Last week I shared some of my thoughts on running lately, and how I have found myself in a bit of a slump, feeling like I haven’t been making the progress I would like to see. It was really helpful to read all the comments and hear about other runners’ experiences with this. It sounds like we all go through ups and downs with our running, sometimes due to life, and other times the causes are not so apparent. While I am sure that my body is responding to my workouts different now (at 32) than it did when I was 22, it doesn’t mean I still can’t improve and train hard, I’ll just need to adjust based on how I am feeling.
Anyway, this did end up being a cut-back week and I think I needed it. However, last week was also a stressful week at work, and usually during weeks like that I turn to running to help me get through it. Sunday was a nice, relaxing day off from running which I definitely needed! Not sure what this upcoming week will bring, but I did come up with a schedule that I can always modify based on what the week brings.
Monday: Strength training- I actually pulled up a Body Pump workout on YouTube, and kept my weight really light since I haven’t done this kind of workout since last June. It definitely left me sore for a few days! I finished up with 8 minute abs (how hysterical is this video?! I usually stick with planks and stability ball exercises for core work but this type of workout leaves my abs burning in a different way, so I thought I would add it back in from time to time.)
Tuesday: 4.2 miles easy, core and glute exercises
Wednesday: 6.23 miles with 2 x 1.5 miles at 7:30 pace, 8 minute abs
Thursday: 3.32 miles easy, Pure Barre Tone in 10 for arms and abs
Friday: 4.3 miles and this strength workout that Meredith talked about last week!
Saturday: 7.3 miles…this was a dreary morning for running, and I wasn’t really feeling it. I said to Rob before I headed out that if the weather were more spring-like that I would be much more excited to get out there. Although there was nothing “bad” about the weather (38 degrees and cloudy) I was just really in the mood for sunshine and warmer temps.
Sunday: Rest day (did this 35 minute yoga video and went for a walk)
Total: 25.35 miles
Walked: 21 miles Push-ups: 4 days
Yearly Total: 481/2016
I think between the cooler/rainy weather and the time change, this week made me feel like spring was gone and winter had come back. We even had snow on Saturday (although it didn’t amount to anything- but initially they were calling for several inches!) At least this week looks like it will be a bit sunnier, and warmer by the end of the week.
Do you like to do workout videos on YouTube?
How were your workouts last week?
Has spring arrived where you live?
i am so glad you tried that workout! I have to do it again this week, I can’t imagine it will leave me sore this time too but who knows! since it is currently snowing, it is definitely not feeling like spring!
It definitely doesn’t feel like spring today- it’s so cold and windy!
I love that the workout is so short but hits all the key muscles for runners.
We all need cutback weeks. Training or not! And like rest days, we tend to fight them, but then, when we take them, we are so much happier. Says the girl trying to decide if she should take a rest day…
So true! I always feel better after I back off a bit.
I do like workout videos on YouTube. There us is one guy (“TheZeusFitness”) who does workouts that are just killer, or at least they are for me. I did one of his full body workouts last week and I was sweating like crazy in just 2 minutes (maybe less) … he included all of the lunges, squats and burpees!
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheZeusFitness
This weekend was ridiculously hot here, but I think we’re going to cool down tomorrow for about 48 hours. I’m looking forward to it because I had forgotten just how hot the mid 80s feel!
Thanks for sharing that link! I will have to give that workout a try!
I know I will miss the cooler weather when its hot and humid here, but Im definitely ready for spring!
I can’t believe you got snow! After how mild winter was it seem like it’s just throwing out all the stops to stick around. It’s all rain, rain, rain here.
I love YouTube for Pilates videos. It’s so much easier to stream a workout video from a phone then bring a laptop and DVD to the gym. Glad you enjoyed a cutback week – hopefully you enjoy some good spring runs this week!
Luckily there was very little snow, but still- it’s been cold and windy today and after the nice weather we had 2 weeks ago I am really over the winter weather!
I have a strange question.. Why did all your runs this week end in a not rounded number??
Haha I have no idea! And I didn’t notice that until you said something. I guess that’s what happens when I don’t plan out a specific distance.
I have never done any workouts on YouTube. I should look up some. I also do certain core workouts but when I switch it up, I always feel it. I have done a few new moves on a Bosu ball recently. I wasn’t even doing it for long but the next day my stomach even hurt when I laughed. So effective.
I love using the bosu for core workouts!
My workouts were short and sweet last week leading up to the NYC Half. Turned out well since I PR’ed yesterday!
Yay! So happy for you!
We had spring last week, then got Colorado’s cold snap. I still went outside for my run, then wished I hadn’t. I stayed inside until going to a soccer game, under layers and drinking hot fluids to warm up.
I wish spring would just stick around for good! Every time the cold comes back its so depressing.
Crappy about your stressful week at work last week. 🙁 I hope it’s better this week! Love those shamrock socks!
Thank you! It was one of those weeks that went by quickly because there was so much going on, so that’s always a good thing!
I love that 8 minute ab video – haha, it’s a classic! My running has been so out of sorts lately, and then I randomly ran 13 miles on Saturday. Not sure if my body is going to hate me for that or what!
Wow that’s awesome! I haven’t run more than 10 miles since my marathon in November. By the way, I’m having issues getting to your site, I was able to read your post but when I commented I couldn’t tell if it went through and now the page won’t load. It might be my computer because I read on bloglovin and it goes a little crazy sometimes!
Oh no – Thank you for telling me! I haven’t seen your comment yet, so I need to check into it!
Well Spring was here, then it left and ol’ man winter came back last night with exactly freezing temps last night. Just when I thought it was safe to pack up the cold weather running clothes too! I hope that was it as the rest of the week the temps are supposed to creep back up especially at night.
Lisa, I think no matter what age we need to realize that some weeks are better than others even if we do the same things. I know for me with my awful week, I just wasn’t feeling it and needed to take more rest. I think just like in a race our minds play more of a roll than we give it credit for. Thank you for linking up with us, here’s to a better week!
You are so right! Hopefully we both have a better (and warmer) week!
It was a dreary weekend here too. Good that you got out even when you weren’t feeling it! I’m actually treasuring this cool weather while it lasts. I don’t want the heat and humidity to come just yet!
I keep reminding myself that it will be hot and humid soon and that Im gonna miss the cooler weather!
Struggle was the theme for a lot of people this week. I think the time change had more of an affect than we like to admit. I downloaded a HIIT app and hope to incorporate that into my routine, since it doesn’t take much time. But, it may be way beyond my abilities! We are having what I think will be out last cold/cool week. I plan to take advantage of it as I’ll be complaining about the heat soon enough. Thanks for linking with us Lisa.
I am hoping this is the end of the cold weather for us too, but I know I will also be complaining about the heat soon!