Week 4 of Harborside Half training is done and what blur of a week it was! It was one of those weeks where you stare at the calendar on Sunday night, take a deep breath, and brace yourself for the scramble to come. J was traveling so I was doing the single-parent thing…throw in the dog returning from board and train and the usual school/sports/homework dash and you start to get the picture.
Source: Tiny Budha
Workouts happened when they happened…there was some running, a little hiking, time on the Arc Trainer, and some yoga…with an assist from the newly-returned pup!
New meaning to downward dog!
I also got some time with my massage therapist who gave me an earful about needing to balance my running with more strength work. She has a point…strength work was noticeably absent from this week’s workouts and has been hit or miss lately. Past experience has taught me that I am not one of those people who can just run…my body holds up much better when supported by strength training.
So this upcoming week I’m re-committing to strength training. My friend E just joined my gym and we’ve made a pact to meet every Wednesday (and most Fridays when kids sports schedules allow). I’ll be incorporating the RunnersConnect Kettlebell for Runners program. I had started to do some kettlebell work with Trainer Stacey before she left and I’m looking forward to getting back at it.
So how was your week? Are you consistent with strength training?
I’m linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. If you do a weekly training recap, be sure to join this great link-up for inspiration and motivation! 
Oh, but I bet it’s good to have your pup back! I’m paying the price for too much or not enough of something with my PF. Gah!
Coco recently posted…My Frantic Fall Begins
Ugh I hope you can get the PF under control quickly!
I believe strength training has been a life saver for me. I’ve been doing it religiously for about 15 years and I think it really shapes my body in a way that running cannot. It also makes me a lot stronger and helps to head off injuries
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Weekly Wrap Crazy Busy Around Here
When I’ve run my best, strength training has always been part of the equation. Gotta make it a priority!
My week was a lot like yours. I did good just to keep my head above water!
Jessica recently posted…Last Week’s Workouts + Wine & Dine Week 12 Recap
My strength training has been kind of hit and miss lately. I’m pretty good with doing upper body work once/week, but the lower body gets overlooked on occasion (but, in my defense, I haven’t been able to do much lower body “work” until recently). You’ve inspired me to be more disciplined with the weights!
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…On The Road Again!
I’d say you’ve had a very good reason to have let the lower body work slide 😉 Glad you’ll be getting back at it!
Good for you for getting it ALL done… and how nice to have the pupper home!
2 weeks was a long time – we missed him 🙂
Congrats on staying active even when you were so busy – it can get so hard but that time to chill is so worthwhile 🙂 I love my strength training! I only started lifting a year or so ago, and found the improvement to my running was pretty phenomenal, I gained so much more speed and stamina… Do you do weights or bodyweight circuits?
It’s great that you’ve seen improvement. I’m going to focus on free weights and kettlebells.
Do you see a noticeable different in your dog? I’m just curious. LOL. I do exercises for hips and glutes (mostly) and am happy if I remember to do them twice weekly. I don’t go to the gym, but I think I would enjoy it if I had someone I could workout with. Thanks for linking!
Yes a big difference in the pup! He’s still a goofy puppy but much more manageable – thank goodness 🙂
Working out with friends always helps! I’ll have to check out that kettlebell workout because I desperately need a new one.
I’m really hoping that having a workout buddy will help keep me accountable!
Puppy!
I am awful about strength training. I used to be so good at it, but my schedule has gotten increasingly more hectic and it’s been the first thing to go. I know it’s not the answer, but it’s how things are right now.
Keep on keeping on. You’re going to do great with the Kettlebell challenge!
Jenn recently posted…weekly wrap: 9.17.17 – 9.23.17
Thanks Jenn!
I mostly just ran throughout the summer and finally added some strength training in the past month. It has definitely made a difference!
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…Chicago and Marine Corps Marathon Training Recap, Week 13
Good to hear – I’m hoping I’ll see a difference too!
Love the commitment to strength training 🙂 I just programmed my next 16 weeks and I am hoping to get hella strong. I just started partnering with a runner and she’s psyched to see how doing squats and deadlifts will help her running.
That’s awesome!
Oh yes, I’ve had those weeks before, but somehow you always find a way to get it done!
I’m usually good about strength training, but it can be really hard to fit it in when training for a race.
Kimberly recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Recap – Week 18
Good for you for sticking to your strength training – I’m going to try to follow your lead!
Balancing everything is always difficult, especially when your spouse is away. Here’s to a much calmer week this week.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Log – Week 16
Like you, I am one of those runners who need strength training to support all of those running muscles and I can always tell a difference when I slack off. The past couple of weeks I’ve been a slacker. Hoping to get back at it next week once I’ve completely recovered from this century ride.
Sooooo, how was the dog? Was he a well-oiled, fine-tuned trained machine?? 🙂
Teresa recently posted…Dam Century Ride: #103freakingmiles
I know strength training is important but I don’t do it like I should. Sigh. Need to get my priorities straight. 🙂
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…5K Crate Product Review