Well, the joke was on me for thinking things would be quieter at work this week. I haven’t even touched this tower of non-urgent items, although I did a pretty good job of keeping it from growing taller.
If we really do go “paperless” how will I keep track of what I need to do?
Taking Care Of Business
So, what happened? It was mostly a convergence of clients back from their holidays ready to tackle their goals for the new year. Throw in a 25-page brief I ended up staying up all night revising, and reports I had to review for my firm’s fiscal year-end, and there were not enough hours in the day. For once my workout schedule took a hit (more on that below), but at least when I did make it to my classes, I had fresh-smelling gear to wear.
Back in December, Wendy did a product review and giveaway for SportSuds that I was lucky enough to win. The prize pack was very generous, and included both detergent and washing machine cleaner.
With my husband’s approval, I used the washing machine cleaner first–our washer has a special cleaning cycling we’ve never used! Then I went all-in and used the detergent to wash all my sweaty laundry from last week.
I usually do use special detergent for sportswear, but have been noticing that my clean clothes don’t smell very fresh. SportSuds detergent is not scented, but my clothes smell so much better–probably because it is doing a better job of both removing oils and bacteria (ick!) and rinsing away completely. If you are enjoying new workout gear, I’d definitely suggest giving SportSuds a try to keep it looking and smelling great.
The other business I want to take care of is this PSA, inspired by my experience driving in the pre-dawn hours. Almost every week on my way to work after Orangetheroy, I make a right turn and just barely notice a woman running wearing all black with no lights and no reflective gear. Of course she has the right of away, but if I can’t see her, I can’t stop for her.
I created this meme to share in my MRTT group and hope it helps get the message across. While drivers can be rude and inattentive, you can do your part by making sure they can see you.
Weekly Run Down
As I said, it was another rough week. Most of it was self-imposed, and I’m not complaining–just keeping it real.
Monday: Strength workout
After running and cycling over the weekend, I like to ease into the week with a strength workout. Hoping for an injury-free spring, and knowing I need to do what I can to counteract all the sitting I do for work, I added some glute-targeting moves Coach Debbie shared.
They may seem “old school” but they are effective.
Tuesday: 1 mile walk with Scooby + stretching
At the end of Monday’s workout I was careless putting my weights away and tweaked something in my upper back. It was still bothering me Tuesday morning so I ditched my plan to go to Cyclebar and did some gentle stretching instead–downward dog, cat/cow, and thread-the-needle felt good.
Wednesday: Two 1-mile walks with Scooby
It was Tuesday night that I was up all night. It wasn’t intentional, or even 100% necessary, but once I got started I just kept going, and then it was 4:09 am when I got to the last page. It was surreal going to bed around the time my alarm goes off for Orangetheory, but I set an alarm for 7:30 am and crawled into bed.
My Scooby alarm starting going off around 7:00 am, but I hid under the covers a bit longer before getting up to take him on his walk. With a day of back-to-back conference calls ahead of me, I decided to work at home. I took advantage of a mid-afternoon break in my schedule to take Scooby–and myself–out for another walk. The fresh air and sunshine felt good!
Thursday: 5.4 mile Scooby Miles
I ditched my plan to go to Cyclebar again when I saw it was still pretty warm–upper 40s– with 20s in the weekend forecast. One of the many lessons learned from running is to seize the day–especially when it comes with good weather.
I couldn’t tell if Scooby was waiting patiently or impatiently, but I felt the pressure to get all my shiz together!
Friday: Orangetheory Fitness
I had forgotten it was a “one mile benchmark” day–when you try to run your fastest mile and enter your time into their system so you can keep track of your progress over the months. I am in no in shape for a PR–I’m still ramping up my speed work, but more importantly, I know the long hours of sitting and lack of sleep over the past few days/weeks take a toll. Still, I gave it my best and am pretty pleased with my effort.
It’s only a PR because it’s my first one with the “new” app.
My heart was working hard during that mile!
Saturday: Cyclebar
I finally kept my plans to go to Cyclebar. It was a fun class with a Lady Gaga vs. Ke$ha playlist. I still think this is the hardest cardio I do. At Orangetheory I may do ~ 15 min of HIIT on the treadmill, but at Cyclebar the whole class is intense.
Even on Saturday I stuck with my post-ride planking routine.
Sunday: 8.65 Scooby miles
With temps in the low 40s I expected it to feel warmer, but the air was cold with yesterday’s melted snow. I probably wouldn’t have been too warm if I’d worn a vest and warmer gloves! Still, it felt good to be out in the early morning sunshine.
I’d like to get back to regular 8 mile weekend long runs in case I do decide to sign up for any spring races. This was a good start!
Thanks to Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down link up
–join in for motivation and encouragement!
When is the last time you pulled an all-nighter?
Have you ever cleaned your washing machine?
![The Ultimate Coffee Date](http://got2run4me.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Ultimate-Coffee-Date.png" "The Ultimate Coffee Date")
Well done on trying to get in as much fitness as possible in such a busy week! I am impressed with you working until 4am.
I should have that washing machine cleaner stuff – I’m at an AirBnB right now and I’m not really trusting the washing machine we have. I’ll have to check out the shops here in Cape Town.
It would be hard to get used to all new appliances. Maybe you could do a test load with towels?
nice job on that mile benchmark test especially after being sleep deprived! Hope your life settles down a bit this week
It’s going to be busy but shouldn’t keep me up late. 😉
Yikes…I have a lot of late nights (and early mornings), but I don’t know how “active” my mind would be with such detailed work. Great job getting it all done. I bet Scooby is happy to have his running partner back in full form 🙂
I was lucky I mostly just had conference calls the next day!
