No running or wine? Who’s blog is this? If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time you probably have noticed that I am so set in my ways. Changing things up (read: skipping runs) is not easy for me. So this post will kind of be a running recap from last week/weekend recap/how I made it through a weekend with no running and no wine.
Let’s start by recapping last week’s workouts:
Sunday: Rest day from running and 45 minute Pure Barre Mile High DVD. I got this for Christmas and it was supposed to be 45 minutes but I think it was closer to 30.
Monday: 4.6 miles easy (8:39 pace), core and 2 minute plank, PM: 75 minutes hot yoga
Tuesday: 5 miles easy (9:15 pace) in the snow, 2 minute plank, PM: 30 minute Barre 3 workout
Wednesday: 3.4 miles (treadmill), body pump, PM: 10 minutes yoga + foam rolling, 2 minute plank
Thursday: 6 miles (treadmill), 30 minutes Barre 3, 2 minutes plank
Friday: Rest day from running, core work and 1 minute plank
Saturday: Rest day from running, foam rolling and 1 min 30 sec plank
Total Miles: 19
If you’re someone who actually read through people’s recaps (no offense taken if you don’t- I totally understand that some people find it boring to look at other people’s mileage/workouts!) you are probably wondering why this week looked so much different for me.
After my treadmill run on Thursday a lot of things started going wrong. First on all, mentally I was frustrated about running inside. There was still ice everywhere and dangerous wind chills so I know I really shouldn’t risk an outdoor run, but I also hate being forced to run on the treadmill. I also noticed that my hip area was starting to hurt again (it still bothers me on and off again but this was more consistent) and I think it was partly due to running in the snow and on the treadmill this week, which I am not used to. I remember last year having similar problems when we had weeks like this and thinking back I wonder if it contributed to the injury I was dealing with right before the Raleigh marathon.
So at the end of the day Thursday I decided to take Friday off from running. When I woke up on Friday my right ankle felt really tight (something that has never happened before) and I knew my body was telling me something. The weird thing was that on Friday my hip felt better but instead I had a little ache in my piriformis and I am terrified of going down that road again. I had an honest talk with myself and came to a few realizations.
Mentally, I wasn’t enjoying my treadmill runs. It was better than nothing, but I knew a few more days on there would really put me over the edge.
Physically, my body wasn’t used to these types of workouts- running in the snow and on the treadmill. There was a really good chance I was changing my stride.
Why was I putting pressure on myself to keep running through all of this? I’m not really “training” for anything yet (although I just realized I only have 9 weeks until my half-marathon). Thinking about my long term goals for the year I would rather take a “less is more” approach right now and cut out the runs that will risk injury and mental burnout. Would I rather run on a treadmill/in the ice and negative wind chills or on a 50 degree day in March? I think we all know the answer to that. Let’s just hope that we get 50 degree days in March! Although 35 degrees sounds pretty good right about now too.
So what’s my plan moving forward? I don’t really have one. I thought about taking a spin class or something but then that’s ANOTHER new type of workout that my body will need to adapt to. So I will probably rest from cardio until everything feels back to normal and then start running outside again, weather permitting. Or keep my treadmill runs shorter.
I made it through a full weekend with no running and no wine. Instead I did lots of meal prep and started reading a book for January (a running book of course- if anyone has a non-running book they want to recommend maybe it will help keep my mind off of running for a minute!) On the bright side, I got to stay warm for most of the weekend despite walking to church in 15 degrees for 20 minutes each way while dodging sheets of ice on the streets and sidewalks. We only got 2 inches of snow and that was 6 days ago so it’s kind of annoying that it’s still so bad out!
To sum things up and try to keep the drama to a minimum, some marvelous things from the past few days: listening to my body, giving myself a break, doing other things besides running and drinking wine, getting extra rest, avoiding the cold and treadmill, focusing on long term goals.
What was marvelous about your weekend?
How do you know when you have hit your limit physically and/or mentally and need a break?
Do you change up your stride when you run in the snow or on a treadmill?
Any book recommendations?
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252
{\fonttbl\f0\fnil\fcharset0 .HelveticaNeueInterface-Regular;}
{\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue0;}
\deftab720
\pard\pardeftab720\sl380\sa200\qj\partightenfactor0
\f0\fs32 \cf2 \expnd0\expndtw0\kerning0
\outl0\strokewidth0 \strokec2 I think you’re so smart to listen to your body! If you got an injury when you’re not really in “training mode” you would be pretty mad. Plus the treadmill isn’t fun anyway!
