Running Inside

 Today, I got changed and headed out the door for my run. Less than 10 minutes in, the rain started pelting me and the wind picked up. As I started back home, it became apparent that the rain drops were a bit more solid than regular rain. I didn’t want to miss out on my run, so I continued to follow my intervals in the app, going in circles around the living room and kitchen. It wasn’t as good of a workout as it would have been I had run outside, but at least I got it done. 

New Plan

 

I know that I have changed apps and plans a few times, but I’m ok with that. I am trying to find one that really fits me. Since I can’t afford an actual running coach, I figure this is the next best thing. 

Today, I downloaded the app that I used to train for the BOLDERBoulder in 2018. I think it was 5.99 at the time. I have no idea how much it is now. It is a Fitness22 product. I figure that if I still like this one like I did six years ago, I’ll spring for the marathon app in May. 

My plan for today called for 5 minute warmup and cooldown with six intervals of 1 minute running with 1.5 minutes walking. When I got to the cooldown, I ran a bit over half because it is fun to run that last block or two home. I enjoyed this for the most part. I could have done with shorted walk breaks, but I was able to just relax and listen to my music without a lot of talking to interrupt when I got into the zone. 

Strength with Jenn - Fitness+

 

I’m back to doing strength workouts with Apple Fitness+. Today, I did a 30 minute full body workout. This one had some hard moves. For example, the last core movement was a plank with dips on each side. I was able to do it for a while, but ended up doing a plank the last time I was supposed to do it. I liked this workout because it challenged me without making me feel like I couldn’t do it. I may do it again in the future. 

Recovery Run with Headspace - NRC

 

Today, I did a meditative 35 minute run. The audio for this run had the coach talking about the importance of recovery runs mixed in with one of the founders of Headspace talking about how to meditate during the run. It wasn’t my favorite. It was a bit boring. Honestly , I paid more attention to my music than the audio for the run. 

That being said, I loved running today. It was a beautiful morning, and I was so happy to be out in the sun. It got harder the longer I was out, but that is normal. Overall, I would say this run was successful. I can feel the progress I’m making. 

5K Long Run - NRX

 

Today, I ran my own personal 5K, and it was hard. I haven’t ran consistently enough to fully live this distance again, but I have been running enough for it to feel good at the end. 

I did most of my run in a neighborhood nearby that is still being built. It was relaxing to be able to just run down the middle of the street without concern for cars. I listened to my body to figure out intervals I tried to do it like last time, but the first half of my run was mostly uphill. Also, the songs were a bit long. (I never realized Buffalo Soldier was at o long. 

25ish Minute Easy Run - NRC

First of all, I have to say that I have noticed I wear the same hoodie for most of my colder runs. I wonder why. 

Today, I loved my run. It was a 25 minute guided run from Nike Run Club with a bit extra to take me the rest of the way home. I didn’t concentrate on specific intervals. Instead, I thought about how much I liked when I would walk at the beginning of song and start running gets to a certain point (I’m not sure how to explain it). I did this for a few years and loved it. I get that bit of a break that my body needs along with the running I want. It also involves less counting on my part. My main goal is to have fun while I’m running, and this is he best way for me to do that. I may be slow, but I’m having fun and gaining fitness. 

Speed Run - NRC

 I did another speed run today. It was the same guided speed run I did December 26. This time was better in a few ways. First of all, I had a better average pace. Second, and more importantly, it felt a lot better. I really like these kind of speed runs. 

This workout was a 5 minute warm up with 8 intervals of 1 minute runs with 1 minute recovery. The running was to be at about a 5K pace. It ended with a 30 second interval of running fast and controlled. It felt so good! This is the type of run that makes me excited to do it again. 

Lower Then Upper Body Strength

 

Today, I worked out with Apple Fitness+. My first workout was 20 monitor lower body strength consisting of mostly squats and lunges. Next, I did 10 minutes of various upper body exercises. Once again, I got to enjoy some throwback hits. Who wouldn’t want to workout to Brittany and *NSYNC? 

Day 1: 15 Minute Run - NRC

 

I have officially started training for the BOLDERBoulder. This year, I have decided to do a half marathon training so the race will be easier. Also, I will be starting my marathon training right after the BOLDERBoulder and want to be ready for that. 

