Wrapping up another busy week in what has been a busy month and I’m still paddling (continuing last week’s duck theme). I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down, so here’s a quick peek at this week’s workouts.

Week 20 – Still Paddling

Monday — 2.5-mile Walk, 30-min Full-body Strength, and Stretch
Tuesday — 2.5-mile Walk & Core
Wednesday — 4-mile Run & Stretch

Spotted this Blue Heron during my run

Thursday — Peloton Bike, Yoga & 1-mile walk
Friday — 4-mile Run & Stretch
Saturday — 2-mile Walk, Core & Upper Body Strength via a couple of hours of yardwork
Sunday — 5-mile Run, & Stretch. Despite heading out early, it was already in the upper 60s when I started and over 80 degrees when I finished. My husband captured this photo right after I finished and I think it tells you all you need to know about the run.

The week ahead promises to be the first quiet one of the month, which is perfect timing since it’s race week! The Run to Remember 5-miler is next Sunday so let the weather stalking begin 😉

Are you dealing with sudden summer-like temps? Any races on the horizon?

A big Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow moms!

May is off to a fast start – and, as I mentioned over coffee, I don’t expect things to slow down any time soon! And, even while my workouts were a bit pared down this week, I am thankful for them. Here’s a quick peek at how my week played out.

Week 18 – Mother’s Day Edition

Monday — 2-mile walk, Lower Body Strength, Core & Stretch
Tuesday — 1.7-mile walk, otherwise rest day.
Wednesday — 3-mile run, Core & Stretch
Thursday — 2.5-mile walk, Upper Body Strength & Stretch
Friday — 3-mile run, Core & Stretch
Saturday — 2-mile walk & Yoga
Sunday — 5-mile run, Core & Stretch

With things heating up schedule-wise, early morning workouts were a must. And, while still unseasonably chilly, I’ve been rewarded with some beautiful mornings.

Running continues to feel pretty good, and I was even rewarded with negative splits on Friday’s run! Most importantly, my hip has been fairly quiet. A win! And, my #optoutside streak continues at Day 39.

This week will be crazy busy and I have a feeling that carving out some time for myself will be especially important.

How was your week?

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down. Join us!

This week started off uber stressful! My husband had a medical emergency that landed him in the hospital on Sunday afternoon. Thankfully the doctors were able to get his blood pressure under control and he passed his stress test with flying colors so he was discharged late Tuesday. Throw in a hectic work schedule and yeah it was quite the week!

Thank goodness for running and working out as a stress-reliever! Here’s how my fitness week played out.

Sunday in the park

Week 16 – Making Adjustments

Monday — 3-mile run, Core & Stretch. It was a beautiful morning and I was very excited Mother Nature served up some great weather for the Boston Marathon. (And can we talk about that finish to the women’s race?! Just wow!)

Tuesday — 1.5 mile walk & Yoga. Tuesdays are my heavy meeting day so I’ve been keeping things low-key.

Wednesday — 1.5 mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch. My hip flexor was making all kinds of noise so I pushed off my run and added in another walk to keep my #opoutside streak going

Thursday — 4-mile run, Core & Stretch. Just when I thought it was safe to put away my winter gear, Mother N dropped the temps back into the low 30s.

Friday — 4-mile run & Stretch.

Saturday — 3.5 mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch.

Sunday — 5-mile run & Stretch. It was a slow start and a lot of self-talk to get out the door, but it turned out to be a solid, pain-free run.

Changing Race Plans

Coach Marc and I caught up on Monday. As I mentioned in last week’s WRD, I wasn’t where I wanted to be 6 weeks out (now 5) from my May race. Yes, I had hit 8 miles on a recent long run, but not without some significant squawking from my hip flexor in those final two miles. And we all know there’s a difference between logging a “long-ish” run and being ready to run a half marathon and, importantly, running it well.

