Week in Review (February 18 - February 24)

Tuesday (13,394 steps) - Peloton and Olive walk before going to work in the office. Gym at lunch - StairMaster and strength training. 

As an aside, for the last 3-4 weeks, I am suddenly having issues with the Peloton app freezing mid workout - claiming I don't have any phone service. It's totally bogus because I have full bars... going forward I am going to download the workouts beforehand so I don't have this issue. Walked Olive when I got home. Handmaid's Tale!

Wednesday (22,558 steps) - Olive walk before going to work in the office. It's been freezing (like at or below 0) for days, so I had plans to do my SECOND treadmill run in 6+ years. I was not looking forward to it. Even though I have calibrated my watch to the treadmill, everything seems way off. Anyway, I watched the new Gabby Petito documentary on Netflix while I was running and it wasn't as horrible as it could have been, I guess. Walked Olive when I got home.

Thursday (12,165 steps) - Peloton before logging in for the day. Took Ariel to get coffee and then Olive and I made another visit to North Table for some vert. It was still really chilly, so I expected the trails to be pretty deserted, especially for late morning on a weekday. 

There weren't a ton of people, and it was surprisingly muddy on the west side - especially considering how cold it's been and no sun for days. The big excitement was seeing a skunk - very close up. 

Did a strength video in the afternoon.

Friday (12,771 steps) - We ended up getting about 8" of snow overnight, which was more than I expected. Took Olive for a snowy walk before bringing her into the office for the day. Did some driving after work and actually got some decent orders before meeting Ben for a beer at 4 Noses.

Saturday (28,622 steps) - Up early to drive down to Roxborough for the Far Out "Ten Miler" (in quotes because the route was short. We met up with Christina and found out that Wayne was letting people start early. Probably not a great idea because we ended up breaking trail for the first few miles. I have run out here before in the winter and it's tough because if there is any snow it's very tough to run in. 

I should've just worn a light jacket OR dealt with the wind and cold at the start. This hoodie got incredibly hot within 15 minutes

Christina and me

Anyway, the way back to the start was a bit better because the sun had come out and the trails were packed down a lot more. 

I had also been testing out a new UltrAsprire belt, the Stinger, and it was pretty great! I think it will be a good addition to my 200 mile pack set-up, possibly will even use it to hold my Kogalla.

We stopped at Parry's on the way home for a beer. Took Olive for a walk and then we picked up food from Taste of Philly on the way to 4 Noses. Olive had her grooming appointment and we left shortly after she was done because it was crazy on the patio with the warmer weather. She is always SO HAPPY to be done with these appointments.

Handmaid's Tale!

Sunday (20,979 steps) - Slept a bit later than usual, had breakfast and took Olive for a walk. I went for my run that wasn't that bad - especially since the sun is finally out, shorts and a tee shirt! Took a shower and then we headed up to 4 Noses for a lunch at Ninja Ramen and had a beer. 

Relaxing afternoon/evening of Handmaid's Tale.

Monday (17,090 steps) - Took Olive for an early walk while it was still REALLY windy. Went for my run at noon when it was a little less awful, although right before my turnaround it felt like I was running in place. Had my first eye appointment in almost a decade, sad that my Lasik finally seems to be wearing out a bit. More Handmaid's Tale!

Stats:

• 127,579 steps
• 31 miles run
• 14.3 miles walked
• 60 minutes of cardio
• 60 minutes of strength

Week in Review (February 11 - February 17)

Tuesday (13,128 steps) - Peloton and Olive walk before going to work in the office. Did the StairMaster and a full body strength workout. 

Walked Olive after work. 

Wednesday (21,786 steps) - Olive walk before going to work. It was in the single digits, so I actually RAN ON THE TREADMILL for the first time in over 6 years since I had a hill workout to do. Really annoying that my watch and treadmill are SO FAR OFF on distance even though I swear I calibrated a year or so ago before I got my treadmill desk. Anyway, I was watching Yellowjackets while running and I had to to hill sprints of 60 seconds and while they were faster every time, they were horrible. And I know this isn't right and why does the machine not track elevation gain??? HATE THE TREADMILL.

