Today is the first day of December, which means the last month of 2019 is upon us. If the year is a long-distance race, I started out fast, lost steam in the middle, but am looking forward to finishing strong.
actual lane markings near my house
Finishing Strong
For the first time in forever, my monthly running mileage reached the 50 mile mark, and I am logging happy Scooby Miles again. Because there are only so many hours in a day, more running means less cycling. I only went for one bike ride this month, partly because of being cautious while I’m still on blood thinners, partly because I’m more excited about running again, and mostly because of the weather. While low 40s and overcast is perfect running weather in my book, I want more sunshine on the bike, and Mother Nature has given us some dreary weekends. With the busyness of the holiday season, it’s easier to fit in an early morning run or indoor cycling class than carve out the 2+ hours I like to spend on my bike once I get out there.
Speaking of biking, they reconfigured the main road outside my neighborhood, changing it from two lanes in each direction to one bike lane in each direction, one car lane in each direction, a center turning lane where there are turns, and center medians where there are not. It was a very controversial change that made the news because the road is heavily traveled, leads to a school in my neighborhood, and is the main east-west route to the city’s only hospital and our local fire station. My husband bikes to work and feels much safe now, so I try not to grumble when I am stuck in the back-ups.
On the other hand, I am puzzled by the markings in the photo above. There are no sidewalks on that side of the street, so are they encouraging pedestrians to walk in the bike lane there? It’s a “protected” bike line with intermittent low barriers between the car lane (like the concrete blocks at the front of a parking place), so I’m not sure how a bike would be able to pass a pedestrian–or avoid any other hazard–safely. And, doing this all before winter makes me wonder if they’ve thought through how they will plow the road. I’m guessing they will push snow from the car lanes into the bike lanes, forcing any hardy cyclists into the car lanes–or into their cars!
Today is also the first day of Advent, and I’m looking forward to participating in the #AdventWord global advent calendar on Instagram. I always enjoy seeing the photos people share from around the world, offering various interpretations and responses to the prompts.
No sign-up required, just follow and tag your posts with #AdventWord
Weekly Run Down
This was an odd week with a day trip to visit a client in New Jersey ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The holiday meant more running days, which Scooby and I thoroughly enjoyed!
Monday: 5.2 Scooby Miles
For whatever reason, I woke up at 4:30 am, before my 4:40 alarm. Instead of hitting snooze I decided to take Scooby out for a slightly longer run than my weekday schedule usually permits.
It’s dark at dark o’clock.
Thank goodness my headlamp still works!
Tuesday: 1 mile Scooby walks, morning and evening
I was on 7 am Acela to Newark, so I had just enough time to walk Scooby before heading out. I was nervous about the parking situation so I used Uber to make sure I would have time to get Starbucks before getting on the train.
I met with my client for ~ 4 hours, and caught a 3:15 train home. After the first stop I was able to switch to a window seat and enjoyed the fall scenery. When I got home, I took Scooby out again to stretch my legs after all that sitting.
Wednesday: Cyclebar
I made it to #2 on the leader board, but I know it was due to the calibration on my bike being off. I rode hard, but not that much harder than usual!
Thursday: 6.5 Thanksgiving Miles
I was toying with going for an 8 mile run, but thought better of it when I realized I’d be spending the rest of the day on my feet in the kitchen.
I was very thankful to be starting my day with such a lovely run!
Friday: Orangetheory Fitness
As I shared in my Runfessions post, I signed up for a 6 am OTF class to make sure I’d get to the running store for their deepest Black Friday discounts (30% off from 6-8 am). I was a bit surprised that there were so many no-shows our 3G class turned into a sparse 2G class, but figured the most dedicated regulars were out of town.
We had a fun Black Friday theme where we could “take 50% off” our least favorite exercise. I would have used my discount on the floor block if we had burpees, but I suffered through the pop jacks, which really are just as bad. I did use my discount on the row section of our run-row segment so I could get back on the treadmill.
Saturday: 6.4 Scooby Miles
I’m amazed at how similar this run was to last Saturday’s run. It was a bit warmer and cloudy, but my average pace was about the same, despite the randomness of my “Scooby stops.” My first mile was 10:30 again and my fastest mile (with a decent downhill) was 9:30 again.
Now my Garmin says I’m “maintaining”, but I’ll take it!
We’re both very happy to be running again!
Sunday: Cyclebar
With rain in the forecast, I opted for Cyclebar again. This time I legitimately made it to the top half of the leader board (10/34).
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up
–join in for motivation and encouragement!
Did you score any Black Friday deals?
I runfess I almost spent more on myself than others!
