It was busy this week at work and the weather was not great. Seeing a pattern here? Also I feel very confused looking back at the week but now I realise it’s because we were off on Monday for Easter.
Most exciting thing this week? Ah, two things – I saw my new GP. She’s nice, but she also recommends I do not stay on the HRT. So, that was upsetting. I am not going to fight this though, I need to just find positive ways to cope with menopause. Something more uplifting – my hairdresser sent me a message on Thursday evening, asking if I had anything to do the next day at 11am. I replied “no plans yet” and she replied “well you have plans now!” How nice when your hairdresser contacts YOU instead of having to do it the other way around! Hair is pink and purple again!
The Weekly Run Down – a bit off plan
Deborah and Kim are the amazing hosts for the Weekly Run Down! Feel free to join in as well to wrap up your week in fitness!
WEEK 31
Plan vs. Actual
Monday – 3.25KM walk, GLI gym 1 hr intake – no workout (appt w/different PT), 3.5KM biking
Tuesday – 3KM walk (office day) to and from train station
Wednesday – 3KM walk, W6R1 run, 6KM, GLI 1 hour, gym 55 min
Thursday – 2.22KM walk, gym
Friday – 2.75KM walk, W6R2 run , gym 55 min
Saturday – 2.5KM walk, parkrun in Alkmaar 5KM, 17/17 Dutch parkruns done!
Sunday – 2KM walk, long run W6R3, 1.4KM w/u walk, 10KM run (!!!)
Week 14 – Flexible with my workouts
Monday – Sprint 17 (HIIT 30 min), RPM “Recovery” Remix (30min), 35 min strength
Tuesday – 4KM morning walk, RPM 68 (45min)
Wednesday –RPM 72 (30min), 40 min strength
Thursday – 6.2KM Treadmill Run (4x 1KM intervals) 4.8KM walk after work
Friday – 5.2KM walk (total)
Saturday – 5KM notparkrun, 7KM walk (w/u, c/d and 2 x to and from doing errands)
Sunday – 6.3 KM walk
Running
This week was kind of messed up for my normal running schedule. I was busy with work and the weather was just plain miserable. I had a doctor appt Wednesday and I figured I would run outside afterwards (I took the afternoon off since I worked the morning of my day off last week) but I couldn’t even be bothered to walk to the GP’s office with the wind and hail every 5 minutes.
On Thursday I finally broke down and I ran on the treadmill. I decided to do intervals and just see how long I could last. I turned Shrek on (really!) and off I went. In total 6.2 KM with w/u then 4x 1 km with about 200m in between. I know the treadmill is not super accurate so the most important was that I had the KM’s correct, about 1.2 on the treadmill is a real KM.
Saturday being notparkrunday we were up and at ’em once again. I find it so hard sometimes to get out of bed on a Saturday morning. Both of us didn’t feel much like it but we had a commitment! Jeho, Micheál and David would be waiting for us! And bonus, Vincent showed up as well.
No PB for me this week (about 35 seconds slower) but Ron “I’m going to take it easy” Pie got a PB of over 5 minutes! That’s all he needs is a little friendly competition and it’s an immediate fire under his butt!
Walking
It felt like I didn’t walk as much this week, because I did not really have my morning walks or a super long walk on Friday or Sunday. I wasn’t too far off from last week though. There were just more walks on single days rather than being spread out.
Tuesday morning I headed out before the sunrise and into the park where there was a light dusting of snow. I knew this work week would be busy so I wanted to at least TRY to get some energy before the day started. It was lovely in any case.
Finally on Thursday I made it out after work to walk with my colleague who lives right around the corner from me. It was nice to see her again and just chat a bit. I did see her the week before but only because I picked her up after she had her wisdom teeth pulled (she was going to walk home!!). No photo; we were too busy talking!
Friday it was dry so I walked to my spontaneous hair appointment at 11, but Ron had his appointment at 12 so I hung out and went home with him when he was finished(by car). Later on I had another appointment to check my eyes and lenses (all fine and new ones ordered) so I walked there and back but of course via the Mill.
Saturday I recorded several small walks. Normally I wouldn’t do this but since I’m still doing the Illinois Marathon Criss-Cross Challenge I’m recording everything. And it’s good I did that because my walking added up to 7KM in total! This was warm-up and cool-down from notparkrun, then an errand to the butcher and the baker and back, then another time to town and back for some in-person shopping.