While discussing what was needed to be well prepared for the half, Marc posed the key question – “what is to be gained and what is to be lost?” Well, truthfully there’s very little to be gained by pressing at this point so we agreed it’s time to pivot.  The new plan is to run the 5-mile race option instead and then I’ve got my eye on a couple of 10Ks – I’ll save the half marathons for the fall. I’m fine with making this adjustment – I think my hip flexor will be better for it. It’s really important to me that I hit the starting line feeling strong both physically and mentally.

In case you missed it:

Five Benefits of Planning Your Workouts in Advance

How was your week? Did you watch the Marathon? Any race plans?

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

Yes, I know that I’ve probably just jinxed myself with the title of this post! But, this was the first week where we finally strung together a few days of consistent Spring weather which was a nice boost to my #optoutside streak.

Enjoying Sunday’s quiet roads

Week 15 – Finally Feels Like Spring

Monday — 3-mile recovery run & Stretch. I woke up feeling every bit of Sunday’s 8 miler. The thought of running more was just so unappealing so I pushed my run to after work. Late-day sunshine and 60s made for a nice run.

Tuesday — 1.5-mile walk, otherwise a rest day.
Wednesday — 3.1-mile run & Stretch. A midday 5K, 72 degrees, and negative splits!

Thursday — Peloton ride, Upper Body Strength, 1.5-mile walk
Friday — 4-mile run, Core & Stretch
Saturday — 2-mile walk & Yoga. So much fun volunteering at the Boston Marathon Expo! My assignment was “Expo Ambassador” which basically means I greeted runners and answered questions/provided directions as needed. I got to chat with runners from all over and even got to catch up with Jennifer (runs4dounuts on IG)!  My legs were really feeling it by the end of my volunteer shift – 5 hours is a long time to be on your feet. I kept my #optoutside streak going with a walk and some yoga.

Sunday — 6-mile run, Core & Stretch

My schedule was full and hectic this week so I’m pleased I was able to get all of my runs done. The running itself has been a bit all over the place and I’ll admit I’m not quite where I want to be with 6 weeks to go until the Run to Remember. My hip flexor continues to be an on-again-off-again issue so I am catching up with Coach Marc this week to talk through options.

Happy Easter and Passover to all who celebrate!

How was your week? Are you enjoying Spring temps? 

I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down.

The title of this post pretty much says it all. The week started out with me in a front-row seat on the struggle bus and ended with the longest run I’ve had in a while. I’m linking up with Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Run Down – here’s how the week played out.

Sunday’s 8 miler

Week 14 – A down then up week

Monday — 2-mile walk and Yoga for hips. My plan called for a 3-mile recovery run, but my hip flexor clearly didn’t get the memo. So I opted for a walk instead to keep my #optoutside streak going.

Tuesday — 2-mile walk, otherwise rest. Of late, Tuesdays are a rest day, and with the hip flexor still not feeling 100%, another walk was the right call.

Wednesday — 3-mile run, Core & stretch. An early morning run in light rain calls for bringing your own sunshine.

Thursday — 2.5-mile walk, Strength for Runners, Core & Stretch. Stacked a couple of Peloton’s Strength for Runners classes which always feels like a good PT session.

Friday –– 3.1-mile run, Core & Stretch. This was the kind of run I wish I could bottle up! The weather was on-point (hello shorts!) and my stride felt strong and easy. Why can’t all runs feel this good?!

Focused on the weekend!

Saturday — 3.6-mile walk, Upper Body Strength, Core & Stretch

Sunday — 8-mile run, Stretch & Foam Rolling. I was a little worried going into this run because I just couldn’t seem to muster up any enthusiasm for the distance. There were a lot of “what ifs” about my hip flexor holding up which led to a lot of procrastinating before finally getting out the door. My hip flexor and the hill at mile 6 had words, but a little extra push from Eminem helped me to dig in and get this run done.

I can’t remember the last time I ran 8, so definitely finished the week on a higher note than where things started. Another plus for the week, I’m on day 11 of my #optoutside streak. I still need to keep an eye on this hip flexor. There are 7 weeks until the Run to Remember so no need to panic yet.

Tell me something about your week.