Week 5

Because it's the week of the 4th of July, things are going to be a bit different. I signed us up for the local Firecracker 5K on Friday, so I’ll make that one of my training runs this week. Monday and Wednesday will be gym days. Tuesday is a run day, along with the 5K race on Friday. Thursday and Saturday are rest days. Sunday will still be the long run.

I’m planning this ahead of time to stay on track. I think it’s okay to change things up sometimes—because it’s hard to keep a perfect schedule for six months.

Monday – Gym Day

I get up at 4:00 to go to the gym. For the first time, I’m adding some weight to the bar to lift—which is cool! I’m excited and decided to push a bit. So glad the trainers pay attention, because I wasn’t doing the exercises correctly. As soon as the trainer helped with my form, I got it—and could totally feel the difference. The smallest change changed everything!

For sure, my back wasn’t taking the heat anymore. Some things felt better, others still didn’t—probably because I was actually working the right muscles now. I grew here today.

Side Note:

 I added 20 lbs to the bar for hip thrusts and deadlifts.

Tuesday – Run Day!

This morning, I was tired. I reset my alarm for an extra 15 minutes. Got up and out by 6:00, which still gave me plenty of time.

The plan today: run for 35 minutes. Since I was a bit sleepy, I decided to do run-walk intervals from the start—4:1 (run 4 min, walk 1 min).This actually turned out to be awesome! I cut about 30 seconds off my average pace.

I’ve used this method in the past when I get tired toward the end of a race—or to distract my mind on long distances. But this is the first time I’ve used it from start to finish. Gotta say, I like it!

Wednesday – Gym Day

I’ve been resting on Wednesdays, and it’s been really helpful. But not this week—no rest until tomorrow.

Hit up the gym this morning. And oh my, what a class! There was so much to do at each station, I never got through it all.

It was a very fun class, and I felt very strong. Coach was super helpful with my form again. I never get it quite right—so I’m glad they actually care and help you out.

Amazing how certain muscles get targeted in each exercise when it’s done right. Have I told you I love my gym?5:00 a.m. is AWESOME!

Thursday – REST DAY

Friday – 4th of July: Firecracker 5K

My husband and I signed up for a firework 5K and planned this whole week’s training around it! (As you know!)

This morning, while we’re leaving the house, it’s pouring rain—like, heavy rain. It slows down about a mile or so into our drive to the race.

When we get there, it’s just a soft rain, which would’ve been nice to run in instead of the downpour. Except—now lightning is in the area.

They put a delay on the start time. But the lightning doesn’t stop, so they end up canceling the race. It actually continues to storm into the afternoon.

Staying safe is super important. Running in the rain is surprisingly really nice—but lightning? Definitely not a good idea!

As much as I’m disappointed about this run, I’m glad we didn’t get struck by lightning. There were 1,000 people for the organizers to think about.

I had never known running on the 4th of July was a thing—definitely looking forward to doing it next year!

Sunday

Today was my 7.5-mile run. My plan was to run the 7.5 miles and then walk 3 miles.

I wanted to start running at 6:00 a.m., but it was 6:15 a.m. when I finally got out the door. I woke up at 5:30, so clearly I need more than 30 minutes to get ready—I should already realize this by now!

The run started out great! I was running 2 miles, then walking for 2 minutes. At the 4-mile mark, I stopped to take in some electrolytes and had a bathroom break.

I’d been feeling pretty good up until then. It’s not that I felt bad afterward, but the next 2 miles were hard. I was hot, and my brain started fighting me.

At 6 miles, I took a gel—thinking I probably should have taken it earlier, around mile 4 when I stopped.

For the last phase of the run, I had 1.5 miles to go, but my brain needed some help—so I decided the 4:1 strategy would work here: Run 4 minutes, then walk 1. I can handle 5-minute intervals for the final stretch.

I finished strong!

I didn’t check the temperature this morning, but I know it was hot. I was able to walk the 3 miles afterward with no problem, so I know I had more in me.

From the heat, I got a little rubbing from my sports bra—so my skin is a bit burned. Also, my little toes got blistered. But all will be okay—they heal fast.

Thoughts:

I’m doing great!

Having fun figuring things out.

Another good week!