This past week of training for the Rock ‘n Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon wasn’t a home run, but I’m still optimistic about the work I’ve been putting in as October 14 approaches!
Once again, I’m joining Hoho and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap! It’s such a great linkup where dozens of awesome running and healthy living bloggers participate and share what’s going on in their active lives each week! Sara from Sara Runs This Town is this week’s guest host!
I’m also joining Courtney for her Weekly Training Linkup! Check it out and see all of the races fellow bloggers are training for this fall!
[bctt tweet=”How was your week of working out? Join in the #weeklywrap!” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
Weekly Wrap: Self-Care and a Badass Babes Dinner
This past week I was very fortunate to finally get some good self-care on the schedule! My sister had a guest pass for Massage Envy that she let me use so I made an appointment for a 50-minute massage on Thursday evening. It was my first time going to Massage Envy, and I have to admit that their “system” is a little bit different from what I’m used to. I filled out a form checking off the areas that I wanted to focus on – neck, shoulders, lower body, glutes. But when I met the therapist she said there wasn’t enough time to get everything I wanted, so I had to sort of pick and choose my priority areas. I’ve had plenty of massages where 50 minutes was enough time to do the whole body, so that really threw me off. And the therapist only does light to medium pressure massages. This time, I made sure to communicate that I wanted it as firm as possible. In any event, while the conditions weren’t perfect, I ended up having a pretty nice massage – my upper back had a few knots that she knocked out, and I did get some decent work on my calves and feet, though the glutes were skipped. I will definitely look at getting a membership at a different massage studio as soon as I can so that I can make it a monthly routine to make time for myself!
Friday night was a lot of fun. One of my local blogger friends, Chrystina, hosted a Badass Babes dinner with about 10 or 12 people. This was my second time attending one of her monthly dinners and we had delicious tacos, plenty of wine, and Ben & Jerry’s for dessert! We had a great time introducing ourselves, talking about anything and everything, and sharing with the group one thing that we’re working on. The conversations varied from silly to very serious. It was great to hang out with a group of really interesting, career-driven women, and to talk about things that all can relate to. Being terrible, I have no photos from the event (it was nice to be unplugged!), but believe me, it was a wonderful time! I also had 2 “adventures” getting into Center City from home on Uber Pool…can someone remind me to never sign up for that again, even if it does save a few bucks?
Workouts for the Week
Monday 9/4: Rest day!
Tuesday 9/5: Fartlek run: 10 minutes warm up then 4 x 3 minutes hard, 2 minutes easy at a 9 out of 10 effort. It was warm and very humid, but I pushed as hard as I could! After the second interval I was really beat, but did my best to finish strong before cooling down to 4 miles.
Wednesday 9/6: A little strength training – some squats, bridges, and clamshells.
Thursday 9/7: Since I gave blood in the morning, I didn’t think it was a good idea to go for a run!
Friday 9/8: No workouts…my hair appointment took up most of my day!
Saturday 9/9: Another 10-mile long run, but this time with a twist: 4 miles at warmup, then 2 x 2 miles at 9:30-9:35 pace with 3 minutes easy, then finishing with a slow 2 miles. This was a really hard run for me, unfortunately. Apparently my goal half marathon pace isn’t as within reach as I thought because once I finished my first 2 mile interval, it was impossible for me to get under a 10-minute pace. But hey, I did my best!
Sunday 9/10: 4 recovery miles in the evening around the neighborhood. My hamstrings and calves were feeling tight and again, the knees weren’t too happy with me either. When I got home I did my Runner’s Knee prevention exercises including clamshells, side planks, and bridges.
Week 7 Report Card
This felt like a bit of an odd week. My runs didn’t feel as good as they did the previous week, even though the weather has been much cooler. I wonder if donating blood on Thursday sapped some of my energy over the weekend, but in any case, I’m glad that I challenged myself with the long run workout and didn’t give up! I wish I was able to go to yoga, but I just couldn’t squeeze in the time. And I should have done more strength training earlier in the week. But I don’t want to be hard on myself since it’s not really productive…so I’ll give Week 7 a B. I know that I’ll do a much better job this coming week! It’s my last full weekend before the Rock ‘n Roll Montreal Half Marathon, which is crazy! I can’t wait to see how that goes and of course share all the details!
What’s the last bit of self-care you’ve done for yourself? Have you ever taken Uber Pool?
I’m sorry that your runs didn’t feel as good for you this week but I still think you did a great job! I think that donating blood probably zapped some of your energy for sure.
I love the concept of a Badass Babes dinner – it’s genius! It’s so important to surround yourself with smart, badass women!
Thanks, Kim! The blood donation definitely drained me, but I didn’t think it would take so long to recover!
And the dinner was so much fun!
I had high hopes for the cooler weather as well, but my runs were meh. Sigh.
The Badass Babes dinner sounds fun!
I need the fall to come back and make us all happy again, lol!
I think giving blood may have had something to do with the way you felt. So, don’t be so hard on yourself. 😉 You still had quality workouts. The Badass Babes dinner sounds intriguing — just on the name alone! And, it is FUN to unplug for a while. Not everything needs documentation. (Does it?)
Thanks, Hoho! I have to focus on the quality and the effort, not the pace! The dinner was really great with great food and company.
And yes, unplugging is SO needed every once in a while! Just live in the moment!
I haven’t had a sports massage in a while. My chiropractor’s office in TX has two therapists, and they were great. I found I wasn’t getting the pressure I needed at Massage Envy, and they focused on my back almost every time, even though I said my legs needed the attention.
I honestly think that my lower back was messed up for a few days because of the massage I got last week…it’s definitely not the place for me. I’ve never gotten a massage from a chiro, maybe that’s something I could look into…
I went to a massage envy once and I didn’t care for them. I am looking forward to my next massage. I go to a local trade school near parent’s town and get a student rate. It’s for people that are not certified yet but are in school for it. They are just as good and cheaper than the professionals.
