It’s time for the Weekly Wrap with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin!
If you do a weekly recap post, this is a great way to check in with other active bloggers for extra support, sharing and accountability!
This has been a crazy week! I don’t think I have ever been more grateful for a rest day than I was on Sunday. Whew. Let’s break it down.
Sunday – rest
The boys were still camping and the weather was gorgeous. I was flat-out itching to go for a run, but I restrained myself. Tuesday was my planned day, and Tuesday it would be.
I took opportunity of the time to finish the deep clean of the house and get some groceries for the week. It was a most productive day.
(Meanwhile, on the other side of the state….
… everyone was packing up to come home).
That evening, I met up with Tammy to go see The Boss.
It’s not my usual type of movie, but I was happy to see her and we had a great time.
Monday – 45 minutes cycling, 60 minutes body circuit
I was able to sleep in a little bit, but hopped out on my bike before body circuit. It’s turning into a really great routine on Mondays and Fridays, and is a great warm up.
The ride was fine.
And the workout was great with lots of arms. I adore arm days. I really do. I am making an effort to choose and use heavier weights when doing the exercises. No one gets stronger by staying comfortable.
I got some things tidied up and put something together for the boys to have for dinner when they got home. I knew they would be ready to shower and crash when they arrived.
This spring, I was offered a great opportunity to partner with the Jacksonville Sharks as part of their blogger program. Monday night was the team’s home opener and so I invited Papa Bear to join me.
It was my very first arena football game, and it was a really fun, fast-paced night. The game was a little lower-scoring than other games, but we still had a great time.
Tuesday – Couch to 5K Week 4 Day 1
The moment of truth: it was time to get back to running. I was so nervous and scared, but I finally just had to get out there.
The scheduled workout called for a 5:00 brisk walk to warm up, 3:00 jog, 1:30 walk, 5:00 jog, 2:30 walk, 3:00 jog, 1:30 walk, 5:00 jog and 5:00 brisk walk to cool down. It was a little intimidating because I have been using Galloway intervals for so long, and really haven’t run more than 2:00 at a time in quite a while.
Well, I ripped that band aid right off.
I took two quick stretch breaks during both 5:00 intervals, just because my hips were so tight, but I didn’t linger and got right back to it.
I would have to say it went pretty well.
My throat and lungs were less happy than my legs were, and while it’s not comfortable, it could have been a lot worse.
Wednesday – 45 minutes cycling
My riding buddy wasn’t able to join me, and I was grateful that it was a short long-ride week at 45 minutes, rather than one of the two hour ones.
After I got cleaned up, I screwed up my courage and popped into the bike shop near work. I had a really good conversation with the salesperson regarding my needs, my wants and what might be a good fit. I think we might have found something that I really like, but I’m doing a bit more research. It’s been a little daunting to have to sift through reviews and specs, trying to make the right decision. I still have time, though.
Yoga didn’t happen. We got out of karate late, and little man said he wasn’t feeling well. I wanted to make sure he was ok, and by the time we got though his shower and he had some homemade chicken noodle soup, it was too late to think about going. Fortunately, he was fine, but I’m glad I was able to be sure.
Thursday – Couch to 5K Week 4 Day 2
Day 2’s workout was exactly the same as Day 1, and this time, I didn’t allow myself to stop for those stretch breaks. I didn’t really need to (although I wanted to). And therein lies the difference.
I went just a tiny bit farther and a tiny bit faster.
And I got to see one of the beautiful sunrises I’ve been missing.
Friday – 45 minutes cycling, 60 minutes body circuit
They say, in running, that each workout should have a purpose. I decided that maybe cycling follows the same rules, and so I found a beginner speed workout to implement in my 45 minutes. It called for me to warm up for five minutes, then to go all-out for :30, followed by a 2:o0 slower recovery, repeating four times. I found a quiet stretch of road and went for it. When I was finished, I just continued on for the rest of my time.
It definitely mixed things up and kept me a lot more mentally occupied than just plain riding. I absolutely needed that for motivation.
The body circuit class was a rough one. Some of the exercises were a little complicated, and I felt really awkward, but I did manage to conquer the Bosu ball. I have always had a hard time with jumping on and off, but on this day, I just went for. And I didn’t fall, nor did I break anything. Yay!
On Friday, I had a much needed night with some great friends. One of the ladies had set up a Paint Palooza pallet painting party with Heavenly GraphX and we were all able to paint an inspirational sign. The Heavenly GraphX ladies provided all the materials (pallets, paint, stencils, brushes, etc), setup and clean up, and really, all we had to do was select our quotes in advance and show up, ready to create.
