I think I hit my stride.
To quote Ice Cube, it was a good day .. er .. good training week.
I am feeling so much better since I started upping my iron game and introducing yoga to my daily routine. (Did I mention I am doing yoga before work and before bed? I am going to be so bendy in no time.)
Of course just as I hit my stride the cold weather decided to kick in this past weekend. Saturday was no joke. It was so cold in the mountains that my hair, my earbuds and my sunglasses froze up.
Thankfully I have FINALLY mastered the cold weather water game and I had water throughout my long run. There’s nothing worse than being dehydrated on a run. One of my biggest fears has always been running out of water. Years ago I ran out of water on a 10-mile run and I will never forget how miserable I felt.
So listen up … I know it’s cold out there but your body needs water especially when you’re moving. Be sure to drink up when you’re on your runs whether you want to or not.
Weekday runs
I ran different routes along the Bow River on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The weather was great most days so I had no complaints. The pathways have shaped up so I didn’t have to start and stop as much as I have had to do because of icy patches and snowy bits.
I’m starting to run around the pathways so much that I am starting to recognize other other runners. When I run in the mountains, I don’t see many people so it’s nice to exchange the odd head nod or acknowledgement.
Like I said my energy is WAY up so I am not dreading stepping out for the runs.
Saturday
Saturdays have morphed into my long run days. Once upon a time I always waited until Sunday to put in some decent mileage. These days I just can’t wait to get out of the city that I run long on the first free day of work.
I went back to Allen Bill trailhead to run the 20K loop. This time I took the right trail to start so I ran the route with no trouble. When I finished the loop, I added the Fullerton Loop to bring me nearly 26K for the day. I had a slow start but in the end I was pretty happy with the distance. Right now I am focusing on time on feet and getting in those kilometres.
Sunday
I only needed to get in 10K on Sunday. I haven’t been up Prairie Mountain yet this year. I have seen many Strava accounts of Prairie kneesavers that I thought I would give it a go.
The trail was in great condition. Thanks to my Kahtoolas I had no trouble going up and down the mountain. Next time I won’t stop to take so many pictures. Sometimes I forget I am supposed to be training.
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Week totals: 72.4 kilometres and 2,032 in elevation gain. I also walked roughly 10 kilometres and practiced yoga 12 times.
How was your week? Are you training for a race? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.