Things are ramping up a bit and as a result, my weekly miles are looking more and more intimidating. I’ve started working with a coaching team, Empower Coaching & Fitness, mostly because I don’t think I’m capable of hitting my upcoming goals on my own, and a little because I am curious about how it all works. So far, the activities they have assigned me have been hard, but within the realm of possibility.
Sunday – 6 miles
This was a weird run. I did exactly what I had to do, at a faster pace than prescribed, but I didn’t feel good about it. I had to stop several times for some tummy troubles, and I felt like my pace was inconsistent and all over the place. I went out way too fast and ended way too slow, and I just didn’t feel like it was any real indicator of my fitness or abilities.
The sunrise was quite beautiful, though.
My parents came over around lunchtime to start watching football, and while Mr PugRunner and Papa Bear were engrossed in a game, little man, Nana and I headed to the pool (Nana drove, little man and I biked) for some triathlon practice. He did pretty well, and we had fun swimming together.
Monday – body circuit, 1 hour
I am trying to get the most out of all my workout, so I rode my bike to and from body circuit.
I still don’t love biking, but I’m getting more comfortable with it, and I think we’re at the point where I’m going to have to ditch Papa Bear’s hand-me-down cruiser and get something that’s a better fit (ideas and suggestions welcome).
The class was great, as usual. Translation: I was going to be sore for a few days. I’m at a point where I almost welcome that feeling. It means I’m working hard.
Tuesday – 3 miles
My three mile sunrise group run went a little slower than planned. I am still trying to get a handle on how certain paces feel, and I’m not there quite yet.
When little man got home from soccer, we hit the road for another trial brick: this time biking and running.
He was ready. The only thing I needed to do was get him some bungee laces for his shoes and lower athletic socks (the kids LOVES high socks) to make transition easier.
Wednesday – body circuit, 1 hour
Due to some scheduling changes, I wasn’t able to make my second body circuit class this week, so my coaches sent along the workout for me to do at home. While I missed the accountability and support of my training group, I did have this going for me.
Thursday – 3 miles, speedwork
I am trying to be less of a brat about the weather, which is why I went out in the rain to do my speed intervals. I felt fantastic about this run – I came in under my assigned pace on each of my repeats, and that put me on top of the world.
If not exhausted for the day! I was looking forward to an early bedtime.
Friday – rest
Mr PugRunner had an early flight out to Alabama, leaving little man and I on our own for the weekend. After I got him off to school, I cleaned up around the house, with a little help.
She’s not supposed to be upstairs. But she also doesn’t listen. While I was in the shower, she took it upon herself to wander the second story, and when I told her to go downstairs, this is what I got.
Sassy pants.
I ran some errands and got little man’s socks, as well as outfits for our family pictures next week. Then I had to wait for little man to get done with his after school clinic and we were off to pick up his triathlon packet and do some carb loading.
We went home, and both of us called it a night.
Saturday – rest
I set the alarm for 5AM, and popped right out of bed. We needed to get to the race around 6:30 in order to rack little man’s bike and set up for transition. I think we were both a little nervous.
It was an amazing experience for all of us. Little man didn’t love it, which is ok so long as he tried it, but he did great anyway.
On the plus side, he said he wants to continue biking with me, and that he wants to do an upcoming mile long run in a couple of weeks. Of course, buddy.
After he was finished, we went to breakfast with my parents, and then I went home. Showered.
And sat.
I’m pretty sure the only time I moved was when I went from sitting to napping and then back to sitting again. I was done.
This is one of the best weeks I’ve had in a while. I got in tons of running and cross training, and I have loved sharing the extra fitness time with little man.
This upcoming week holds an 8 mile long run, as well as increased mileage overall and a 5K! Eek!
How was your week in training?
Have you ever worked with a coach? How was the experience?
What kind of bike would you recommend for a newcomer? I’m not looking for fancy or expensive, but I need something suited more for my tall frame.
44 Responses to week in review: 9.20 – 9.26