Welcome to Weekly Wrap 27. Post Earth Day week number 3. Was it really that long ago? Next week I’ll get back to a regular routine and soon start Berlin training. In the mean time, linking up with Holly and Wendy to bring you Weekly Wrap 27.
Monday 5/09
Run: I ran down to Stair Mondays. We took a “field trip” to the park in the pit of Lake Shore East and ran three different sets of stairs. After, I joined Howie, a new NP member, for a run back north. My legs we so sore that when he split off to go to work, I stopped and biked the rest of the way. I ended up running 8.5 miles – a mix of running and stairs.
Other: I published a new recipe for Sabra’s recipe contest: Hummus Veggie Fritters! They’re made with 6 ingredients: shredded sweet potatoes and zucchini, chopped broccoli, chickpea flour, Sabra’s caramelized onion hummus and garlic. Plus they’re baked for a healthy no-oil option. I was inspired by the texture of a potato pancake, and the curiosity of using hummus in a different way. Check it out by clicking the photo below!
Tuesday 5/10
Run: Today may have been my favorite Track Tuesday workout yet. Since the majority of the people there were between training cycles, I decided to change things up and do a fun workout. I called it “X Marks the Spot.” We ran repeats of the diagonals of a turf soccer field (barefoot), forming a giant X. At the end, the “treasure” was cookies! I made vegan ones to complement the ones Jeremy brought. It was a fun, goofy morning. Join us next week at Montrose Track, 6am to warmup, 6:13 to start the workout.
Wednesday 5/11
Run: Due to the rain I shuffled my run to tomorrow and took today as a cross training day. Went back to Robyn’s strength class and it was intense!
Other: I had a few work meetings downtown in the afternoon. Luckily, the rain stopped long enough that I could bike there and back.
Thursday 5/12
Run: Originally, I planned for a run and yoga class. But, my motivation to run seems to have disappeared. I kept hitting snooze snooze snooze not wanting to get up to run. Eventually, I missed the yoga class but finally dragged myself out the door. At least the sun was shining and I could wear shorts. I was feeling my lats from yesterday’s class, that’s for sure! Only had time for an easy 5 miles.
Friday 5/11
Run: Pouring rain meant no NP for me. I’m not as weatherproof as everyone else. My motivation to get up early was again missing. What the heck? Luckily, since I don’t work on Fridays, I slept in a bit and started my run midmorning. I wanted to do about 10 miles, knowing I wouldn’t be able to run tomorrow. To get myself out the door, I bargained with myself and settled on 6 miles. Well, I’m stubborn and just kept running when I hit the turnaround. In actuality, I was feeling better and eventually made it the full 10 miles. Victory! After, I met my friend Angela for lunch at Wheat’s End. We hadn’t seen each other in too long and I enjoyed catching up.
Other: I went up to Highland Park that evening to hang with Frizzle and my parents. We spent the afternoon watching the Cubs and then watched an old old old movie, Dead Poets Society. I had forgotten the biggest part of the movie and it was like watching for the first time. Tissues needed.
Saturday 5/12
Run: Rest day for me because…
Other: I spent the day crewing my friend Katie in Ice Age 50 mile! It was the same 50 mile race I had run last year. I crewed, cheered and watched her daughter, Gwen, while Katie’s husband, Bill, ran the half marathon. It ended up being a perfect day for an ultra – nice and cool and the rain held off. Hanging with Gwen and then later Bill was a lot of fun. Katie ended up making a wrong turn and ran EXTRA, but was able to still keep a positive attitude and calm head to ultimately finish the race. It was a great display of resilience and mental strength. Made me itch to run a 50 again!
Sunday 5/13
Run: Jon joined me for an easy 9 miles. He suggested we drive to the other side of Highland Park to run on the Green Bay Trail. Trail? SURE! Little did I know the real motive was to stop at CVS on the way home so he could buy mom a card. Sneaky.
