This past week was a little challenging, as far as training was concerned. It was really a case of too many things on my to-do list and not enough hours in the days, with the addition of a long, holiday weekend. I definitely felt overwhelmed, but definitely worked to fit in everything as best I could.
Another thing to note: I am starting to pull in a few different training plans. Having choices makes me feel a little better about the whole marathon thing. All of the plans focus on three days of running: one regular 3-5 mile run, one speed work run and one long run, with recoveries and rests built in. According to the two schedules I have, I am already several weeks along in the training process, and that makes everything not quite so daunting. So much of this is going to be mental for me. I hope I’m up to the challenge.
Sunday – Sunday was a complete write off. Working with about 4 hours of sleep and a 2 hour drive home, I was more than happy to put on some yoga pants and enjoy time on the couch.
Monday – Rest day. I was still catching up.
Tuesday – I really thought I would be good and get up extra early to run before my yoga class, but it didn’t happen. The class wasn’t as intense with the weights this week, but it did run for an extra 15 minutes. When I got home, I was feeling a bit on the flexible side, so I had little man take a few pictures for me.
Despite that, I was still feeling a little guilty, so after dinner, I went out to fit in a 3 miler. It was brutal out, but somehow, I managed to get my fastest pace in quite some time. Funny how that works.
Wednesday – Sunrise yoga. We started the class with two people and ended up with five, which was really nice. I enjoy the quiet, smaller classes, but I also love the energy from more people. The practice was amazing, complemented by the beautiful sky, and when it was over, the instructor wanted to play around a bit. Normally, this would be the time where I stand back and let everyone else do their thing, cheering quietly from the sidelines, but for some reason, I was in an experimental mood. And then this happened.
one of my proudest moments
Which falls into the category of OMGHOWDIDTHISHAPPEN???!!!? I was terrified that I would do some lasting damage to the instructor (I was putting what felt like a lot of weight on her ankles), but she swore up and down that there was pretty much no way I could hurt her. So I let go of the fear and the doubt and I tried. In the interest of full disclosure, I did freak out pretty quickly and had to drop my feet, but no one actually fell, and I did it! Coolest. Feeling. Ever. I can’t wait to see what happens next week.
Thursday – rest
Friday – I got up a little late, but headed out for 3.1 miles anyway. I was a little disappointed to miss out on either of the two semi-local races, but there’s always next year.
Saturday – Long run day! Five miles on the bridge. I guess everyone was recovering from the 4th of July festivities because no one was out there until my last mile or so. I didn’t mind. It was nice to have some thinking time.
Our schedule is going to be even crazier next week, so hopefully I can get everything done. With some shifting and shuffling, I should be ok. One foot in front of the other, right?
How do you choose a training plan?
Tell me about some kind of challenge you rocked recently.
Just keep running. Just keep running… And strength train and yoga and sleep and take care of family!!! Lol…. It’s so worth the craziness…. Keep up the great work… Might have to think of a half for me…
You are so right. It is worth it!
You should totally go for a half!
Sounds like a good week… I’ve enjoyed reading about how you’ve taken to yoga! Glad it is working out for you. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend 🙂
Briana recently posted…Oh beautiful, for spacious skies…
We had a great holiday, thanks! No one is more surprised by my strong like of yoga than me, I’ll bet. I just love getting to try new things like this and I am glad that I am letting go enough to test my own boundaries.
Sorry about your crazy schedule. Hope next week is easier.
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Summer has been challenging. It’s all going to work out, but I confess that I am tired.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 6/29 â 7/5
Argh I need to get back into yoga, I feel like I haven’t done it in ages. You are totally rocking it. Good for you for getting out of your comfort zone, remember that’s where the magic happens.
I modify the runners world (app) training plan, with advice from the book You (only faster). I make sure I always get a long run in, a tempo run in, and speedwork. Sometimes I also get a recovery run in, but i make sure I run at least 3 days a week.
Sometimes we can’t help what our schedule is going to be, but that’s life for you.
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And that was magical! For sure!
