Weekly Wrap-Up: Aug 27- Sept 2, 2012

Happy Sunday! I hope you all have had a great weekend filled with fun and a bit of fitness.

Today marked one week since I moved to Maryland and what a week it has been! I have been running around and trying to get settled here. Despite all the running around, I was able to get in a new workouts. It may not have been super long sessions, but it counts for something. Once I get into a routine, I know that I will have more time to set aside for training.

Anyway, here is how my week looked…

August 27- September 2, 2012:

Monday: Run 3.1 miles

I am still not used to running in the morning, but I am starting to adapt. It still takes awhile for my legs to warm-up, which is problematic with a shorter run. My legs started warming up during the last mile, but this was definitely a weaker run for me.

Tuesday: Bike 26.78 miles

I found a new rail trail to ride my bike and I LOVE it! It is a bit more open than where I rode in Jacksonville, which means that I am not blocked from the wind as much. The first 13 miles of the ride were pretty smooth, but the back half of the ride was rough. I was riding into a pretty nasty cross/ head wind and the last 7 or so miles were up a very gradual uphill. I’ll get used to the uphill in time, but for right now, it is like riding up a mountain for this Florida girl!

Wednesday: Run 4 miles (AM)+ Walk 2 miles (PM)

While this may not have been the most effective run, it was a fun one. After doing a test run of my commute for my internship, I ran from the office down to the National Mall area, with the intention of running to the Smithsonian Metro stop to hop on the train. This actually worked out perfectly distance wise, but there was a lot more stop and go at intersections than I would have liked.

My average pace for the run was 8:47 but that is DEFINITELY off. Sure I ran the first two miles super fast, but it was because I was stopping my Garmin at every stop (I know, I know… but at least I’m being honest) and sprinting to make the crosswalk before the traffic started again. I guess you can consider the first two miles a fartlek run. Once I hit the Mall, my pace slowed a little and I finished the run.

In the afternoon I was feeling a bit antsy so I went for a slow two mile walk around the neighborhood.

Thursday: Spin Class (AM)+ Strength Training (AM)+ Walk 2 miles (PM)

First day working out at my new gym and I loved it! I briefly talked about it in Thursday’s post, but the spin class was a little awkward (due to only four people being in the class), but it was still a great class. I also got into the weight room for a little bit. That evening I went out for another two mile walk to stretch out my legs a little.

Friday: REST

Saturday: Run 4.02 miles (1 mile in Brooks)

I really wanted this run to be faster, but for some reason, my legs were TIRED! I guess I pushed a lot more than I thought during Thursday’s spin class because despite the rest day on Friday, my legs were still fatigued. I was really struggling to hold onto a decent pace during this run and I was definitely dragging. I am not beating myself up over it because there is always next week!

Sunday: Strength Training+ Core/ Stretching

I had full intentions of going to a spin class, but once I got to the gym, I was not feeling it. I really want to have a solid running week next week so I took a cardio rest day and just focused on strength training.

I had a really good day in the weight room, and was even complimented on my routine by a fellow gym-goer. In his words, “Dang girl! You are lifting heavy! I did those exercises in the army!” It may not sound like much, but it is always a little intimidating being in a new environment (in this case, a gym) so it was just the boost of validation that I needed that I don’t look completely scared out of my mind.

I also did an extra long core workout (which I loved, but was definitely challenging) followed by a long stretch.

• Running Mileage= 11.12 miles
• Spin/ Bike Mileage= 26.78 miles+ Spin Class
• Swim Distance= 0 yds
• Walking Distance= 4 miles
• Total Distance= 41.9+ Spin Class

Overall, not a bad week. I am slowly chipping away at rebuilding my mileage. I am rebuilding slowly because I am really focusing on my form and trying to get this leg pain to dissipate. I *think* that change in form is starting to benefit because I don’t think I have as much pain in the right leg (knock on wood), but it is still there in the left. Changing my form is a continuing work in progress.

I wish I had gotten in a swim session, but I had no time this week to go look for a new pool. I am hoping to do it next week because, believe it or not, I actually miss swimming. I never thought I would actually say that!

Last Week’s Goals:

• Find a new gym (CHECK!)
• Find a new pool (Negative.)
• Find a new place to bike (CHECK!)
• Find a bike shop and get bike serviced (I actually forgot about this)
• Increase my running mileage a little (CHECK!)

Goals For Next Week:

• Increase running mileage (specifically long run)
• Have a good first week at my internship!
• Find a new pool and get a swim in
• Find a bike shop and get bike serviced

I hope you have a fantastic week!