A Perfect Run and an Ice Bath

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?

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