Daily Exercise Log: Sunday May 30th, 2021

I enjoy weightlifting as a supplement to running. I feel like I could probably do even better if I followed a consistent plan instead of just doing whatever I felt like each day, and writing this out on my blog might be a first step towards developing a more consistent routine. 

I also have this issue where, when I hit the weightroom, I want to do every single exercise I can think of, which isn't the best plan for building strength either. 

Today's workout was 5 sets each of:

* Barbell squats

* Dumbbell side lateral raises

* Barbell overhead press

* Neutral grip pullups

Another goal of mine is to do more core/ abdominal exercises as this is a weak point for me.

On my next weight room session, I think I'll try to do two different core exercises, plus more leg work, maybe lunges and deadlifts.

Hopefully I can begin to formulate a better plan that works with what I have available at home.

I also did an evening run tonight, Rock Island Trail, 8.0 miles on the dot. Had to run past the house at 7.97 and go a little up the block to complete it... you runners may know how that is. 😄

At Incline club we used to run around the park when returning if we only needed a little more mileage. 

Run tonight was good, a little slow, but that's because of overall mileage this week being high and also the 5 sets of squats earlier. I didn't feel totally bonked by the end, even though I slowed down. I hope the real ultra runner is built by going slow and surviving tough runs 🏃‍♂️! 

The trail is super green and everything is growing excellently.

The air was fresh after the rain today and no one was out. It was a little strange how quiet it was despite being Sunday night on a holiday weekend. In a typical year, this weekend would have been rowdy... but it's strangely quiet in Colorado Springs tonight. Makes me wonder if, despite many people adjusting to post-pandemic lives, more people have decided that going out wasn't as worthwhile as it used to be.

I'm certainly more of a homebody myself these days. A good run in fresh air is all I need to celebrate the holiday weekend!

Daily Exercise Log: Saturday, May 29, 2021

I've decided I would like to keep track of my "normal" exercise days in a more dedicated way.

I do keep a paper running log, as I've mentioned previously, but it has limited space to record information. Sometimes you need a little bit larger forum in order to detail how you're feeling, energy levels, nagging aches and pains, etc. This way you can get ahead of injuries and avoid burnout.

I already use this blog to detail large adventures, but I plan to post more regularly about "normal" runs.

Today's run was 8.2 miles on the Rock Island Trail, east to Powers and back.

I'm still in recovery from my long effort on Monday, so I took it easy on my jog today.

I got a pre-dawn start at about 4:30 am, as astronomical twilight just came to an end and nautical twilight began. I love how early the sun comes up in the spring - astronomical twilight began at 3:43 am, so it was already getting light from way before I even started. With it being Memorial Day weekend, and Saturday, virtually no one was out - I had the trail all to myself in the holiday weekend quiet.

The air was cool and refreshing. Wearing a mask all the time was comfortable, even though no one was around. It kept the cold wind off my face, even as I wore shorts. Spring weather is the perfect time for shorts with long sleeve shirts and beanies - my favorite comfy run combo.

I noticed how absolutely green the Rock Island Trail is, showing how much water we've gotten in recent weeks. It is a relief to see Colorado so green, and I hope it will keep fire season at bay.

I noticed that they have now put signage up for the open valley off of the trail between Murray and Powers. This might be a city open space, but I don't know if it has a name. I'm glad they've begun adding more signage for trails throughout the city.

 Crest Trail to the left (runs on top of the old rail bed at the top of the hill), Crimson Trail to the right (runs along the valley below).

The wildflowers alongside the Rock Island Trail are pretty too!

I ran out to Powers, and turned around and came back. The way back felt stronger, I believe it is slightly downhill as you go west. All in all, a great way to start Memorial Day Weekend!!

I might decide to do a little bit of gym work later. Energy levels are decent today.