Starting on Thursday of last week I was back to running in the heat and humidity (of course). Even though I only took a week off of running, it felt hard coming back. I think the weather was partly to blame and also pushing the stroller for my first 3 runs back. I know I didn’t lose much fitness just from a week off, but I didn’t feel as refreshed as I would have liked!
Weekly Run Down
Monday: Strength Training + Walk
Tuesday: Core/glutes + Walk
Wednesday: Strength Training + Walk
Thursday: 3.6 Stroller Miles + Core/Glutes
Friday: 4.1 Stroller Miles + Mobility
Saturday: 3.6 Stroller Miles + Core/Glutes
Sunday: 9.2 miles with 5 at tempo pace
Getting Caught in the Rain (Again)
The last time that Rob and I ran together with Grayson was a week and a half ago, when we got caught in a downpour. I dropped them off early and finished up my run on my own. Well this week, during our first family run since then, it rained again. But this time it was almost the end of our run. We were able to run fast to get home and not get too wet.
Over the weekend I moved my long run from Saturday to Sunday because the weather was not looking good on Saturday. (Mid 70s, high humidity, and chance of rain/storms all morning). It was a struggle even doing a short run so I’m glad I switched things up. I ended up doing over 9 miles even though I planned to do 8, and threw in a tempo run. (It was on the slower end of my tempo paces).
Plans for a Fall Virtual 10k
As part of the Brooks’ Run Happy Team I was given the chance to run the MCM Virtual 10k between 10/1 and 11/10. I feel like that is a good distance to train for because I can kind of adjust things as needed. (If I don’t feel like doing hard workouts, I won’t. And I won’t need to do long runs if I don’t want to either). However, it will give me something to focus on and work towards over the next few weeks.
There’s another virtual race I may do but I haven’t decided about it yet. I think I said I was over virtual races, yet here I am planning to do more of them.
Life Updates
This week teachers go back to work in the school system where I work (I’m as 12 month employee). The students return (virtually) next Tuesday. It’s been a crazy few weeks getting ready for everything. It feels crazier than usually because I’ve been working from home without childcare. But my mom comes back to help out this week!
It will be so nice to actually feel like I am getting some of my work done and also to be in meetings without chasing a toddler around the house while balancing my laptop in one hand and keeping him from taking off his diaper or jumping off the couch with my other hand. I told Rob the other day that if Grayson were getting a performance review for his first 6 months of being at work with me, it would be pretty poor 😜
The Week Ahead
I’m really hoping for some better weather this week. The temps look a little lower, but who knows what the humidity will be like. And there may be quite a bit of rain. I keep reminding myself I will miss this weather in January and February when it’s freezing!
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Taking a Break From Running
Running In Maintenance Mode
Have you been running in the heat and humidity lately?
Are you doing any virtual races this fall?
Are schools back in session where you live?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
balancing a toddler is never easy! I cannot even imagine how much more challenging it is right now! Kudos to you for getting it all done with him in toe. 10K’s are my favorite distance actually. I did the MCM 10K a few years back
I haven’t done too many real 10k races but I’ve already done 2 virtual ones! I like the distance but its definitely not my favorite. I had a hard time pacing for it.
Today’s weather was AMAZING! I think it’s supposed to be pretty nice this week, except for a few evening showers. So you will continue working at home? Our schools are starting virtual, and I think teacher’s will be teaching from home too.
Yes, I’ll be working from home until further notice. Our school system announced in July that we would be 100% virtual until the end of January. Then last week our governor announced he wanted all districts bringing in some students for in-person learning this fall. It really upset everyone hearing that 2 days before teachers return after we have spent the whole summer planning and trying to make the virtual learning thing a good experience for students. So I’m not really sure what will happen now!
Ugh, I don’t want winter weather back either! If we can just get the temperatures below boiling (OK, OK below 60) I’ll be set. That kind of weather never lasts long but I’m going to make the most of it while it’s here. I’m pretty excited to get back into virtual racing as well. Some of my fall races are “real” virtual races and some are “it’s a race because I say it’s a race” time trials.
Haha I like your definitions of racing! Its nice to have something to focus on, even if its not the same as a real, in-person race.
I’m ready for the humidity to leave. I feel like this summer wasn’t overly hot, but it was very dewy and humid.
