I was so happy that I was able to run this week. It was one of those weeks that flies by because there just isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. So my morning workouts were my time for myself, before the craziness of the work day began. Of course, I was happy to be back to running because it’s one of the ways I manage stress.
My body didn’t like being stuck at work for a ridiculous number of hours each day (still no standing desk…) so each morning I made sure to foam roll to get the kinks out. I also missed out on sleep because I was getting home so late that dinner time was pushed back to bed time and of course I still woke up ay my normal 4:30am time, even on Saturday.
Anyway, let’s take a look at last week’s workouts:
Monday: 3 miles with a few hills
I decided to just run at whatever pace felt good, so there were times I sped up a bit, and even ran up a few hills for the first time since coming back to running. It was a great morning to be outside. I had no idea just how busy this work week would be, but I was really glad to start it out with a good run.
Tuesday: Strength training
I’m waiting for my next strength training plan so I repeated part of week 6 today. I’m excited for what’s next! (And also a little nervous)
Wednesday: 3 miles
I ran an easy out and back (as described in last Friday’s post!) It was supposed to rain so I wore a hat, and I couldn’t get my headlamp to stay on my head with the hat. So I wore it around my hand instead.
Thursday: Spinning and strength training
By this point in the week I was exhausted and stressed so I rode the bike for 20 minutes before doing a short strength training session. Can you see how tired I look by the picture?
Friday: 35 minutes swimming/pool running
I just could not get in the groove with swimming this week. The pool running was fine, but it was a different lifeguard and I felt like he was confused about what I was doing. My workout was short, so I was at work by 7am…but didn’t leave until almost 8pm. Ugh. Not an ideal Friday.
Saturday: 4.5 miles
Ok, so I probably shouldn’t have run 4.5 miles, I know. But I needed it. Rob will tell you how much my mood improves after I get back from a run. I had a busy weekend ahead so got out the door around 6. It was dark when I started and sunny when I finished. Then I made smoothie, meal prepped, cleaned, got a haircut, caught up on blogging stuff, and went to church. Whew.
Sunday: “Rest”
I put that in quotes because I went into work for awhile to try to get caught up before another busy week begins!
It was a good week of running, but a stressful week otherwise. It seems like things often ebb and flow like that, right? I hope it doesn’t sound like I am complaining, I know that everyone is busy and I am grateful that I have a job I enjoy. It just felt like this week in particular was really focused on work and everything else just sort of happened whenever I had a free second. I’m hoping things quiet down by the end of the month!
[Tweet “It was a good week to be back to running! @milebymilerun #weeklywrap”]
How do you fit in your workouts when you have a really busy week?
Is there a particular time of year that is the busiest for you?
Linking up with Holly , Tricia, and Sara for the Weekly Wrap!
I’m chuckling about the lifeguard and pool running confusion. I feel that way with all the lifeguards. I think since I’m in the dive well and they only see my head bobing that they think I’m drowning. Lol! Glad to see you back on the run!
So happy to see another great running week for you despite the demands of your job. I agree I don’t think many understand pool running. I get side eyes all the time when I do it.
I don’t think I have ever seen anyone else at a gym pool running. I always wonder if Im even doing it right!
When my weeks get crazy busy with college, I usually find time early in the morning to get my workouts and runs in! I hope this weeks is less stressful for you!
Thanks! Morning workouts are the best.
Even though my job is”just part-time” (25-30 hrs/week), I’m on the computer (blogging) when I’m not at the office. Of course, the blogging is a choice, but I treat it as an obligation LOL I have found that early morning is best for me (especially with running /walking), but I can sometimes squeeze in short periods of strength work in the evening (hand weights/squats/lunges, etc.).
I used to treat blogging as an obligation but lately I have had to remind myself that I do it for fun, and its ok to not keep up with everything! At this point I’ve chosen sleep over blogging, but I usually have time to catch up on it over the weekends.
I hope your week settles down for you. I had a really busy summer and I couldn’t get my workouts/runs in as much as I’d like. I’m glad fall is here and I’m able to get back to the swing of things.
I think/hope that things will settle down in a few weeks and I can get back on track!
A good week of running makes a stressful week of work more manageable, but that said I do hope this week is less stressful with still good running for you! When life gets stressful I need those morning workouts, no matter how short, to set the tone for the day.
Yes, exactly! Rob tries to tell me to just relax and sleep in, and I have to laugh because sleeping in just doesn’t happen for me, and working out IS how I relax!
You had a great week of running despite such a busy week. I hope work slows down for you soon!
Thank you! I hope so too.
Lately my job has been all over the place when it comes to being busy. It’s been pretty active the past month, but thankfully I haven’ that too many double-digit hour days…yet! Hang in there! And it’s so true how running can be a form of therapy. Such a great outlet when you can squeeze it in!
I’ve always said my job comes in waves of busyness but since July it’s just been crazy. I’m hoping that things settle down this fall but I’m not gonna get my hopes up!
ugh I hate when work and life gets busy because then my workouts feel so rushed mentally in the morning. and I don’t like how dark it is at 6 am right now!! I really noticed it when I looked outside this morning, as if it majorly changed overnight.
