Hello, hello! I hope everyone had a great week! Here’s my recap as usual of training for the Cape Town marathon, which is six weeks away!
Monday: Rest from running after the Big Half the day before (which was very fun, though a little warm!)
My sister Erin and I went to barre at Barrecore, which was great after the race the day before. Later in the day, we went to Kensington & Chelsea to wander around, ate lunch at Farm Girl, and then went to the Bizarre Birds exhibit at the Natural History Museum. We both love birds- especially bizarre ones! It was a neat exhibit; the Natural History Museum is beautiful, but can be very crowded with lots of kids, but fortunately the kids weren’t in the Bizarre Birds exhibit!
I worked for a bit of the rest of the day and then we had one last London dinner together, at F.KA. Black Axe Mangal (“Formerly Known As”) in Highbury & Islington.
Tuesday: I bid farewell to my sister as she caught a taxi to Heathrow to fly back to Chicago; I ran 8 solo miles before work. After lots of hosting, I was excited for a low-key week with dinners at home and a focus on R&R, before I head to the U.S. for work next week (split between NYC and Minneapolis.)
Wednesday: Big workout, all before work! Warm-up 2 miles, then 2×4 miles at goal marathon pace with 1 mile jog in between the sets, 12.5 miles total. Eeks! I had company with a few Mornington Chaser friends for the first set, but was on my own for the 2nd.
After work, I fit in a pilates reformer class at Heartcore.
Thursday: Run commute to Mayfair with Tina to meet up with the WMN Run group for their Thursday morning run through Hyde Park, followed by a jog to the office for 9.25 miles total, all easy peasy.
I had hoped to fit in another pilates class after work, but delays on the Northern line tube caused me to arrive too late to get into the class. Boo…
I did some Caroline Girvan core and upper body on my own instead at home.
Friday: Solo run commute with a heavy pack and then met up with my friend Nicole for a 5k through St. James/Green parks. 7.5 miles total.
Saturday: 18 mile long run with some Mornington Chasers.
Spent the rest of the day doing laundry and preparing to leave the next day!
I also fit in an appointment at “Face Gym”- basically a workout for your face muscles, meant to lift/sculpt, i.e. an alternative to Botox. It was unique! Not sure I would make it a regular thing, but I do think it made a difference.
Sunday: 6.6 mile run with Ruth and Dustin, last minute packing and then off to Heathrow to fly to NYC. Here’s hoping I’m able to squeeze in all my scheduled marathon training before work! Its been 2 years since I was back in the U.S. for work (I’ve been back for personal once); I have direct reports on my team in both NYC and Minneapolis so I’m looking forward to seeing them in person.
But always said to leave these pups behind! Dustin will take good care of them.
Summary: 62 miles of running, 1 pilates class, 1 other strength day, some core.
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 hope all goes with your travels and continued training. You are a busy gal with all your run groups, as well as run-commuting. Stellar mileage!
Thanks Kim! I love being able to run commute!
I am always so jealous of how you are able to fit in so much activity – and with others! I love the running groups, running commutes, pilates, etc. you get to do. Hope marathon training keeps going well!
I recognize it’s easier for me since I don’t have kids!
I hope you enjoy your 2 weeks back in the US! We’ve just had some nice cool weather, but will be warming up later this week!
Nice job with the miles! I could use that face gym lol
Just one week!
The face gym was an experience 🙂
so many miles and activities… you are one active lady.
How long are you in NYC? Hope you get to see Cari on her home turf. Unfortunately I not working there until Sept 18.
Arrived late Sunday night, fly to Mpls tomorrow night. Not much time with the focus on work!
Ooh, have fun in NYC! And Minneapolis! It’ll probably feel a little strange to be back.
Sounds like you had a fun week with lots of varied experiences. Face Gym? That’s actually a thing? It’s a cool idea but I think I’d rather just do face exercises at home.
I’m not one to do face exercises but they gave me a summary of everything so I could do it at home! I don’t have all the tools though.
Might need to hear more about this facial gym and what exercises you did. You have been busy hosting and running around London!
Lots of hosting, lots of running!
Oh! Husband was at Heathrow on Sunday flying to the US – he went to Portland, Oregon for work! Lovely report and I’m so pleased the UK running community has gathered you in and you have so many folk to run and train with!
Yes the UK running community has been fabulous!
Nice job on your training! I hope you have a great time while here in the states on your work trip and that you have some down time to visit with your family while in Minnesota.
I don’t know that I’ll see family this time around, lots of work stuff scheduled.
Have a great and safe trip to the US! We are saving some nice weather for you!
Good to hear, looking forward to some miles on my old stomping grounds!
That picture of the girls is FLAWLESS! So sweet.
And a Face Gym? That’s wild!
I hope you have safe travels and a productive trip!
Hehe yes those pups are the best!
Oh, back in the States! I hope you have a productive and enjoyable visit! I’m sure it will be great to be back in your old stomping grounds. Safe travels!!
What a great week, Jessie. And I love that race picture with the Tower Bridge in the back. Amazing.