harder to get up to run commute to November Project. Taking advantage of a later work start, I decided to flip it and run after.  It was so balmy I wore SHORTS!

Other: NP Holiday party.  The first of four holiday happenings of my weekend!  November Project gathered at a bar for our annual holiday party.  It was a BLAST, especially the White Elephant gift exchange.  My gift was stolen from me twice, but I finally ended with a Black Diamond headlamp.  It’s  be great for when I get back to ultras (and let’s be honest, eventually do a 100 miler).

Saturday 12/15

Run:  Long Run.  I coached the 12-mile EDGE group run.  It was a great turn out and more shorts weather!  We ran around Navy Pier and enjoyed different views of the skyline.   A nice change of pace from the typical long run route!

Other:  So many holiday parties!  Three holiday happenings today: Elyse’s visit, The EDGE holiday party and a high school friend’s holiday party.  I bounced from one event to the next, full-pn social butterfly mode.  Seeing Elyse was wonderful, and I got to hear all about her upcoming trip to Australia (slightly jealous).  I always love EDGE’s party and the chance to see my runner friends all dressed up and celebrate our accomplishments for the year.  I ended the night catching up with some high school friends and playing some drinking games.  It was a loooooong but really fun day.

Sunday 12/16

Run:  Didn’t get home until 2am …. definitely glad I moved my rest day today.  I am taking a day to chill, recover, get some work done, clean and watch the Bears game!  Yay adulting.

And that’s a wrap!  While it was a busy weekend, I do love all the holiday happenings this time of year.  I have yet to go to the Christkindlemarket and Zoo lights, but have those planned for this week.  Amid all the holiday cheer, I managed to run 43 miles this week! I can’t wait to be regularly into the 50-60 mile range again – barring any issues.

How was your week?  What were your holiday happenings this week?  Let’s stay in touch!  Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts.  
Happy running,

Becca