That’s awesome that you are able to run the virtual MCM 10K. I agree that the the 10K is a good distance because the training doesn’t completely take over, like with a half marathon/marathon.
Honestly right now I am not all that motivated to do real 10k workouts. Tempo runs are one thing, but speed workouts just don’t sound appealing when its still so hot. But I figure I can just do some modified training for the 10k and run the distance even if I haven’t trained hard.
I am in no hurry for summer to end, even if I cannot run (or walk) in it. Our schools’ start day got pushed back a couple weeks, due to the derecho aftermath. Since we no longer have kids going, I’m not clear on the specifics, but I believe they are doing staggered days with the students and some alternating half-days. It’s crazy, but necessary.
That school schedule sounds complicated! I know that many places are trying to be creative with making the classes smaller. It’s tough for everyone!
You will feel so much better with your mom helping out!
I think we got caught in rain twice last week while walking the dogs. My husband was not amused.
I’m “training” for a 10k the end of September. It’s a good cause, that’s my motivation. I do like having something to work towards sometimes!
A good cause is a good reason to run! And its nice to set a goal even if you’re not fully training.
I’ve got a couple of virtual halfs coming up but like you, I feel kind of sluggish. I’m going to blame the weather–we had another hot and humid spell last week. Yesterday was amazing, and I felt pretty good up until the last mile of my 10 miler. I may end up bring back the run/walk intervals for now, to help preserve my energy for the whole thing!
The school thing is a mess here. Every school district around me is doing something different. Some are fully virtual, some a hybrid, and a few are full in person. The Catholic schools are all in person, but several have already had to go virtual for a few weeks because of COVID. This pandemic was managed so poorly from the start. I feel so badly for the kids.
I’m sure its crazy having all the schools do different things. All the public schools here are starting virtual. Our governor announced on Thursday that he wanted everyone doing some in person learning this fall. We were all taken back a bit as this was the first they have tried to get involved in it, and school starts next week. I feel bad for the kids too!
I’m laughing as I imagine you holding your laptop as you chase your son around the room. 🙂
Our weather has cooled off too but the humidity jumped today. I was hoping for a nice morning but it’s swamy out there!
If my hands weren’t so full I would have taken pictures to share the craziness:)
The humidity is just relentless this year!
We’re starting school week 3 here so yes, everybody’s pretty settled in at this point. Our heat was crazy last week but Saturday night some fabulous cool air blew in and the lower humidity is most welcome. You’re so funny with Grayson’s performance review! It’s an adorable age but they’re super active and stubborn!
Haha maybe I was a little hard on him:) Today was my mom’s first day back and he skipped his nap completely! So now I’m just feeling grateful he didn’t do that when I was watching him and trying to work.
The heat and humidity really can suck the running soul right out of you. Ugh.
Our district started back today. I know that traffic was bad, (because why wouldn’t it be), but that’s all I’ve heard so far. Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly for everyone.
Well maybe no news is good news! Its disheartening to hear of all the schools that already need to close down. I’m hoping that the schools that are opening successfully just aren’t making the news.
I think you know how I feel about running in this humidity – I’m so over it!
I have a 5 mile virtual that I need to run by 9/11. Since I haven’t done speedwork in forever I will probably just run it like a tempo run — I just can’t muster up the motivation to “race”
It’s great that your mom will be there to help you this week! Hope all goes smoothly!
I think its a hard time of year for racing, even if its just virtual racing! Many of us are just over the heat and humidity and ready for fall.
I am over virtual races too. They were fun in the beginning and were motivating, but now they’re not fun anymore. I prefer the challenges to get me to run certain miles by a specific date, but to run a virtual 5k, 10k, etc.? No thanks.
Ugh, to going back to school. I am on day 3 and I am exhausted. I don’t like this remote learning one bit. It was “easier” back in March but now it is so draining and a lot of work.
This school year feels alot harder than last spring! Hang in there. Hopefully it will get better.
LOL on Grayson’s performance review!
I’m sure it was the heat and humidity that made your comeback feel so hard. The weather is supposed to be delightful this weekend! Yay!
My daughter-in-law teaches at a private school and her students come back in person next week.
I agree that the weather didn’t help things at all last week.
I hope your daughter-in-law’s return to school goes well!