After running a few days last week, I’m still trying to get back to “normal” – but also listen to my body and make sure I’m recovered. Who would have thought it would be so hard not to run? I’m sure runners would understand this but if you’re not a runner, telling yourself you can’t run sounds like an easy enough to ask. It is very much a mental exercise, forcing myself to not run!

I tried to focus heavily on the cross training this week – with weights, body weight workouts, walking and cycling, and just a few days of running. I’m hoping that all this will pay off, and I’ll recover stronger!

Here’s what the week looked like:

Sunday: 5K – Cleveland Heights Happy Run with the family!

Yes, a 5K race! I know, I know – I said I wasn’t running, but I wanted to test out the hip, and the whole family was participating.  My oldest asked if we could walk/run the 5K and I gladly agreed. Our plan was to slowly run the first mile, then walk/run the rest. We did this last year, and finished in about 45 minutes.  We’ll, this year, even with all the walking, we finished in about 33 minutes! My son has run a full 5K before so I know he can do it, but I was proud of how he did without having run in … who knows how long!

LM and GM did the kids’ mile/fun run and do great! GM finished at around 9 minutes and LM in 8-something! She wasn’t even out of breath or sweating at the finish, so I know she can go even faster if she wanted.

Monday: Finished leg workout, planks and push ups, 21 minutes indoor cycling, plus 7.7ish miles walking   

Did I want to run? Yes! Did I think it would be smart to run after doing the 5K on Sunday after being injured for so long? No. So did I run? I actually didn’t! I was able to get in lots of movement other ways, but no running. I got in more than planned actually, when I had an opportunity to walk to FW’s soccer game at night, too.

Tuesday: 15 minute “core and booty” workout,  3.1 mile indoor walk

It was pouring when I woke up, and I wanted to play it safe again, so I opted for a 15-minute “core and booty” workout, thinking that would be good for my hips (and core), and then finished with a 5K walk on the treadmill. It’s frustrating that in the time that I could have run 5 miles, I only did 3.1, but I’m getting used to the less mileage these days. I didn’t get any other walking in, which is rare, but because I was in the office and had to go back and forth to I&T so many times (my computer was having issues and they’re in a separate building – I went back and forth 4x to test thing out, bring my dock, etc.), I still made my 11,000 step goal LOL!

Wednesday: 4.62 mi slow jog, core workout, 2.88 mile stroller walk and 1.65 treadmill walk, 2.8 miles lunchtime walk

After 2 days off and with perfect weather (55-60 degrees!), I knew I had to get out and run. I ran 2 miles or so without stopping, and then walked/ran the rest. It felt okay – I was a little tight and tired, but otherwise felt no pain! I then got in a stroller walk with GM, some walking on the treadmill while working AND walking outside at lunch! It was cooler than it had been (mid-60s) and while I miss the 80 degrees, it was nice walking weather and sunny!

Thursday: 5.02 mile walk/run, 2.5 mile stroller walk, started chest and tricep workout, 1.25 mile on the treadmill while working – and then some flag football at night!

I woke up and it surely felt like fall! The temps were in the 40s, and I bundled up (long sleeves, capris, vest) for a run/walk. I did 2 miles without stopping and then walked/slowly ran the rest. GM and I also got in a walk for bagels, bread and pastries, and the skies were just brightening with beautiful pink clouds. Despite the chill, it was a beautiful morning! Later that evening for FW’s flag football practice, they invited the moms to play the boys in a scrimmage! I have no hand-eye coordination, but was able to pull a few flags and make one catch (I also botched several catches). After that, my legs were tight so I did a lot of piriformis stretching.

Friday:  Started shoulder workout, short core workout, 3.29 mile mostly walk with some running, 2.7 miles stroller walk with GM, 2.3 mile walk at lunch

I could NOT get out of bed! I was tired and my legs were SORE probably from the stretching and longer-than-I-have-been run. I decided to play it safe and mostly walk – but it was COLD out! It was 46 degrees, the coldest it has been for me since last spring! I ran .5 miles and then walked/ran most of the rest of the 3.29 miles for my morning workout before getting in a shoulder and short core workout. I also got in a nice lunchtime walk – it was gorgeous out; it had warmed up from the morning and was in the mid-60s.

Saturday: 4.73 mile walk/run outside!

Saturdays in the all are busy here, and this was no exception. We started the day with FW’s last flag football game, then headed to piano, and then LM’s soccer game, then a birthday party and then a clam bake! The good news was that we didn’t have to leave the house by 7:30, so I actually got to sleep in for the first Saturday in ages. I got in a walk/run — and in the daylight! I ran 2 miles slowly, then walked/ran the rest before heading home to start the craziness.

Total: 10ish miles running! Plus lots of walking and weights.

Some questions for you:

• Favorite fall sport to watch?
• Have you ever been to a clam bake? I hadn’t until I moved to Cleveland! They’re a fall regular here.

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