I was really thrilled with how mine turned out and I have to find the perfect place to hang it.
Saturday – Couch to 5K Week 4 Day 3
My calves were absurdly tight when I headed out for the last day of Week 4. I promised myself I would reward them with some hard-core rolling later in the day.
It went ok. I was more in my head than anything else. I think it’s time to start bringing out my iPod a little to help keep me from overthinking everything.
Mr PugRunner and I had planned to go kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, but it was chilly, overcast and there was enough of a wind to make it unpleasant. The next best thing was a trip to see The Huntsman: Winter’s War.
It was fun – honestly, what makes The Huntsman movies most worthwhile is wardrobe. Emily Blunt’s and Charlize Theron’s gowns were absolute works of art.
For the rest of the afternoon, we mosied around Target, and had lunch at a little Mexican joint. For the first time, we tried (and loved) Mexican street corn. I can’t wait to try to recreate it on the grill at home.
After a quick nap, it was off to SeaBest Field to see the Sharks take on the Rattlers.
Super fun fact: Sharks defensive back David Hyland is apparently a HUGE pug lover. The tech at our vet’s office filled me on this information, and I think it is the coolest thing. So, obviously, he’s my most favorite player, ever.
So, whoomp. There it is. My new workout routine of six days a week. It’s definitely tiring, but I will get used to it and I think my body is responding decently well. With the exception of the tight calves, I’m not really in any discomfort, which is so encouraging.
I am even starting to cobble together the rough outlines of a salvaged race calendar for the rest of the year. I have to promise myself to take it slow and be patient with myself, but it is good to have goals and I am really happy to have a place to focus my attention.
How was your week in training?
What’s something you have conquered in your fitness journey?
I’ve never been to an arena football game either sounds fun! Something I have conquered? Open water swimming!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Honey Garlic Skillet Tofu-Meatless Monday
I need to work on open water. I’m decent in a pool, but I don’t know how the ocean will do by me. Lakes and similar skeeve me out, so I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get in one of those.
Your painting came out great! We just did that for the first time a couple weeks ago and it was a blast. We did it with a company called Paint Nite. We chose an easy night so our pictures came out pretty good, but yours can actually be hung up! I like that saying too. You are doing great on your training program. I like that you are able to track your walk portion separately from your run portion. I have never seen that kind of tracking before. I have never seen arena football but I used to play arena soccer and it was intense…short field and lots of pushing and shoving! Have a great week and happy training!!!
That’s the active.com C25K app. I like it because it does track the run and walk separately. I also keep track with my Garmin, so I have a couple different ways of recording data from my workouts.
There is a short field and lots of pushing and shoving in arena football too. It’s like hockey, with all the slamming into the boards on the side.
Woohoo! Back to running! Awesome week of workouts! I was exhausted just reading about it. I think it’s a great idea to go back to couch to 5K. I think maybe that’s what I’ll when I get back to it. We’re doing a biggest loser competition at work, so I’m bulking up for the first weigh in 😉 Maybe that’s cheating… Anyway, as soon as that’s done, it’s back to the pavement for me!
I’ve been riding at least 2 horses six days a week for the last few weeks. I try to do all three when time allows. I think I’m actually looking forward to getting back to running now that the weather is getting more pleasant.
Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads
Back at it, indeed! I was exhausted doing it! And this week isn’t going to be much easier LOL!
You’re not supposed to bulk up!!! That’s hilarious!
I am jealous of all your riding! I wish we had horses.
I love the sign that you made!!!
Baby steps! You’ll be running half marathons again in no time.
Darlene recently posted…Monday Running Update
I hope so. It’s been a rather frustrating process.
glad to see you getting back at it! sounds like the C25K plan is working! Arena football looks like a fun thing to watch live. I’ve seen it on TV but never in person. How fun!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Almost Game Time: Pittsburgh Half Training
It really is pretty fun. It moves super fast and it doesn’t seem like there are a ton of rules.
I had really good luck with C25K a few years ago, and it just seemed like the smartest and safest way to build back my miles. We’ll see if my gamble pays off.
You had a great week! My mom did the C25K program and had great success with it. I hope you keep liking it :). I also want to see both of those movies! Definitely need to get to the theater more.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…How To Get Healthy Skin: Vital Proteins Review
I stand by C25K. I used it when I was first learning how to run, and it just seemed like a smart way to get back into it. Fingers crossed.