Took Olive for a walk and then Ben and I went to 4 Noses for "Mean Girls" trivia. We were shockingly horrible at it, which was disappointing since we have both seen the movie a jillion times. Handmaid's Tale!

Thursday (12,742 steps) - Peloton before clocking in for work. Took Ariel to coffee and THEN had the brilliant idea to go to North Table with Olive since I had a vert goal again. It was only in the 30s, but with the sun out it was SO GREAT.

She was REALLY slow going up the fire road, but once we are alone on the mesa she did a lot better. Quite a nice afternoon!

Did my strength video after getting home. Olive walk after work, did a few deliveries and Handmaid's Tale!

Friday (14,680 steps) - Walked Olive in her new, festive Lambchop outfit before going to work. 

Since I had multiple appointments, she couldn't go to work. But I was still festive in my headband!

Ben and I went to 4 Noses for a beer (just one for me) since it was our 5 year engagement-aversary (and it seemed appropriate to go back to where we got engaged).

Saturday (36,557 steps) - Took Olive for a walk and then headed to Dirty Biz for our long run. Supposedly it was supposed to be in the 30s for a high, and it wasn't supposed to snow until after lunch. I had mapped out 18 miles and off we went. Well, as typical for my long runs lately, this was fairly awful. Tired and crampy.

I felt better after using the bathroom and off we went. It was UNBELIEVABLY foggy out.

We both put in headphones after about an hour, which helped a bit. Picture of us cold, but not freezing to death. Yet.

We crossed highway 93 for the add-on part for the additional mileage and I stopped to use the bathroom. I came out about 45 seconds later and it was like someone shook a snow globe. We made the call to go back across the highway and do the regular size loop (which normally is about 14.5 miles). IT WAS HORRIBLE. The first 20 or so minutes after we started back up the wind picked up and we were getting pelted in the face by graupel and now. I could barely see because so much snow was going into my eyeballs. Proof of conditions:

We ran in near whiteout conditions for about an hour. The snow did let up a bit, but by now we were both frozen and cold. This was NOT fun.

Seriously - we are on the brink of frostbite or something here.

Since we hadn't done a "real" Valentine's Day celebration, we headed to The Stillery for a burger and mac and cheese. Glad we discovered this place in Phoenix - so good! We went to 4 Noses for a beer before going home to shower and spent the rest of the day on the couch.

Sunday (27,069 steps) - Unable to sleep in, I think I was still up by 7. Lounged around a bit, took Olive for a walk and then we went back up to Dirty Biz area. It was still decently chilly, but the sun was out for the run, so it was a billion times better. For not really any snow predicted, there was quite a bit on the ground.

4 Noses for a snack and a beer. I do like the skewer truck, and I had just found out that he rotates the meats and sides and was really happy for sweet potatoes.

Stopped at Costco on the way home to pick up a pizza and a handful of groceries. Took Olive for a walk and did a yoga video. Handmaid's Tale.

Monday (17,252 steps) - Work from home. Another day where the weather was a lie. Took Olive for a walk to gauge how cold it was. By the time I got back home and changed for my run it started snowing. COME ON. Headed out towards the lake and saw the coyote again. Got pelted again with snow - NOT FUN.

I did test out my new Patagonia rain jacket and it good news - it's waterproof! Bad news, it wasn't super warm. I also finally wore my Black Diamond Overmitts, and they are pretty great! My mittens stayed warm, but my hands kept sweating - the overmitts might just be a good layer for 200s when it's night and I'm slow and freezing. So anyway, the run was not fun, but I got it done. Took a hot shower and then I was fine. I had planned to do some driving, but it was a slow night of decent offers so I just went home. 

Stats:

• 143,214 steps
• 36.82 miles run
• 15.18 miles walked
• 55 minutes of cardio
• 65 minutes of strength

Week in Review (February 4 - February 10)

Tuesday (15,837 steps) - Peloton ride, and apparently, this marked my FOUR YEAR weekly streak!! Hard to believe I haven't missed a Peloton workout in that long. 

