Happy April Fools’ Day! It feels like I haven’t caught up with you in a while! I was away at the National Society of Black Engineers Annual Convention in Anaheim, California! It’s a fantastic conference that I attended for professional development and networking opportunities with other technical professionals. But the NSBE Convention is also geared towards grade school and high school students, college and graduate school students to attend workshops, participate in STEM competitions, present research, and so much more. I had an AMAZING time reuniting with old friends that moved away from Philly for new job opportunities, and seeing old classmates from Penn. Not to mention, I got to go to the beach! The weather was serene and I was happy to get 2 days of my Cherry Blossom Training accomplished in the warmth and sunshine!
Since it’s Wednesday, I’m linking up with Diatta from Femme Fitale Fit Club and Sheila from The Frugal Exerciser to recap my training as part of Workout Wednesday!
[bctt tweet=”Cherry Blossom Training Week 9, in sunny California! #wowlinkup #runchat “]
Cherry Blossom Training Week 9:
Wednesday 3/25: My 11 mile long run! I had just gotten to Anaheim around 5 pm and I decided to go for my run at 6:30 pm. Of course I discover that sunset is around 7 pm..eek. I ran to the Santa Ana River Trail, which was about 2.5 miles away from my hotel. It wasn’t the most scenic route to get there, but the trail itself was decent. Too bad the river is all dried up thanks to the drought! The temperature was in the upper 80’s so it definitely took its toll, slowing me down quite a bit! But at least I can say I ran past Disneyland!
Thursday 3/26: Rest day and more conference fun (aka suffering in heels all day!)
Friday 3/27: I went to the hotel gym which unfortunately cost $16 a day but was able to get in for free! I was slated to do speedwork: 1-mile warm-up and 3 miles at 10:20 pace. The run went really well! And afterwards I was happy to have access to a foam roller!
Saturday 3/28: In the morning I did an hour of the Rhythm Rumble Workout with fellow conference attendees. It was unlike anything I’ve ever done! We had these sticks and had to do these rhythmic moves to a rocking African beat: first by ourselves, then with a partner, and then it got increasingly more complicated! It was fun, but my back is STILL hurting from the workout! After Rhythm Rumble, I ran to my friend David’s hotel to meet him for a run. He ended up doing less than 2 miles and I ran 4 total. It was another super hot day!
Sunday 3/29: A very, very long traveling day from Anaheim to LAX to Newark, to Philly.
Monday 3/30: On Sunday I started to feel some sinus problems, a combination of congestion and a runny nose. I never got much sleep while in Cali, and I never adjusted to Pacific time. So I tried to get as much sleep as possible after work.
Tuesday 3/31: Boot Camp Class, which was very abs-centric (which I’m sure I will feel tomorrow!). I hadn’t been to class in a couple of weeks so I felt a bit weaker than usual and my sinus issues didn’t help matters. After that I ran 3 miles on the treadmill, which was a bit of a struggle but it got done!
Training Report Card:
I have to say that I have no real complaints for this past week of race training. I was determined to make sure that I had a productive training week even though I was out of town, and I did! The 11-mile run was a huge accomplishment for me! I just wish that I didn’t run out of water because I was really feeling weak at points, which was a bit scary since I was running alone in the dark. Thank God I was able to stay safe!
The Cherry Blossom Run is 11 days away. I can’t believe it! I’m super excited to finally run this race, but I am nervous too! We received an email update yesterday with more details…it’s getting real, y’all! Are you running or watching the Cherry Blossom Race in DC? If so, let me know…I’d love to meet you!
So I will give this past week an A-. I have only one long run left and then it’s taper time…then it’s race time! Check me out on Instagram that weekend to be one of the first to find out how it all goes!
I use a NeilMed SinusFlo neti bottle about 4 times a week to keep my sinus and allergy problems in check. It really helps. #wowlinkup
I will have to look into that! I’m slowly starting to feel better!
That Rhythm Rumble workout sounds fun, but this gal’s got no rhythm. How sad is that? And so awesome that you got to run outside in the sunshine. There’s nothing better than the beach, right?
I had the rhythm but there was a sexiness to the moves that I definitely lacked! So I feel you!
You are definitely getting your training in. Best wishes on the race. My you have perfect weather!
Thank you Gina!
You rocked it even during your travels to and from the conference. Many folks would have definitely DITCHED that 11-mile run for sure. Newark is my old stomping ground – I grew up in Hillside, NJ!!!! How many more weeks do you have until the Cherry Blossom? #wowlinkup
The Cherry Blossom is in 10 days!! I can’t believe it!
Great job getting your 11 miler in while traveling! The Rhythm Rumble Workout sounds like a good one. Good luck in your Cherry Blossom race!
Thank you Sherry!!
rhythm rumble sounds awesome! and i am glad you got in your 11 mile run in anaheim-the santa anita trail did used to have water (i remember it back when I ran DL half 2010) but I havent seen much water in it since then
It would have been so beautiful with water….there were still lots of birds enjoying the few puddles! lol
I love the cherry blossoms, that will be such a great run. The seasonal allergies here in California are horrible. We are really bad here in the wine country. I was shocked to see that your hotel gym was charging $16 for use. What on earth is up with that? Great job training and staying focused:)
I was staying at the Hilton…apparently only rewards-members get perks like free Wifi ($12.95/day) and free access to the “health club” (that doesn’t even have a juice bar!).
What? Well that is nonsense. Not to self if I ever think to book a Hilton LOL
Nice job on that 11 mile run!! You’re killing your training!
Thanks Ali! Hope it pays off in the end!
Hope to see you at Cherry Blossom. I will look out for you.
I hope to see you too Jennifer! What’s the easiest way to coordinate??
Hmmm perhaps before the start. We can confirm which color corral, and based on that can figure out a spot? I guess we’ll know the corral color by Friday/Saturday of next week.
That rhythm workout sounds kind of fun and different 🙂
It was a killer! My back finally feels okay 5 days later!
Ahh best of luck on your race!!! Looking forward to reading about it 🙂 That conference sounded like a lot of fun – I could use a little day trip to the beach!
Thanks Jess! Ugh I need a warm beach nearby, it was like heaven!
Training while traveling can be very tricky. You did a great job sticking with it!
Thanks Amy!!