I do feel like my workouts are rushed and in general I feel like I am ALWAYS rushing. I’ve been trying to get in to work earlier so I try to be done running by 5:45-6 so it’s been pitch black the whole time!
I can relate to the part about weeks flying by because there is only enough time in the day to get everything done! I think I’ve lived this each week this whole summer! Thank goodness mornings are the most routine time of my day so that is usually when I get my runs in!
Yes, I totally agree about the mornings! Best time of day for sure. (As I reply to comments at 5 am, lol…)
“Normal” and “4:30am time” should NOT be paired together in a sentence. Isn’t it amazing how we’re capable of fitting in our workouts if we really want to? Nice job on that Saturday run. I’ll hope for you that it didn’t cause problems with your feet. I hope things settle down for soon! It’s okay to be busy but stressful ain’t cool.
For a few years now 4:30 has been the new norm. I remember before that I refused to set my alarm with anything earlier than 5am. But now I really appreciate the time from 4:30-6:00 when I drink coffee, read blogs, and get in my workouts.
I’m so happy to see that you are back to running a few days a week – how exciting!
I know that my body doesn’t like sitting too long at my desk at work as well. I’ve been making it a point to get up more often to walk and stretch.
I need to figure out a way to remember to get up and walk around more often. At least the printer is down the hall so that forces me to get up pretty often!
Running is such a mood boost for me too! Jared always tells the girls that I’ll come back “sweaty and happy” if I get to go run… it’s true. And wow, 4:30?! I wish I was an early riser!
Hahah Rob hates when I am injured because he knows I need running to deal with life. I think I’ve handle the past few months pretty well, but it definitely helps to be back to running.
I know I have to get my workouts in when I’m stressed. Luckily, work have a good work/life balance, but if I need to log in at home, I will. I’ve only done that a couple times, but I can get things off my list, which also makes me feel good.
Getting things done outside of work hours can definitely help. This week I have been trying to leave the office at a decent time, and then just catching up on Emails from home in the evenings.
Such a great week of workouts – it’s great you are able to fit them in when you’re really busy! I’m so impressed you wake up at 4:30 am, even on the weekend!!
I schedule my workouts like meetings – I write them in my planner and make sure to get them done, no matter how busy I am!
Hope you’re having a great Monday 🙂
Thats a great idea to schedule your workouts in a planner! I usually go into the week with an idea in my head of what workouts I will do, and most of the time I am able to get them all done. It always helps to work out in the morning before the day gets busy.
It sure is nice to see you out on the roads! I know about the weird stares from lifeguards. I had a hard time believing I was the only pool runner they had ever seen though. Anytime I can get super sweaty in the early morning before work makes even the most stressful of days seem to go so much smoother. Thanks for linking!
Sometimes I really wonder if I am the only pool runner they have seen. Especially because I never see any other pool runners at the gym!
Sounds like a pretty solid week! And yes, I know how you feel when things ebb and flow. All of my work seems to arrive at the same time and I’m not in the position to be picky about it so I have to do all the things! Luckily I love what I do so it’s not so bad. 🙂
I really do enjoy my work and thats what keeps me motivated! Otherwise I think it would be really hard to work a lot and not find any enjoyment in it.
I feel you. My legs feel weak from too much sitting down at work and not much movement. Me and my husband have been doing morning jogs now.
Lamp on the hand is a great idea! As long as it makes you safe.
It definitely helps to get in a workout before sitting at work all day!
Good job of getting your workouts in despite the hectic work week. Many times, when my weeks are crazy, like this one, some of my runs/workouts just don’t happen. It is what it is. Lol
Yep, that’s so true! We can only do the best we can. Some weeks other things just need to take a priority over workouts.
Look at you getting in all the wonderful runs! Sorry work was so stressful. I guess I never even asked you…what is your job?
I work on a grant for a school system that’s focused on behavioral/emotional/mental health. It involves a lot of staff training. I really enjoy my work but this time of year is just so busy!
I don’t have a ton of crazy busy weeks, but when I do, I feel so much more accomplished for getting all my check marks checked! I tend to thrive on deadlines and a bit of chaos.
So is your foot all better now?
Haha see I like deadlines but they stress me out when they rapidly approach and I cant get anything done! I don’t thrive on chaos..that stresses me out!
I dont think I would say my foot is “all better”. Its still not 100% but much better than before.
Hoping things settle down for you soon! I’m lucky in that I work for myself, so if I want to take an hour break to go for a run, I can…but since I’m always juggling a million different projects/deadlines at once, sometimes I have to be creative when it comes to squeezing in a workout!
I think it would be tough to work for yourself because of having to make sure everything gets done. But it does sound nice to have a little more flexibility!
Wow i haven’t seen anyone as active as you Lisa. I started to run again after 5 months of rest and i can feel the benefits. Thank you for sharing this article.