Good job on getting in your workouts despite a super busy work week! And yes, as runners who prefer to run outside it’s always a good idea to check the entire week’s weather forecast when planning our workouts. I do that all the time (when I’m running, that is).
It’s been years since my last all-nighter. I do remember one particular time when I was on a sewing binge and stayed up all night making my youngest son’s Christening gown (he was probably two months old). I met my husband coming down the stairs on his way to work as I climbed the stairs to go to bed.
Oh, I remeber being up super late doing projects like that. You just get in a groove ….
Oh when you posted about an inbox tower I thought you meant the count in your email. I actually threw out my physical inbox in the last office white glove day. My chair or my keyboard are my actual inbox anyway
Your Scooby alarm is adorable. Glad you were able to work from home to get outside a little later.
Today was deceptive
He is an irresitstable alarm? I would love to hear more about this “white glove” day — although my office is pretty dusty too. 😛
It was more a thing under our old CFO, but the head of our mail room still calls for it on occasion. Usually year end or ahead of our Board Chair coming in. He’ll bring in mini dumpsters and encourage a purge. We get bribed with snacks. It’s a nice chance to take everything off the desktop (physical, not computer) and wipe it down. I’d likely fail an actual white glove test, but it looks better.
I usually do my own the day after the gala when I’m not expected to be super productive and the top of my desk is a mess in seating notes, crumbs etc
Our “office managing partner” used to patrol the hallways and cubicles to make sure those were clean/clutter-free, but he wouldn’t dare comment on our offices. 😉
Yeah I think the offices get more leeway than the cube farm, although they’re also more frequently dealing with “building washing the windows, please remove all items” and painting so it’s a toss up
Yikes! I don’t think I could pull an all-nighter. Were you exhausted the next day?
That is a bit stack of non-urgent work…good luck!
I was tired, but also pumped with adrenaline. It really helped that I could work at home.
I’m so sorry that work is still super busy for you 🙁 I hope that you’re able to take some vacation time this Winter or Spring – you have more than earned it!
Awesome job on your 1-mile benchmark run!
Thanks. When it settles down I’ll worry that I don’t have enough to do. :-P. THe benchmark is a lot of pressure!
I”m so glad you like the SportSuds. I do too and I’m not saying that because they sent me a big pack like you got. It really seems to make my clothes cleaner!
My husband says he sees a woman like the one you describe when he leaves for work at 4:30. He’s had some close calls but now he knows to look for her.
I hope your workload lightens up!
I really did notice a difference in my clothes! Once I realized how hard a time I was having seeing runners, I became more dedicated to wearing light colors and reflective gear. Even a few reflective stripes helps you show up in headlights.
Super props to you for keeping the workouts going when work gets tough. Mine finally calmed down. Last fall on an early morning run I saw a man dressed from head to toe in black, like seriously what is wrong with people?
That’s the women I see! Oh, and a cyclist near my office – on a bike with no headlight!!
I find runners here are pretty good about wearing reflective gear – it’s people walking around in black coats/hats that I’ve had a few scares with! I’ve probably been guilty of this too, because I wear reflective gloves but sometimes keep my hands in my pockets.
HAH! They won’t do much good there!
I could not imagine staying up that late! That is the time I usually wake up. Great job keeping up with your workouts even though work has been so busy.
Me too – at least on OTF days. It really felt like a time warp …
I’ve had a few late nights but not an all-nighter in a long time! Yet again, I’m in awe at how you do it and still manage those workouts! Solid effort on that 8-miler too! Hope this week is calmer at work!
Thanks! It’s been an odd week so far, but no crazy hours.
I think I would have been useless after such a late night! I applaud how well you did with your workouts given your hectic schedule. I really hope things slow down a bit for you soon!
Thanks. They will slow down and then I’ll worry about not having enough work to do.. 😉
I would do anything for Scooby’s ear! He’s just so cute!
That is quite a stack of files! You’ll get it done.
My all-nighters are generally a result of insomnia, not because I have anything productive to do. Blah.
That’s so much worse!
I’ve always heard stories that you are supposed to clean your washer…. but nope, not me! 🙂 . I think the only time I’ve pulled an all nighter was when I had to rebuild an email server. Or maybe when my kids were tiny. Not fun!
Rebuilding a server sounds like an all night job. Glad you don’t have too many all-nighters to remember. 😉
I don’t think I’ve quite pulled an all nighter since college so it’s been some time. I’ve never cleaned my washing machine!
It’s been 2+ years since the last time I was up all night. That time I was working with someone in England and started trading emails when he got to work ….
I bought the soap and used this this past weekend. My clothes do smell clean and I love it. I cannot imagine going to sleep at the time. I think the last time I went to bed really late was when I was in grad school for my teaching degree. Definitely not fun having to stay up late but also having to wake up the next day to go to work.
Isn’t it amazing how “unscented” can smell so good? I did have to wake up, but I’m glad I figured out I didn’t really have to “go” to work. Being comfy at home and not having to commute made a big differnce.
Sounds like a really tough week! I’m impressed that you got in the workouts that you did. I don’t think I’ve pulled an all nighter since I was in school so that was impressive too 🙂
Impressive or ridiculous!
Lady, you are a BEAST. With your crazy work schedule and all those workouts — I’m in awe!
And geesh to the lady in all black. Does she at least move out of your way??!
Um, of course not — she has the right of way. I’m not even sure she’s paying attention to traffic even though she’s crossing the road. 😛