Walked Olive and then went into the office. I went to the gym at lunch and had planned to use the StairMaster, but it wasn't working so I just do strength training and some stretching - still beat up after Sedona. Walked Olive when I got home.

Wednesday (20,538 steps) - Walked Olive before going to work in the office. Had a workout at lunch. I was dreading it since I'm still sore from my race, but it was actually not horrible and the weather was nice! 

Walked Olive after work.

Thursday (14,995 steps) - Work form home. Did a Peloton ride before logging in and took Olive for a walk. I asked for another day of running and more climbing, so I had to find a hill that would give me 500' of gain in 45 minutes. I figured it would be fine if I drove to the lake and did repeats there. I did NOT expect that it would still be so muddy in areas. I could only use about half of the hill, so I had to do a zillion repeats, which wasn't fun. Strength training in the afternoon, walked Olive.

Friday (18,090 steps) - Wash Park with Olive and the gang. 

Work is still boring

Did some deliveries after work and actually had a REALLY good night, including a $20 tip!

Saturday (34,720 steps) - Walked Olive before we headed down to Waterton for our long run. I wasn't dreading it, for once, so it really surprised me when it was a HORRIBLE run. After about the first mile I just struggled. Had planned on 16 miles and only ended up doing 14 because it was just so slow going. 

Surprised that there was NO mud?!

Icy and gross after we got past the big dam though

Seeing sheep always makes the day better!

Rushed home for lunch and then to 4 Noses for a beer. It got really cold so skipped the afternoon walk. Handmaid's Tale!

Sunday (25,406 steps) - Spent much of the weekend agonizing how I was going to get my run in, and what was finally decided was that I would do it BEFORE our Runners Roost team kickoff, that was at the inconvenient time of 9 am. I had 2 hours on schedule, but pared it down to 90 minutes. It was pretty darn chilly, and while slow, not the worst. The sunrise was also really pretty!

I barely had time to take a quick shower and get Olive ready before we headed down to the store. We got there right at 9 and walked with Maureen and Annette for a few miles before the meeting portion. Really excited that this year's kit comes with a hoodie (first time in a decade!!) 

Colfax and Olive!

We stopped at Parry's on the way home so my one beer of the day could be a Juicy Bits. Did my yoga video (another request by me to add to my workouts) and took Olive for a walk before it got cold. Super Bowl! I was really disappointed in the commercials this year, but actually enjoyed the game. Still had time to watch an episode of Handmaid's Tale before bed.

Monday (21,289 steps) - Took Olive for a walk before logging in. Had my annual gyno appointment in the morning, then a run at lunch. I am finally feeling better and not sluggish. Definitely think something is going on with my heart rate monitor though, I either have to get that figured out or just not use it. 

Wearing my super warm Smartwool sweater AND jacket and not overdressed :(

Took Olive for a medium-length walk. Did one delivery after work and then met Ben at Costco for our weekly shopping. Ugh. Handmaid's Tale!

Stats:

• 150,875 steps
• 34 miles run
• 18.66 miles walked
• 30 minutes of cardio
• 90 minutes of strength

Sedona half marathon (Race Recap)

Sedona, AZ

Saturday, February 1

Half Marathon #197

Weather - chilly at the start, sunny

We planned to get up pretty early, even though it was only a 25ish minute drive to the race. Basically, the race guide was somewhat confusing and I wanted to make sure that we would be able to get a parking space. We were able to grab some food from the lobby on our way out, which was nice. Imagine our surprise when we got back to Sedona and the high school where we parked was right by where packet pick up was. 

Pretty sunrise!

We used the bathroom in the hotel before grabbing our stuff from the car and walking to the start line, about a half mile away. Cycled through the bathroom line a few times and then we headed to the chute. Pre-race selfie!

View from the chute

I had told Ben that we needed to run our own races, so we started at the same time, but I lost him within the first five seconds. So fun backstory. We signed up last fall, as I really want to hit 200 lifetime half marathons, but I want to do some new ones and scenic races. I *knew* this would be hilly, but like most races, I didn't look at the profile until we got to Arizona. In my head I thought it was 500ish feet of gain. Nope, turns out it was going to be over 1,000'!!! Ok, so modify all  my goals and just walk as little as possible.

