This was an exciting week as I began my return to running. I also went to watch Rob run a 10k and experienced some race envy. Let’s discuss how the week played out.
Monday: Strength training
I completed the first workout of week 4 in phase 2 of my strength training plan. This means I have been following a strength plan for 10 weeks (plus “week 0” and the transition week in between phases when I was still getting used to the new plan and traveling for work). I’ve been trying to use heavier weights and definitely feel some of the exercises more.
Tuesday: 20 minutes elliptical, 1.5 miles run/walk
This was my first day back to running! I started my workout on the elliptical and then moved to the treadmill. I did 1 minute walking/1 minute running for a total of 20 minutes. My ankle was feeling a little tight at the end but I did my mobility work and it felt better almost immediately. It felt so weird to run again after 6 weeks off!
Wednesday: Strength training
Another solid strength training workout. I like how Drew has mobility work built into the plan, so during this workout I had 3 sets of 6 breaths on each side of ankle mobility. It’s definitely good to spend that much time on it especially as I am transitioning back to running.
Thursday: 1.5 mile run/walk and 15 minutes Lateral X trainer
My plan was to do my run/walk (same intervals as Tuesday) and then do some swimming/pool running. The pool can be seen from the main part of the gym and its usually empty or 1 lane will be used (there are 3 lanes total). Just when I was about to go change I saw 3 people go in and I really didn’t feel like sharing lanes. So instead I tried the Lateral X elliptical. Woa! This was quite a workout. I felt it in my glutes and quads immediately. I managed to stay on for 15 minutes and then wrapped up with some core work.
Friday: Mobility work and 25 minutes spin bike
After work on Thursday I had gone to happy hour and stayed out past my usual 9pm bedtime. (Ok, honestly I usually go to bed at more like 8:30…) I was exhausted on Friday morning but couldn’t sleep past 5. My workout felt like I was just going through the motions but it felt good to move. Also, on Thursday I moved my cubicle space from the basement to the 4th floor. That was quite a workout! And many of the people I work with are still downstairs so I got in a lot of steps going back and forth on Thursday and Friday.
Saturday: 2 mile run/walk
Rob had signed up for the Dreaded Druid Hills 10k and I went to cheer him on. I ran this race 2 years ago and it’s a small, local race and even though it’s tough it’s alot of fun. I wore my running clothes because I figured I would do my 20 minute run/walk around the park while he was racing.
It was so weird to be at a local race and not participating. I definitely looked like I was racing, dressed in my running clothes, waiting in line for the porta potty, even waiting at the start line with Rob. After the race started I did my own run/walk and found a turnaround point for the race where I was able to get some pictures of Rob. I headed back to the finish line and was able to see him at the end.
It was MUCH different being at this race than being at the Cleveland Marathon. I definitely had thoughts of “what if I just jumped in and ran the race?” However, when I started my own run I was really glad to not being racing a 6 mile hilly course! This was my first run outside in 6 weeks. Also, I haven’t run more than 4 miles in…I don’t know? 6 months maybe?
It definitely motivated me to get back to running and racing. I would love to be able to do a 5k before the end of the year, but we’ll see. It’s more important to take this recovery slowly and not be stupid.
Sunday: Rest day
it’s always nice to enjoy a lazy Sunday morning with no workouts planned. We grabbed breakfast at a local bagel place and then went for a short walk while we drank coffee. The weather was just amazing!
So I would say the return to running has gone well so far but I ran for a total of 30 minutes over the course of a week. Still, it’s a start. My foot and ankle have been feeling ok and any minor tightness has been resolved early by stretching my calves, rolling my foot, and working on ankle joint mobility. I’ve just gotta stay on top of that stuff and back off as soon as the running gets to be too much.
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How were your workouts last week?
Do you get race envy when you don’t participate in a race?
Ever tried the Lateral X elliptical?
Linking up with Holly , Tricia, and Teresa for the Weekly Wrap!
” I would love to be able to do a 5k before the end of the year, but we’ll see. It’s more important to take this recovery slowly and not be stupid. ” LIterally, SAME. I am hopeful for us!
We will get there! Hopefully sooner rather than later!
I found myself in a race this summer on the boardwalk where I was running my own run and there were people running a race. it was a pretty funny experience for me and I was glad I wasn’t in the race however, if I was unable to run and then would have been at a race I may feel differently. I’m so glad you got back to running this week and are feeling good!
That would be so weird to be running with a race but not in a race. I felt weird enough even being near the start line knowing I wasnt running!
I’m glad you gave the Lateral X Elliptical a try! I just did it this morning as part of my workout. It’s become my new fav cardio machine. And I totally feel you on race envy. I have FOMO all the time!
We only have 2 of them at my gym so most of the time they are unavailable. But from now on whenever one is open Ill be using it!
Sound like a great week of workouts.
I’m so glad that you are back to running! That’s great that your strength training plan has some ankle mobility exercises built in. That’s one sure way to make sure you get the exercises done!
Exactly! Its amazing how much more likely I am to do something when its written into a plan.
About 5 years ago, I was injured for almost the entire year–stress fracture, ITBS, you name it. By fall, I was able to run again. It was so tempting to jump into a race at that point and I really had to control myself not so sign up for anything. It was the end of the season anyways. But I get you.
It should help that the end of the season will be approaching by the time Im back to running more. Im less likely to want to race when its cold out.
