week 62: conquering the green monster

Finally, this week was time for conquering the Green Monster, otherwise known as the last bridge at the Gate River Run 15K. Let’s get into it!



Sunday

• Cardio: 4.48 miles, walking
• Core Challenge: 10 coffin sit ups , 12 Leg Lifts, 12 Push Ups, 10 Plank Jacks, :60 plank

It was the last weekend of February. For some reason, it flew by compared to January. I’ve been a little apprehensive of the new month, but I keep going all the same.

When I finished my walk, I completed my core challenge for the day.

Nights were still hard because of Leonidas. He’s doing mostly well, but still need a 2:00 AM potty break. He’s so cute I don’t care.

Monday

• Cardio: 3.24 miles, walking
• Core Challenge: 11 coffin sit ups , 13 Leg Lifts, 13 Push Ups, 11 Plank Jacks, :75 plank

Happy Monday! There is nothing better than coming home to adoring puppy kisses. Luna loves me, but she’s more reserved than her baby brother.

Monday was my first day home with the puppy along, and he sure did his best to “help” me.

Tuesday

• Cardio: 5.25 miles, walking
• Core Challenge: 12 coffin sit ups , 13 Leg Lifts, 13 Push Ups, 12 Plank Jacks, :75 plank
• Lean Legs Challenge: :30 bridge, :30 wall sit, 12 donkey kicks (each side), 15 crunches 
• Glute Workout: 3 x 10 elevated goblet squats, single dumbbell squat, Russian Deadlift; 2×10 Bulgarian split squats; 2 x 20 Alternating Reverse Lunge
  

It was good to be back to walking with J. Solo time is nice, but time with friends is even nicer.

Since it was Shrove Tuesday, I made pancakes with baked, twisted bacon for dinner. I highly recommend it: the bacon was crispy and didn’t make a mess.

That night, I had a meeting with Scouts. They are always productive, but leading meetings is hard for me as an introvert. I’m always glad to bring them to a close.

Wednesday

• Cardio: 4.06 miles, walking
• Core Challenge: 13 coffin sit ups , 14 Leg Lifts, 14 Push Ups, 13 Plank Jacks, :75 plank
• Lean Legs Challenge: :35 bridge, :35 wall sit, 12 donkey kicks (each side), 20 crunches 

As you may have noticed by my long sleeves, its’s colder again. But the azaleas are blooming again, so there’s that.

My days and nights have been pretty quiet, right now. The pugs take up a lot of time, and potty training is consuming. Leonidas is practically perfect, so we don’t want to lose out on that.

Thursday – 4.55 miles, walking + core challenge day 18 + shoulder session

• Cardio: 4.24 miles, walking
• Core Challenge: 14 coffin sit ups , 14 Leg Lifts, 14 Push Ups, 14 Plank Jacks, :90 plank
• Lean Legs Challenge: :40 bridge, :35 wall sit, 12 donkey kicks (each side), 30 crunches 

Another great walk. The skies have been so beautiful, and the sun always boosts my spirits.

My parents came over to meet Leonidas. Of course, he dazzled them with his cuteness. And just so you know, Luna adores her little brother. They snuggled and cuddle and it’s just the sweetest thing ever.

Thursday night dinner by A involved a garlic and parsley pasta dish with baked chicken and a green salad.

Friday

• Cardio: 4.15 miles, walking
• Core Challenge: 15 coffin sit ups , 15 Leg Lifts, 15 Push Ups, 15 Plank Jacks, :90 plank
• Lean Legs Challenge: :40 bridge, :35 wall sit, 12 donkey kicks (each side), 30 crunches
• Shoulder Burner: 3×10 alternating around the worlds, snatch to alternating press, rainbow front raise, single arm Arnold press, seesaw press

Busy, busy morning. I started with my walk and some supplemental workouts. With the Gate River Run the next day, I was doing everything in my power to take my mind off things.

I had to go to packet pickup at the fairgrounds. This year, everyone got a time slot to attend the expo. It was not at all crowded and much more limited in vendors and booths than in year’s past, but that was ok.

I tried to spend the rest of the day chilling out. Since I was going alone, I got all my gear packed so I could just sneak out the door first thing. I got my flat runner ready, too.

We enjoyed a sushi dinner and I headed to bed.

Saturday

• Cardio: 9.37 miles, walking

And race day had arrived. I was super nervous and super edgy, but I got myself to the start line.

Of course, the race report is coming, but I will let you know that I busted through those 9.3 miles, even with only a little running at the start and the finish.

I felt so strong once I was done, and I’m glad I didn’t bail at the last minute.

After getting some photos, I picked up lunch, drove home, and got cleaned up. It was my friend’s daughter’s birthday party, and I wanted to give her a hug. And then finally, I got to have a wonderful dinner with some beautiful friends.

Goal-getting + Thoughts

So what’s next?

Of course, I feel incredibly empowered after Saturday’s race. It was a challenge, but I conquered it and that gives me such strength.

To make up for not being able to run, I registered for the ZOOMA Amelia Island 12K. Use code 2022ZOOMA10 for a 10% savings if you want to join me there.

I will also be joining my friend at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm for their Raptor Run 3K Fun Run! You can save 10% off your entry with code RUNWITHPUGS through March 7 at 11:59PM.

Even though the extra strength and weights sessions are taking up a lot of my time, I am already feeling better and stronger, and need to keep it going. The knee feels good, even after Saturday, and I am going to build on that and keep it moving.

I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!

How was your week in training? Have you ever run Zooma?