When I looked back on my “Month in Review” post from September, I couldn’t believe how much has happened in just a few weeks! When I wrote that post, the longest I had run since starting to run again was 6 miles. This month I ran a half-marathon! I feel like I made quite a bit of progress in a short time, making this one of my best months in a while.
Baltimore Half-Marathon
The highlight of October was definitely the half-marathon. I signed up at the last minute, and even though it was hot and hilly, I had a great time.
Other Runs
I stuck to running 3 days a week, which seems to be working well for me. In the beginning of the month I added in some fartlek and tempo runs. After the half I stuck to easy runs for a week. My long runs were 6, 10 and 11 miles (plus the weekend of the half).
Strength Training
I have continued with my strength training program which is two workouts per week. I’m already on week 6 of phase 3! There was one week that I traveled for work which interfered with my workouts a bit (plus I was resting up for the half) but other than that I have stuck to my plan.
Cross Training
I’ve pretty much been using my spin bike for cross training once a week. I am embarrassed to say that I think I only went to the gym once this month. (Twice if you count my treadmill run yesterday.) I almost froze my gym membership but then figured I may want to use it if its raining or something. The weather has been pretty decent so I have wanted to run outside. I also prefer to strength train at home. As for pool workouts, I have no other excuse other than that I have been avoiding them.
Other Stuff
This month work finally settled down a little bit, at least for now. Also, I got a standing desk which has been awesome!
Here are a few other blog posts from this month:
How I Schedule My Weekly Workouts
The Benefits of Running 3 Days a Week
Baltimore Running Festival Half-Marathon
[Tweet “October was a great month for @milebymilerun ! #runchat #tuesdaysontherun”]
How did you do with your goals in October?
Was October a busy month for you?
What is you preferred exercise for cross training?
I’m linking up with No Guilt Life, MCM Mama Runs, and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Tuesdays on the Run!
My October went pretty well that I may be signing up for another race in November now. That’s great that you are back to running pain free and can up your mileage. I’m sure all your cross training has helped.
November is a great time for races! Glad you had a good month!
You’ve made amazing progress this month! Way to stick with that strength training. I swear it makes such a difference. I think I told you that except for my NYCM training cycle, I’m always on a 3x/week plan. If they’re quality runs, and you’re doing enough XT, it’s all you need!
Yep, the 3 days a week has definitely allowed me to keep up with the all other stuff!
I’m so glad that you’ve been able to get back to running!! Even though I hate cross training, when I do it I don’t mind riding the bike!
Thats how I feel right now! I can tolerate the bike even though I don’t really love it at the moment.
It looks to me that all that hard work you’ve been putting in, all that rehab, really paid off! A lesson for all of us.
I just hope it sticks! Ive been down this path before. My body just likes to do weird things that I will never fully understand.
I’ve only been going to my gym once at the most once a week to use a bike. I haven’t biked in a couple weeks, so I’ve only been maybe twice this month. If I get a bike for the basement, I will cancel my membership.
Its really nice to have the option to cross train at home!
You are definitely making a comeback! That is great news. Have you used a stand up desk before? I just feel like I would be really tired from standing all day. How do you like it?
I have one of the sit to stand desks so I alternate throughout the day. At first I was standing almost all day and my feet got so tired! Now I go back and forth more and it seems to be working well.
You made so much progress this month! That strength training is definitely paying off.
Thank you! I do think the strength training helped so much with my return to running.
You are cruising right along! I’m so happy for you after the month’s of no running. Looking back at the beginning of the month, for me, I was thinking I was never going to run again. How soon things change!
So much can happen over a few weeks, and hopefully by the time you are looking back at November you will be totally back to running!
i think you will make use of the gym in another month or so when the weather turns much colder/ stormier. For now though, yeah it’s finally nice running weather!
Yes you are probably right! I already opted for the treadmill this week when there are 25mph winds. I’m just not ready for that!
I’d love to sign up for a shorter race this month or next. That’s awesome you got a standing desk – is it amazing/making a difference?
Its a really nice option to have! I have a sit to stand desk so I alternate throughout the day. I probably stand more than I sit, but its nice to be able to take a break when my feet get tired.
I had a pretty solid month. It went by so fast that it didn’t necessarily feel busy, but just like a blur. I guess that means it was busy, haha! I really like strength training for cross training, but I also love a good, sweaty spin class. Happy November!
October did go by pretty fast! Strength training and spinning are two of my favorite workouts too.
October was your great comeback month – way to go! I love that photo of you from the race – you look very strong!
I did a running 3x week training cycle for the Brooklyn Half Marathon and I really enjoyed it. I loved having the extra time to crosstrain. I’m going to talk with my coach and see if running 3x a week would work for a marathon training cycle.
I definitely think 3 days a week can be helpful for some people. It can be hard to fit in all the workouts for marathon training, but I think cross training on other days would help alot!
You had a rockin’ October! Nicely done. That race pic of you is awesome, too. Woohoo!!
Thanks! I love that they gave us free race pics:)
Such a strong month! I am always afraid to up the mileage coming back from injury but then at a certain point, everything clicks and you realize you are good to go… looks like you hit that point!
Yes, I think so! Although at this point I think Im just gonna stay around this mileage- there is no point in increasing too much if Im not training for anything!
Now that MCM is over, I really need to start doing some strength workouts. My upper body strength is non-existent.
Sounds like October was a good month for you! Hope November is awesome.
This is a good time of year to focus more on strength training!
What a great month for you Lisa, and so glad you went for that Half Marathon. I just love October and although it has been quite a stressful and busy month, I have still managed to get stuff done. Best of luck for November 🙂
Thanks! October is a good month and this time of year always flies by. Hope you have a great November!
Congrats on a fantastic month! I have been a bit out of the loop so I didn’t realize you ran a half marathon…off to read the recap! Keep up the great work 🙂
Thank you! It was a totally last minute decision:)
Looks like you seriously got back into the swing of things in October. Good for you! I hope you can keep going without any more injury!
Thanks! I hope so too!