Welcome to Weekly Wrap 22!  This was my first week of taper for Earth Day 50k.  Last week I peaked with 25 miles back-to-back, and this week I “only” ran 16 for my long run.  My hip pain came back, and my runs felt sluggish.  Not the best way to start April but I’m moving forward.  Linking up with Holly and Wendy to bring you Weekly Wrap 22.  

Monday 4/2

Run:  One of those morning where the snooze button won.  I wanted to get to Stair Mondays but ultimately wasn’t feeling it.  Ran an easy 6 miles with some hill repeats on the Damen Ave bridge.

Other:  In the evening I went to the “Starting a Food Business” seminar at the Hatchery in Chicago.  As a refresher, I‘ve started to sell my energy bites to runners, cyclists and triathletes as pre-workout and during workout fuel.  Friends have also ordered them as healthy snacks.  The seminar was SO helpful and informative.  I’m really excited for my next steps!  I just need to figure out a name! 

Tuesday 4/3

Run:  NP Sprint Tuesdays is back at the track.  I ran up there and did a 3, 2, 1 workout: 3 miles at marathon pace, 2 miles 10 seconds faster, 1 mile another 10 seconds faster.  Added in 4x.25 mi repeats to round out to 10 miles total.  I felt ok… my speed is eluding me and I’m trying not to think it has anything to do with my weight, but it’s hard.

Other: In the evening, I ran up to Jon’s place to deliver some energy bites and snacks.  He, Nez and I then went for a casual run along the path.  I totaled 6 miles and then did some of the core/stretches Dr. Ryan had given me last week.

Wednesday 4/4

Run: Went to Single Leg Day class at EDGE.  We did my favorite single leg exercise: deadlift to bicep curl.  It’s a great compound movement that works everything.

Other: My friend Angela and I went to dinner at True Food Kitchen.  It was lovely catching up since we hadn’t seen each other in a month or two.  We split butternut squash pizza and curried cauliflower, both were fantastic.

Thursday 4/5

Run: I went to EDGE’s strength class and then did an easy 6 miles.  I did NOT expect today to be another single leg day so I was in for quite a surprise!  After class, my legs felt really heavy, and my run was slooooow.

Other: Yesterday I published a new article: How to Successfully Run Back-to-Back Long Runs.  Let me know what you think!

Friday 4/6

Run:  Last longish long run before Earth Day!  I joined Katie for 16 miles at Swallow Cliff.  My legs felt a bit heavy, but the run was fine.

Other:  I had plans to meet a runner friend in Crystal Lake the next day.  I decided to go up to Highland Park to hang out with my parents and Frizzle in the evening so it would be a shorter drive.  Frizzle was as mischievous as ever, getting all muddy outside as we played ball.

Saturday 4/7

Run:  My friend cancelled, so I ran around Highland Park.  I felt like complete junk.  My hip pain was back with a vengeance and I slogged through 6 miles feeling like crud.  My old twin bed from elementary school was probably the culprit, but the worry and doubt has crept back into my mind.  UGH taper crazies.  I played with Frizzle to cheer me up before heading back to the city.

Other:  In the afternoon, I joined some of the ladies of November Project for a girls day.  We met at Bitter Pops first, a beer shop and bar.  I brought scones to share with the girls, adapted from my blueberry lemon vegan scone recipe from a few years ago since I didn’t have all the ingredients on hand.  They were a big hit!

Sunday 4/8

Run:  In the morning. I woke up to a dull hip ache still, so instead of running I went to yoga.  Any time we were in warrior poses or lunges, I lingered to stretch out my hip.  I felt loads better after but still just so worried.

Other:  In the afternoon, I met with a friend to help me set up my business.  It was SUPER helpful and I feel better about my business plan moving forward. Also wrote some coaching plans, meal prepped (made more scones!) and took pictures for future posts.  It was a super productive Sunday!

And that’s a wrap!  For my first week of taper I ran 50.5 miles, did two strength classes and one yoga class.  Taper is going ok so far mentally- nothing like it used to be.  But physically, my hip worries me.  Hopefully, I can see Dr. Ryan next week to get it worked on again.  Then on Friday I head to Boston to spectate the marathon! Outside of Chicago, Boston is my favorite city.  I cannot wait to see Elyse and cheer on runners like last year!

How was your week?  How do you handle the taper phase of a training program?  What should I name my energy bites?  Let’s stay in touch!  Follow me on Instagram  or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts.  

Happy Running,

Becca