No Excuses: Week-in-Review & Link-up

April 12, 2015

I like to think of myself as someone who doesn’t {usually} make excuses. Sure, I have those days like we all have where an hour in front of the TV or an extra 30 minutes of sleep is what I choose over running and working out. But the vast majority of the time, I make my training and exercise a priority.

Weekly training recap on runladylike.com
Photo source: Pinterest via skinny-healthyme.tumbler.com

This past week, I felt like a fish out of water. I chose NOT to exercise for 3 consecutive days. Everything was out of whack: no writing in my training journal, no logging miles on Daily Mile, no tracking my meals. Was I being lazy and making excuses? Or was it something else?

I spent the first half of last week in Chicago for a work trip. Chicago, people – one of my favorite cities to run. The place where I had a breakthrough marathon and qualified for Boston for the first time.

And I chose not to run.

I had every intention of running. I had packed three running outfits, my trusty Brooks PureCadence, ear buds and even gloves and ear warmers in case the weather was too cold.

And I didn’t run.

Instead, I chose to sleep in. I’ve had a lot going on the past few weeks and I felt like I’d been hit by a Mack truck. I could have gotten up before the sun rose, but I didn’t. I could have made different choices and fewer excuses, but I decided my body was trying to tell me it needed a break. I haven’t been training anywhere near the levels I was last summer and fall, but I needed a few moments to be lazy, eat what I wanted and to give myself permission to disconnect.

I did. And now I’m back. Since returning from Chicago, I’ve had solid, strong workouts and feel motivated and re-energized.

Sometimes, all we need is a moment. Or in my case, 3 days.

Here’s what the past 2 weeks looked like.

Every week (or every other week) I share my weekly training and how I’m taking action against my 2015 goals. I also share the one thing I’m most proud of from the week and the one pitfall that has challenged me the most. Then, I invite you to do the same. There is a place at the bottom of this post for you to share a link to your weekly recap for others to come and cheer you on or offer you support. If you don’t have a Web site, simply share about your week in the comments section.

Getting Sweaty and Stronger

My fitness goals for 2015 are to stay in half marathon shape year-round (20-30 miles of running per week and long runs of 8-11 miles) and get stronger (2-3 strength training and cross training workouts each week).

Week of March 30

Weekly training recap on runladylike.com
  • Thursday: REST
  • Friday: 1-hour restorative yoga at Exhale
  • Saturday: Ran 10.3 easy miles at an average 8:40 pace (Later that day, we drove out to Lake Oconee for a wedding and Easter weekend with family friends.)
Weekly training recap on runladylike.com
Easter-eve wedding at Lake Oconee in Eatonton, GA
  • Sunday: 30 minutes of strength training at Lake Oconee (5 rounds of: 25 squats, 25 push-ups, 25 sit-ups and 10 burpees + post-workout yoga and stretching on the dock)
Weekly training recap on runladylike.com
Getting my burpees on at the lake
Weekly training recap on runladylike.com

Week of April 6

  • Monday-Wednesday: Nada (see above … blah, blah, blah)
  • Thursday: 1-hour at Orangetheory Fitness with Mr. rUnladylike, including about 3.4 miles of speed and hill work on the treadmill + 700 meters of rowing and strength training (I wore my new Brooks PureFlows that I got from Road Runner Sports during all the fast/uphill running, rowing and training. They feel really good, but I don’t think they are better than the PureCadence. I’m going to a VIP ladies night event at Road Runner Sports in 2 weeks and I’m going to run on the treadmill in my PureCadence, which they were out of last time I was there, to see if I can confirm my hypothesis that the Brooks PureCadence are the ultimate shoe for me. I’ll also be writing a review on the Ravennas and PureFlows very soon.)
Weekly training recap on runladylike.com
  • Friday: 45 minutes at Flywheel with Mr. rUnladylike (21.8 miles)
  • Saturday: Ran 9.6 miles at 8:08 average pace, with 8 of the miles between 7:52 and 8:02
Weekly training recap on runladylike.com

Eating Clean

My nutrition goals for 2015 are to cook most days of the week, limit sugar and bread intake, track my food daily and focus on eating clean(er).

Given all my travel during the past 2 weeks, I haven’t tried any new recipes lately. I have a great meal plan created for the week ahead and can’t wait to try a few new dishes, including an enchilada slow cooker soup and some teriyaki pork chops. I’ll share them during my next training recap if they pass our taste bud test. You can keep up with recipes I’m pinning on my recipe and food Pinterest board.

What I’m Most Proud of

I’m proud of my “long” run this week. My friend Elizabeth needed to run 10 miles at marathon goal pace (8:00/mile). I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with her given my limited running this week, but we had a strong run. I ran 8 out of the 10 miles between 7:52 and 8:02 and ran two easy miles toward the end before picking the pace back up with her to finish.

Where I Struggled

I’ve been reading a number of running books lately from both elite runners and sports medicine experts (read my recent review of Meb for Mortals here). One of the things that has really dawned on me is that I need to be more religious with stretching and injury prevention exercises, more intentional with my strength training and that I need to build in running form drills regularly. It’s the little things that keep us healthy and differentiate good runners from great runners. My goal for this month is to commit to doing the small, daily things that will keep me running stronger longer.

Thought for the Week Ahead

“Any day I am too busy to run is a day I am too busy.”

~John Bryant

 Loading InLinkz ...

How was your week last week? How did your training go? What are you most proud of? Where were you most challenged? Share your comments and/or link up to your weekly recap post below.

Comments

Tim

I think everyone needs some time away for a bit to recharge mentally and physically. Looks like you rebounded just fine and are back into the swing of things.

Jess

I’ve been talking myself into more “rest” days the past few weeks than I probably should. I’m working on getting back into it this week. Looking forward to seeing you at the Ladies Night event at Road Runner Sports!

Angie

We all need those extra rest days. When your body sends that message, you need to take it and then you will come back stronger than ever. My last week was great for my HIM training. I nailed all of my workouts, and also included two strength training workouts. My goal this year with HIM training was to NOT neglect strength training until I am 3-4 weeks out from my race. I lose too much and at my age, strength training is necessary. So if that means 90 minutes less on the bike that week for 2 sessions of strength training, then that is what happens. Great post! Your posts are so inspirational because they are real. You are never afraid to share your bad days. I really appreciate your honesty as it makes me feel okay too when I have bad days and weeks. Thanks Jesica!

Rebecca

My training went better last week – every run was outside! Finally!

I struggled with GI issues this week – really annoying! But I did finally go on a run longer than 6K. Got to get going on those long runs again!

Laura @ This Runner's Recipes

Running form drills and injury prevention are definitely something I need to work on also.
My half marathon yesterday made me realize I need to work on hills and strength.
I love the quote you chose for this week!

Smitha @ FauxRunner

Now that I read your other post, you have plenty going on so not running in Chicago is a-ok 😀

Sarah @ SarahRuns26

I had one of those days today! I got home and just didn’t want to workout. I did go for a short walk, which is better than nothing I suppose, but sometimes you just need a break! I’ll enjoy it and get back to my regularly scheduled workouts tomorrow! Or maybe Wednesday. 🙂

Alyssa

Love the idea of “pre-hab” instead of rehab… it’s hard to put into practice but I think you nailed it.
I will forever struggle with eating clean but I really look forward to your updates for a little inspiration!
Hope this week is off to a great start 🙂

elizabeth

so thankful for our runs!! and, i need to check out meb’s book for the stretching stuff. It’s GOT to be a priority for me for the next month. and, i think it’s okay that you missed your runs- you have had a TON going on and you always pick right back up.