Yes, it’s cliche to say that March comes in like a lion, but it really has in Cleveland! March 1 started with snow, and then we got more snow and some more freezing days. We didn’t get a lot of snow, but just enough over a few nights that at 5 a.m. when I’d like to run it was dark and a little icy so that I stayed inside. I’m hoping it really does goes out like a lamb so we can get some warmth and clear sidewalks soon!

This week was a full week with lots of kid sports, and I’m tired just thinking about it. This week I also officially started my Cleveland Half Marathon training! I’m doing a plan where I try to incorporate one day a week of speed work (my nemesis), so we’ll see how that goes. I’m hoping I can stick with it and maybe see an improvement in my pace this year. If anything, I’m shaking things up! 

This is the first time that I’m training for a half marathon WHILE also lifting weights. I’m not sure if that’s going to be a good thing or a bad thing – or if I can keep it up the full training cycle, but I’ll try my best and see how it impacts my running.

Here’s how the week looked:

Sunday: 7 treadmill miles, 1 mile walk, chest and tri workout, start of shoulder and leg workout, core workout – We didn’t have any kids sports until 2 p.m.! This meant that I was able to get in a treadmill workout, some weights AND get in our grocery shopping before lunchtime. Score! Don’t worry – this Sunday (today) we will be out of the house before 7 a.m. for sports so my celebration is short-lived. 

Sports Sunday included 2 futsal games for my oldest:

Monday: Finished shoulder and leg workout, core workout, back and bicep workout, 4 miles on the treadmill – I got in my free weights, core workout and then hopped on the treadmill. I planned on running 3 and walking 1, but I was feeling good at around 3 miles so I decided to finish up to 4. On the schedule I had 3 so I was fine with doing 4 with a little walking in the middle. 

Sports that day included ballet:

 

Tuesday: 4.1 miles OUTDOOR speed RUN! plus 1 mile treadmill workout, finished back and bicep workout, start of leg workout – I finished my back and bicep workout, started my leg workout and then decided to run outside! On Monday afternoon I had noticed most of our snow had melted again, so I was glad to run outside on the relatively clear/dry streets. My goal was to get in a run with decreasing splits, an with mile 2 being my steepest mile, I wasn’t sure that would work – but I did it! I then walked on the treadmill for 1 mile at an incline before getting ready for a day in the office.  No sports that night, which was nice!

Wednesday: 4 miles outdoor run, finished leg workout, core workout, 2 mile treadmill walk, 1.5 mile outdoor walk – I woke up to rain tapering off and upper 40s, so I knew I had to get in another outdoor run. I finished my leg workout and I’m not going to lie – my legs were BEAT. From Tuesday’s “speed” workout and leg day, I wasn’t really feeling the run. But I looked at the weather and saw it was nearly 50 degrees, we were due for snow Wednesday night and realized my outdoor running window would be short lived. I had 3 on the schedule but told myself I could do just 2 — sure enough, I felt okay enough to do 4!  I also got in some treadmill walking while working later in the day, and a 1.5 mile walk at lunch. Sports on Wednesday included a basketball game for my oldest, and then skating for my youngest two.

Thursday: 4 mile treadmill walk/run, core workout, 1.6 mile walk on the treadmill – GM woke up early, it snowed overnight, and I was not feeling my workout. Luckily I had already done my speed workout and two 3-milers for the week, so all I really cared about was getting in some movement. I got in a longer core workout and then walked/ran 4 miles. I later got in 1.5 miles walking on the treadmill while doing work.

Friday: 3.1 treadmill miles, core work, 2 miles on the treadmill while working, 2 mile walk at lunch – My feet were tired, so I walked a little on the treadmill and then started to run, eventually getting in a 5K. I also did some core work. Later in the day I was able to get in some treadmill walking while working and then a 2 mile outdoor walk at lunch!

There’s usually soccer and futsal on Fridays, but we skipped it because it was the Mother-Son event at my oldest’s school! We made up for it with bowling and laser tag, and got in only one photo together:

Saturday: 7 mile treadmill run, 1.5 mile walk on the treadmill – I was REALLY hoping to run outside but I woke up to more snow and it was slick on our driveway. Since Sunday (today) we have to leave the house by 7, I decided to do my “long” run Saturday. 7 treadmill miles running, then 1.5 walking for a cool down.

Kid activities? Birthday party, soccer game and piano lesson.

Total:  33.47 miles running and weight training.  

• Did it get mild this week (and then back to cold/snow)?
• Is March coming in like a lion for you?

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