As I said on Thursday, running hasn’t been coming easy lately. I just don’t feel like getting out of bed and jumping into my running shoes the way I’m used to. My old reaction would be to second guess this feeling and attempt to power through anyway, but I don’t see the point right now.
I’m signed up for a half marathon January 25 (NYRR Fred Lebow Manhattan Half) and I want to be able to somewhat enjoy the race of course, so completely taking off from running is out of the question. I lose running fitness pretty quickly so keeping up a schedule is important in order to feel good enough to race at all. But, there will be no 40 mile weeks in the near future, that’s for sure!
Let’s take a peek at the past week and see what’s planned for the weekend!
Sunday – Eek it’s my feet. Rest day from running with 45 mins of yoga at home from 25 days of yoga. I love the feeling in my muscles after doing yoga! Such a necessary complement to the effects of running.
Monday – 6 or so miles, untimed, but I felt that I was pushing more than “easy” pace. Not to a tempo pace, but I’m guessing I averaged 8:15-8:20 ish. It was after this run that I started wondering why I was pushing myself to run when I wasn’t feeling it.
40 minutes vinyasa yoga to open hips from My Free Yoga. It was the second time I did this particular video and I loved it even more this time.
Tuesday – 4 miles, a little hilly. Really struggled to get out for this one, which was odd being that I only had 4 miles planned of one of my standard routes. Plus it wasn’t even cold.
Wednesday – 5 miles, easy pace.
Quick 25 minute barre routine from Barre Workout HQ. I didn’t love this workout because it was really rushed, but considering how quick it was, it did work every muscle group, with a concentration on the lower body, I felt.
Thursday – 6 miles, “climb and fly” (first 2 steep uphills) I felt more energized to run than I had all week, which is often how I feel once I get up the big hills on this route! A definite mood booster for me. I decided to time this on my Nike app with my phone in my pocket so it wouldn’t bother me. The 8:50 avg pace is standard for me on this route, which was interesting to see! So even though I’m not timing myself, I think I’ve been running the same paces I had been during marathon training, minus the tempos.
Friday – Rest day from running and 35 minutes yoga in the basement, using 25 days of yoga again. Of course on my rest day my cat woke me up at 5am sharp with his terrible whining and I couldn’t go back to sleep. Would I expect anything else? No, not from this cat.
Saturday – Plans to run 10 miles with my friend Stephanie. Well, this hasn’t happened yet, but it will be in progress as you read this. Miles always fly by when I run with her, it’s like a great coffee date and a great workout at the same time.
So, assuming the 10 is completed, the numbers for the week are: 31 miles, 120 minutes of yoga, and 25 minutes of barre. It’s becoming clear what I’m starting to love doing, I think. If I can find some better at home barre workouts, I would love to have a full hour of it per week in my routine.
Goals for Next Week
Since I’m not working off any sort of plan, I figured setting some basic short weekly goals might help me feel more directed with fitness.
The rough plan for next week is – 25-30 miles of running, 3 days including yoga (2-2.5 hours total) 1 hour barre. So, pretty much the same thing that I did this week. It’s the holiday break for the kids so all of this will be a bit of a challenge to fit in. But, it could happen with some strategic planning. I will most likely run only 4 days to have an extra early morning free for yoga.
What has your week in fitness looked like? Do you have to switch around your routine during the holiday break? How do you work around the change in schedule?
I was planning to just get some short easy runs in next week while Im traveling but now that Ive taken a bunch of days off this week I feel all thrown off. Usually I like to get a few good workouts in before a crazy week of traveling/holidays but that just isn’t happening. As long as I can get up an hour before everyone else next week Ill be able to get workouts in, and waking up early never seems to be a problem for me:)
Being sick really throws everything off, which is why I fear it so much when there’s a big race! Being a little off right now is fine, it’s like a built in break. And I’m sure you’ll have a little time to run early next week. I always find that whether running or not, I’m up earlier than other people when on a trip. I’m sure you’ll have a great time, and good thing you got the bug out of the way beforehand! For a bad bug I guess not terrible timing.
I still may run that half! I will decide in a few weeks. I sure hope it doesn’t snow though or get bitter cold by then – the weather has been on my mind because of how it was last January.
Late January can be freezing, so it’s an iffy race! I ran it 2 years ago and it was under 20 degrees! This winter has been really mild so far surprisingly.
That “after yoga” muscle feel is the best 😉
All I know is my 5K is tomorrow and I can’t be more excited!
