A Rest Day, and A' Shufflin'

Weekend recap!  My most favorite types of blog posts to read, to be honest.  Maybe you'll enjoy this one, haha.

Well the Olympics have begun, and thus, my inspiration levels are sky-high!  After last week's long run, I really needed a motivational boost, and it surely came in several forms this past week.  New shoes are always a fun time, friends' encouragement (COOP!), and a little kick in self-confidence.  I'm one of those people that is halfway confident, halfway sort of insecure, when it comes to training.  I used to be insecure from head-to-toe; that has changed for the better over the years. 

Blah blah blah, onto the weekend!  Yesterday was a rest day...sort of.  I decided to switch my run to Friday, since I had to work Saturday morning.  Best believe that nowadays, if the run doesn't get done in the morning on the weekends, then it probably won't get done at all.  I didn't want to gamble with this thought in mind.  I still got up early, got ready and went to the event, then got home...ready for rest?  Noooo.  I've been neglecting my backyard this week!  It needed a trim so badly.

Don't be fooled:  It's not green, fluffy grass...it was far too high and weeds needed to be pulled.

I really think that I should've logged this as a workout in DailyMile.  Lol It took me a while, and I sweat soooo much!

 

After a quick shower, I decided to foam roll a bit.  I've been avoiding foam rolling, and it's honestly because I've never felt like it did anything for me.  I'd like to be proven wrong, by all means! 

I did rest up a bit after this (by doing laundry, vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the kitchen), then I met up with a friend for dinner.  She hasn't really ever tried sushi, and was VERY interested in trying it.  Who else to push someone over the sushi limit than I?  

 
 

What this restaurant used to be call...and they kept the old wall and window hangings, lol.  A friend of mine pointed this out last time we went to this Sushi restaurant, and it cracks me up every time I see it.

Kelly about to try some sushi!  I was so excited!  Kelly doesn't really like seafood (with an exception of shrimp)...like at all.  So she ordered something safe:  Veggie Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll.

My "Tiffany" roll!  <3

Three Several hours later, after talking about everything under the sun (and truth be told, we could talk all day), I got home, ready for bed.  I knew that my long run was going to go without a hitch, but I was nervous about the distance (in which I haven't run in about three years).

I slept well, got up bright and early, and thankfully had prepared everything I needed the night before.  This left me with some time to just relax, let my PB & honey sammich digest, watch some Olympics (more motivation), and head out without feeling any pressure about time.  I decided well in advance that I would take things as slowly as I needed to today, rather than feel obligated to run at a certain pace (30-60 seconds slower than MP); although, secretly I'd look down at my Garmin, and smile because I was between a 60-90 seconds slower than MP pace.  :)  I was happy with that!  Yay!

Some shots from the run...most were taken while I was running.  I didn't want to stop for ANYTHING.  I usually even take a rest and stretch stop when I take in nutrition, but I did not today.  It was unnecessary, and it's not like I can do that at my race, duh.

 Can you see all of the deer?  The people that live on this property feed them every day. 

About eight hilly miles in, and I ducked onto the Greenway.  Gorgeous view from the top!

Just shufflin' along down the Greenway.  There were so many people out today; cyclists and runners at every turn.  I actually love that about San Antonio, now.  The fitness hype has finally hit this city like a Mack truck!  

Heading back home, I try so hard not to get barnstruck.  It eventually happens, definitely and always by the final mile, lol.  Once my Garmin beeped that I had reached 16 miles, I threw my hands in the air and exclaimed "Yay, I did it!".  No joke, hehe.  My nutrition was absolutely spot-on, water intake was perfect, and while the temps were very, very warm, I felt great at the pace I ended up averaging.  I got through the front door, and Kayla was excited to go walkies (I usually do a cooldown stroll with her around my neighborhood after most of my runs).  I initially rejected the idea, but after a few minutes, I gave into her eagerness to get out there.  Who am I to deny her something she's used to?  So cooldown walkies with Kayla, then some post-run noms.  I'm usually a fan of chocolate milk, but I'm all out, and thus made myself some breaky.


 The remainder of this day has been/will be all about chillin' in my Zoot CompressionRx Recovery Tight, some snacking, and some movies and Olympics-watching.  Thank goodness I turned my rest day into chores day yesterday, otherwise I'd have to do all of that business now!  :)

 Tight squeeze!  I love these things!  And mmmmmm...a perfect afternoon snack of Vanilla Greek yogurt and berries!

Are you excited to get chores out of the way so you have an entire, restful afternoon?

Are you watching the Olympics?  What sports are you watching?  I'm dying to talk about just about any sport!  So stoked!