Happy Sunday! I’m checking in with my normal weekly recap of training for the Vienna marathon, which is coming up quickly on April 23.
Here’s how training (and life in London) went this past week:
Monday: Rest day from running after a lot of miles the week before; needed that rest.
That evening, I went to see Oklahoma with some colleagues. This was not the same Oklahoma musical my high school performed years ago, ha! Well, technically it was the same; in fact, it was the same music, same script, but totally re-imagined and a lot “sexier.” It was unique, not for everyone.
Our seats were right up in the action; the stage was pretty simply decorated. There were some scenes in complete darkness (with gunshots!). A unique theater experience for sure.
The hard part was that it was 3 hours run time with intermission, so it turned into a late night for me (someone who usually goes to bed early during the week!)
Tuesday: 7 miles before work; this was rough since I was out until midnight the night before and didn’t have dinner. It was really hard to get out of bed, but somehow I did it though it wasn’t pretty and isn’t the way I prefer to train!
Wednesday: 8.3 miles in the snow/slush. I can’t believe it snowed again in London- and in March!
It didn’t last at all; it was gone by 8 am and turned into rain, but it added some interest to my morning run.
After work, I did an Iron Strength session that was chest and triceps + core on Peloton.
Thursday: The snow had completely melted, so I attempted a workout: warm-up, 3×10 min tempo, recover, then 5×1 min fast, cool-down, 10 miles total.
I realized that this large building that I run by frequently in Regent’s Park is actually a residential house, and it is currently on the market, for the low, low price of £250 million. It doesn’t actually look that big when running by it, but it is right in a Royal park, which I suppose ups the price too. And apparently it is much bigger than I thought, with 40 bedrooms. I figured it was one of the embassies like many of the other buildings near Regent’s park.
As you can see, all the snow was long gone and green grass was back!
After work, I did an Iron Strength class focusing on the posterior chain. I’m taking things pretty “light” with any lower body right now, as I don’t want to make my legs more tired than they already are from marathon training, but I still like to do a bit of strength.
Friday: This was a cutback week for the long run (after 20 miles last week) so I decided to get my long run done today before work; it was the worst choice day weather-wise though. It was about 37F or 3C and raining and windy; and the rain was often turning into stingy sleet, pelting my face. Dustin joined me for the first 5 miles and then I ran to Kentish Town (a nearby neighborhood) and met up with my coworker Tina, who ran the next 8 with me, then one mile solo to get to 14 total. It was such a rough morning and there were several times I thought about quitting and doing my long run a different day with better weather, but by the end, the rain and sleet had stopped and the sun was coming out. Of course. 🙂 Not my favorite run, but I got it done and am glad I did.
Later that day, since the long run was done, I did a lower body class on Iron Strength, but took things pretty easy weight-wise.
Saturday: Part of the reason I had hoped to do my long run Friday was because a (new) friend had invited me to join her for a tread class at the Peloton studio (and the best way to make friends is to say yes to everything, right?)
Taking a class at the Peloton studio in London was definitely on my radar but having a friend to encourage me was just the push I needed. We took the 45-minute 80s pop class with Susie Chan.
I could probably write a whole separate post about my first time at a Peloton studio! But in summary, it was great fun, quite the production.
We had to be there 45 minutes before the class, and 30 minute beforehand, you were allowed in the studio to get on your treadmill. My friend didn’t want to be on camera, so we chose treadmills that wouldn’t show up (though I did get a shout-out for it being my first tread class!)
The class went by quickly and I had fun!
I covered 5 miles in the class and got a solid workout in, with a good mix of hills and intervals. I liked it!
After the class, my friend and I made good use of the lovely spa-like facilities at the Peloton studio before grabbing lunch at the nearby Seven Dials Market. It was a fun little morning/afternoon.
That evening, Dustin and I had dinner at La Bodega Negra in SoHo, hidden away in what appears to be an adult store (read more here!) Alas, inside is just a normal-ish Mexican restaurant (though we were a bit too old to be there, lots of hen-do’s (bachelorette parties.)
Sunday: 7 mile run with Dustin and Ruth.
Then I took the tube over to Southwark for a quick PT session; when we were living by Tower Bridge in our temporary housing, I really liked One Body LDN for soft tissue PT work and I was excited to see they offer Sunday appointments. It’s a bit out of the way now from Hampstead where we live, but it was worth the travel time to get there for some work on a tight IT band. Nothing serious, but I want to stay on top of it. The PT worked it out and then did a little dry needling.
Then I walked across Tower Bridge to the Shoreditch neighborhood to meet Dustin for a late lunch at Dishoom. Dishoom has several locations, but none of them taking bookings after 5 pm. We had been meaning to try it, but knew it would need to be at a random time otherwise it would be a long wait. Sunday at 2 pm wasn’t that bad, I think we only waited 20 minutes to get a table. It was worth the wait, delicious! We will be back. Highly recommend eating there if you’re in London and like Indian food.
Summary: 51 miles of running, 3 strength sessions, attempt at daily 10 min core on Peloton
Next week will be another big week of training (with another 20 miler planned.) I won’t be starting the week with any post-work theater outings, ha! Instead, I plan to focus on quality sleep during these last few weeks of push before Vienna.
That’s a wrap! Thanks for reading and stopping by.
I’m linking up with Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner; check out their blogs to connect with other fitness bloggers for workout ideas and inspiration!
