It’s no secret that, since finishing the London Marathon last April. I’ve cut my running miles way back. While I plan to always be a runner, distance that takes more than an hour or so is not part of the plan going forward. I’ve adjusted quite well to this plan, my Garmin on the other hand is another story. Here’s how my workouts went this week:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Run 4 miles
Wednesday: Strength, Balance Mobility
Thursday: Run 3.5 miles (ran out of time)
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: Trail Run 4 miles
Saturday: Heavy Strength + 20 min. Stepmill
So about my Garmin. Since running London, my VO2max has dropped significantly. I get it. I’m not training.
In Bermuda, after what felt like a solid, easy run, Garmin said I was “over reaching” which I understand, because 10k is longer than I’ve run in quite awhile. BUT it also raised my VO2max. Say what??
Since then, despite consistent shorter runs, Garmin dishes up “No status”. Jerk.
Most recently, after one of those epic runs where I was able to run farther, faster and feel great, Garmin called it “Unproductive”, which by Garmin’s definition means I’m “losing fitness”. I give up. I can’t make sense of it.
Loving
Even though the AIP diet is over, I keep this plantain pancake breakfast in the rotation
Post-Elimination Phase of AIP Diet. While I haven’t lost anymore weight, I have maintained my 12 lb. weight loss, even after adding back eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, seeds, and legumes (gluten, soy and added sugar are staying out). Even better? Even though my weight has stabilized, I managed to drop another inch off my waist, for a total of 3.5″. I’ve been working hard to maintain muscle mass through protein intake and workouts, and so far it seems to be working. I’ll always be the type who’s more impressed by what someone can do vs how they look. However I must runfess I was pretty frustrated with the excessive belly fat because #1: Visceral fat is associated with increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, insulin resistance and Type II diabetes. All things that run in my family. #2 IMO I looked like I didn’t work out at all. So frustrating.
Bald Eagle. It’s Like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom (remember that show?) around here. The other day I spotted a Bald Eagle. Its enormous wingspan got my attention. It was far too large to be a hawk. Then I spotted the white tail feather and sure enough. Sadly I did not manage to get a pic.
International Women’s Day Fré Skincare Special. You already know how much I love this stuff for sweaty, post-workout skin. I keep a set in my gym bag and use it as a “treat”. It’s that special. Until March 10 only, the Ready-Set-Glow set is 40% off when you use code RUNDEF at checkout. Trust me when I say this is MY FAVORITE set because the cleanser is hands down the best thing ever. Revive Me replenishing serum is like youthful refreshment in a bottle and Glow Me gives you a subtle, sun-kissed glow AND SPF15 all in one. Everything is vegan, paraben- and cruelty free. Free shipping too! This deal is too good to pass up!
Not Loving
Holy Coyotes Batman. They are out in force around here. It is mating season after all. When the tornado test siren went off during the week, so many of them howled. At the crack of dawn they sound like they’re howling in our backyard. Let’s just say I’m going to be holding on very tightly to Ozzy.
Coronavirus-Related Restrictions. My dad’s nursing care center is no longer allowing visitors. While I understand the precaution, I suspect the people who work there still pose a threat to the patients. I am glad I was able to visit this week and take him to a dr. appt. Wrangling him in and out of the car is no picnic, but I know he enjoyed getting out for some fresh air and a change of scenery.
How was your week? How are you celebrating Women’s Day? Does your Garmin act weird? Have you tried Fré?
I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!
I don’t really understand how Garmin even determines VO2 max. I don’t wear a HR monitor but I will randomly see “excellent” come up not sure why or how. I am not going to put too much stock into it. Glad to hear that your able to add a few more items back into your eating plan. The belly fat is something that really frustrates me and not sure what to do about it. Alas-moving forward. Have a great week ahead and thanks for linking up today
My Garmin doesn’t have a training feature, and I think I’m glad about that. My VO2max stays fairly consistent, although I really wonder what it would take to raise it — I’ve no clue.
I’ve still got plenty of jiggle, despite everything I do. Some of it is just middle age, too much fat, and gaining & losing 40 lbs multiple times in my life. It’s frustrating, but I try not to let it bother me too much.
That “feature” of my Garmin really annoys me too. I should turn it off, but I’m still trying to please it, LOL. Yikes on the nursing home policy. On the one hand, I get it, but on the other I’m not sure they are balancing the risks and benefits correctly. It’s got to be hard on people to not be allowed visitors. I hope it’s a short term policy.