I have heard that the training schools are a great way to get a quality, affordable massage! Maybe I can find somewhere to go in Philly…
Good job with that long run! Doing some hard effort in a long run is always a challenge!
Thanks a lot, Jennifer!
Wait – Montreal is this weekend?? SO soon! I took uber pool once – NEVER AGAIN, lol. 🙂 It’s not worth the buck or two you save in my opinion 🙂
One more full weekend before Montreal – I can’t wait! Yeah, Uber pool is the worst….I was in the car for like an hour, ugh!
Womp womp – we all have bad weeks…but this was a much better week than some people have! Think of it that way. I’ve never had a sports massage! The last time I had a massage was a prenatal one, but that was different for sure. They don’t like to push too hard 🙂
You’re right…in the big picture, I have a lot to be grateful for. While the 10 miler was tough, I’m still proud of the endurance I’ve developed over the years and I’m grateful to not be injured. I would love to get a sports massage…I’ve had a few after certain races but I”ve never gotten a specialized one in a massage studio. I bet it would really give me what I’m looking for! Definitely get in some self-care when you can!
Oh man, love that name Badass Babes! Maybe I can get the ladies in our Moms Run This Town group to adopt that as a subtitle, because it sure fits!!
I have to have very light massages. Strong pressure but that just makes me squirm around too much!!
I’m thinking PT exercises really don’t count as self-care- I think I am due for some self-care now!
Well I definitely think MRTT are some badass babes! I hope you got to take some time for self-care!
That dinner sounds like so much fun! I’m often terrible at taking photos. We went out to breakfast after our long run — obviously no photos were taken.
Just because your long run didn’t go well doesn’t mean those paces are out of reach. Don’t forget about race day adrenaline. Paces that seem SO hard during speed work can feel a whole lot easier on race day!
It was nice to be in the moment and not think about taking photos, and my phone battery was low so that helped make that decision, haha!
Thanks so much for saying this, Judy. After another tough speed session yesterday, I was starting to have some doubts. You’re right about that race day adrenaline. I think my training plan has been much more aggressive the last couple of weeks and maybe it’s getting in my head!
So much fun stuff this week! Your experience at massage envy is interesting. I’ve often thought about going to one because they are cheaper than the place I used to go to. I guess the upside is that you can get a focused massage. Sometimes, I don’t care about hitting everything….Just want my legs and shoulders worked on.
That dinner sounds like so much fun.
Great week of workouts! Sometimes you just have an off week. Hang in there and keep your sights set on that goal pace!
Thanks so much, Sara! With a 50 minute massage I hated that I felt like I was “on the clock”…I couldn’t relax. But it was definitely a decent job with what did get done!
The dinner was great and gave me lots to think about. 🙂
I have been going to the same guy at Massage envy for a few years and love it. He knows me now and knows I like a very deep massage. I do think it takes a few sessions to get to know a therapist kind of like a hair stylist maybe 🙂
That makes sense, having the right massage therapist makes a huge difference and it takes some trial and error! Unfortunately that location won’t work for me with the person I had, but I do have a few other options in the area…
Thats so weird that they could only focus on a few areas for your massage! I feel like Ive gone there for 50 minutes and had a full body massage. Although they always say that I need more time. Great job with your training!
Thanks, Lisa! I think they’re big on upselling, hence the “you need an 80 minute massage”. I probably won’t go back there, lol.
I’ve never taken an Uber pool. I’m not even sure what that is haha. I know what Uber is though but don’t use it much. Great job on your long run! As long as you finish right. I need to get massages. It’s been a while.
Uber pool is literally sharing an Uber with other people…it sounds like a great idea, but every time I take one, I end up being in the car the longest amount of time…and while you’re in the car, people continue to get picked up! It saves a few bucks but it really isn’t worth it for me.
Thanks, I did my best! I need to get a massage on the calendar for October!
Sorry, you had a tough week. I bet giving blood definitely had an impact!
I love the idea of your Badass Babes dinner! I’ve been trying to make sports massages a regular part of my routine. I’ve never tried Massage Envy – sounds like an interesting set up.
Thanks, Michelle. I’d like to think it was donating blood, but sometimes we just have those tough days! The badass babes dinner was great, I think in general we need more groups of women getting together and supporting each other!
That system at Massage Envy would annoy me. Why ask to select that areas that need to be worked on and then be told that there isn’t enough time?
Uber Pool? Never heard of it. What happened?
I know, the Massage Envy place really annoyed me. I won’t be back.
You know the regular Uber? Uber Pool is where you actually carpool, so the driver picks up multiple people along the way of your trip. It’s the cheapest option when fares are high during peak times, but I always end up getting stuck in the car the longest…we once took one back from the airport and it was so irritating because I just wanted to go home!
hehe, I love the “Badass Babes” title–that dinner sounds like a lot of fun!
Donating blood can definitely zap a lot of your energy away! I felt really sick after mine even though I’d eaten and stayed well-hydrated and the like. x_x
I’ve never taken Uber Pool–it’d really depend on how much money I could save to decide whether or not it’s worth taking!
It was a really fun dinner! I’m so glad that I went, but next time definitely NOT doing Uber pool – and it really doesn’t save that much money either!
Maybe as I’m “getting older” it’s taking me a little longer to bounce back after donating blood? Lol!
I think giving blood would definitely zap your energy…I am done for the rest of the day even when they take a tiny little vial for a blood test!
I thought with a couple days passed I’d be fine, but nope! lol!
Badass Babes dinner seems like lots of fun, Janelle! How long do you usually prepare for a marathon?