SC Loves to Run!

Spring Has Sprung

March went out like a lamb for Rochesterians.  The weather in this neck of the woods has been exceptionally warm, sunny, and downright summerlike.  Definitely a welcomed change!

I am so grateful to be able to go outside and play in the sunshine.  Admittedly, I love the sun and I love to sweat in the sun…while working out, that is.  There is nothing quite like throwing on a pair of shorts and running shoes and hitting the pavement.  Awwww…spring!

Last week I enjoyed a great week of training.  One of the highlights of my week was a 45 mile ride with my two buddies, Kirsten and Karin.  This ride was really special to me for many reason.  First and foremost, I spent time with two women whom I admire and love.  Their happy spirits and courageous personalities challenge me to do new things and to stretch myself a bit beyond my current ability.  Another reason that this ride was special was that Kirsten taught me to clip into my pedals, something that I’ve avoided for the past year.   At first I was petrified to even attempt clipping in, but Kirsten patiently explained how to stop, how and when to clip in, when to clip out.  I’m so happy to say that I DID IT and I didn’t even fall!!!  THANK YOU, KIRSTEN!

I enjoyed another fun ride with my husband, Jim.  For this ride I left my fancy Cervelo P2C home, and instead, took my Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike.  We rode easy trails for the most part, except for one off-road path that was full of rocks, mud, and steep hills to climb.  I became very frightened on this particular trail, hopped off my bike, and proceeded to swear!  This behavior is not characteristic of me, not in the least.  I guess I just need to get out and ride more trails to build up my confidence.  Mountain biking is great for balance, though, and I do feel that I’ve worked my core when all is said and done.  God bless my husband (who is an EXCELLENT cyclist) for staying right by my side and attempting to teach me the ins and outs of riding trails. 

Here is my week of training:

Monday, March 29 – Swim 1800 yards. (40 minutes)

Tuesday, March 30 – Run.  8.5 miles of hill repeats.  Swim.  1.5 hours of drills. (2 hours 45 min)

Wednesday, March 31 -  Brick workout.  Mountain Bike and immediately followed by a 5.25 mile run. (2 hours 45 minutes)

Thursday, April 1 - Run.  7.25 miles.  First hot day in Rochester.  Was supposed to do speed work but just felt too tired.

Friday, April 2 – Bike.  45 miles in about 3 hours including stops.  Run for 30 minutes. (3 hours 30 minute).

Saturday, April 3 – Rest.

Sunday, April 4 (Easter) – Run.  6.2 easy miles (Jimmy’s Run). Have to push my long run to Monday, April 5 due to Church and Easter commitments. (53 minutes)