Early start for me this morning. I went to the supermarket and pushed yo possibly the last major things that I’ll need for a few weeks. Hopefully other things needed will be minor or can hold off until further down the line.
Typically I’d pull out my running attire the night before a race – this one was a virtual. Some might view that ruined ritual as a sad moment; I elected to look at it as a moment to slow things down a bit.
Running without spectators is both a good and sad thing. It’s amazing to have that support pushing you on. I learned how to be my own cheerleader before I ever toed the line. Some days are harder than others to lace up but I always feel accomplished.
I called a local bike shop to get a trainer tire for my bike. My work ethic doesn’t stop because the world’s on stand still from COVID-19. I mapped a longer route to allow me to do 5K this afternoon and make a quick stop in to support @fulton_bikes.
I took my time and even opted to speed walk the last mile. I wish I could reward myself with some bubble tea right now but that restaurant isn’t open at the moment; iced coffee will do.
As I sit on the steps of my home, I’m grateful that I’m able to make things work, even if I have to modify my plans. Heading inside to knock out a long bike ride. Making tomorrow my dedicated day off. If you don’t see a rainbow in all of this smog, create your own.
Today’s Workout:
Run/ Walk: 5K with @runsheisbeautiful Cycling: In Progress with a 20 Mile goal
Today was physically productive and I’m looking forward to getting a great night’s rest after a series of at home workouts. I created a few playlists to accompany my workouts over the past few days and will do my best to keep up the trend.
If you’re up for the challenge, go for 16 to 20 reps for 2 -3 rounds then hit the bike for 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate level intensity.
You can find my COVID-19 90s/Millennium Throwback Playlist in my Instagram Highlights to keep you moving.
Several people asked how to support me over the last week. I don’t want to rush creating a Patreon account because I’d prefer to do it right the first time rather than do something half assed.
Instead I’d rather continue contributing my content here - particularly since I don’t have my fitness certification yet - and if you feel like throwing me a few dollars, this is completely up to you. You can visit my Running Fat Chef blog and hit the donate button.
Please do not contribute if you don’t have it. We are all going through this together and I honestly enjoy treating my social media like an online diary.
COVID-19 or not, I’ll be cooking, acting a fool and getting my fitness in whatever safe way possible.
Today’s Workout:
20 Min Cardio 25 Min Cycling | 6.31 Mi, 14.9 mph 1 Hour Running | 4.20 Mi, 15:25/mi, Aiming for Negative Splits 15 Min Meditation via @garmin app
Everything and everywhere I look, everyone’s talking about COVID-19–and it makes me talk and think about it too.
If there’s anything that I want to catch is a form of normalcy; I am making sure that I do it daily.
I made brunch and dinner for my family. Opted to make fish tonight because we needed something special. Hubby and I aren’t talking about it much but we’re worried. He’s officially home until further notice. I’m not working; kid’s officially out of school for a min of a month.
I woke up this morning with the intentions of running 13.1 but after wiping down my machine 3X in paranoia while rowing, I knew it would be a shit show.
You know what made me smile? Seeing toilet tissue still on the shelves and a decent amount of food left in the supermarket today. Sounds stupid to some but if you’re in my inbox reading how many people told me that they cannot pick up these things because people are hoarding them, it made me sick. It made me happy to see that my neighbors are shopping responsibly.
The current state of NYC is a bit heartbreaking. Restaurants will be pick up only on Tuesday. Some establishments will close and it’s for a good reason. We’re all sacrificing for a short time to be here for a long time. I just hope we remain compassionate during and after this is all done. If you are a person who bought too much, share it with a neighbor–please. Help out an older or immunocompromised person. I’ll be doing that unless restricted.
12 year old me would appreciate it because seeing this reminds me of days when I couldn’t eat because my family couldn’t afford it. We don’t know how long this will be but I hope you find something that keeps you smiling. Today’s gems came from my family, creating dope meals, actually picking up the phone to talk to people and getting off my ass to be active. If we get to a place where we are completely limited to our homes, I know that we’re resilient people and will see our ways through this. I am grateful for the privilege that I have; your complaint is someone else’s wildest dream.
Another race cancelled but my grind dont stop. It’s a little devastating but when I think about the gift of mobility, I cannot imagine being overwhelmed by the loss of an event.
Still figuring out my groove with this whole swimming thing but damn does it feel great to actually make strides. Yesterday I tackled just under 1000 yards, PRed my 100 + 400 according to my @Garmin and I feel progress in my endurance.
My body feels immaculate and haven’t encountered an endometriosis flare all week. I’ll be honest – I’m a little nervous about losing some of the muscle mass, watching certain things get leaner despite knowing that my body type will change because of the sport. I am reminding myself to focus on how I’m feeling versus being scared of the way that my body looks.
The entire world can tell you that you look and are amazing but those are things that you have to see in yourself. Despite shaky moments, I am confident in the skin that I’m in. If things start to level out with that bad C word that’s been plaguing all of these places, I will feel comfortable investing my money into my first tri. For the moment, I’m enjoying the ride of getting better with my craft.
Today’s Workout:
Cycling: 6 miles, 24 minutes Swimming: 684 yards, 1 hour, 15 mins instruction – Freestyle + learning how to back float/ breathing while in freestyle (thanks Miss @officialsharong –I love this woman) Run: 1 mile, 13:58/mi
#runningfatchef #fatrunner #diversitymatters #representationmatters #hokaoneone #timetofly #womenwhofly #sponsoredbysuperfithero ##journeytoironman #triathleteintraining (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m6saDnK0W/?igshid=1o75evhizkw83
Doesn’t matter what your level of success may be, depression affects everyone at some point. My spirits ran a little low yesterday afternoon and it rattled me just a bit.
Opted to go outside, take a moment and put some slow miles on my feet. It didn’t cure everything but I came back home rejuvenated.
Running, cycling, swimming – none of it replaces therapy but it’s definitely therapeutic to my soul.
Yesterday’s Movements:
Running: 3.1 miles (45 mins) Cycling: 11.11 miles (45 mins)
Broke in a new pair of sneakers to do my first virtual duathlon for @newyorktriathlon.
The March Madness Duathlon was 2 miles of running, 12 miles of cycling and 2 extra miles if running. Originally I was scheduled for a 2 hour cycling session from my coach with a 30 minute run – decided to commit to both.
My endometriosis flare up caused me to have a really late start. Kinda thankful this was a virtual race. Social distancing was a breeze since I ran at night and I took my cycling section indoors on my trainer.
Admittedly it’s not the same without the cheers and crowd but it felt good to run again.
My medal will be available once all of this stuff is over. In the meantime, I gifted myself some wild salmon before bed.
On a positive note, my cycling speed is increasing again and I’m having a bit of fun compiling playlists to match my workouts while home.
Allowing music to be my voice is something I practice regularly. Whether I’m making some elaborate 2 hour meal to creating a vibe, music is a muse that I love using.
When I’m on the trail or road, I don’t use it as much because I prefer to be aware of my surroundings. Cycling indoors on my trainer afforded me the opportunity to express myself in a tone deaf way – but it’s rare that I share that scary sound on camera.
Check out my @spotify playlists on my Instagram Highlights.
After I fuel up, I’ll be hitting the bike and the mat again for another workout. Just because things are changing doesn’t mean that I need to abandon my triathlon goal.
Yesterday’s progress:
Cycling: 45 minutes, 12 miles completed at 15.7mph pace
Indoor cycling stand by Sportneer Activity Tracking: @garminfitness Speed Sensor