Half Marathon Training Week 4

Monday, 3/17
Rest

I got home from work and realized all of my workout clothes were dirty. I was pretty tired anyway, so I decided instead of gymming to do laundry, go food shopping, and prep for the week. Not a bad alternative!

Tuesday, 3/18
Total Body Strength class: 60 minutes

The instructor really encouraged us to push the weights this week. We do 15 reps of each move, and she told us to up the weights and aim for anywhere from 10-15 reps. I added weight on most moves and was pretty much always able to do the full 15 reps. Just goes to show ya!

Wednesday, 3/19
2 mile on treadmill: 21:16, 60 minute yoga class

I was really happy with this quick run and was definitely pushing myself to keep the speed up. Again, yoga was difficult after running and I was a sweaty mess, but the class felt great. The focus was on twisting and "detoxing" our bodies. Some of the moves were really hard and we even tried side crow pose. Ummm no.

Thursday 3/20
Spinning class: 60 minutes

I'm not sure what it was about this week, but while my legs were burning from start to finish, I barely sweat during this class. I had a big fan right on me, so I definitely think that contributed. I was pushing myself as hard as my legs could go, so who knows what was up with my sweat glands. The instructor wasn't feeling well and probably cut the class about 10 minutes short, which was disappointing. We ended up doing a long cool down and a long stretch session, which felt great, but when I take a 60 minute class I want it to be a 60 minute class! My knee felt fine during the class but my left shin was hurting a bit.

Friday, 3/21
3 mile run on treadmill: 36:10 minutes
Strength: 20-25 minutes, 2 sets of 10 reps each:

Bicep curls

Squats

Hammer curls

Squats

Dumbbell shoulder press
Lunges

Bent over rows

Lunges

Overhead tricep extension

Calf raises

Front shoulder raise

Single leg dead lift (these made me so sore the next day!!)

Tricep kick backs

Plie squats

It was a struggle to get myself on the treadmill for this run, but I'm glad I pushed it!

Saturday 3/22
I was really sore and tired on Saturday, but wanted to do something active. I decided to set up shop in my living room and did two stretching videos:

Deep release for the hips, hamstrings and lower back: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDQNqZMv1V0
Shoulder stretch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3lQQieptsI

I found myself getting antsy during points of the videos. I was definitely distracted by being in my apartment and should probably stick to yoga in a class. That being said, this was an amazing stretch and really set me up well for Sunday.

Sunday 3/23
Long run: 5 miles (61:30)

I was so nervous about this run. For some reason five miles just seemed really, really daunting. I think knowing that it was going to take me about an hour is what was making me feel so nervous. The weather was milder than it's been, so I decided to take this run off the treadmill. Seriously, running outside is SO much better than at the gym...sometimes I forget. On the treadmill the only distraction I have is my music and I spend a lot of time just staring at the screen showing the time and the mileage. Outside, I was distracted by my music, the scenery, other people, making sure I didn't fall on the rubble in the streets, making sure I was going the right way, etc. etc. I wouldn't say this run was exactly easy, but I really surprised myself. I walked only once or twice when it got insanely windy. I was extremely happy after this run and was smiling ear to ear. My confidence is really growing!