Any Cyber Monday specials you’re on the lookout for?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
It’s really fantastic that you are feeling so much better. I agree great running weather outdoor cycling not so much. See you next week for coffee!
Looking forward to it!
I did score some good BF deals, and most of them were for me (no one wants gifts anymore, just gift cards or simple, old-fashioned cash). I have not climbed on a bike in two months (???). I need to figure out the stationary bike (received from sis-in-law) we have in our basement. maybe, MAYBE, that will grow on me….Glad you’re doing so well with your rally back!!!
I think there are apps you can use for a DIY spin class at home. That might make it fun.
so many scooby miles!! hooray!! and I totally understand why you made the wise decision to skip the 8 mile run when you had to be in the kitchen the rest of the day! I love the Black Friday OTF deal! I’d have used my discount on burpees as well!
I love how creative they are with their workouts. It’s the little things!
Sounds like you really are finishing strong! Almost 7 miles on Thanksgiving when you’re hosting? Yikes! I didn’t even have to lift a finger, other than going to my parents. The not having to do it was kinda nice. Next year is a big question mark. Could be back to hosting.
I didn’t spend a dime on Black Friday. I am on the hunt for a few things, but not much. Somehow it all adds up though . . .
I spent a fortune and have done planned for Cyber Monday. Hopefully they will end up on different bills!
I hear you on trying to stretch out the bills over different billing cycles! I just didn’t really find great deals on Black Friday.
Glad to see that your miles are getting back to what you’re used to!
I didn’t get any BF days but I worked all day, so I really didn’t look! My son did–he’s getting his own apartment and scored a 70″ TV for $250 at Target. We helped him hook it up and it’s really nice!
I think TVs are one item that you really can score big with on Black Friday. Congrats to your son. And to you! 😉
It’s so good to see you feeling well enough to increase your running miles. I’m sure Scooby approves! I only cyber shopped on Black Friday but I did get some things knocked out. I have to say OTF has the most creative workouts. Love the idea of a “black Friday discount”. Haha!
Scooby got a lot of miles this week! How nice!
I did not go shopping on Friday…except a bit online. Maybe some Oiselle for myself 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hmm…I see what you mean about that photo. The marking are a little weird. Hopefully it will all work out but I totally see what you mean about what happens when it snows.
I took an OTF class on Black Friday too but mine was 8am so it was a 2G and it was pretty full – probably because it was later on in the morning!
Thanks for sharing the #AdventWord post – I’m going to follow along on Instagram
The city website calls it an “in-street, shared, protected, bicycle and pedestrian space” so there you have it. :-/
Enjoy #AdventWord
I am so happy that you are feeling better and logging more Scooby miles again!
I never go near stores on Black Friday, but did snag a deal or two online. I’m warming up for tomorrow 😉
Hah! I hope your credit card gets a good workout today. 🙂
I spent more on myself than others too! But I already know what I’m getting everyone else and where to get it. So I really just went to see what I could pick up for myself.
I like your description of the year…I also started out strong, lost steam in the middle due to injury, and then started climbing again in the fall/winter. I’m hoping to end the year with 900 miles. I won’t make 1,000 again, but I can get close!
Sounds like you will finish strong too!
I often wake up about 10 minutes before my alarm clock and I kind of like it. Here’s to a strong finish to the year! We’re in the final sprint to the finish line.
When my alarm is set so early I need every minute of sleep!
I absolutely spent more on me. Only on me to be honest. But I got my niece and nephew done earlier in the week.
So glad to see Scooby miles on my timeline.
Thanks! I’m happy to be logging the again!
Hmmm the bike lane is a little confusing! But – at least it’s a bike lane. We have NO lanes and NO shoulders in my neighborhood, or most neighborhoods here in Myrtle Beach. It’s a nightmare and so unsafe!
It definitely looks like you’re going to finish strong, and I’m so glad to hear it. I have missed seeing your Scooby miles!
That Black Friday workout was a very cool idea! I didn’t buy much, I’m still on the fence about Cyber Monday…I just keep thinking about what baby stuff I can get, lol!
Sounds like a good week and that’s great that you’re getting more miles in 🙂 You’re right that the bike lane set up sounds pretty confusing, especially with that pedestrian symbol in there. Hopefully they figure out a way to make it all work.
Get it, girl! And tell Scooby I said hi!
I love that you are going to rock this December. It always feels great to finish on a high note and I’m so glad you will have that.
Love the Black Friday workout. That’s so fun.
We did score on Cyber Monday. We needed a bunch of electronic things. With sales, AirPods, a new Apple TV and some Nintendo Switch stuff came in way under what we thought we would pay.
You are finishing the year out strong. Good to see you and Scooby getting out there!