My new Garmin gives my VO2 max, but I have no idea how they get the number. It says excellent, so hey, I’ll go with it. I am at a loss as to how it tracks my sleep, since I don’t log my sleep. LOL
I’m actually pretty excited to still do some distance running. The trail runs have really spiced things up for me and I’m so glad I’m doing this. I’ll continue after my 25k. I’m looking at a 20k road race in Madison–the entire course runs around Lake Monona. As long as I can do this, I’m going to keep at it!
Great job on the weight loss!
Sometimes my Garmin has an attitude with me. My week was good. Keep up the great work with AIP plan. I know it does folks good. I celebrate the day with my son on the soccer field. It was a good day.
I’m really sorry to hear about the nursing home visitors restriction. I guess I understand it, but like you said, the workers there can also pose as much of a threat as visitors.
Awesome job on maintaining your weight loss even after reintroducing back certain foods!
My Garmin doesn’t offer that feature and I’m thinking I’m glad it doesn’t…who needs that attitude! LOL!
Congrats on the weight loss maintenance! The whole meno-pot is so frustrating and I’ve yet to figure out how to make it disappear.
I’m sorry about the new no visitor policy! On the one hand, I can understand it, but I continue to wonder about some of the reactions I’m starting to see and wonder if we’re taking the best approach.
My Garmin doesn’t have the feature on whether a run is productive or not (thank goodness) but I turned off the “training effect” pretty early in our relationship because Garmin’s opinion on how many recovery hours I needed after each run wasn’t helpful, sheesh if I followed its advise I would never run. And it dropped my VO2 max after my hill workout, so I guess it only wants me to do easy workouts? No thank you!
My Garmin is so basic, I don’t think it tracks VO2 (?)…if it does, I have no idea where it’s displayed LOL I’m totally not a gadget gal, so I’m a peace. The coyotes howling would freak me out. I don’t think we have many around here, or I’m just too much “in the center” of my little city that I can’t hear them. It’s nice that you were able to get some time with your dad 😉
Oh no, no visitors? That is sad…hopefully short term. This virus is really messing with so many different aspects of everyone’s lives. Ugh.
Gees, all those coyotes howling, how creepy! Please protect Ozzy!!
My Garmin website thing shows me my VO2 max but not all the other stuff and I’m quite glad of that!! Well done on the maintaining – I’m glad that now I’m eating properly again after my massive anxiety wobble, I’ve stayed at the weight I went down to during that, as I feel more comfortable and yes, again with the visceral fat.
That’s frustrating about your Garmin! Is is a wrist based HRM? Sometimes I feel like those get thrown off when they aren’t sitting on your wrist correctly the whole time.
I’m sorry that you can’t visit your dad! Glad you were able to take him out this week.
My Garmin has been all over the place with recording my pace. I’m trying not to look at it so much. I ignore the VO2 max.
Maybe your Dads nursing home should keep visits to a specific area in the facility for families that want to take the risk, and have people wash their hands and wear a mask before entering. In their defense, the elderly is the highest risk population (with immunocompromised people).`Still a bummer when you want to see a family member.
Yay to stabilizing your weight despite the new phase of the AIP diet. And dropping another inch off your waist! Fantastic!
Envy you for spotting the Bald Eagle. That is awesome.
So happy that you could get your dad out despite the restrictions. He must have enjoyed the trip to the doc with you!
I’m sorry about not being able to get to see your dad for a bit. I don’t know what to make of all this, to be honest.
Ew, coyotes. Not my favorite of the critters. There was a monster owl on our roof, hunting, a few weeks ago, and also, the snakes are out now. And the bobcats. Joy.
My Garmin is so excited for me to do anything these days LOL. I finally used the “run” feature for 1/2 mile test walk the other day and it was so happy.
No way, no visitors!?!?!? How is that possible? I mean, I kind of understand why but still. I think of my mom when she was in the skilled nursing center and how lonely she felt there. I would think that they would just let immediate family once or twice a week? I have an older Garmin (225) and I am almost positive it does not have that feature.
That really stinks about the visiting policy. I just don’t know what to think about all of the coronavirus stuff. Not sure if it’s blown out of proportion or what. My parents just canceled a cruise that was scheduled for March 21. Probably a good idea.
My Garmin doesn’t have the status on it, but the app tells me I’m always working out super hard. It’s a bit discouraging!