September was my first full month back to running after 6 weeks off over the summer. I took a little break from doing “month in review” posts and instead did one post talking about my summer in general. In June I wrote a monthly recap that was pretty optimistic. I had just gotten my orthotics and was feeling good. Everything went downhill pretty quickly after that, and here I am again, starting over once again.
September: Month in Review
So how did September go? Well, it really flew by, that’s for sure. Work was busy and running/working out/blogging just happened around that. I kept focusing on making it to October because there were a few big things due at the end of September. I felt like once they were complete things would settle down. (We’ll see if that happens!)
Running
I kept my running to 3 days a week, always taking at least one day off from running in between each run. I built up my weekday miles to about 3 and my “long” run to 6. The 6 miles was sort of accidental, but I was feeling good so went with it.
Strength Training
I started Phase 3 of my strength training plan with Drew and Tina and am really liking it so far. Each time I start a new phase I get a few new exercises and continue with a few of the same from the last phase. The variety is nice but consistency is good too!
Cross Training
I haven’t been going to the gym as much now that I’m back to running. Over the summer, I was going twice a week on my “cardio” days to use the elliptical. Now I’m going once a week for cross training. I’d like to do one of my strength training workouts there so I can use heavier weights, but I hate lifting around people (just like sharing equipment and space). Also, when I first start a new phase of training I rely on the videos to go back and watch how I am supposed to do the exercises, so maybe when I get more comfortable I will try them at the gym.
I was using the pool for a few weeks to swim/pool run but it is SO hard to motivate myself to do that. Also, If I don’t start my work day at my office (sometimes I have trainings at other sites around the county) then it doesn’t make sense to go to the gym. Last week I had to be on the other side of the county on Friday, so instead of swimming I used my spin bike for cross training.
It seems like the weather is starting to cool off which will make running a little easier. Coming back to running and dealing with heat and humidity at the same time was a real struggle. It was so obvious how much faster my paces were and how much easier it felt when the weather was cooler.
A few other blog posts from this month:
5 Thoughts about Returning to Running after a Long Injury
Running Routes for Everyday Runs
[Tweet “September is over already? Looking back on running this month @milebymilerun #tuesdaysontherun”]
How did you do with your running/workouts in September?
Are you affected by the weather when you run?
Do you strength train at home or at a gym?
I’m linking up with No Guilt Life, MCM Mama Runs, and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Tuesdays on the Run!
So great to see you running again! Oh yes heat/humidity suck the life out of me. It’s pushing 70 degrees here this morning and the humidity’s back. I already know my run as soon as I get the kids off to school is going to be a struggle.
I wish the humidity would just go away for good already!
My month of September running was pretty good! I was just starting back up with running again and it felt amazing! I was still doing strength training as well, just not as much.. but when I did, I did it in our home gym 🙂 I hope October is a good month of running for you!
Im so glad that running and strength training are going well for you!
It’s so great to see you on the comeback trail! Onward and upward!
That’s the plan!
I like going to the gym specifically to strength train when I teach or take Body pump. I do not have that type of equipment at home to do so. Even if I did, I don’t think I would do it at home.
I think it helps that I have a dedicated space for working out at home. When I lived in an apartment, I kept my weights in the living room and could never efficiently strength train!
So great to see you back at it and pain free. Have you decided to completely scrap the orthotics idea? I do weights at home–I’ve invested a lot in equipment and a rowing machine and spin bike and it makes it so nice! I only use the rec center to swim 1-2 x per week. I am still running 3x per week and will stick with that for awhile. I want to run more but not sure my body is ready for that, yet.
Yea, I’ve pretty much given up on the orthotics. It sounds like you have a good routine in place!
I agree that September definitely flew by! I am so happy that you are back to consistent running as I know it was a hard summer for you.
Thanks! Its a good time of year to be back to running.
the weather in the morning is finally starting to feel nice out there! I go through phases with ending up inside at the gym but I know that once winter comes, I’m on the treadmill and elliptical a whole lot more than right now. It’s always nice to have the option!
Yes, I think I will be really happy to have the option of going to the gym when it gets really cold!
What, it’s October again? Dang, September flew by. My running has been improving (less pain, more gain!) and I see that I ran 931 miles so far for 2017. I’ll be cracking 1,000 this year. Way down from last year (1,700 miles), but I’m happy with it.
We do have a home gym with weights, but I never use it. I just can’t seem to get myself out of bed early to do anything other than run (on treadmill or outside). One of these days I’ll find the motivation. I think I would use a spin bike if I had one though. Maybe that will be a future item for our home gym.
Thats some nice mileage for this year! I haven’t looked at mine but Im sure it will be the lowest amount since Ive started running long distances consistently.
I am also spoiled and strength train at home. I have the weights I like, I don’t have to wait for someone to finish using them, I can use my space, and I have the TV on. The only being I share space with is the cat.
Its nice to not have to be around other people or leave your own home to go work out!
It’s great to see you back in (consistent!) action. You’re so disciplined with all of your cross-training, too 😉
I know I will regret it if I slack on that stuff!
Sounds like running is going well again! Personally I’d rather workout at home than go to the gym, so I have a huge selection of weights and such and gave up my gym membership. Hope October is even better for you.
Eventually I hope to get a treadmill and more weights at home, and then Ill give up my gym membership. I’ll also have to see how much I use it this winter.
September did fly by! I’m welcoming October and its cooler weather. So glad the running has been so positive lately!
Hopefully we get some nice fall weather this month!
Yay for being pain-free 🙂 sounds like you had a great, super active September.
I usually go to a class to get my strength training in. I need that extra motivation from others around me.
I used to love taking Body Pump to strength train! I still miss going to those classes.
I’m excited that things are picking up for you with running! Fall is the perfect time to be out there, too.
Yes, its been so nice to be out running in the fall weather!
September did fly by! I’m glad October is here with the cool temperatures, but I need it to go by slowly before rainy season begins. So glad you are back to running pain-free! Here’s to a good month of running in October.
I agree that I hope October goes by slowly. Im not ready for winter any time soon!
So glad you’re back at running… must be good to be in your routine again.
Thanks! Yes, its really great.