Giraffes Versus Parrots

And just like that I’m back to starting my workday at 6:30 AM four days a week after one of my clients who I see four mornings a week returned from a three week vacation. In order to get my own strength training workout completed before starting my workday, I’m up at 5 AM. And now that I’m back at that wakeup time on those days, I tend to wake up around that time even on mornings my alarm is set for later. As a result I’m needing more naps which you’ll notice in my rundown.

After at least six months, my sleep profile on Fitbit recently changed from a giraffe to that of a parrot. From the Fitbit app…

“Giraffes tends to have shorter yet deeper sleep periods. They go to bed later (that wasn’t necessarily true with me) and have earlier wake up times. Compared to others, Giraffes are more likely to sleep later and wake earlier. With a consistent sleep schedule, they also reach quality sleep more quickly. Despite a shorter overall duration, Giraffes tend to manage a relatively good proportion of deep and REM sleep. This usually means fewer wake ups and disruptions, reducing the need for daytime napping.

Parrots tend to keep a consistent bedtime, and don’t sleep too early or too late. They typically reach sound sleep quickly, and usually get a good amount of sleep each night. Once they drift off, Parrots sleep deeply, but they can be light on REM. This is because they may wake up briefly throughout the night. Most of these wake ups are so brief they might be forgotten, usually leaving Parrots with an adequate amount of sleep to avoid naps the next day.”

I’m really not sure how much faith I put into any of this considering both profiles say fewer naps are needed, but it’s cute and fun to follow. I know my naps were needed during February and March as I recovered from surgery, and it only makes sense that I’m needing them now as I wake up earlier again and ramp up my cardio workouts, and mostly avoid caffeine.

 

Overview of the Week

Before getting into each day’s workouts, here’s an overview of my workouts from this past week. Scroll beyond the infographic for daily details…

 

Sunday

Cycling: 38 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 15.9 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 8 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 63° in basement, 47° and partly cloudy outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra

Our friend Chuck and founder of Dawn Patrol (one of our cycling groups) was in town from Florida and we had a big day planned: a reunion ride on the W&OD Trail followed by a barbecue at our house. While the rest of the group rode outside, I stayed inside on my spin bike because my vertigo had flared up and it seemed to be the safer option. It was also a bit nippy outside so I didn’t mind missing the outdoor ride at all. Worth noting, by Tuesday my vertigo had vanished as quickly as it had appeared on the previous Thursday night.

We had a blast at our barbecue! My husband grilled Key West chicken and bourbon beef tips to perfection, and my roasted veggies were delicious. Costco helped out with a Caesar salad and bread while friends brought appetizers and desserts.

 

Monday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

Walking: 3.12 miles
• Average pace: 16:48 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 311 feet
• Start time: 2:28 PM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 73° and partly cloudy
• What I wore: shorts and s/s shirt

It was an absolutely beautiful day and I was grateful to have time to get outside for an afternoon walk.

 

Tuesday

Cycling: 25 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 15.3 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:53 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 65° in basement, 61° and cloudy outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra

Nap time: 2 hours 40 minutes

This ride earned me the Great American Ride 150 Miles badge. Later in the day, I was unbelievably tired (from getting less sleep, not from the workout) so I lay down for a quick nap which turned out to be anything but quick. LOL

 

Wednesday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

Walking: 2.1 miles
• Average pace: 16:32 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 126 feet
• Start time: 2:15 PM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 59°, mostly sunny, and windy
• What I wore: shorts, s/s shirt, puffer jacket, and visor

Nap time: 1 hour 28 minutes

I tied a walk in with dropping a package off at the UPS Store. I do love it when I’m able to take care of errands on foot. I checked again in front of our grocery store and there are still no places to lock a bike. If there were, I’d take my beach cruiser which has a basket on the front – it would be perfect when shopping for just a few items.

 

Thursday

Cycling: 36 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 15.8 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:18 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 61°in basement, 36° and clear outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra

Walking: 2.13 miles
• Average pace: 15:23 minute/mile
• Elevation gain: 70 feet
• Start time: 12:15 PM
• Location: neighborhood trails
• Weather: 54° and sunny, climbing to 60°
• What I wore: shorts, s/s shirt, and light jacket

Kim and I chatted for an hour and 28 minutes which really helped me pass the time while on a longer ride. We both came up with some runfessions and coffee chat ideas, and since we were inside I was able to jot them down on my phone so we wouldn’t forget. 😉 This ride earned me the 200 Mile badge from the Great American Ride.

And even though I’d already done plenty of cardio, I squeezed in a walk to keep my bones strong.

 

Friday

Strength training: 1 hour of total body

Balance and stretching: 45 minutes

Cycling: 10 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 15.9 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:58 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 63° in basement, 43° and mostly sunny outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra

Nap time: 22 minutes

One of the badges awarded in the Great American Ride is for riding five days in a row which I don’t normally do so I hopped on my bike while training a virtual client to knock out day two.

 

Saturday

Cycling: 25 miles
• Bike: Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Spin
• Average speed: 16.2 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 6:46 AM
• Location: basement
• Weather: 66° in basement, 69° and cloudy outside
• What I wore: bike shorts and sports bra

Cycling: 26.14 miles
• Bike: Specialized Roubaix Comp
• Average speed: 13.9 MPH
• Surface: N/A
• Elevation gain: N/A
• Start time: 8:59 AM
• Location: W&OD Trail Leesburg/Sterling loop
• Weather: 69° and cloudy
• What I wore: bike shorts, s/s jersey, and fingerless gloves

Nap time: 1 hour 38 minutes

After a solo early morning spin in the basement, I joined my friend Betsy for a much anticipated outdoor ride! I rode my road bike for the first time since last fall and it felt good to be back on it. It’s a much different ride than my gravel bike and the change felt good. I should say it’s a much different ride than my spin bike since that’s what I’ve almost exclusively ridden since early March.

These rides earned me the 15 Days of Riding and the 250 Mile badges from the Great American Ride.

I made sure to take a nap because our Easter vigil mass wouldn’t start until 8:30 PM, about the time I’m usually heading upstairs to read and I knew I’d be tired if I didn’t get some rest. It’s a good thing I took my nap because I didn’t step out of church until 10:32, but it was a beautiful service and I was happy I attended the vigil. And since this will post on Easter Sunday, for those of you who celebrate I wish you a happy and glorious Easter!

Last Week’s Blog Posts

In case you skipped checking in on my blog these past weeks, here’s what you missed…

 

Questions:
  • • Is the weather getting conducive for outdoor rides/walks/runs where you live? ~ I’ve been able to walk outside almost all winter, but this year I never got out my cold weather cycling gear so I’m happy for short sleeved riding.
  • • Does your work schedule interfere with your sleep? ~ yes
  • • Did you run in a race this weekend? ~ no

 

And that’s my rundown… Have a great week!

 

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I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!

 

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