It’s still bad here too and we only got a couple inches last week! So annoying!}
Exactly! I mean this weather is pretty stupid but I might as well use it as a good time to give my body a break!
Don’t worry I covered us on wine for the weekend!
And way to listen to your body! I am the same exact way….I am not the best with change or getting out of my routine and will push through things even if my body is telling me no because I want to stick to the plan. Just like you said if you are not technically training for anything right now why risk the chance of injury. Listening to my body more is something I am focusing on in 2015. Happy Monday!
Thanks for drinking some wine for me:)
It can be really hard to make decisions like that but maybe I am actually learning to be smarter about these things. Plus I see my chiro today so I figured it couldn’t hurt to rest up and then see if he can work some magic:)
Darned treadmill! Seriously, I completely hear you about the pressure thing. We can get caught up in getting in an arbitrary amount of miles each week for no really good reason, and if it starts working against us it makes even less sense. Do some yoga and foam rolling!
Not sure if I can completely blame the treadmill since I ran on one for 3 days over the holidays and felt fine, so probably a combination of things? I think its hard to just relax when we are surrounded by messages that its better to do more and to “tough it out”. I know that if I was giving someone else in my situation advice I would have told them to rest up, so Im finally being smart about things I guess!
My first thought was HOW DID YOU SURVIVE???
But then I read your explanation (though I’m still concerned about the lack of wine) and I understood. Running is something you love, these are the months to take it easy if you aren’t training for something! So I say, keep that love, savor it, and do what you need to do to maintain it!
If I wasn’t doing the Whole30 I probably would have drank way too much wine this weekend! But you know what, I think my body appreciated a full detox from running AND wine. I guess sometimes you just need to give yourself a break…although next time I would prefer to give up one or the other, not both!
That video is 35 minutes in length and I swear that I bought it thinking it was 45 too! It’s much shorter than a real class (55 minutes) but I have come to appreciate the mile high series when I alternate it with the studio series (45 minutes). It really gets the job done and targets every area…Good for you for knowing to take off. I feel like we know the difference in us between it’s time for some time off and maybe I don’t feel like it but I know I can run anyway. You are ready to run a half at any point if you ask me so I know you will be more than ready when that race comes 🙂
Glad I am not going crazy with the video length! It clearly says 45 minutes on the case! I would agree that I could run a half marathon at any point, I think I just need to let go of my goal to PR. If it happens- great, but its more important to stay healthy.
Which book are you reading?
I took it easy last week too with a total of less than 2 miles! It made me realize how much free time I have when I’m not running!
I know! I had so much more free time too! It was kind of nice:) I’m reading “Run Faster From the 5k to the Marathon”. Its about being your own coach. I thought it would be a good read for helping me to coach others as well!
I find it difficult to stay motivated with something when I am bored- if I wasn’t training for races that I signed up for, I would not be running as much right now. Simply because I am not a fan of the cold or the treadmill. That is specifically WHY I signed up for races in the winter- to motivate myself. I think spinning is a great alternative and I absolutely love it. I try to do it a few times week on my non running days. 🙂
I think I need to find a cross-training activity that I really enjoy! The barre and yoga have been good because I can do them at home and avoid going anywhere in this gross weather:)
It’s so hard to take time off running! But I guess the absence makes the heart grow fonder? Or something? Argh. I dunno. I’m glad you’re able to do other things. If I wasn’t able to sweat out my stress, I’d go crazy. I hope you heal up quickly!
Thank you! I think a few days off will only be good for me mentally and physically, although its never easy to take time off!
Tough choices to make, but such smart ones! I really do envy that you are training for a half right now and can make these great choices. You’ll come out the other end of it much better for it. Good job!
Thanks, and I had to remind myself that I should take advantage of this time and not burn myself out for no reason!
I think you are definitely being smart about this. 9 weeks is plenty of time until your half because you already have such a great base. Let that body rest! I have learned to embrace the rest and have really become in tuned with what my body is trying to tell me. It takes some experience and time to get to that point!
Yes I am working to be like that as well! It’s so hard but I know its for the better!
It can be so hard not to run through pain – you’re absolutely doing the right thing! Honestly, if an outdoor run isn’t an option, I am more likely to skip it. The treadmill makes me dread running, and I think the only thing worse than injury is burnout. I know it’s time when a run is no longer something I look forward to but instead is looming over me, like taking out the trash or cleaning the bathroom. When I get there it’s so easy to forget – we run because we think it’s fun! So when it becomes a chore, it’s time for a couple days off to remind myself how much I love running.
