Welcome to Weekly Wrap 28. Kicking off the first week of Berlin Marathon training with a few short speed workouts and a whole lot of fun. Most of the week was spent with November Project friends as it was the 4th birthday for the Chicago tribe. Linking up with Holly and Wendy to bring you Weekly Wrap 28.
Monday 5/14
Run: Easy run to Stair Monday. It was POURING rain and lightning, so we had to improvise and find a covered staircase. Luckily we found one and were able to finish our workout.
Other: After work, I met up with Abe, a friend from high school and college, for dinner at Ema. I’ve always wanted to go to that restaurant since it has a lot of plant-based options. We split a few salads, veggies, and spreads. The crispy potatoes and brussels sprouts were my favorite, veganized of course.
Tuesday 5/15
Run: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 timed pyramid at the track. It was a good challenge, but manageable for the first official week of training. I was happy to hit some 6:20 averages. Plus the Sprint Tuesday crew is always fun. If you followed on Instagram, you saw that I made some oatmeal date & walnut scones to share.
Other: I FINALLY published my 2018 Earth Day 50k race recap. Check it out here or click the photo below.
Wednesday 5/16
Run: Strength class. It was a double set pyramid with a section of tabata thrown in the middle. It motivated me to focus on heavier weights for this coming summer cycle.
Other: In the afternoon, I got together with Amanda, another old friend from growing up. We’ve known each other since kindergarten and I’m happy that she’s back in Chicago and works near my apartment. We went for a walk around Lincoln Park and ended at Beezee for some smoothies.
Thursday 5/17
Run: I forgot how hard tempo runs are! I did a mile warm up, 3 at tempo/10k pace, and 2 mile cool down. WOOF. I have a lot of work to do!
Other: Earlier in the week, Chris had asked me if I could bring Becca Bites to Friday’s NP workout for everyone to eat afterwards. I spent the afternoon making them before heading out to a birthday party.
Friday 5/18
Run: November Project’s 4th birthday celebration! I did an easy run down to NP. The workout theme was American Gladiators. Everyone showed up in costumes and it was amazing. These people are the best.
Other: Becca Bites were a hit!
Saturday 5/19
Run: First long run day of Berlin Marathon training! 10 mile progression – 5 at easy pace, 5 at marathon to just under marathon pace. Initially, I planned 12 miles but in the afternoon I knew I would be doing a LOT of running/biking.
Other: What a FUN afternoon! November Project celebrated their 4th birthday with a photo scavenger hunt around Chicago. We had to run/bike/bus/drive to various locations around Chicago, do something silly, and take pictures or videos to post to Instagram. and take pictures On Friday, Chris and Stew gave us clues to solve to determine locations. Ex: Named after a tree, sandy as can be. Tri not to get wet. (Answer: Oak St Beach). My team, Five Fierce Ladies and Nick, won! The video below illustrates some of the silliness – I had to convince a stranger to race me around the track.
Sunday 5/20
Run: Easy 5 miles in the morning before heading down to cheer the Chicago Spring Half. I saw a lot of friends running and many got PRs even with the cold windy weather. It’s the end of May, can I PLEASE put away my winter coat now?!
Other: In the afternoon I joined the November Project ladies at book club. This month, we read Little Fires Everywhere
And that’s a wrap! 44 miles of running, and 29 miles of biking – 20 of which were for the scavenger hunt on Saturday. Per last week’s post on lack of motivation, I felt a renewed energy this week. I definitely love having structure to my life! I’m still formulating what goals I have for Berlin and beyond this year. Nothing is set in stone yet, but I do want to regain the speed I let slip away as I focused on trails, and I want to get stronger. Hopefully I’ll have a more concrete idea in a week or two.
Have you ever done a city-wide scavenger hunt? Would you want to hear a more detailed recap of the event? What books are you reading at the moment? Let’s stay in touch! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook for more food/fitness related posts.
Happy running,
Becca
I love the idea of a scavenger hunt around the city! Especially that you had to get strangers involved. Congrats to your group for winning. On a much smaller scale, I hosted one for a son’s birthday party and it was such a big hit. I like the structure that training provides. Good luck as you train for Berlin!
Another great week for you Becca! I love a good scavenger hunt because they are always so much fun!
That coffeecake recipe looks super yummy!
Thanks Kim! Hopefully I’ll post the recipe soon 🙂
A photo scavenger hunt, how fun! and I love book clubs that intersect with activity. I’m in a running//reading group myself. I feel you on the lack of winter coat
Thanks Cari. Are you reading anything at the moment?
I once did a scavenger hunt as a team building event in DC when I worked there. It was so much fun! Had to really step out of my comfort zone a few times with that one but I loved it! I’d definitely love to hear more about it!
I’m glad your motivation returned! I’m excited to follow along on your training for Berlin. And, I’m getting ready to read your 50k recap. 🙂
Thanks Jennifer!
I was in Orlando for work the other week and one evening I went to downtown Disney and did my own scavenger hunt just for fun….haha. Your coffeecake looks yummy!
Haha that’s awesome! What did you find?
You always seem to have a lot of fun activities with your NP group. Is that a running group that has branched off to include other non-running stuff as well?
NP started in Boston a few years ago as a pact between two friends to workout together every day in November. It’s mostly a group that does non-running workouts (I use it as body weight cross training), but naturally I’ve found other runners in the group who now I do races/training runs with. I’m not sure where the nearest tribe to you would be, but you can check here.
All over that cherry almond coffee cake! I like the way you mixed up your running this week
What a full and fun week! I would love to try your bites! They sound so delicious!
Excited to follow your training for Berlin 🙂
What a fun week!! In spite of the weather, that is. I love all the fun things you do with NP!!! What a great week to kick off Berlin training.