Sunday, October 23, 2016

Last Week of Taper Before MCM (Weekly Wrap-up Edition)

So we are now a week away from MCM.  Seven more days, three more training runs, four more days of work, and one more billion checks of weather.com till the big day.  So far tapering has been fine.  I've never had a hard time with it, but do start getting nervous as the race gets closer.  But the more detailed planning I do, the better I feel.  The weather got a lot warmer this week and most days were highs in the mid 80s.  For mid-October it's a lot hotter then normal.


Monday's run was good.  I tried the walk/run of 30sec/1min again.  I still think HR running is better for me even though the time seems to be about the same.  The run felt a little hard, but with the weather getting warmer, it was a lot more humid that morning.


Wednesday I went back to my HR running.  It was still humid, but a good run.  I ran into Agnes who I see a lot out walking.  We always seem to be going the opposite ways, but this morning we walked about half a mile together.  It was fun getting to know her a little more. 


Friday was my last mid-week run of 5 miles.  All next week I'll be dropping down to 3 mile runs.  I did see another shooting star.  That's two in two weeks.  I did take a few moments to think about a wish unlike I did last week.  Whether I get my wishes or not, it's really cool to see a shooting star.


Saturday the MTT team is doing another 20 mile run.  Since I'm in my last taper long run, I only wanted to do 6 miles.  The half marathon team was doing 8 so I decided to do a run with them (but cut 2 miles off).  It was a good run.


I saw some odd things while on this run.  Including this weird huge bird nest.


And Alan. I've seen him before, he is not just a Halloween decoration, but this was the first time I stopped to get a picture.


And this kitty.  She (or he) walked right up to me and let me pet her (or him).  While I tend to say hi to all the dogs on a walk, never a cat before.  She must live around there somewhere and have a home to be so trusting.


And then I got to go out to brunch with my running friends.  I haven't been able to join them in ages cause we have been running different distances as they are training for the half.  It was so great to catch up with everyone.  And to show how small a town Richmond is, the lady that has been helping me at the Alzheimer's Association had been running with my running friends all summer long.

So remember to follow me on Twitter - @heatherlas and Instagram - @heathersspin as I will be posting throughout the weekend.  And maybe even during the race.

Have you ever seen a shooting star?  Have you seen anything interesting out on a run lately that wasn't just a Halloween decoration?  Has a cat ever come up to you to say hi?

Linking up with Holly and Tricia's Weekly Wrap Up.

22 comments:

  1. I saw a shooting star this morning when I was near mile 5 of my 16-miler ;-) And, there's a house I run by frequently...total overkill on their Halloween yard decorations LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. At least it's something to keep us entertained while running.

      Delete
  2. I see cats and rabbits and squirrels all the time when I'm out for a run. They look at me like I'm a lunatic and just run away!

    Enjoy your taper!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I've never had an animal run up to me. Well, except for maybe that one dog a few years ago that was off his leash and would just run after me. Thanks!

      Delete
  3. That is a crazy bird nest decoration! I hope your taper continues to go well. I plan to be in Crystal City with my MRTT group cheering during MCM!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, it was a pretty cool decoration. Thanks!

      Delete
  4. My oh my. You see some very interesting things on your run! You are right -- the cats usually run away from you. I'm afraid I'll never see a shooting star while running. I'm too busy watching the pavement. LOL. I hope you have a wonderful experience at MCM. Thanks for linking, Heather!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad for the weird distractions on my run. Thanks!

      Delete
  5. I have never seen a shooting start and you have seen 2 in two weeks. Hopefully your wishes come true! It has been pretty warm here this week as well but finally cooled off this weekend and I'm afraid it is here to stay. Hopefully the weather will be perfect for you for the race this weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have to run more in the dark to see them. :) Here's to good weather! Thanks

      Delete
  6. Wow only one more week until the marathon - that's awesome! I've heard nothing but great things about MCM!

    You see some unique things on your run - I never see anything special, lol. Maybe I need to change up my route!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, my neighborhood is very boring. One of the reasons I like running in the city for my long runs is that there are a lot of different things to look out. Thanks!

      Delete
  7. We have feral cats around my complex, so they definitely don't wonder up and say hi. My own cat greets me when I get home from work, and she knows my schedule.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love it when my cat is at the door to greet me home. And people say only dogs do. Mine even talks to me for the first few minutes I'm home and I ask him questions and he answers. Really! :)

      Delete
  8. Oh awesome to see a shooting star!!

    I love the detailed countdown you have! I hope you have a great race!

    I'll go find your instagram now.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Those are definitely some interesting sights on your run! The cat looks so sweet. Fingers crossed for good weather on race day for you :) I'm planning to be down there cheering a bit after mile 16.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll be posting what I will be wearing later this week. If you see me, call out.

      Delete
  10. Shooting stars are so neat - I don't see them often! Glad tapering has gone well! I know all about those weather checks! Hah! Have a great week - crossing my fingers y'all end up with great weather! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Richmond will be my next focus. Glad your 20 miler went well!

    ReplyDelete
  12. What is up with the bird nest minus the birds?? Is it part of Halloween? Maybe something hides in the eggs?? That is pretty odd!
    I hope you have a great MCM race!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes for you!

    ReplyDelete