It’s on like Donkey Kong.
Everything is aligning nicely. The weather has been a little cooler, thanks to all the summer storms. Mr PugRunner did his first bridge run on Sunday (And rocked it, if I may say. Let’s all give him a hand!), which gave me the chance for a Monday-Wednesday-Friday training schedule this week. That’s my favorite way to do it. I’m also planning a bridge run for the weekend, but we’ll see.
After all, Jaguars training camp starts up, and we need to be out there, cheering on our team. (Can I get an “Oh, yeah!” for football season?)
Last Monday, I did Week 5, Day 1 of the 5-10K training. Yesterday, I was going to repeat that, but the Day 2 plan was just a few minutes longer, so I decided to forge ahead. I needed to complete a 5:00 warm up, a 10:00 steady run and then four sets of 1:00 fast run/1:00 jog before wrapping with a 5:00 cool down. I figured I didn’t need to push my hardest during the fast runs, but I would still get the benefit of the combined 28 minutes.
For the most part, I did well. I was super tense, and it showed in my arms. I had a hard time letting go enough to stop clenching them up close to my shoulders with balled fists. I could feel tightness across the back of my shoulders, and I really had to focus on relaxing.
The breathing was alright, too. Not great, especially with the humidity, but I didn’t need to stop or walk. Small victories.
I was only .1 mile slower than when I first completed this particular workout, which made me incredibly happy. So happy that I managed another self-portrait. I don’t like posting without pictures and there wasn’t anything else I photographed on or before my run.
Before showering, I threw in a plank, and I promised myself that I will get back to doing these daily (or close to it). There’s really no reason not to.
I’m looking forward to Wednesday. It’s going to be a little bit of a longer run, but go big or go home, right?
What part of your form do you find yourself needing to work on the most?
What’s the mantra that gets you the most pumped?
Way to forge ahead! I need to throw in some daily planks too. My shoulders get really tense when I run. That’s probably the biggest thing I could improve in my form. Every so often I let them totally hang loose and dangle like a Muppet when I run, but they still bunch up.
Karla @ Run, Karla, Run! recently posted…Friday Foto: Triathlon Training Is Done. It’s Go Time
Planks are good for us runners.
Generally, my shoulders and back are ok, but every so often, I just seize up. At least I’m not alone.
runswithpugs recently posted…getting my groove back
Woooo Jenn got her groove back! 😉
Kristin Smith @ A Mom on the Run recently posted…Five Things Friday
Is there a dance move for that? Because I feel there should be a dance move. <3
runswithpugs recently posted…getting my groove back
Ah, planks! I was doing them daily for awhile there, but totally fell off the wagon and haven’t done one in probably a month. I am a slacker. =)
Nice run, btw. I love speedwork. =)
Diana recently posted…Week 2 Recap
I like speedwork. I wasn’t sure I would be totally ready for it, but I did ok. It’s good to feel like I’m getting back to normal.
runswithpugs recently posted…getting my groove back
YAY!!!!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…A Winner & A Baby
Darn skippy!
Great work! And ah, the dreaded plank. One of the best exercise out there and yet, one of the hardest ones to convince myself to do on a regular basis. Keep it up! You’re rocking it!
Kristen @ Medium Roast recently posted…The Weekly Chase!
I’m trying! You can do those planks! It’s just a few minutes out of your day!
So glad to hear that you are feeling better! Isn’t that great when you get your groove back?!
My favorite mantra right now is “I run this body”! 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…I Run This Body, I Choose Happiness, I Believe I Can Achieve
Awesome mantra!
I am feeling on top of the world right now!
I love/hate planks. I know they are so good for me, but man, do I feel like a weakling when I do them. There is nothing like feeling my entire body start shaking with effort when I am being still.
My mantra is “stronger than you think” I repeat that to myself when I feel like I can’t go any farther. It’s a mind game so much of the time. I know that I am stronger that I think I am!
Suzan recently posted…A Downpour and a Disturbing Dream
Amazing mantra! I’m going to keep that one in mind. It’s so very true.
Yay for getting your groove back!
I find that as I get tired in the later part of my long runs, I have a tendency to relax my core and allow my spine to slouch. I do extra core work during the week to help keep it from happening.
Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…Rolling It Out
Congrats to Mr. Pug!
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🙂