I am so glad that you got a chance to go to Peloton in studio! It is a unique experience for sure. I am trying to picture a sexy “Oklahoma” lol. Love how you are taking advantage of all the theatre there. Way to push through this week with crappy weather!
I’m definitely trying with the theater! It’s been fun.
I put my name on the waitlist for a few more classes at the Peloton studio!
ooooh peloton in studio sounds amazing! What a cool experience. We also have had less-than-ideal weather here – nice job keeping up with the workouts. I didn’t know it snowed there!
It rarely does snow, so its a big deal when it does, even though it was just a dusting and was gone so quickly 🙂
How fun that you got to go to an in-person Peloton class! I don’t do Peloton, but I don’t think I’d pass up that opportunity.
Oklahoma, sexy-style? I’m game…
What is up with the weather?
The weather was not the best this week! Perfect weather for an indoor treadmill class though 🙂
I bet doing Peleton in the studio would be quite the experience.
I do love theatre and try to go to a show when I’m in NYC.
We got snow too but it melted but another BIG storm is on its way.
Your training seems to be going very well and before you know it you’ll be on the start line.
Oh no a big storm?? Stay safe Darlene! No more broken bones!
The in-studio Peloton class sounds fun (I might actually be game for a treadmill run in that format, LOL). You’re getting the same (or very similar) crazy weather as we are in the Midwest. Never a dull moment 😉
I haven’t actually run on a treadmill in about a year (since we moved in July and I think my last one was in March in Minneapolis!) but this was a lot more fun, haha!
It is just amazing what you manage to get into every week!
I do not stay up to midnight. Not unless I’m traveling and have to . . . great job getting in your run the next day! Sounds like running was a bit rough this week hopefully this coming week goes a lot better!
So cool about taking the live Peloton class. I didn’t know they had spa facilities!
Hehe, I do not stay up until midnight either, especially on a worknight! I felt it the whole week.
I wouldn’t say spa facilities, just “spa-like” with really nice showers and high-end products, Dyson blow-dryers, etc. Might as well get our money’s worth!
Sounds like pretty horrendous weather for London. We only had snow once when we lived in Birmingham and like you said, it was gone very quickly. The winter days can be so dreary though. That reimagination of Oklahoma sounds….interesting. That’d be a late night for me as well. Susie Chan is my FAVE! How cool to get to run with her in the studio! So fun!
It wasn’t the best week for weather, but nothing compared to Minneapolis!
Susie was really cool, I’m glad my first studio class was with her! We got to take pictures and chat with her after and she seemed very genuine and kind.
How fun to take an in-studio Peloton class! Good job on the 14-miler in the wind, rain, and pelting ice!
It was a blast! I added my name to the waitlist to try it again.
Wow, what a fun week! You did so much, in addition to running 51 miles. I think a whole post about a class at the Peloton studio would be popular! I’m sure it’s incredible.
I only have one complaint- I miss Ruth and Mathilda this week! Ha ha… I must see at least one picture of them next week.
Before taking the class, I did read other Londoner’s blog posts about the Peloton studio, so I probably should add my experience to the mix.
Oh my goodness, you’re right, no Ruth and Matilda pictures! After Matilda’s big birthday last week, somehow they didn’t get any facetime this week!
What a week! You know I was hanging on every detail of your Peloton studio class. I will have to take that one and listen to your shoutout. Glad you had a good experience.. LOL on discovering that building was a private home. 40 bedrooms is crazy! You did have some rough weather for you long run, but it’s great that you got it done. LOL on the sexy version of Oklahoma. Today NPR had a story about high schools having to clean up/tone down plays because of the heightened scrutiny of what schools are teaching. That play sounds like… Read more »
Yes, let me know if you take the class and what you think! It was fun 80’s pop hits. Interesting story on NPR…to be fair, considering that they didn’t change the words “I’m just a girl who can’t say no” etc., only the interpretation was interesting to see how it worked- which is did work!
Great week!
That class looks and sounds intense! I’m glad you loved it and had a great workout.
I’ve never seen Oklahoma! To be honest, I prefer more of the Operetta style musical (where everything is sung) vs the older style where there is talking and then everyone just breaks into song and dance. That does make for late night though!
Six was like that! Minimal talking that wasn’t part of song. Hamilton is obviously the best example 🙂
I feel like London is getting a lot of snow this year – actually more than we have received here in Connecticut, lol.
So awesome that you got a chance to take a live class with Susie in the London studio!
yes, it snowed twice, which is two more times than normal! How many times in Connecticut?
We had so much snow in Birmingham and I had to tramp to physio through proper crunchy snow! We also have Dishoom up here. Well, up there – I’m in Spain at the moment in the SUN!
Enjoy Spain! How do you like Dishoom? Our dishes were amazing. Lived up to the hype!
Such a fun filled week! I am not up on the current Peloton instructors. Was this a person you had taken a class from before? Was it like seeing an actor in real life??
Is dry needling more accessible than in the US? I have learned that I need to get an insurance referral to go to physical therapy, which might include dry needling. I was hoping to just call up a place and get an appointment right away but it’s not working out that way!
I had never taken a running class on Peloton. I do strength digitally on the Peloton app but not bike or tread so I did not know her. So it wasn’t a celebrity in my mind though now that I’ve learned more about her, I realize she’s actually quite an amazing runner! I found dry needling pretty accessible in the US; I think it really varies based on insurance provider, and I sometimes just paid out of pocket for what I needed. Here in the UK, it was really difficult to find a physio that even does soft tissue and… Read more »