Life really does get in the way. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though! I will have to check out that book. Three days a week seems to be my limit. I used to do four without cross training, but I feel I am evolving as a runner and that cross training is way more valuable to my body than the extra day of running.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 6/29 â 7/5
That yoga pose is crazy! I really need to work yoga into my exercise routine.
I am using Galloway’s plan for the marathon (because 3 days a week is what my schedule can handle), but modifying to what I need for other races as well. I am running a half in October, and I am hoping to improve my time from my last official half. So I have decided one day will be 30 minutes of speed work, one day will be a tempo 5K, and then the long run on the weekend. I do strengthening core exercises during my non-run days to improve my posture and gait.
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I am drawing on a lot of the Galloway plan. I have a half scheduled for December, the full for January and then two 15Ks in February and March. I don’t know what my goal (if any) is for the marathon, so I am fluctuating between the beginner plan and the “for time” plan, and will just have to hope for the best.
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 6/29 â 7/5
I am feeling the exact same way right now! (Granted I’m not training or a marathon :)) between being injured and under the weather it’s hard to set a schedule. I need to start tracking me workouts so days when I don’t feel so well I can reassure myself with the work I HAVE put in.
It looks like you got really great runs in despite any obstacles, and Omg that yoga pose!
Anne recently posted…Happy 4th of July
OMG is right! I think that’s exactly what I shrieked when we got up there! Very zen!
I’m sorry you’re injured and the weather will certainly drain anyone’s will to do anything strenuous. It’s hard when you are sidelined, but you’ll be back at it soon!
runswithpugs recently posted…weekly recap: 6/29 â 7/5
It’s so great that you do yoga. I need to commit to something like this to get stretched out more! I haaaaate that type of thing so much though. The partner yoga looks fun actually! LOL
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It was really hard to get myself to do it. I honestly attribute a lot of it to peer pressure- all my friends were, and it was close to my house, and so it didn’t make sense not to. The acroyoga was CRAZY!
Haha! Love the buddy yoga picture. I so want to rope my significant other into doing partner yoga with me.
I’m currently training for a Tough Mudder, and I also ended up pulling bits and pieces from different training plans. I think it’s worthwhile to take a “salad bar” approach to training – it is your body, after all, and you know what your body needs. For example, I’m doing a bit more running and making sure to fit in as much yoga as possible – lots of training plans didn’t come with that built in.
Best of luck!
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Tough Mudders sound fun! I don’t think I could handle one (mud sleeves me out!) but I love when people do them!
I love the idea of the “salad bar.” Training is definitely not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and I feel a little better about mixing and matching my sessions.
Nice work this week! Summers are so hectic it’s really hard to fit everything in. I have a second job for another week, which means working 4am-8am, then my full time job, then riding horses. So zero time/energy for running and working out. But after job #2 is over, I’m definitely jumping back in. I’m thinking about a half in September.
I’m really excited to follow your marathon training. You’re doing great, and I think you should have more confidence in yourself!
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Girl! You must be exhausted! That’s a lot! Although the horse-riding part sounds like heaven to me. 🙂
It’s funny you should say about confidence,because I am incredibly low on that right now. I’m feeling very overwhelmed and out of my league. I do need to work on that.
Good luck with your half! September can be such a great time to run!
Thank you! I prefer late summer/autumn for running long: cooler, but not cold! And yes, so tired! OMG! Thankfully I had zero jobs on Friday so that was nice to get caught up on sleep! But honestly if one more person tells me they don’t have time they make time to workout, I’m going to kick them in the shins!
I’m with you on the confidence thing. But I’ve recently decided to accept that walking is ok when it’s needed, it’s not always about a PR, and what other people do shouldn’t matter to me. I read something (maybe you posted it?!) that said running is a solo sport, you’re competing only with yourself so what others can do shouldn’t effect you. Easy to say, harder to apply of course!
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads!
Sorry about the schedule but you still ROCKED it! Great job on the yoga fun too! I really like Hal Higdon’s training plans. I am doing the Novice 2 now with PiYo to improve my flexibility as I train for my next half this fall.
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I’m a little intimidated by the Hal Higdon plan. I don’t know why.
A lot of people are really enjoying the PiYo. I have to give that a shot.