When I first heard about the newest Cleveland-area virtual race, DASH ACROSS THE LAND, I had grand plans. I was going to perhaps hold off on my running streak, take a few easy days, and then start up with spadework. This would surely help me get past my running slump (I’ve been slow – for me – since getting sick in March) and bring me back to racing speeds.
Well, spoiler alert – I haven’t done any of that, and the race is next weekend!
I’m almost to 100. 100 days of running in a row!
When I started the running streak the day of the Cleveland half marathon (virtual), I had no idea how long I would continue it. I had never actually run a day after a half marathon before, but since I was doing the Challenge Series and due to run a 5k either the day before or after, I figured I’d run it the day after and see how I felt. I was surprised how okay I felt, and decided to just keep running. And here we are! Day 94.
It has been 4 months since we’ve been home. Home from work, home from school and home with the kids. And surprisingly, we haven’t gone crazy. It likely helps that it’s summertime and we’ve had mostly beautiful (albeit hot) weather lately, and been able to enjoy some time outdoors. I thought by now for sure we’d be all stir crazy, trying o figure out what to do on the weekends, but in all honesty, the weekends have been great. We work so much during the weeks that the weekends are a needed reprieve. FW likes to say “You can read to me because you don’t have phone calls, Mommy!” and “No meetings today? You can play with us?” and although I do get a pang of guilt, I’m able to actually spend the time and enjoy it with the kids.
So, what have we been doing? Well, here’s a little glimpse at the past few weeks.
We go for walks every day! Even if it’s just a walk around the block after breakfast or after dinner, we get outside. The kids enjoy the rain – especially the puddles 🙂 
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I did it! I broke 40 miles in one week. For me, this was a big deal. My highest mileage week this year was around 39, and even when I trained for the Cleveland Marathon, my highest mileage week for training was just 40. But this week, thanks to some solo and stroller runs, and some days of more than one run in a day, I was able to get to my all-time high of 43.2 miles! And, I’m still streaking – I’m at 44 days of running in a row.
My baby girl is two.
Born on her due date, coming into the world just a few minutes after we got to the hospital and before we even had a chance to officially check in, she has somehow grown into a sassy, opinionated, moody 2-year-old.
I won’t do a sappy post right now – there are too many emotions going on in my head right now anyway (#thankscovid), but instead, a simple post about how we celebrated the birthday.
Under normal circumstances, this post would’ve included a recap of my 2020 Cleveland Marathon experience. The taperingish the week of, followed by running the Challenge Series on Saturday and Sunday.
But as we all know, things aren’t really normal right now. Races are cancelled. So this week, instead of running Cleveland, I had an ordinary running-by-myself week. Here’s what it looked like:
Well, it’s only taken 8 weeks, but I’m finally in a groove and feeling good about running. After taking a week off and having the flu, I had a rough time getting back at it, with having a hard time breathing and catching my breath. But I’ve been running with no chest pain for several weeks now. And, this week, I got in my first few runs with an under 10-minute/mile pace, which normally is a piece of cake, but since March has been impossible. I know I’ve said this before, but while the whole world is turning upside down, and I have no control over what happens, I am so so so grateful to have running. Especially right now.
Another week of social isolation down, and another week of still recovering and getting back into running. I’m finding I’m slower than ever before and have to take walking breaks even during short runs because I’m out of breath. BUT, I did another longish run this weekend and that gives me reason to hope that I’m getting better!
Here’s a look at this week’s runs — all done outside, but solo. For my weekday runs, I didn’t see anyone outside at all pretty much. On the weekends, I’ve had to dodge some people but I generally cross the street or run at least 6 feet away so I’m keeping my distance. Continue reading
Well, we made it — 3 weeks down of social isolation! And who knows how many more to come.
At first I thought the weekends wouldn’t feel much different than the week days – after all, I was working at home with the kids at home too. But I was VERY wrong. Working at home with the kids is far from a weekend. In fact, I saw this meme that pretty much sums it up:
Last week I shared that I was coming back from an injury….or something. After getting the flu (yes, I tested positive for Influenza A), I had a nasty cough and then some serious chest pains for a few weeks. The chest pain localized and I had some pressure when running. Anyway, I tried taking some time off and then walking, but this week I was back at running again for a few days. I’m still slow, still getting back out there, but it feels good to be able to get out when I can!
Here’s a look at this week’s runs: Continue reading