I need to try the Lateral X Elliptical. I’ve definitely had race envy before. But, it’s probably a good thing that you want to get back out and race!
It was fun being back in the race environment and made me even more excited to get back to running!
Good for you running, but doing it in a smart manner! I’d say I’m pretty good proof that the run-walk stuff works. It may not be for you for the long term, but it’s great for coming back from an injury! It’s great that you got to go watch Rob and got the racing “itch” again. I almost signed up for that this week, but decided to save myself for the Chuck 12!
I am actually so bad at following the run-walk method- I end up running way more than I should! Thats one of the reasons Im running on a treadmill during the week, Im less likely to over do it.
That’s a good thing that you want to get out and race again! I am glad that getting back into running started well for you. I get race envy a bit and add races to the list of what I want to do next year.
Whenever I see fun races online I get the itch to do them! But being there in person made me miss it even more.
I still feel that way at half and full marathons! And there is no way on earth that I could run those! But we are so used to doing that. I hear you. I’m just glad you are getting to run again!!
Exactly! A few years ago I could have jumped into a half marathon at any given moment. Its hard to remember that Im so far off from that now.
Oh yeah, we all get race envy when we are injured or recovering from an injury. But you are smart to fight the urge to do too much too soon …your patience will pay off in the long run! We have a couple of those ellipticals at our gym and they are tough! It definitely takes some getting used to the movement.
Congratulations on you first week back to running and have a great week Lisa!
Thank you! I know that going slow is the right thing to do, its just so tempting to run more and get right back into racing!
Good news that you’re able to do a bit of running again! I hope SO much that this is it for you.
Thanks! Im feeling hopeful but not getting too excited just yet.
I’m so happy to hear that you’re getting back to running, albeit not rushing the process! I know how you feel, it can be tough to be at a race and not participate…but you’ll be back soon!! Congrats to your husband on the race!
Thanks! He is signed up for a few races this fall and Im hoping maybe I can make it to a 5k in a few months. I’ll just have to see how this whole process goes!
Looks like you had a great week of workouts! My week was pretty good too, I did a lot of yoga and pilates 🙂 hoping to do that this week too!
Hope you have a great start to your week 🙂
Thank you! Great job getting in your workouts. Hope you have a great week!
I really enjoy the Lateral X elliptical. It is my favorite exercise in the gym.
It’s a great workout!
You did get in your workout moving your stuff from the basement to the 4th floor! Does this mean you’ll have the choice to take the elevator or stairs on a more regular basis? I sometimes wish I had stairs where I work to get in a little more.
I’d feel weird too being at the race and not being able to participate but I bet it was nice to cheer him in!
Yes! I have been trying to take the stairs a few times a day but its hard walking from the basement to the 4th floor! Im embarrassed at how out of breath I get. But I always try to take the stairs going down, and thats better than nothing!
Yay for running! Just awesome news. I had a 3 month break so I know how it feels to get back out there. Happy, happy, happy! Keep it up, girl.
Its such a good feeling to get back to it! Now to just take it slow and not do too much too soon!
Yay for your return to running!! I know that race envy well. I hope the return back continues to go well!
Thank you!
Race envy, it’s real. As is “running envy.” I’m hoping to be back n the program soon…. and it will probably be slow-going at first, but I’m OK with that 😉
I think I still have a bit of runner envy because I don’t feel like Im “really” running. But short and slow runs is better than not running at all!
I get excited about other races, but I don’t think I get race envy anymore. Shorter races are fine, but since I don’t want to do half marathons or marathons, I don’t envy those runners. I support and cheer, but I’m happy to sit out the longer distances.
I didnt really get race envy when I went to the marathon in May. I think I was able to keep in perspective how tough that distance is!
I get race envy….probably more like FOMO when I start to see pictures of all my running friends at races that I didn’t go to.
Great week of workouts! Glad to hear that your transition back to running is going smoothly. What strength training program are you following?
Thanks! I’m working with Drew Watts through Tina Muir’s website. It’s an individual, online program with exercise videos. Here’s the link if you’re interested: https://tinamuir.com/product/strength-training-monthly/
Thanks for sharing the link! I’ll have to go check that out!
How great to see you running again! I’m keeping everything crossed your ankle will be happy and you’ll be able to increase your miles and race a little too. Knock wood, I don’t get race envy. I’m too absorbed in my own stuff and know I’ll get to racing when I’m ready.
I don’t usually get race envy, but I think being there made me realize how long its been since I raced. And I also really enjoy the small, local races.
That’s great that you are back to a bit of running. Sounds like you are taking it easy – and smart! Hope it continues to progress well.
And…. bedtime is 8:30? Do you find it hard to do that in the summer? 10pm is an early night for me. 10:30 is my norm.
Haha nope, I never have trouble going to bed at 8:30! Now that Im used to it, I get so tired if I stay up past 9.
I had a great week of workouts last week, but I think I got a little bit too overzealous with my own recovery running:( Taking this week off and sticking to the spin bike!
I definitely get race envy! I am going to steer clear of social media when all my friends are running their fall marathons; I had to defer mine for an entire year, which totally bummed me out.
I have used the lateral x elliptical and it was AWESOME! I’ll probably hit that this week as a low-impact cardio option.
have a great week!!
Cross training for a bit sounds like a great plan! Hope you can get back out there soon!