I need to postpone my runs more often.
Through out the entire morning/afternoon I wavered on what I was going to do for my run this afternoon. I had originally planned a treadmill run, as that is likely what I would have done this morning for my work out (yes this is totally off my work out plan, but I’ve got POTM to pick up…and quite frankly I am enjoying these short runs…so it’s what I’m doing). BUT, when I heard that it was going to be 70 degrees for a high today in Denver, I knew that even at 5 PM, I had no excuse not to try and run outdoors.
Was it going to be dark, likely. Get over it sister.
So, I found some new big girl pants, and decided outside it is. Now…of course I forgot my phone at home, so I needed to consider safety as a factor a little heavier than normal without any communication. So, I picked the park near where I work, and just decided to do laps. 10 of them. Thinking that if I ever felt uncomfortable, I was never more than a few minutes from my car and outta there…
I also told Zach exactly where I’d be running and when to expect me home, so he would know if something was up.
Runner PSA yall. You gotta be safe out there.
So, with my big girl pants on, I headed out. No music, no sunlight, no Garmin, just me.
And honestly, it was the best run I’ve had in a LONG time.
I was a bit concerned the laps would get boring, especially without music, but they weren’t. I used the time to think about things and felt SUPER connected with every part of my running. My breathing, my steps, my stride, everything. I felt surprisingly strong, and kind of wished I had my trusty Garmin to know my pace…but ultimately not only did I finish my 10 laps, I added 2 and made it a total of 4.41 miles according to G-Map Pedometer.
Workout of the Day: 4.41 dark miles
Yup — apparently my camera doesn’t like night time photos without flash. But I do 🙂
I also attempted some planks after the run at my car…but somebody walked out of our building as I was doing it and likely thought I was trying to break into my car at that point (hence why the picture goes wild)…so I took it as a hint and just headed home.
Perfect, perfect run. This was one of those runs that remind you WHY you love running.
I did manage a little 10-10-10 workout when I got home to make up for my lack of parking lot planking.
- 6 rounds of:
- 10 sit ups
- 10 squats
- 10 push ups
Good, quick little full body work out to wrap up the afternoon.
I then did something that I have been doing periodically lately when I want to speed up recovery.
I have read so much about people using them for marathon training. That it basically ices all the muscles in your legs, instead of having to ice muscle by muscle.
I highly recommend it! While I’m not running long distances right now, I am running more days in a row than normal (hopefully 5) so I want to do everything in my power to save my legs.
A few pointers I’ve read:
- Don’t start too cold. Think 50’s…
- No longer than 10 minutes. It’s recommended 6-8 minutes
- If you want to get any colder/longer, make sure you are working with a professional of some kind.
And that my friends, was my perfect afternoon work out 🙂
Last Nights Dinner
Because I forgot and it was too darn pretty…
That’s right. I won’t judge you if you’re drooling…I am.
And just like that, it’s time for me to eat dinner tonight 🙂 PIZZA NIGHT!
Question of the night: When was the last time you had that PERFECT run or work out?
Do you ice bath?
I don’t know how anyone ice baths… ever! I don’t like cold water as it is, adding ice sounds awful! I think my toes would freeze off. It may also have something to do with how cold I get on just a regular basis (I’m the one wearing long sleeves and sweatshirts during summer). But good for people that can do ice baths, that’s one tough cookie!
My toes actually were the coldest part…friggin freezing!
I can imagine. My toes are typically so cold all the time that they’re actually a slightly grayish-blue color; my co-workers comments on this… during mid summer… 🙂 I don’t know if the toes could handle the ice bath. Maybe if I could wrap my thighs and calves in ice that would be ok. 🙂
woah! Yeah with blue and grey toes I’d probably stay away from the ice 😉
Probably should get the always cold thing, looked at sometime. 🙂
Sounds like a wonderful run! I’ve only done an ice bath twice. Though I know the results are amazing for you, it’s just the doing it that I can’t seem to get past.
It is so miserable. I had Zach come in to distract me, lol
Great job on your run twin!! So glad you were safe. If I’m running at night or near dusk, I don’t run with headphones. Lol I love your I’m-planking-not-breaking-into-my-car-photo.
When I was having ankle problems I tried to do an ice bath. I made a major mistake and threw ice into a bucket of water and let it chill first…I couldn’t keep my foot in for more than 5 sec. Lesson learned.
haha yeah this one was miserable enough and probably only low 50’s … cold enough for me to need Zach to come in and distract me the entire time…
Haha I wish I had Kyle. I was swearing like a sailor and my dog was looking at me like I was crazy…
Nice work! well done! I read this the other day http://runnershealth.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/are-ice-baths-good-or-bad-for-you/
Thanks for sharing!
I used to ice bath when I played college basketball and I HATED it! lol I used to dread it everytime, I’m a total baby when it comes to the cold
-Elise @ 9toFit.com
sounds like a great run! but ouch I’ve never done an ice bath but if I ever do I’ll probably take your advice and not start off too cold, I’m a big wimp when it comes to being cold
Smart! It’s dangerous to do too cold!
Oh my goodness, that dinner looks DELISH! Post the recipe!!
I definitely should!
So hey, do me a favor and bring your freaking phone with you when you run silly girl. If suddenly one day your blog disappears because you twist your ankle, can’t stand up and get eaten by wild boars because you don’t have your phone, I’m going to be devastated. 🙂
LOL normally I do I swear…just forgot it at home! I was sure to have Zach know exactly where I was going to be though!
I’m totally not mom material, but I think I just had a mom moment there! 🙂
LOL I’m OK with it!
I have started to take ice baths-but I’m too lazy to get ice so I just run the water really cold. It helps so much. But I didn’t know 10 mins was the max. I’ve been sitting in there for 15-20 mins!
Without ice you’re probably Ok for 15-20 in not super cold…but definitely be careful!
I have never taken an ice bath, but just the thought of it is awful! I can’t stand cold water!
They are brutal but helpful!
On the safety note, check out the Road ID app. It will send your progress updates in the form of cute little GPS maps to recipients via text or email. I heart it!
Interesting. . . when I get a smart phone (my fingers are crossed for christmas) this will definitely be something I get!
i’ve done quite a few ice baths (mostly only after runs longer than 10 miles) and here’s some tips i’ve learned to make it pretty tolerable: 1) just wear your clothes in the tub – if it was cold outside i’ll just wear the base layer of what i had on. most importantly keep your socks on!! 2) hot tea while you’re in the tub 3) bring your phone and distract yourself with facebook or a game 🙂 makes the time fly by!
Thanks so much for the tips!
some tips to make ice baths a bit more bearable 1) just wear your clothes (or at least the base layer if you have several layers on) and most importantly, keep your socks on!! 2) drink hot tea while in the tub 3) bring your phone and facebook or play a game – makes the time fly by 🙂