Hello and Happy New Year! Last week was quite an end to the year (as far as running goes). I ran 25 miles and managed to hit 90 miles for the month. But most importantly, I finished the year feeling strong and healthy. I really needed that after the year it’s been! Now I feel confident to move into 2017 and leave the injury of last year in the past.
Monday: 10 minutes spinning + BBG Arms and Abs
I don’t think these BBG workouts are getting any easier! I did a few weighted exercises after the workout (chest presses, lunges, deadlifts) just because I feel like I haven’t been using heavy weights as much now that I’m following BBG. It was a good workout for a non-running day before heading off to Michigan to celebrate the holidays with Rob’s family.
My SIL’s birthday was that day, and we had a surprise party for her when we got in. It was great to see everyone and hang out with our niece!
Tuesday: 6 treadmill miles + core work
I woke up earlier than everyone so headed over to the hotel gym for a run. The gym was empty which was really nice! I ended up doing 6 miles and didn’t really mind being on the treadmill. After my run I did some planks and other core exercises.
Later that day was our annual beer tasting at Rob’s grandpa’s. We had a smaller group this time, and tasted about 19 beers. Always a fun tradition!
Wednesday: 4 treadmill miles
This time I was able to get Rob to come to the gym with me. Once again we were the only ones in there which worked out since there are just 2 treadmills and an elliptical. We ran next to each other and both did about 4 miles. We spent the rest of the day traveling back to Baltimore so it was nice to get a workout done first thing in the morning.
Thursday: 30 minutes spinning + BBG Legs and Cardio
Another tough workout, but got it done. I was off from work and spent the day doing chores and errands. I was more exhausted than after a day at work!
Friday: 4 miles + a modified BBG workout
I woke up feeling a little off- my ears were really clogged and sort of had a headache. It was like that feeling from flying on a plane, which didn’t make any sense because I hadn’t been on a plane in 2 days. Between my head and also doing BBG the day before, I modified this workout (I knew I wouldn’t want to do it over the weekend so figured I would get something in). Running felt great, and I didn’t notice my head at all. There were even some flurries while I was running! The kind of snow that doesn’t stick is the best.
Saturday: 11 miles!
Secretly I was hoping I could finish out 2016 with a strong long run but also knew that I have been running a lot more than I am used to lately. I ran over to a nearby lake and just did loops so I knew I could head home whenever I felt like I was done. I was thrilled to make it to 11 miles. This distance makes me feel content and I don’t feel the need to run much more than that anytime soon.
Sunday: Rest day
It had been a long time since I had a real, true rest day. Not gonna lie, I was a little jealous when Rob headed out for his run on Sunday morning. But I figured with Monday off I could get in a good workout then and my body would appreciate the day to recover from one of my toughest weeks in a while.
In case you were wondering, New Year’s Eve was very low-key around here. We went to church and dinner and then home to drink wine on the couch. I haven’t stayed up until midnight for a few years now and this year was no different. I think we were in bed around 9:30, and I don’t feel like we missed anything. It’s nice to wake up refreshed on New Year’s Day (without a hangover!)
- Did you stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve?
- How was your last week of 2016?
- Do you get jealous of other runners on your rest day?
I’m so glad you finished off the year with a great week of running! and no way was I up at midnight lol
Thanks, yea there was no real point to stay up that late!
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY for 11 Miles! You totally finished out the year super strong 😀 Soooo happy to hear that! I did not make it to midnight, but I also didn’t try. I know better than that, lol
Thanks! And I didnt bother trying to make it to midnight either!
Finishing the year strong is awesome! The gym was so empty before we left on vacay and it was heaven. This morning when I go will be a different story.
I bet the gym is so crowded now! Makes me kind of glad that I just work out at home.
So glad the last week was a good one with runs and that 11 miler. Hope 2017 follows the same footsteps. That beer tasting tradition seems like a fun one!
Thank you! And yes, the beer tasting tradition is definitely a fun one!
That’s great you finished off the year with a great week!! I stayed up until midnight, but I was totally THAT girl who fell asleep at the party after the ball dropped. Oops…
Oh no! Well at least you made it up until midnight…I didnt even come close!
Congrats on 11 miles! I haven’t run that long in awhile, either. I did nine with my dad a couple days ago and that felt GREAT.
Thanks! Glad you had a great 9 miler!
Yay for 11 miles and finishing out the year strong! I fell asleep before midnight but woke up at midnight because of fireworks. Happy New Year!
Thanks! I must have slept right through the fireworks:)
What a positive way to end the year!!! Onward and upward, my friend!
Thank you!
Congrats on the 11 mile run and 90 miles for December. You definitely finished the year strong. More importantly, you allowed yourself a rest day. That is sometimes the hardest thing for us runners. We’ve always celebrated with a low-key NYE. I don’t particularly like the occasion and have never felt like we’ve missed out. Thanks for linking, Lisa! I can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store for you. Happy New Year!
Thanks! I haven’t made a big deal of NYE in quite sometime now. Looking forward to following your journey in 2017 as well!
Way to finish the year out strong with 11 miles. Did Santa bring you a new watch for Christmas? I have the same one and I love it!
Yes! I love this watch too!
It does seem like you ended 2016 on a great note running and workout wise! Im glad that you got in a long run this past weekend, they always feel great 🙂 I know I definitely get jealous when its my rest day and others are running, but I’m learning to be ok with it because my body needs a break too.
Yes it’s so important to give our bodies a break and take a rest day! But I guess it’s totally normal to be jealous of other runners:)
Jealousy or call it motivation is exactly what got me out the door in between the break in the clouds on New Year’s Day for a short run.
I do feel guilty for not doing something. I sit all day at work so at home it’s rare I do nothing all day, even rest.
Looking forward to this new year and seeing what we can get into!
It can definitely be tough to rest when you are used to always being on the go!
I stayed up last year with friends, but not this year. If I stay up somewhere else, I have a tense drive home, not knowing what mess could be on the roads. This year I think I was in bed by 9:30 as well. I prefer my sleep 🙂
I wouldn’t want to be on the roads late on NYE either. And I also prefer my sleep!
Congratulations of 90 miles for the month, that’s awesome!
Normally I would be sound asleep by midnight, however; we were down on the street in Savannah, GA ringing in the new year and ringing in my 50th birthday at the same time …so it was kind of a special occasion! Next year? I’ll be sound asleep by midnight as usual 🙂
Happy New Year!
I would say thats a great excuse to stay up until midnight! Glad you had a fun time celebrating! Happy birthday and new year!
90 December injury-free miles to end 2016 is awesome! Happy new year!
Thanks! And happy new year to you too!