Week 4 of the Quarantine

Here we are, week 4 of sheltering-in-place, running solo, working from home, and virtual strength training sessions. I hope you’re hanging in there, staying healthy, sane, and as active as you can!

For each of us, the level of activity looks different. For me, I’m still training as though marathons will be back on the horizon this summer, even though we really don’t know if that’s the case. I’m also focusing on strength training 3 times a week. Besides, its the physical activity that is keeping me sane more than ever these days!

I do have a “race” on the schedule now- the McKirdy Mile Race Series. My coach, Esther, works for McKirdy Trained, and recommended it. It’s a series of three 1-mile races (virtual of course), with the intent of getting faster with each. More information here.

Here’s a summary of how I found ‘the right fit’ during this crazy time…

Monday: 8.25 miles at 9:15 min/mile average before work. Picked up Ruth (our vizsla pup) for a mile at the end.

I swear, I see a bald eagle on either Bde Mka Ska or Lake Harriet every morning! Between eagle sitings and the loons calling in the early morning, it doesn’t seem like I live in the city.

Virtual 1:1 training session with a Discover Strength trainer after work.

Tuesday: I woke up to an intense storm and wasn’t in the right mindset for the treadmill. So, for the first time in the whole quarantine, I ran AFTER work.

Dustin joined me to try to pace me for my workout, but between the crowds on the trails and my anxiety about the crowds, the workout was a bit of a bust. I can’t blame everyone for being outside; it was the first 70 degree sunny day in Minneapolis this year! But its hard to social distance when there’s so many people, even with the roads around the lakes closed to car traffic….

My workout was 3 miles easy, 40 minutes of 3 minutes hard, 2 minutes recovery, 2 minutes harder, 3 minutes recovery, 1 mile easy to 9 miles total at a 8:55 min/mile. I usually walked part of the recovery and Dustin turned his Garmin off for the walking, so he had 8.7 miles at an 8:25 min/mile average. I have to admit, it was lovely to get some sunshine and really break a sweat!

Wednesday: 6.6 miles at a 9:50 min/mile average before work.

I struggle to go from an evening run, especially a workout, to an early morning run, so I was definitely dragging on this one. I listened to my body and went as slow as necessary to feel good. I picked up Ruth at the end for a mile.  Dustin said she was crying by the door by the leash when I left. Clearly she is enjoying morning runs!

I did another 1:1 virtual training session with a Discover Strength trainer after work.

Afterwards, I found a surprise message on the sidewalk from my friend Christie. Thanks friend!

Thursday: 5 miles before work, 4 miles after. My schedule called for a mid-week long run of 10-11 miles, but I split it up into two and only got to 9 total. Close enough.

That evening, my run club friends and I did a virtual trivia night via Quizmaster Trivia. It was pretty fun- even the Queen stopped by!

Friday: Technically, I had the day off of work for Good Friday, but I still worked a bit in the morning. Then I ran 4 miles + 1 with Ruth, 8:55 min/mile average, followed by a 1:1 virtual training session with a Discover Strength trainer over lunch. 3rd time this week! It feels really good to keep up with strength training in addition to all the running.

Saturday: It was a beautiful morning for a run and Dustin said he’d run with me! Yay!

I actually think it was only 36 degrees when we started, but it warmed up quickly and I was down to a tank top and shorts by the end.  

My long run workout was 60 minutes easy, 20 minutes at goal marathon pace (8-8:15), 10 minutes easy, 20 minutes at goal marathon pace (8-8:15), 20 minutes easy.

14.8 miles total at an 8:45 min/mile average. I picked up Ruth for the cool down. 

That evening, I actually put on jeans and left the house (for something other than running!) We got takeout from Pig Ate My Pizza as well as a few crowlers from their brewery. Delicious!

That evening we watched the movie Uncut Gems with Adam Sandler. Anyone watched that one? Ahh, so stressful!

Sunday: After a beautiful sunny 60 degree day on Saturday, we woke up to snow and wind. Hard to believe that on Saturday, we sat outside to enjoy dinner on the deck and then Sunday we had snow!

I decided to just do my run on the treadmill. 6 miles easy.

Summary: 3 strength training sessions, 59 miles of running

In dog news, there has been a daily battle over the cozy cove; when one dog gets up, the other one zips in there to steal her spot!

I had to cave and order a second one, even though we have plenty of dog beds around the house. I got an email from Snoozer Pets that they were no longer shipping due to the pandemic, but I must have ordered it just in time, as it arrived this week. The dogs are so happy to have two cozy coves now!

I really hope all of you are staying healthy and safe during this stressful time. It’s great to have the ability to stay connected virtually and support each other; this link-up hosted by Running on the Fly and Confessions of a Mother Runner ‘s is a great way to do so! Check it out below: