You heard it here: I’m working (reluctantly) towards a stronger me. I struggle with that hard days, and I find myself digging deep to keep myself together. As a result, I find myself pushing to be physically stronger, so I can focus on getting mentally stronger, which will then help me be emotionally stronger. Easy.
Sunday
- Cardio: 4.24 miles, walking
- Strength: Arms (wide curls, cross body hammer curls, zottman to reverse, single arm curls with hold, one dumbbell curls – @fitwithjulia)
The first day of the week means it’s time to get to work!
Trying to keep the smile on my face!
Monday
- Cardio: 6.32 miles, running + 1.41 miles, walking
Another Monday. I had a solid run. It always feels good to start the week on a runner’s high.
I just dove right into another week. Sometimes that’s what needs to be done.
Tuesday
- Cardio: 4.16 miles, walking
- Strength: Upper Body Day (stability chest press, around the world, alternating lateral raise, push press, push ups – @KimRunsTheMitten)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
It was kind of an odd day. I went for my walk.
And I did my upper body.
We went out to lunch and had sushi. In the evening, we celebrated with a Court of Honor for Scouts. A has put Scouts a bit on the back burner, but I think this lit a small fire under him. He has three merit badges and his Eagle project left, plus he is going to Philmont in June. His motivation seems to be back.
I had a lot of cute Valentine’s themed ideas, but it was hard to bring them to life with our current situation. I’ll do better for the next holiday.
Wednesday
- Cardio: 5.45 miles, running
- Strength: Legs/Glutes/Core Day (single leg deadlift, glute bridge, curtsy lunge to knee drive, weighted under the fence, plank up downs – @kimrunsthemitten)
A had a super early orthodontist appointment, so I had to get out and get done.
When I got home, I did my legs/glutes/core workout. This one was good, but tough.
Instead of work, A had an after school wind ensemble practice, which was good for him. He said it was pretty intense, but he is happiest when he is practicing his music.
Thursday
- Cardio: 4.28 miles, walking
- Strength: Legs/Glutes/Core Day (clamshells, RDLs, heel elevated single leg bridges, lateral lunge knee drives, overhead hold single arm dead bugs – @KimRunsTheMitten)
i am sleeping in a little more on my “off” days, so I trade up the timing of my cardio and my weights. It’s helpful on the mornings that are colder.
Friday
- Cardio: 7.22 miles, running + 1.36 miles, walking
Good morning and happy Friday. After a somewhat challenging week, it felt good to get a longer run.
I skipped strength because my hips and booty were sore, and honestly, I was tired. To be honest, I was pretty lazy for the rest of the day. Our only activity was getting A to the Pinewood Derby, where he volunteered to help one of our local packs.
Saturday
- Cardio: 1.92 miles, walking
Short walk today because I was tired, and I had a full schedule.
The karate dojo had a belt test, and while A was there working, I stayed to take photos for their social media.
We finished there, and then Mr PugRunner and I drove to Daytona for a celebration of life for one of my sweetest friend’s father, who passed a few weeks ago. It was so beautiful, and emotional, but I was grateful to finally be able to give her giant hugs in person.
Goal-getting + Thoughts
I’m sore and I’m tired, but I’m on the right track.
I also finally signed up for the Gate River Run in March. Ii wass nervous, but I think it will be a good move for me.
I am linking up with the Weekly Rundown, with Confessions of A Mother Runner and Running on the Fly! Check them out!
How was your week in training? Do you devote time to your own strength?
It’s good to see you making efforts to keep moving and building strength! Strength training is just so empowering. And good to have races on the calendar, to give you something to train for. Nice week!
I need some bigger ones. Out of state. I hate not having a set in stone schedule.
It sounds like you mustered the motivation to get it done. I’ve not done a real strength workout for two weeks and am not missing it. LOL.
I hope this week is better for you.
I’m about to go do one now and I’m not excited at all.
Yes, I think you are on the right track! Physical strength does correlate to mental strength, and the strength work you’re doing sounds great. A is a busy kid! I know it’s challenging to keep up with all the activities. I’m so glad he’s enjoying band, especially.
Honestly, A’s stuff is so great. He works hard and really makes his opportunities happen where he can. I am proud of him and happy to follow along in the craziness!
I am a huge believer that feeling stronger physically carries over to other aspects of your life. I hope you find the same. Keep up the good work!
Yup. It all goes hand in hand.
Great job getting it done and continuing to move forward. Strength work is tough (it has to be, LOL), but is SO worthwhile and quite empowering. Keep on keeping on!!
Well boo on it being tough. I don’t like that lol.
Well done your for working on strength, physically and mentally. I’m a strong believer that when you work on physical strength, you also work on mental strength because you need mental strength to train your body – and building physical strength builds confidence that leads to increased mental strength etc.
Well done keeping up all your work this week, and how exciting about that race!
It all goes together. Annoying as that may be.
Sore and tired, but on the right track. I like it. You got some nice workouts in there and I like the work on the mental stuff too. I’m a constant work in progress.
Constantly a work in progress. That’s just how it goes.
Great job this week! “I’m sore and I’m tired, but I’m on the right track. – Love it!! Keep going – I hope you have a great week ahead.
Me, too. I need a break.
You’ve got this Jenn! Exercise is not only good for your health, but it’s a great way to handle stress. Keep up the good work!
I’m keeping up! As best I can!
Except for when I’m in marathon training, my focus is always more on strength than it is cardio. I think strength training and keeping muscle on our bodies is the key to vitality and independence as we age. Great job incorporating strength into your week. It will pay off physically and mentally!
That’s probably the more balanced way to do things!
My friend’s son is going to Philmont also. He was telling us all about it. It sounds pretty legit! They have been practicing with hikes and weighted backpacks. How many days will A be there?
It’s good to see you getting at your fitness, even when it’s tough to be motivated!
Oh, super exciting! He is going on a 6 day trek – they will be ending at Mount Baldy, and they are so excited. He just ordered a new pack yesterday, and we are training with the group. It’s so exciting.
You know I’m a huge supporter/lover of all things strength training so it makes my heart happy to see this! 🙂