I love movies. I could go to the theater several times a week and never get tired of it.
What a fun week! It looks like the Couch to 5K is going great, your running paces are awesome!
I went to an arena football game once in Tampa when I was summer intern and it was a lot more fun than I thought it would be! Congrats on being part of their blogger program!
Great job with the cycling too. I wish I got on a bike more often, I actually need to buy a bike but I’m too overwhelmed to look into it!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…GreenBlender Smoothies Review + Discount!
Buying a bike is terrifying! There are so many options and none of them are inexpensive. I hope I make a good decision.
Arena football is fun! I’m glad to be able to enjoy if this season.
My paces are ok. I think the important thing is to focus on the consistent running (or jogging) rather than breaking up into walk/run intervals and see where that gets me.
Glad to hear that your return to running after your short hiatus went as well as it did. All you can ask for is progress after having to take a break, and you did just that. Way to go!
You’re right. That’s all I can ask for. Fingers crossed it continues.
Love the painting and congrats on the running! I’ve not been motivated to run lately, opting for more and more yoga instead…(the pollen isn’t helping motivate me).
Yoga is awesome, too. I am enjoying getting back into it.
I want to do a painting party now! Love it!
Carmy recently posted…Race Report: Mercedes-Benz 10k, Oakville
They are so fun!
I have never been to a painting party…I kind of want to go to one, but I also fear I’d resent the format…and someone telling me (or trying to lead me along) on what to do LOL #artgeek #notgoodattakingdirections
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…ANOTHER fantastic week…Cherish Every Moment
They were as hands-on or hands-off as you wanted. Some wanted a lot of direction and help, while others just did their own thing. It was really fun! But I totally understand where you’re coming from!
Gosh, it sounds like a jam-packed week. I love your painting. I was just thinking of that quote yesterday.
Coco recently posted…2016 GW Parkway Classic Race Recap
It’s a favorite of mine. Because it’s so true!
Super cool that you’re a blogger for the football team!! That is awesome!
It’s a fun opportunity!
I am glad the return to running is going well!
Angie recently posted…Stitch Fix
So far, so good! I’m pretty happy, so far. We’ll see how it continues!
I LOVE the sign you painted! I’ve always wanted to go to one of those wine-and-paint nights. On my to do list for sure! Great training week!
RFC recently posted…Xterra Myrtle Beach Trail Run / The HULK 50K Race Report
It’s a fun girls night in. I would definitely recommend it!
Ha I bet that movie was funny! How could it not be with Melissa McCarthy in it right?
I’ll agree, you don’t get stronger by staying within your comfort zone.
Tell me about your blogger program with the Sharks. What will you do? Sounds interesting. Did you know my MIL lives in Jacksonville, we visit every Thanksgiving.
How very cool, painting on a pallet. I’ve seen these on Pinterest and they look cool! I do love your saying, very true and how fitting! So glad to see your running is taking off and how exciting it is to work on your race calendar. I love that part. Thanks Jenn for linking up.
It was funny. I feel like some of the comedies just go too far – like you’re laughing, and then it gets less funny and more awkward and then there’s all this second-hand embarrassment for the characters, and you just want them to stop. This one reigned itself in a bit, so I was able to enjoy it more (but I’m a total pain in the butt about movies).
I am just helping promote the events – it’s a great family night out so it’s been fun.
I had no idea you visited every Turkey Day! Do you run the Subaru 6K or Half? If so, let know – I do the 6K every year and it would be great to meet up!
What a fun week! I loved your painting pallet! I bet you will have so much fun with this Sharks gig- good deal on that! I am impressed with your 6 day start- keep up the great work!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Taper Week- Clermont
The next 6 day week is off to a great start, too! Little man’s birthday is on Friday so that might not go so well from a workout point of view, but we shall see.
Congratulations with your runs this week! I’ve used the Bosu Ball at physical therapy. It’s tough but I wouldn’t mind getting one for home. It’s great for stability. I love the inspirational art! What a neat idea. I conquered pool running last fall, almost 3 hours non-stop. Thanks for linking with us Jenn.
HoHo Runs recently posted…The Extras
That Bosu Ball is the devil! But I’m coming to terms with it. Pool running is hard! Great work by you!
Great job this week! A few more weeks and it’s just going to feel like your normal routine. I love that painting you made! It looks great and the nautical theme is cool!