Sunday I met up with Marie-Jose again and we walked, got coffee and talked. Still kind of bummed she’ll be moving a bit further away from me (just a kilometer or so, but still). Super nice walk, though I felt like it was going to dump rain on us at any second (luckily it did not and as I finish this blog post the sun is really shining through the living room blinds – BLISS!)
Strength and Spin
Normally I have 3 strength workouts. This week I missed one. I also stopped with my training/ coach because it’s quite pricey and I want to give myself the benefit of the doubt now to just follow more of the workouts available on Les Mills On Demand. Watch this space. Spoiler Alert: I’ve planned my workouts already for next week.
This week I did 4 spin bike workouts; on Monday I did Sprint 17 (because I am a glutton for punishment apparently) followed by a 30 min RPM “Recovery” Remix, where there was no resemblance of recovery in the workout itself. Ha!
I survived the so-called Recovery and the remix actually inspired me to do RPM 68 On Tuesday and RPM 72 (30 min) on Wednesday.
For reference RPM is a spinning type of workout, the full version is 45-50 minutes, there are some RPM XL’s t0f 60 minutes, and the “short” RPM workout is 30min. A Remix is tracks from various RPM releases (a “release” is a class that is generally at the gym for 2 months, then 1 month remix, then a new release. Therefore each quarter you would get a new workout with new music). Just like spinning you would change your resistance, do intervals, hill climbs, race, etc. RPM is pretty much all I know – I’ve only done 1 or 2 spinning classes but I still like RPM more. Sprint is 30 minutes and it’s a HIIT workout on the bike.
So yeah, quite a lot on the bike this week!
Other Stuff
Next week is going to be busy again at work which is why I already planned my workouts. And… I have a massage coming up on Wednesday. I did do some in person shopping and did not find what I’m looking for. I did however also manage to go to another shop without an appointment (though technically not allowed) because it was not busy and dropped a few (several fews…) Euros on some concealer and powder. Because one has to look good in quarantine, my friends, and these dark circles under my eyes aren’t fixing themselves naturally.
Nothing else to report to be honest. Just plugging along really.
This Week In Numbers
Stats this week:
Walking: 27.3KM
Running: 11.2KM
Strength: 2 x (missed one)
Spin bike: 1 Sprint, 1 Short Remix, 1 Full RPM, 1 Short RPM
Total steps: 73,696 (avg: 10,528 daily)
That’s a wrap!
Sorry that blue sky was only there a few minutes! Weather can make such a huge difference in how we feel — I know for me, for sure.
You’re friend was going to walk home after having her wisdom teeth pulled? Is she CRAZY???? Seriously, I had all 4 impacted teeth done at once. I was completely knock out. No way I could’ve driven home!
I think you’re doing great Renee. Sorry about dropping the coach. I’m sure that’s not an easy decision but sounds like you’re in a good place.
yes she was going to walk home! hahaha! omg such a stubborn person but I managed to talk her into the ride.
thank you Judy x
I used to love taking Les Mill classes when I went to a gym! its been over 5 years now since I’ve taken them. My favorite was body pump! Sorry the weather has been blah and that your schedule’s been busy!
I love bodypump! I actually started with BP many years ago, tried Grit (which is like.a death HIIT class) and then I moved on to RPM. But the thing I like the most is the music and the instructor. So I really, really miss that right now. Ah and I’m finally getting used to the weather! maybe that means it will change for the better soon?
It is frustrating when the weather does not cooperate with our plans. Way to get it done the treadmill-that is so hard for me. Your hair looks cute! I personally am not a fan of Les Mills classes that I have taken. They are too repetitive for me and structured. I used to teach cycle and a class similar to body pump
yeah I find the treadmill challenging. Just have less of a focus. it seems like it takes forever to run a kilometer ha! I’m always curious about Peloton but I actually *really* like the structure. I like knowing the routine and then adding weight along the way. And the excitement of remix month and release day.
I love that weather graphic — too funny. Glad you finally saw your new GP. How do you feel about the HRT? Is she against it generally or just for you. (I realize this is non of my business, so no need to answer!)
I have not tried Les Mills yet. I really should.
I am ok with the HRT thing. I had a bit of a weep at first but now I know I can try to help myself through whatever happens. I think in general GP’s don’t like hormones and they really follow the recommendations for the most part. And for what I”m taking it’s 6 months.
I really like LM and not sure I would like Peloton. But you never know. I know you are open to all sorts of workouts so maybe you should try one of the free ones!
