I’m BACK!

I’m back to running! I was technically cleared to run this past Friday, but cheated and started the Friday before. Before you shake your head, I swear it was fine. I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t.

I doubled up my sports bras and my body really felt good. I ran 5 miles on my first day back and it was an instant mood changer. I planned to do 3, but didn’t want to stop. I didn’t forget how powerful running/working out is to my mood- I knew good and well the lack of exercise was effecting me, but once I did gift myself with a run, it was  like angels singing. Mama needs her endorphins.

I also had a check up with my breast surgeon yesterday and he was happy as can be about everything, so hooray!

This is what my two weeks back have looked like:

02/14 Fri– 5 Mi EASY (9:15 pace)

02/15 Sat- 3 Mi (was super sore!)

02/16 Sun- REST

Week Total: 8 Run

02/17 Mon- 7 Mi Easy @ 8:30

02/18 Tues – 20 Mi Bike, 3 Mi Run

02/19 Wed- 4 Mi Easy @ 8:00ish

02/20 Thurs- 7 Mi (30 Min @tempo 6:49 to 6:44- unplanned but needed a mood lifter, this pace felt difficult to hold for 30 min, where normally it would feel pretty comfortable)

02/21 Fri– 20 Mi Bike

02/22 Sat- 15 Mi Easy @8:45

02/23 Sun- REST

Week Total: 36 Run, 40 Bike

I’m going to be focusing on doing some bike and swims during the rest of my Boston training.  Looking back to last summer, when I was training for Muncie 70.3, I was in the best shape of my life. I was only running 3 days a week and focusing a lot on the bike & swim, yet executed one of my best running races to date. (Firecracker 6) I was also running some of my best speed work in training sessions once a week. I can’t swim for two more weeks because of my surgery, but am hopeful I will stay motivated to get in the water as soon as I can! The change in your body once you start consistently start swimming is dramatic. I was never buff or super crazy toned but there was a BIG difference in my eye and that’s what eye matters most to me.

I’m not going to go down to running 3 days a week now, I’m enjoying it too much, but I am going to make a serious effort to cross train, as well as strength train. I’ve always done basic lunges and squats most days, but I’m going to work on getting stronger and incorporating more strength exercises. I honestly just can’t predict what my body will be ready for, come 7-8 weeks (something like that) when it’s time to run the hills in Boston but I know I plan to run a smart race and do what I’m capable of. I’m going to be grateful I’m there and when it hurts, remind myself that I get to be there. Do I want a PR? Of course! I’m just going to have to come up with a game plan once these next few weeks pan out though.

In other news, Glenn is still injured and working out an achilles issue– he’ll post about that this week and like the rest of the people who have experienced a icky winter, I’m ready to be outside. It was 50 the other day & Marshall, Cadence & I were partying on the front porch like it was bathing suit weather. I’m not one to stay in the house much as a “stay at home” mom and this weather has really cramped my style.

Marshall & I have been really into smoothies lately, usually something like – almond milk, frozen strawberries or blueberries, banana, apple and depending on if it’s after a workout or not protein powder. (Right now we’re using Plant Fusion but we also really like vega products). My Grandma got us this ninja for Christmas & it is so awesome- easy to clean and super powerful.

 That’s it for now- I’m off to do a little bike action at the gym and plan to get close to finishing Inferno while on it- almost there. (Not the biggest fan of this book, but like it well enough. 

What are your top 3 favorite books? 

Do you ever do unplanned tempo runs? (nothing fixes a bad mood like a hard run in my opinion!) 

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?