This week was mentally and physically easier than last week. I’m slowly adjusting to running 5 days a week and I just seemed to have more energy and motivation to knock out these workouts. I’m pretty sure the fact that we weren’t dealing with fresh or slushy snow this week has a big part in that. Fighting to stay upright while running in the snow isn’t exactly how you want to spend your long run so this week was a nice change. I can deal with the cold as long as the sidewalks are clear and ice is taken care of. AmmmmIRight people?

I ran 40 miles this week: 2 easy runs, 2 workouts, and 1 long run. 2 strength routines + 1 core routine.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Monday:

Easy 5 miles on the treadmill. I’m always shocked and confused at the type of apparel people wear to the gym. I saw a girl on the treadmill in front of me that was wearing shorts that were much too big for her, an old cotton t-shirt with holes in it, and shoes that looked like they were 5+ years old. For real, the heels were completely worn down. I was in pain just thinking about her run. I wanted to tap her on the shoulder and suggest some new shoes—they would do wonders for her! Anyone else see people at the gym that you feel like you need to help somehow?

Tuesday:

9 miles in 1:14 (8:09 average pace). Easy pace first 7 miles and then speedy last 2 with increasing incline up to 2%. These miles actually ticked by on the treadmill pretty quickly. I think I’m getting used to running more on the treadmill but I definitely don’t want to make it a habit. I restarted my gym membership in the fall because I knew it would be necessary for training during the winter. Did some strength and form drills afterward to focus on hip strength (always).

Wednesday:

Strength day! I didn’t time this but I’m pretty sure I foam rolled my a** for about 20 minutes following lunges and squats and other silly things. I diagnosed myself with CBS—as in, Crunchy Butt Syndrome. Symptoms include giant knots in your butt that, while seated, make it feel as though your glutes are the consistency of a Crunch candy bar. Trust me, it’s not comfortable. Luckily, the Trigger Point massage ball came to the rescue–in some seriously weird positions…Moving on.

Thursday:

7.5 miles in 00:57 total– 4 mile tempo at goal 6:50-7:00. This was my favorite run of the week. And that’s just weird because it’s a tempo run people! It’s supposed to be uncomfortable. It was definitely uncomfortable but in a good way. (That’s classic “#YouKnowYouAreARunner when” material right there, people!). My splits were on the speedy side: 6:54, 6:47 (whoops! I blame the wind…), 6:55, 6:52. This was a serious confidence booster. The sun was shining and the temps were mild relative to recent temperatures. Really great way to start Valentine’s Day 🙂

Friday:

4 miles at 8:26 pace on the treadmill. Had a headache most of the day and generally didn’t feel that great but I forced myself to run these easy miles after dinner. Went by quickly and I actually felt much better afterward. Now if only I would just learn this lesson and head to the gym right away as opposed to wallowing in “blah” all day.

Saturday:

14 miles at 8:01 average pace long run along the lakefront. Ok, I *know* I ran this faster than I was supposed to BUT I felt really really really good! In fact, before I looked at my watch each time I could have sworn I was running closer to 8:30 pace. 8:00 felt conversational and easy. I found a rhythm and stayed there through the entire run. I ran with my Nathan waterbottle and filled it with Nuun. I’m slowly getting used to running with the water bottle during long runs. I appreciate what little arm workout it gives me—is it sad that I can see a different in my biceps because of carrying a water bottle once a week? Small wins.

Sunday:

REEEEEEEEST!

Highlights o’ The Week:

• Added to my running playlist: Default by Django Django. 

• A solitary girly moment for Valentine’s Day dinner at The Trenchermen.
• FINALLY booked my flights to and from Boston! Feels so good to cross that off the list—now this race is really becoming REAL! Two months away now?! Unreal. [Side note: feeling especially lucky to have a supportive family. All but one of my siblings have made plans to see me run Boston. They really are the best.]
• I think Tuesday’s run went so well because I fueled up with Paczkis—and still ate one when I returned home. Definitely a highlight of the week. (Well, that + coffee and beer, as usual).

Pics o’ The Week:

Just because it’s a rest day doesn’t mean you don’t work hard. And by “work hard” I mean roll your crunchy butt on a massage ball.

Obligatory puppy pic.

Rave Run of the week! The sun was shining during my tempo on Thursday. Best.run.ever.

Woke up today & thought “blech”. 14 miles later and I thought “well, that wasn’t too bad”. BOOM!

What was the highlight of YOUR week?

-J