Exactly! I am hoping that some time off will help me both physically and mentally, and this seemed like a logical time to cut back!
🙁 sucks to hear about the pain. I know what you mean because for me, the combination of walking with my boots in the snow + running in the snow is killlllling my ITB :/ I hope this week is better (for the two of us!)
Silly snow!! I hope that you have a better week too!
Oh yuck! I have issues with my piriformis too. It doesn’t matter how much strengthening I try to do, it always pops up during long distance. Hang in there, winter’s always tough, and I made peace with the treadmill years ago. Dallas weather has extremes in winter and summer so I don’t have much choice.
Ugh the piriformis is so frustrating- and I really don’t think that anything truly helps to prevent it from flaring up! And one it starts I have a really hard time getting it to go away. Once I am feeling better I will probably need to make peace with the treadmill as well!
First of all CONGRATS, for listening to your body. Time and time again, this proves to be the best move, but I never can believe it and struggle to do it. But I’m in the best shape of my life finally by doing this. We all need a break sometimes!
Jill
Latest Post: Flat Belly Myths Debunked + Life Changing FODMAP Diet
Thanks! I know that I would give someone else the advice to take time off, so its time I take my own advice! It will only help me in the long run!
I give you credit for the no wine! I’m sure it felt great though to be productive in other ways. I should probably pick up a book myself and read 🙂 I hope your ankle is feeling better!
Thank you! It was definitely a different weekend for me, but in a good way! It was nice to stay inside and relax with such nasty weather outside:)
The treadmill isn’t really enjoyable in my book either. Because I have been limited to indoor workouts I have been adding some elliptical just to get in some movement. It’s awesome you listened to your body this weekend – that can be hard to do. Happy Monday!
I can only handle the elliptical for a little while before I go crazy, but it is a good alternative! I just hate having to drag myself to the gym to get on one:) But if I don’t run for a few more days I will probably do the elliptical just to get some cardio in.
That’s a smart way to look at it. I’m not enjoying the treadmill very much but the conditions have been similar where I live – cold, snowy, and icy. Today we have freezing rain that makes even walking to/from the car dangerous, so I’m going to hit the treadmill.
For me, I know that I need to build the mileage to safely run my next half. I’m forcing myself to “do the work” and get those treadmill miles in. It’s more about mental strength than anything else. I don’t like running with headphones so it’s incredibly dull running on a hamster wheel watching other people do the same. I also feel that my gait changes a little on a treadmill.
I think you made the right decision for you to take a couple of rest days and wait until you can run safely and enjoyably outside, especially since you have a much stronger running base under your belt!
That sounds like a good plan for where you are in your training now. But a few skipped runs won’t undo all the training- its always hard for me to remember that!
Good for you! I think it’s so important to listen to your body, especially when you are not in the middle of a training cycle. I hope the rest helps….and that it warms up soon!
Thank you…I hope so as well!
I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling all these pains! You know your body best though and I’m glad you’re not pressuring yourself to keep running through the pain. You’re making the best decision by taking a break at such an advantageous time. I’m sure you’ll come back feeling good and strong! 🙂 Get better soon!!
Since I’ve often had a mix of treadmill/outdoor running, I’m pretty good with my stride on both. BUT, I do notice that when I use a different treadmill (I normally use my home treadmill, but if I want to bike at the gym, I typically warm-up with 2-3 easy miles on the gym treadmill), my running just feels so off! I’ve never really thought about why, but my stride must be out of whack on that machine. Interesting…
That’s so funny that your stride changes a little on a different treadmill! Thanks for your support!
I had a similar weekend in terms of running – sometimes we just have to listen to our bodies! Running in the snow is hard. I definitely feel like it changes my stride and I also think it works your muscles in different ways to keep you upright. Hopefully you are feeling better after this week. I’m hoping for warmer temps and less snow for both you and I! Spring can’t come fast enough.
Sorry to hear you had a not so good week as well. Hope this week is better for you!
Marvelousness of the weekend? Brian and I completed the great closet purge of 2015. We cleaned out every drawer & closet and got rid of nearly half our clothes.
I would like to think I just kinda know when it’s more than an “I don’t wanna get out of bed” or more than a “Wow, body pump made me sore!” kinda feeling. But I always make sure to listen to my body – last summer, I learned all about that. If you aren’t training for anything – all the more reason to take it easy if that’s what your body is telling you.
