We had a few days of rain here about a week ago, but the past several days have been sunny/partly cloudy with high 50’s/low 60’s, which has been nice for February. Definitely shorts weather right now.
I’m currently in a 6-week squat cycle on Mondays where “we” are squatting our maximum 20-rep squat. After 4 weeks, I’m squatting 2.5 kgs (5.5 lbs) less than my bodyweight. Next Monday, I’ll hopefully get to or above bodyweight and then in the final week go for more. That’s the plan, but I’ll say one thing, twenty (20) reps is reeeeally difficult.
I’m also slowly rebuilding my bench press for the competition in the Spring. I hit a 5-rep PR this past weekend. I’ve almost completely ignored my bench for so long (a year since last comp), when it used to be my strongest lift.
I also squeezed in a 6+ mile trail run by the Bay a few days ago. Certainly not my fastest time, under an hour, but I was puddle hopping everywhere on the trail. What’s kinda fun about the trail run is that I enjoy “steeplechasing” over a few large tree logs that divide certain portions of the trail.
On vacation but I’ve closed my rings and more every day. Mostly walking the beach and the paths along it, but today we did an awesome (and hard) hike. Next week we will likely do more actual hiking, but the view from the beach walks is hard to beat.
The weather continues to be beautiful here, so yesterday I ran the 6+ mile Bay Trail in almost 3 fewer minutes than I’ve ever done previously.
This week, I’ve been testing peaks in my power lifts and I’m within 3-4% of my PR’s. With a couple months to go, I’m hoping I can build on those previous peaks.
The gym owner spent some time trying to improve my deadlift form on Wednesday, which has been a lifelong challenge for me.
But I had a great fitness week for some unknown reason.
Sounds lovely. I rarely run 6 miles, but when I do… it’s because the weather situation (in combo with the clothing that day) is perfect for doing a 2nd loop around my local lake trail.
With stretching before and after the run, six (6) miles is roughly an hour’s worth of work for me. That distance doesn’t kill my legs for the next day’s workout, so it’s my “go to” for a Zone 2 workout.
I really need to get some sort of wrist watch (Garmin, Apple, etc.), which gives “you” details of the run(s). I’ve hesitated over the years, because I haven’t really cared all that much, but I think I’m getting to the point where I want more info and I care.
As @gpo613 mentioned above, we often need goals for motivation. Since I’m not a golfer, one my other Spring goals, besides the comp and “Murph”, is that my family was invited to a destination wedding this Spring, so I’m hoping to look good in my swim shorts.
Gosh, I would never ever run without my cellphone. It has my podcasts, MapMyRun, Health App/steps… but most importantly it’s my emergency plan if I get stuck out on the trail and need help.
My running clothing has a huge assortment of pocket choices that enable me to carry cellphone, water flask, car keys, tissue. In cooler weather I sometimes wear sleeveless cycling jersey as first layer in order to have extra pockets .
I didn’t know I “needed” an Apple Watch, but it has changed my life. Even though I think they are very ugly, I can’t imagine not having one now. My husband is the same. We’ve both owned multiple at this point. Fortunately mine died within my Costco/credit card super warranty period. He wasn’t so lucky.
I never go for a walk or run without my phone. Ever.
Several years ago a neighbor of ours went out for an evening run. It was getting dark and he missed a step running across a wooden bridge that was over a small stream. Broke his ankle and tore ligaments. He had no way to call for help and ended up dragging himself over a mile to get home.
I much prefer to run on the treadmill than outside, which avoids all of the above. In addition to not needing to carry phone, reasons I prefer the treadmill to outside include:
Can run in any weather conditions
Prefer to run during evening, when dark outside
Half my running is interval training. Treadmill better supports interval training by more easily monitoring interval time and pace/elevation. Also easier to keep pace in non-interval training, as well as do warmups/cooldown.
Can watch TV while running, which I find helps pass the time, as well as can improve performance/motivation with particular selections
Can run with any/limited clothing, and can change clothing. Prefer full clothing when starting, then no shirt after warmed up.
Temperature + wind/fan controlled
Place to hold and sip water bottle while running, as well as place to hold towel
Don’t need to be concerned with streets/cars/fumes/loose dogs/tripping/… while running
Reduced risk of injury/safer + better shock absorbtion (my treadmill has configurable setting)
Can choose to stop workout at any time, and will be at home with food and shower nearby. I don’t need to plan ahead. Have the option to run more/fewer miles, depending on how I happen to be feeling, rather than planning around ending at home/car. No travel or driving around sweaty in car after workout.
Better situated during unexpected events, whether they be bathroom or injury
Better privacy and no need to stop or say hi to neighbors
Can be aware of problems occurring at home while running, including things with my dog and occasionally work/laptop alerts
Let me ask, why do you think so? I’m being totally serious in an effort to preferably simplify the process, assuming I actually do proceed.
As for running outside versus treadmill, I much prefer running in nature. During my Thursday run, I saw a dying squirrel, which still continues to bum me out. Yes, I know there are trillions of them, but I just hate to see dying anything. Anyway, I do enjoy seeing snakes, possums, squirrels, birds, cats, etc. on my runs.
Also, I’m looking to unplug when running. So, when running I don’t want see my email, TV, CC or whatever. And there are others walking and running on the trail, so if I were to fall, there will always be someone else passing by who can call 911. This particular trail closes at sunset. Otherwise, I feel safe, so I’m not worried about my safety.
In terms of interval training or treadmill work, I much prefer a CMT (curved manual treadmill), which my gym has. There’s greater exertion than a plug-in treadmill (it’s manual, so it ain’t going anywhere unless your feet are moving, works more and different muscles) and they’re really easy on your joints.
I see you more as a Garmin guy too, but I can’t tell you why. My husband had an “early” Garmin exercise watch and he didn’t like it at all. He loves his Apple Watch, but all he does is run, walk and bike. When he does other exercises he doesn’t really care to track, other than to get “credit” with the watch.
Dr Google helps explain why… “Garmin offers more in-depth fitness tracking features specifically designed for strength training, including detailed workout tracking, advanced metrics like training load, and longer battery life.”
For me, running (and walking and biking and pickleball) are all wonderful opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. In retirement, I’m loving the fact that I can cherry pick the best weather. Winter does make it tougher to get outside with good footing (though not impossible - CO has great sunshine). So this winter it’s been a joy to have indoor pickleball options too.
