Last week, I ran 2 miles. I’m not hurt or injured, but I didn’t feel like running. After the Atlantic City Half Marathon on Sunday, I needed a break from running. It didn’t go well, and I had no desire to run. On Monday I woke up and said eh maybe tomorrow. Tuesday I said, perhaps tomorrow…
| Monday: | 2000 meter swim |
| Tuesday: | Hour Hike |
| Wednesday: | 2-mile run/hike with Alexis |
| Thursday: | 2050 meter swim |
| Friday: | 2000 meter swim |
| Saturday: | Rest |
| Sunday: | 13.4-mile hike at High Point State Park |
Thoughts:
Spring never came together for me. I showed up and showed up and showed up. I ran hard workouts, I ran hard races, but other things got in the way. Life was busy and often mentally draining. No big deal, but it played a role in my running. My Spring season isn’t mainly done, and I have plenty of races but will I run anywhere close to a 1:22 or even 1:25 this Spring, probably not. Rebuilding seasons are essential, and I know the rest will do me well.
So anyway, after the Atlantic City Half I decided I wanted to take a couple of days off. A couple of days turned into mostly a week (with 2 miles on Wednesday) because it was so beautiful.
Swimming:
The white elephant in the room…OMG, I went swimming. Yes, the rumors are true. As many people know, I grew up a swimmer (You can read my “growing up story” here). I swam competitively through high school and college. It was fun. I decided to get in the pool for the first time in a long time.
Back in my day (LOL), we didn’t have GPS watches to count laps and meters, so it was a new experience for me to have a watch that does it all. It’s so cool to see splits from each lap. I’m enjoying swimming. I don’t know how long I’ll swim and keep it up, but I’m enjoying it now. I swim 2000 meters straight. I’m enjoying how I put my face into the water and don’t talk or know anything for about 45 minutes.
13.4 Mile Hike:
This was one of our longest hikes yet. We’ve never been to High Point. We woke up early and treked along. It was a fun loop because there every mile was different from stream crossings to rain, to climbing up to the top. It was a lot of fun. As it gets into the Spring and Summer, I’m looking forward to adding more hiking into my week (when time permits).
Next Week:
The last week has been a nice break from running. I am going to start running again. I think I’ll probably swim some too. I joined a gym and have at least a one month contract so might as well use it.
Posts from the Week:
Guide to Vital Proteins Products
April Fools Half Marathon (1:30.30)
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter?
It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week I’m talking about recovery!
Questions for you:
When was your last running break?
What is something you did growing up but not anymore?
Sometimes a running break is a good thing! I only did 3 runs this week, and they were all SUPER slow after my half marathon last weekend. My excuse was “I’m still recovering.” But honestly, I was. Mentally and physically. I actually got into the weight room for the first time in a year…(usually I just do body weight workouts for strength), and WOW. I’m vowing to re-focus on incorporating weight training into my weekly routine going forward!
I did gymnastics for over 10 years, was even on my High Schools varsity team until I realized I’m about 4 inches too tall, not flexible enough and not graceful in the slightest bit so I switched to running! If you see me attempting gymnastics again I’d suggest calling 911 cause there’s no way I could safely do it again haha
Omg I actually had no idea you did gymnastics. That’s awesome.
I had a two week break due to illness but now have to make up my mileage so I don’t get behind on my goal.
It’s always a good thing to listen to your body and you know I love (sort of) a good pool workout 🙂 I think about hiking more all the time but I never do!! So glad you got out there for a long one and enjoyed it. Here’s to a week of doing whatever you feel like 🙂