We had a pretty nice winter up until last week. The ice makes it rough. This weekend is looking good though! 🙂
Isn’t it such a good feeling to do a closet purge?
It can be tricky to figure out if you aren’t working out because you don’t feel like it or because you really need some time off. I’m slowly learning to give myself a break once in a while either way!
Good for you for listening and taking the rest! My body was SO sore this week, from similar things – the snow, running indoors (on a gym floor) and teaching a new class at my studio and… yeah. It’s not smart to keep pushing through that. I should follow YOUR lead! 🙂
I totally LOLed about the part about reading other people’s weekly recaps. I mostly write mine for myself and am so pleased when anyone takes the time to read it or comment, at all!
Hmm, non running books… what genre do you like? I love Phillipa Gregory’s Tudor era books, if you are looking for fiction!
Haha, well I actually do enjoy reading people’s recaps but I know they’re not for everyone! I usually just like books that are a quick, easy read because otherwise I get distracted and give up on it:)
I think a break works wonders sometimes, especially if you’re just not that into your workouts mentally. You don’t want to burn out. Sometimes I just need a week thrown in there where I do no cardio and focus on taking it easy. That usually does the trick for me.
I’m hoping this will help! I agree that is good to take it easy once in a while.
Ugh, this winter weather! I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling those running pains – hopefully the rest did your joints and muscles good! I agree with you that there better be some 50 degree days in March (although I would take a day where it’s above 25 right now!).
I know, I guess its all relative right? You know its bad when 30 degrees sounds warm!
Isn’t it funny how we are so programmed to run that it’s hard not to, even when we’re not training for something? I’m in this exact boat right now. My strength training sometimes makes me so sore, I can’t even imagine running. Then I feel so guilty. Even though I totally shouldn’t. Weird. I definitely change my gait when running on snow.
Its hard to not feel guilty about taking time off! But its so good to change things up once in a while or even just take a break every now and then.
Listening to your body is never a bad idea, although I know it can be weird to feel like you aren’t “living up to your identity of your blog.” That can be really frustrating! But, as I’m sure 800 other people have told you, in the long run your legs and your mind will be so happy you took that break for yourself. Now maybe go have some wine? It will do you a world of good 😉
Yes I know that its true! Its definitely weird to stop doing things that you are used to doing every day!
Great job listening to your body! It can be really hard mentally to take a break. You will appreciate it later, though, when you don’t have to take an even longer break because you are injured. Winter running can also be very hard mentally. We just have to hold on for a couple of months! We can make it!
Exactly, thank you! I am counting down the days until spring is here:)
Kudos to you for listening to your body and taking that break! I could learn some lessons from you. 🙂 I hope that the rest is exactly what you need and it sounds like you have some great cross training options too! This weather can seriously kiss my butt.
Haha definitely. Im hoping a little break is all I need to get through this!
I woke up sick today and was bummed since I had a great fun run planned. I haven’t ran since last Tuesday due to plantar fasciitis pain and knee pain. This year I am really just trying to listen to my body and go with the flow. I just don’t want to over do it.
That sounds smart, but definitely frustrating! Hope you’re feeling better!
It’s so smart to listen to your body and take it easy, especially since you’re not training for anything at the moment (nine weeks is plenty of time before your half!). I’m sure you’ll feel much better soon!
Thanks! I hope so too!
Awesome job on listing to your body.. it’s something I’m trying to learn how to do (says the injured runner!)
Haha usually that is me too! I hope you get better quickly!
I know it’s hard to change things up if you’re a routine person, but good on you for listening to your body and respecting the aches that you felt. As frustrating as it might be to do some shorter runs or skip a few runs right now, just imagine how awful it would be if you were to end up full-on injured.
Have you read the MaddAddam trilogy by Margaret Atwood? All 3 books are really good.
That’s what I keep reminding myself!
And no I haven’t read those- thanks for the recommendation!
Don’t beat yourself up and definitely rest! There’s still a bunch of two-a-days on that workout list! I can only manage to fit one in these days.
Whenever I am worried about an injury I feel like I end up doing more than ever because I convince myself that doing yoga, core work, etc will be good for me…but then I look back and realize I was really doing too much and should have rested more! So this week I cut back a bit but when I don’t have time to do my whole workout in the morning its nice to have the option to break it up.