The course actually wasn't too crowded once we got going. We had a nice half mile or so of downhill, which on an out and back course meant we would have an uphill finish... 

Climbing started basically right after that first climb. First mile I managed under 11 minute pace, and I think I made it about 15 minutes before I started to take walk breaks. 

There was also a 10k race, and they started either 10 or 15 minutes after us, and it wasn't too long before they started to catch up to us - I felt bad for the fast people trying to weave in out of other runners. We had some fairly runnable road until about mile 3 (which again, meant that there would be a big climb on the way back).

There is really not much to say about the course itself. On a closed road. I had missed the first aid station because there was no signage prior to it and I was on the wrong side of the road. I had managed to stay ahead of the 2:35 pacer (which was much faster than my initial 2:45 goal) for the whole first half.

I saw Ben when I had maybe 3/4 of a mile to the turnaround. 

My stomach was feeling a bit off, so I peeled off and used the bathroom at the aid station. I felt a lot better, but I could see that the 2:35 pacer had passed me while I was stopped. We had already done over 600' of gain, so I knew there was less climbing on the way back and I cruised down a the hills - at one point I saw Melissa!! The way I was pacing I thought there would be a chance for me to come in under 2:30 if I worked REALLY hard. Once I got up the hill by the 10k turnaround I pushed my pace (and mile 11 was my fasted of the day) - I thought I had lost my 2:30 when I got to the last hill before the finish, but I pushed and managed to cross with about 20 seconds to spare. Wooo!

I didn't see Ben when I crossed so I slowly made my way to the beer garden, and didn't see him. No phone service made it tough, but we finally met up back near the finish.

Official time - 2:29:38

Overall place - 818/1383

Gender place - 413/813

Division place - 35/91

Out split - 1:15:09

Back split - 1:14:29 (with the bathroom stop, still negative split!!)

Garmin time - 2:29:38

Garmin distance - 13.12 miles

Average Pace - 11:25

Elevation Gain - 1,052'

Mile 1 - 10:48

Mile 2 - 12:59

Mile 3 - 10:45

Mile 4 - 10:49

Mile 5 - 11:36

Mile 6 - 12:24

Mile 7 - 13:13 (not bad with a bathroom stop!)

Mile 8 - 10:36

Mile 9 - 10:21

Mile 10 - 11:48

Mile 11 - 12:28

Mile 12 - 9:56

Mile 13 - 10:52

Mile 13.12 - 8:08 (wowie!!)

We hung out in the beer garden for a bit, waiting to see Melissa:

Thoughts:

• Lots and lots and lots (and LOTS) of emails for this race. They did Zoom calls as well for course talks and Q&As.
• Multiple options for packet pickup in the days leading up to the race, and I think they even had race day pick up.
• Lots of options for parking and shuttles, etc. With the multiple distances, I'm glad that we arrived early and were able to get in/out pretty easily.
• Race is absolutely beautiful, especially for a road race! 
• Definitely challenging for a road race. 
• Aid stations were ok, and cup free. Mostly just water, but sometimes when I asked for water I got some electrolyte mix that was also fine. Spaced ok, but there should have been some signage for them ahead of time, and a notification of which side of the road!
• Pace groups - I don't normally use them or want to run with them, but on a tough course like this, I did like to see where I was in relation to those paces. 
• Stupid gender neutral shirt.
• Awesome medal!!
• Beer garden was not free, you had to buy tokens, and they ran out of good beer, but we had already bought the tokens? So that was annoying.
• Early registration is $70 plus fees, which is pretty standard. I signed up in October and paid $80 plus fees, so not much of an increase. This was the first year the race sold out. Other distances are 10K ($45) and 5K ($35).
• Would I run again? Probably not, but only because it was really expensive for lodging, etc - nothing around Sedona or Cottonwood (half hour away) for less than about $200 a night (unless you were to go somewhere super sketchy).