Other: My family met our cousin’s for Mother’s Day Brunch at Beelow’s in Highland Park. Being a steak and seafood restaurant, the buffet had slim pickings for me but the chef made me a special grilled veggie platter. It was delicious! The hot topic of conversation was the new Avengers movie. I have not stayed on top of the Marvel movies but walked away with a list of the ones I need to watch in order to understand the one currently in theaters.
And that’s a wrap! 31 miles of running, 7.5 miles of biking (commute). I really don’t know where my motivation has gone these last few days. I’ve never had problems getting up to go on a run. Maybe it’s just the initial inertia of starting that I’m struggling with? Or the lack of a running plan? Will it get better with more structure as I start training for the Berlin Marathon? Something to noodle.
What do you do when you struggle with motivation? Let’s stay in touch! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts.
Happy running,
Becca
I also had a blah week (as you know)! Struggling with motivation is something that hits me every now and then. For me I think my body is just sick of being in training mode so I’m looking forward to a break after my half marathon this Sunday.
I’ll check out your recipe for hummus veggie fritters – those sound super yummy!!
I’d meet up for track workouts if there were cookies served at the end! I think the lack of motivation could be weather related. For me, it’s the heat. For you, maybe the rain? In any case, always know there are “sunnier” days ahead and it’s OK to give your body a little break. I haven’t seen that move in years! I remember it was very good — but that’s all I remember! Thanks for linking.
Thanks Holly! I think weather definitely played a factor. Here’s hoping for more sun soon!
Those fritters look great! I also struggle with motivation. If I’m training for something, I try to grind it out unless there’s an underlying issue, like an injury. I’m much more flexible with myself if I’m not specifically training for something. But it’s a balance not to get in bad habits – seems like you managed that balance well this week. You’re wise to recharge the body and mind before a marathon training cycle.
My husband ran the Ice Age 50 miler last year. I probably saw you there! I just ran the half and then cheered. It looks like it was a lot hotter last year than this year!
What a fantastic week you had- so jealous of all those miles, especially the trail ones. I think trail running will be the last thing I get to do again.
I love your dog’s name- Frizzle 🙂 Adorable!
It was definitely better temperature this year. Frizzle is named for Ms. Frizzle from Magic School Bus haha 🙂
For the most part, my motivation stays in check. If I do feel like taking a breather, I usually follow that instinct because it means my body (and usually my mind) need a break. You’re in such great shape, though, a little “lack of motivation” probably won’t affect your fitness at all 😉
When I start losing motivation, I try to do something new or run somewhere new. Sometimes, I just need an extra rest day.
I’m pretty sure the weather doesn’t help with the motivation to get outside! Yesterday, I just skipped my run. I never do that. Truly. But it was cold and gloomy and rainy and I had to work…I had the abraided knee…Yep. Skipped it. So today I promised myself I’d do 8 miles. But as I ran, I finished the trail and did 10 2/3 miles. I’m so glad I did that.
Hopefully your motivation will return with the better weather we’re promised this week.
Thanks Wendy!
When I lose my motivation for a certain sport it usually means I need a break! I know many pro triathletes take a couple weeks off of EVERYTHING after a big competition. Maybe that can cure the blues??
I was thinking something similar. But that’s why I gave myself unstructured plans for the rest of April and start of May… we’ll see. But you’re absolutely right.
Good luck with that recipe contest, I hope yours wins! I had Vanilla Bean hummus this week and it was pretty good as far as hummus goes.
That track workout sounds fun and you are so nice to give them cookies!
I’ve never heard of vanilla bean hummus. Was it sweet?
I want to come run with you at your track workouts! That X marks the spot game sounds fun and I’ll do lots of things for a homemade cookie. 😀
I really need to crew for one of my ultra friends soon so I can see what it’s all about. I’ve heard that it’s really fun! I’ve been asked before (twice, I think) but I already had other things on my schedule (babysitting a grandbaby) and I had to say no. Hopefully one day! I can’t even imagine running a 50 miler. I’m nervous about a 50k! haha
Your 50k is going to be great! If you’re ever in Chicago you’ll have to stop by the track 🙂