Last week and Weekend

After redeeming myself on Tuesday evening, I struggled to get running the rest of the week. I committed to take Wednesday off running (and watch the Wings!), and Thursday I didn't have the energy. In spite of not running, I did hit the gym 4 days last week (Tuesday-Friday) to lift weights.

Finally, Friday evening, I went running. Sometimes, I have my best runs on Fridays, as I seem to have all the stress from the week off my shoulders, and can just run. The 4.5 miles felt good, and I was rested from my days off. I enjoyed my typical Friday dinner of spaghetti (with mini meatballs), and ended up going to bed early. I planned to get up and go running early Saturday morning.

Saturday morning, I planned a 7 mile run. It was a 5 mile loop, and I added a mile out and back from the loop. The morning was beautiful, and I had a pretty good run, especially considering I had run on Friday evening. I had to walk a bit, but I expected that with slightly tired legs. The best part about running early Saturday is getting to enjoy the rest of the day, knowing you have already worked out!

On Sunday, I decided to change it up, and head to Fort Custer (http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=448&type=SPRK) for some Mountain Biking. I've probably been there a dozen times over the past 4 years for biking. There's a nice 7-mile loop I like to do (not too hard, but still challenging). I started slow at first, to concentrate on the course, and make sure that I didn't hurt myself. Halfway through, I had a lot of confidence, which carried into the second time I did the loop. Every other time I'd ben to Fort Custer, I only had the energy to do the loop once, so that speaks to my conditioning now.

All in all, it was a good 3 days of training, and I feel like I'm really getting ready to train hard, starting in 2 weeks for Chicago.

Redemption

Monday mid-morning, I found that zone and that old rhythm for 5 miles. I hit my run with the usual mental toughness I have, my rested body, and the results were much better. Sunday was a good day to take off, my body needed it.

My day off Sunday consisted of Tigers baseball, Red Wings hockey, and the delicacies that go along with those two things. I got some carbs my body truly needed, and felt the result on Monday.

This evening, I had another good run. I laid around for a bit before going running, to get some food and recharge. Then, the sky was dark, as a storm was brewing. I quickly checked the weather, and saw I could get a good run in before the rain came. I ran a new 4.5 mile route (a loop, my favorite kind of runs), and locked in, pushing the tempo and my body. I lifted weights in the morning before work, and sometimes you never know what kind of run you'll have that evening, but today I was pushed by the weather (not that it matters if I get wet while running).

Over the past year of training, I've found you've got to find different ways to push yourself (while not running) to make yourself stronger, better. Last year, I made several dietary changes, from cutting out mayonnaise and cheese from my sandwiches, to a strict diet of chicken, pork, and turkey. This past winter, I joined Powerhouse gym, which came with a free personal trainer, which I of course took advantage of. I started my first program in the end of December, and it took a while to adjust and get it set into my routine.

After Miami in January, I really locked in, hitting the gym regularly 4 times a week (when I was in town), and usually at least 2 times per week. I started my second program in mid-March, upping the quantity of exercises, repetitions, and weight and continued my 4 times/week regimen. On Sunday, while staying in Ann Arbor with friends, I awoke to a surprise on the scale- an 8 pound loss since December! My mileage was down, but running and lifting (many times both in the same day) had yielded good results. I also am noticing this in my running, as I am able to run at a faster pace. I'm hoping this yields significant improvement on my time in Chicago, as well as feeling stronger later in the race. I hope to start a new program sometime in the next month.