Love that the pink is back! I’m still sporting my little pink streaks–I’ll keep it going until my sister is done with treatment. BTW–she was on HRT prior to her diagnosis with breast CA. While her doctor doesn’t think it caused her cancer, it no doubt sped things up. I think it’s wise not to take HRT. Menopause is tough, but exercise really helped me get through it and after a year or so, things kind of settled down. Hang in there and feel free to PM me if you want to chat.
Thanks! I thought about the HRT -breast cancer link and have to admit it’s in my family so maybe it’s a good thing to go off. Thanks so much for the offer to chat about the menopause crap. I really appreciate that!
Love the hair! And I’m excited for you that you’re getting a massage next week. Yes, the weather graphic is great, but I feel like it could apply to a lot of places, not just the Netherlands! April is a weird month- I’m imagining you’ll have some beautiful weather coming up if you can just get through this.
thanks! you are right – the weather graphic could really be used for many places HA! I do think that it really must get better if we just grin and bear this cold spring crap!!
The next time that I need something to watch on the treadmill Shrek will be on my list. Thankfully the weather has been outdoor-friendly lately but for the entire month of February I was stuck inside and just about lost my mind.
I love Shrek so much! haha! it was worth having it on! having to stay inside for running ALWAYS sucks in my opinion. I mean, thank goodness we have the option right?
Great work on your bike this week! I’ve never tried Les Mills, but you’ve had me intrigued for awhile. I always try to juggle my workouts around the weather. Last week was a major test in my schedule flexibility LOL
Thanks Kim! I think you are really self – driven with your workouts but maybe you would like it. I just really like the structure and work harder in a class than if I’m just on the bike.
Its difficult to make a decision to end with a coach, but it is definitely an extra expense and it sounds like you have plenty of options to stay on track!
Great week – 7k is a lot of walking!
definitely difficult. I’m still kind of wondering how I’m going to keep up a schedule but I have to try. Thanks!
LOVE, LOVE the hair!!! What are you going to do about the HRT? Just earlier today I was thinking about also getting a massage. It’s been so long since I’ve had one.
thanks! and I’m going to start with supplements. which reminds me… I need to start before I stop my pills all together. I definitely recommend massage! especially since you are running every day!
I know. I will look into it.
Busy week for you Renee despite the insane weather. You can keep that white stuff over there mkay? We’ve actually had more of a spring than usual here. Typically we seem to go from 20 degrees to 80 in June. Love your pretty hair!
That’s a real bummer about the HRT but I get it. The struggle is real.
oh we’ve kept the white stuff Marcia!! all kinds of crazy snow and hail here this week too! thanks for the hair love! and the menopause understanding x
I love your hair! But you know that already :D
The shot oagainst the skies are great.
The weather has been all over the map here to
Hugs on HRT
thank you! sometimes we get some good sky here which makes for amazing photos. still experiencing cold spring weather here. I give up haha! thanks for the hugs x
Not only did I have Easter Monday off, I’ve had today off, too – so I won’t know what day it is this week, either! Love the hair!
hahaha I know that feeling Liz! Also if I’m too busy at work it gets confusing! Thank you!
We had nice weather last week. That means this week it will suck lol
Sorry about HRT. We had a menopause discussion at brunch with my running pals. Unfortunately those night hot fklashes never end
Love the hair. Every visit to my hairdresser is a pick me up.
I get up earlier on Sat than work but only because I have friends waiting on me. It’s hard.
haha love the weather prediction “it was nice this week so next week will suck”. LOL
you know it’s ok about HRT. Now that I know what can happen I feel more prepared and more calm. And besides that, if I go off then no even higher risks for blood clotting with the vaccines offered.
Love love love going to the hairdresser. and I get it about Sat morning. Without the notparkrun runners I’m not sure I’d always be out there at 8am!
You got in so many fabulous workouts this week! I think it’s amazing!
And I love your hair, AND that your stylist reached out to you to come in. That’s super cool!
Florida springs are similar, minus the snowsuit. We had freaking squalls over the weekend. Boo.
Thanks Jenn! and yeah I suppose it helps that my stylist is also a good friend!
I have never tried any Les Mills classes, but they sure look like a great workout! Love your hair. I am heading to my salon on Friday. I am looking forward to refreshing my highlights!
I don’t think I’ve ever done any other type of classes at the gym. Maybe it’s just predominant where I live? Thanks for the compliment! Enjoy your hair appt!
I had not heard of Les Mills workouts until I started reading your blog. Since then, though, some of my friends have mentioned doing them.
How nice of your hairdresser to let you know she had an opening. Your hair looks great!
Have a great weekend, Renée!