Tonight was a 15 minute easy run. I attempted to run the whole thing without walk breaks. I don’t need up needed a walk break at 11 and a half minutes. After a minute of walking, I was able to Runn the last few minutes. I am so proud of myself! 

Strength with Gregg - Upper Body

 

Today, I did the strength training I had planned for yesterday using Apple Fitness+. This workout used music from the 80s and 90s. I loved it! It made the workout so much more enjoyable. This is a 30 minute upper body workout. I did a lot of shoulder work, planks, side planks, pushup holds (very similar to planks), and other things that I don't remember what they were called. When I was done, I was solidified in my decision to quit the gym. 

2.23 Mile Run With Chad

 

I did not plan to go running today. I was going to do some kind of strength work, but Chad wanted me to run “with” him. I honestly don’t like going with other people because I always get left behind feeling like a failure. I’ll do it when he or my daughter ask, though, because I want them to be happy. So, at the end of an overwhelming work day instead of knitting and unwinding, I changed into my running gear and went with Chad. It felt good to get a better time than I have in a while. Tomorrow, maybe I can do the workout I planned for today. 

First Fartlek - NRC

Today, I ran my first fartlek, and it sucked. I will do it again if a training plan calls for it, but I will not be searching it out any time in the near future. I can’t really run 10 minutes straight at this point. I definitely can’t do it at varying speeds. I had to do it my own way. After the runs at a 7 or 8 effort (out of 10), I did the “easy run” at a walking pace. It still was hard, but it was manageable. 

Only 2 more weeks until I start training for the big race in October!

Running For More Joy - NRC

 

Today, I ran with the Nike Run Club app using a 35 minute guided run called Running for more Joy. It felt good to get out and run. I missed it over the past few weeks but kept coming up with excuses not to go. Of course some of those days it was way too cold to run, but the excuse that I didn’t want to look creepy as the kids at the school in the neighborhood was dumb since I get off work about an hour before they get out. Getting rid of the excuses is the first obstacle I always have to overcome. Once I do, I rarely regret it. 

The guided run I did today was full of reminders of finding joy in life. He talked about the joys of being outside, the joy we felt running as children, and  the joy we can find in running now. As he did so, I did my best to run for 1 minute and walk for one minute. I wasn’t perfect at it, but it felt good. 

I also ran in new shoes. I have been running in trail running shoes for years inadvertently and the trad is wearing on the pair I have been wearing for a while. When I took my son to get shoes, I found these on clearance and was excited because they were exactly what I needed. They are so much lighter than the others. My only problem was the blisters. Next time, I’ll wear bandaids. 

Strength Training 16 Minutes

Today, I dragged the hubby to the gym for some strength training. (He had already worked out but he likes spending time with me.) We started with walking on the treadmill for 10 minutes to warm up. Then, we went to the weights where we did 3 sets of 10 of flies, bench press, and one legged squats holding weights. I used 5 pound dumbbells, and it took about 16 minutes to complete. I would have liked to have done more, but most of the machines were in use. Maybe, I can use them next time. 

25 Minute Easy Run - NRC

 Today, I had a 25 minute easy run in my plan. I had to go a few minutes extra to get home, but I would rather do that than have to run around the block or cul-de-sac at the end. I only have a few runs on this plan. Then, I will move onto random guided runs until I start training g for my marathon. 

I felt accomplished on this run. I ran up the hill behind my neighborhood to the dirt trail into the next one. At this point I ran down to the next dirt path and ran that for a few minutes before I turned around and ran the hill down to my neighborhood. Then I turned onto my block and ran the last hill home. I did this with mostly 1 minute run and. 30 second walk intervals. At 12 minutes, I had to take a minute for the walk as I passed the top of the hill. Also, around 20 minutes I lost track of my count and had to pull pout my phone and look at the app to track the seconds. In the end, I did 2 minute runs twice! I can’t even tell you how happy I am that I can do that again. I can tell I am getting to be a stronger runner again!

“Next Speed Run” - NRC

I ended up skipping the 10 minute run on Saturday. I don’t know why I have a hard time motivating myself to get out on Saturdays. I need to get past that if I am going to train for a marathon. 

Today, I did speed drills. This time there were varying intervals with a higher intensity for lower times. For example, when running for 2 minutes, I ran at a 6/10, but when running 45 seconds, I ran at an 8/10. This was the most fun I have had running in a long time. I may have to do it again sometime.