training

Week in Review: February 16-22

This week was crazy! I had stuff going on all week, so it was hard to get some of my workouts in–work, edits for a cookbook I’m coauthor for (more on that soon), etc. How was your week?

Workouts in Review

Here’s the rundown for the week:

Monday: ~30-minute yoga practice with Yoga with Adriene’s 30-Day Challenge (day 2)

Tuesday: 10 minutes StairClimber; 1-hour Pilates; 25-minute treadmill run (intervals); ~25 minute yoga practice with Adriene again (day 3)

Wednesday: 1-hour restorative yoga class, 30-minute treadmill run

Thursday: 1-hour pump class

Friday: Rest (a ton of walking around, running errands, though!)

Saturday: 7.07 miles (Week five of Jeff Galloway’s half marathon training plan. Did an awesome point-to-point route on our local river trail. The plan called for 6.5 miles, so I ran that and then walked the extra half mile home.)

Legs Up the Wall | FrenchFryRunner.com — Legs up the wall after my long run. Love this restorative pose!

Sunday: Rest

Highlight

Saturday’s long run was pretty great. I got a little tired, but my fueling and hydrating were on target. (AND that’s the farthest I’ve run in over a year. Sad but true.)

Things to Work On

My long run took place around 1:00 p.m. because I had to work in the morning, which doesn’t normally happen. So, I need to make sure not to overschedule my workload and get out there earlier. Running in the afternoon is not my favorite.

Thought for the Week Ahead

Be stronger than your excuses.

Let’s be strong and not make excuses this week!

Don’t forget to visit Jesica’s blog and check out her weekly update post and other linked-up posts. I’m also linking up with Tara from Running ‘n’ Reading for her Weekend Update link-up.

How was your long run?

What’s your favorite post-workout snack?

Week in Review: February 9-15

Well, hello there! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Hope Valentine’s Day (or Saturday) was great for you. I’m back again with my week in review.

Workouts in Review

Here’s the rundown for the week:

Monday: 1-hour yoga, 38 minutes elliptical

Tuesday: total of 40 minutes strength, cardio, and yoga

Wednesday: 1-hour yoga class, 35-minute run, 30-minute walk

Thursday: honestly I don’t remember

Friday: 30-minute morning yoga practice at home–and a 2-hour yoga workshop (1 hour of alignment and 1 hour Ashatanga)

Saturday: Chasing Cupid 5K (ran it in 30:45; week four of Jeff Galloway’s half marathon training plan. It called for 2.5 miles, but I had the 5K)

Sunday: Rest

What I’m Most Proud Of

Two things: (1) I ran a solid 5K on Saturday. It was a great race on a great course. (2) I attended a kick-asana yoga workshop on Friday and learned a lot/improved. AND while there, I got into/held crow pose. I’m getting stronger! Yesssss.

Where I Fell Short

I didn’t write down what I did on Thursday. Journaling fail.

This week’s runs were great. The whole “run slow to go fast” is really working!

Thought for the Week Ahead

Do more of what makes you happy.

Let’s be happy this week!

Don’t forget to visit Jesica’s blog and check out her weekly update post and other linked-up posts. I’m also linking up with Tara from Running ‘n’ Reading for her Weekend Update link-up.

What makes you happy?

Did you race this weekend? How did it go?

Try Something New!

Sorry this is posting a bit late! For the Fit Dish Link-up this week, the topic is “Try Something New!”

I like trying new things because you might end up finding something you love. For example, I used to hate running. I played sports way back in high school, so running was a punishment. In college I took up running for exercise because I needed a way to de-stress and I didn’t need any special equipment. I ran nearly every day. I got in great shape and ran my first 5K. I always go back to running first when I need to get in better shape. (Because I know I’ve let my fitness slide more than once! Yikes.) And now I’m training for my first marathon! Who would have thought?

Then a couple years ago, I found yoga. I found out that I loved it, and it’s one of my favorite exercises. It’s a fantastic way to center yourself and strengthen your body.

Finally, a couple months ago, I went to my first Body Pump class. Man, it was tough, but for some reason I loved how I felt after. I finally found a group fitness class I like! And I’m finally seeing muscles! Woo! Even though the class is challenging, I can’t get enough. Now I get so excited to increase my weight on the bar and make it through sets without breaks.

Here are some tips for trying a new class.

Think about the type of exercise you’re lacking in your routine. I was missing strength training, so I first took up yoga and then, later, Body Pump.
Check out your local gym’s schedule. Are there any classes on there that you’ve heard of but never tried before? Pick one that fits your schedule and check it out.
Go to at least three classes. The first class is always weird because you’re unfamiliar with how it’s run, the instructor’s style, etc. Three classes gives you enough opportunity to get used to things and see whether you want to continue.
Pick out the positive. If you end up not liking the new class, what were the things you liked the most? Use those positives to pick out the next class. For example, if you find you don’t like Pilates, but you really enjoy the stretching, maybe you can try yoga next.
Remember that no one is judging you. If you’re trying a new class, you might feel uncomfortable. This is totally normal. Take a deep breath and focus on yourself, have fun, and maybe you’ll just find the right class for you.

I’m linking up with April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, Patty from My No-Guilt Life, and Erika from MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run! Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.

This post is also linked up with others for The Fit Dish Link-Up. Thanks to Jill Conyers at JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy at TheFitSwitch.org for hosting. Be sure to visit their blogs and others in the link-up.

What’s your new favorite class?

Yoga or Pilates?

How are you doing today?