For once, I have no complaints about my week! I feel like every single week I have some excuse – something interfering with my training. During this training cycle I’ve had injuries, a week in Germany, sick kids, no water, crazy weather, and more. But this week – somehow, there were no interruptions in my training. Was it perfect? No – I haven’t done any speed work. But I got in a weekend long run, a mid-week longish run, some walks, some core work and some light weights. 

It was a busy week on our end – outside of work, we had a soccer game and family dinner on Sunday, ballet on Monday, soccer practice and book club on Tuesday, piano lessons and ice skating on Wednesday, baseball and soccer and swimming and a school event on Thursday, soccer and a father/daughter dance on Friday, soccer, birthday party and a school retreat on Saturday … let’s just say, we had a lot going on. So I’m glad that despite being tired, I was able to get up early and get it done! It will continue to be crazy through the end of May, so fingers crossed I can keep this up for another few weeks.

Sunday: 12 miles running outside and 1.75 mile walk. I don’t know what’s up with me this year, but this is my third long run on a weekend! The past few years, all my long runs have been weekdays. My 12 miler last year was on a Tuesday morning before work. This year, however, I’m somehow fitting in some (still somewhat early) long runs on weekends, and I don’t mind it. It’s really nice to be able to run outside on some of my favorite spots that I can’t run on at 4 a.m. or before the sun comes up – namely, places that aren’t well lit or on trails that I don’t want to trip on. Sunday, I got in a nice run in some of my favorite neighborhoods, plus a run around the trails around the lakes near my house. It was COLD for this time of year – 39 degrees – but it was perfect running weather. While my lungs and body were tired, my legs felt great and no pain, so even though I went out thinking I’d try for 11, I decided to get in one more mile to make it to 12. I had gotten out of the house earlier than what I had planned, so I had time to get in 12 before taking FW to soccer.  I then got in a short walk in the afternoon when the weather had warmed up and the sun was out.

Monday: 5.54 miles outside plus core workout and 2 miles walking. I was surprised at how I wasn’t sore after my 12 miler on Sunday and decided to see how I would feel after a few miles and cross training. I planned to run 3-4 and then get on the bike, but 3-4 turned into 5.4 which turned into 5.5 and then I ran out of time. Overall, I felt good during the run, even though it was cold out (30s again), but again, that’s a good running weather.  When I went for a lunch walk, it was “feels like 68” which was incredible! It was practically double the temps from when I went out in the morning for my run.

Tuesday: 5.56 miles running,  core workout, mild arms (very few exercises with a dumbbell) plus 4 miles walking. I woke up to 49/50 degrees, which is perfect capris and vest weather, my favorite! I decided to go out for a few miles – which of course turned into 5. It’s okay – I told myself that it’s supposed to be gross, cold and snowy later in the week and I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather while I could. I made it home for a quick core workout, and then got in a walk with GM before work, and then a walk at lunch. The turtles were out in full force around the lake!

Wednesday: 4.04 miles running,15 minutes on the bike, planking, short abs and 3 miles walking. I got in a run but wasn’t feeling it. I was TIRED after being out a little later than usual at my book club Tuesday night and having a hard time settling into sleep. But after my 4 miles, I got in a short bike ride and then some walking later in the day.

Thursday: 8 miles running, 2.5 mi walking, core work, short arm workout. I wanted to get in a mid-week longerish run and had 8 miles on the schedule. It was COLD out – It was 30s, so I wore a jacket, headband and gloves. I don’t mind running in the cold and for the most part, I felt good. Later, I got in some treadmill miles – a walk – while at lunch and working. I enjoy using a treadmill while doing proofreading and it’s nice to get active at the same time.

Friday: 3.33 mile run outside, 10 minutes on the bike and then 1.75 mi walk later in the day. I was barely able to make it out of bed. I had been up late Thursday night at a mom event, and was tired after a long week. But, I wanted to move my legs and wake up my brain before my Friday, so I got out for “2-3 miles” I told myself. I ended up a little more than 3, including some walking, and then got on the bike for a few minutes before starting my day. I got in a short walk with GM and B before work, and it was almost 20 degrees warmer when we went out! It’s amazing what a little sunshine and a difference the temp can get in spring from pre-dawn to morning.

Saturday: 45 minutes on the bike, planking and some light arms, 2 mile walk later. I woke up thinking I would run 2 miles to warm up before staying inside after a lot of time on my feet this week; but I woke up to thunder! Of course it passed as soon as I had to get ready (to take GM to soccer), but I didn’t mind just having some time without running for the day. My feet were tired after a lot of running miles (for me) during the week and I know it’s good to take time off. I did get in a 30 minute during nap time, which was great because it was 76 degrees and I’m all about those warm weather walks!

Total miles: 38.6 miles running plus misc. on the bike and walking

Questions for you:

1. How do you survive busy weeks – do you turn to running?
2. Before running a half marathon, do you do speed training? How far do you run at most before?

I am linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.