Awesome! So excited for you and can’t wait to hear about it 🙂
I knew your body would love all the versatile stretching in yoga work outs. My body was crying for it and craving it after all my years of only running. I had very limited range of motion in my neck and shoulders from so many years of carry a heavy knapsack ladened with heavy schoolbooks and then a heavy brief case. The stretching for upper body and hips is an amazing feeling. As I have progressed over the years to the higher levels, I have found it to be cardio too. At this point my two hours each day is a good, satisfying workout. Glad you are enjoying it so much. It’s great to get pleasure out of the exercise we do. This week is mixed up for me too. My daughter is home from college and her boyfriend is staying. It’s all about family and celebration. Fun, but can’t keep a regular schedule as easily. The great thing for me this year and I owe it all to YOUR help is that I no longer struggle everyday with the ill feelings from what I ate the day before. NO doctor has helped me as much as you. I have worked on myself through a man who is a holistic, knowledgeable health guru and you. Looking forward to working with you this coming year for running and paleo advice. You should have a lot of success in your business in the coming year. Have an awesome weekend! Btw, your salad recipe from yesterday is delicious and the dressing is a keeper.
Awesome about the salad! I also made it again for my family and everyone enjoyed it.
Funny you mention neck and shoulders because that is a bad area for me and I’m always trying to loosen it up!
Enjoy all your family and holiday time! And I’m so happy to hear that what I’m putting on the blog has helped. It means so much to me and makes me feel like all the work I put into it really has a great purpose!
Thanks for mentioning the yoga resources! I have been looking for more online myself so I can do more at home. Next week I am traveling to NJ for the holidays so it will all be a little different then my normal routine. I will try to get to a gym a few times, but it will be mostly quick workouts at home. Enjoy the weekend!
It’s pretty awesome how much you can find online for home practice! Navigating through it takes some time but there’s something for everyone. Enjoy your weekend and time in NJ as well!
I’ll be first to admit it’s hard to get out and just run in weather like this. what temperature is it there around where you live, Michele?
Actually it hasn’t really been cold at all! Low-mid 30s in the morning which is normally a great temp for me. The dark mornings make it a bit more of a challenge but, really, I think it’s all the other stuff!
Looks like you are still getting some runs in so that’s good. I have to keep running cause if I don’t my pace increases drastically. It sucks to see all my hard work and training down the toilet.
I totally know what you mean!! If I take a week off I start out again with side stitches and feel like a beginner. It comes back of course, but I hate the hassle of losing it if I don’t have to for an injury or illness. I’d rather push through to keep at least some fitness!
Something like you, I ran 33 miles last week. Plus, I did some strength training and a little biking. Your half marathon will be here before you know it!
I know! I’m hoping to keep it around 30 miles/week for now with a weekly 10 miler, and hope for the best with the race, but no pressure 🙂 Sounds like you had a nice week!
Now that I’m a personal trainer and have to work early morning during my usual workout times, I’ve learned to embrace working out midday. It’s been an adjustment but I like it!
Once you get used to something it gets easier/better. Although I could probably never get used to night running since I can barely move at that point 🙂
what a lovely week! your workout schedule certainly appeals to my need and love for structure. seeing it makes me a little fidgety as i think about my own boxes to tick off 🙂
this last week i had a minor setback – on tuesday i had to have a molar extracted, which turned out to be major surgery because the infection was so deep. this timing seems horrible, but actually it was perfect: the surgeon was in town, fit me in right away, and it won’t interfere with my wedding 🙂 i am in the process of getting 3 dental implants, so i’ve been going through major mouth drama over the last 18 months, with 12 more to go. it’s something out of my control though, was born with missing teeth, so i’ve had a close relationship with my dentist and surgeon my whole life. between teeth issues and a curvy spine, i suppose i was just born a very HIGH maintenance gal, lol!!! sorry, i joke about it because honestly there is really no point in getting too upset.
so my workout week was thrown off – i had to take pain meds and all i did was yoga and meditation for Tue/Wed/Thur. by Friday i was so fidgety that i ran 6 – this felt amazing, but then afterwards i felt horribly ill in my head. i knew i wasn’t supposed to push it that much so i begged the running gods for mercy. saturday i ran much easier and we even went roller skating because i am just a little kid at heart 🙂 so fun! i did my 12 mile run with our lovley group on sunday because seriously, that is more helpful than any therapy will ever be. i love it because we run so easily and chat for 12 miles or however many we do. it’s wonderful. i was in bed by 7 though because after 3 days of running in a row, my calf was sort of pissed. lol. yeah, i have a hard time being reasonable! but it was still really nice, all things considered. i keep having to remind myself that i just had surgery and last time i had this surgery, i was incapicated for a week. so i am VERY grateful 🙂
happy monday Michele!!!
I had major dental issues too growing up, beginning when I fell off my bike at 6 and since then it was all root canals and eventually an implant on one of my front teeth, so I hear you on that!! Not fun! You’ve had a hard week, but glad you’re seeing the positive. It’s all there is to do sometimes! I agree that running with someone to chat with can make all the difference on a long run and if you’re lacking that self motivation. I felt this way Sat with my friend, though it was only 10 miles! I’m so out of the “distance” mindset lately 🙂 Hope things look up for you this week so you can have a great holiday!