This was one of those weeks that I would have run every day if I could. I know better than that at this point, but the days I ran really helped me to stay grounded and focused during a busy and stressful week. It’s like somehow when I am out running I can either not think at all (which is a nice break for someone who’s mind is always going a mile a minute) or I can think more clearly about problems or upcoming tasks.
Some people say that running can be a form of meditation, and while I have never been one to meditate, I can see how that can be true. I definitely felt way more relaxed after my runs!
Overall it was a good week, and I feel like I did well with balancing all the different workouts that I wanted to included. I added a summary to the end of the post, which I am thinking will help me to keep track of what I am included in my workout routine each week.
As I said on Friday, I renewed my subscription to JasYoga and I am really enjoying it! The short routines are perfect to do after a run.
Monday: 4.1 miles, PT exercises, 10 minutes post-run yoga
I also did 50 push-ups and a 1 min 30 second plank as I started working on some of my winter goals.
Tuesday: 45 minutes spinning PM: Upper body strength training and foam rolling
I followed this video and also did 10 minutes of yoga. I got home from work a little early so did an upper body workout and foam rolled.
Wednesday: 4 mile fartlek run and PT exercises
I did the same time based pyramid workout as last week, but this time I did it faster! Part of the reason was I knew what to expect, so I wasn’t as conservative with my paces early on. I did a 2 min 15 second plank after my run and the myrtl routine.
Thursday: Strength training and yoga
I spent about 40 minutes doing a variety of strength training exercises (which included 50 push-ups and a 2 minute 20 second plank) and the did 2 of the “Hit Reset” videos from JasYoga.
Friday: 3.1 miles and PT exercises
Just an easy run in the dark to start out the last work day of a very busy/stressful week. Before my run I did my PT stuff, and after my run I did a quick yoga video for the hip flexors and quads.
Saturday: Yoga Warm up, 9 miles, Mobility
Pre-run I followed the “Align Your Stride” yoga routine which is an 8 minute running warm up. The run was uneventful, although it was tough getting started. When I got back I did the myrtl routine and couch stretch. Later in the day I did some foam rolling.
Sunday: Rest
Lots of time was spent catching up on blog-related stuff, and also starting to set up our home office! We ordered a few pieces of furniture after the holidays and it was delivered on Friday. It’s nice to finally have a space to get organized!
Weekly Summary
Running: 4 runs, 20.2 miles
Yoga: 5 short sessions (10-15 minutes)
Strength Training: 1 total body workout, 1 upper body workout, 3 PT sessions, push-ups on 3 days, planks on 4 days
[Tweet “Running is a great way to stay grounded and focused when life gets crazy @milebymilerun #weeklywrap #runchat”]
The good thing about short and busy weeks is that they go by quickly! Now we start the long haul through the rest of winter without any time off.
How were your workouts last week?
Do you run more or less when you have a busy/stressful week?
Linking up with Holly and Tricia for hosting the Weekly Wrap!
last week was a really good one running wise for me too! let’s hope this week is good as well. I am trying to remember to get my yoga stretching in again!
I wish the wind would settle down because it was way too crazy to run here this morning! Hope you have another good week of running!
I try and run more on stressful weeks, sometimes that is what makes them stressful is not being able to run as much as I would like. I usually only run 4 days a week and am very sad when I have to skip a day. Great week and nice job with the pushups and planks.
I know what you mean about feeling more stressed when you dont run! I feel like I need to really make sure I can get my runs in if I know its gonna be a stressful week.
And now everyone knows why I ran as much as I did in December. It wasn’t because I was doing sprints or whatever to get my feelings out, it was because of the consistency and freedom! I hope life calms down a bit for you!
Yes, exactly!
Great week! I totally find running meditative (when it’s not being a jerk, like it is right now). Typically I’m on a plan and I stick to it, no matter what stressors I may have.
I like to do the same, except when the weather gets in the way of those plans.
Running definitely makes a difference during a stressful week! I am always grateful when busy weeks coincide with good running weather. I hope life calms down for you soon.
Thanks! This week is just as busy but at least not quite as stressful.
Great job! I love all the variety in your workouts. You did so many pushups! That would kill me, haha…we did a ton of them in barre class and now I’m sore today! I was off for MLK as well so the week was short but still pretty busy and I was glad to be as active as I could be since work got busy at the end of the week.
It’s great when you can have an office dedicated for blogging work! I just got mine set up and I’m loving it! I’m still working on getting things organized…
I think the short week just naturally makes work busier! Its always nice to get some workouts in early in the week since you never know how the end of the week will turn out.
I try to keep my normal running schedule because it lets me clear my head and run off stress. I don’t know if I meditate, but it’s nice to think about other stuff besides work.
Exactly! Its so important to take time away from work and think about other things, or nothing at all.
I think I run a little bit more when I am busy or stressed. I think it stems from wanting to be in control!
That makes sense and is probably the same for me!
I was happy with my running but from a routine perspective I missed a run and a workout session. I need to be more consistent.
I definitely run more when I’m stressed. It helps me work out problems and clears my mind from distractions.
I know what you mean. I always feel better when I get back from a run!
YES YES YES! Running is my moving meditation. Oddly, I run more when I’m busy and stressed. It’s pretty weird. My week can be crammed full of stuff and somehow it helps me to get through it all if I just pick up speed, stay at a zillion mph until Sunday hits and then I crash. I hope this next week is a bit more chill for you. We all need to recover from life sometimes, not just running.
Its such a balancing act. I feel like when I am stressed, I run more, and then it adds up to all this physical plus emotional stress which can be too much. I think things are calming down a bit. And you are so right about needing to recover from life as well as running!
50 push ups! Way to go!
I had a low mileage week last week with 0 strength training. A part of me feels guilty and another part of me feels like sometimes you have to adjust for life!
You definitely have to adjust for life sometimes! No reason to feel guilty- some weeks we just need to give ourselves a break.
I’m very impressed with the variety of things you do throughout the week. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not good at that. I’d love to be able to run every day because of the stress reducing results. It is funny how some runs solve all the problems in the world and some I don’t even remember — like I’m asleep. But, any run is a good one in my book. Thanks for linking, Lisa!
You are so right that some runs can solve all the problems and some we dont even remember! But they all serve a purpose in some way!
I can relate to using running as a stress reliever. I am actually looking forward to a runstreak this summer when I can run every day just a mile or two.
I have never done a run streak but I think it would be great! (If I could run every day without getting hurt…)