Fitness Fridays

Hello and Happy Friday!

This has been an exhausting week for me professionally, but running and exercise-wise it's been great.

Sunday - 11 miles at easy pace. I did end up skipping circuit training on Saturday to give my legs a rest. Great decision! I averaged 9:52 min/mi, right in the middle of my target "easy pace" zone of 9:35-10:20. Legs felt good the whole time. I felt like I could even go longer, except that it was so windy! The wind really picked up by the end of my run, so I was glad to be done and get inside at that point.

Monday - Rest day. I did my Yoga for Runners DVD in the morning before work, and them some hip & lower leg strength exercises after work. I love doing yoga the day after my long run, it just feels good.

Tuesday - Threshold Intervals (1 mi warm-up, 3 x 1 mile at 8:00-8:10 w/60 sec rest in between, 1 mile cool down). I ran this workout at the track with my running group. Some were doing another crazy workout that was much longer, some just come and do whatever. I was a little worried about hitting that pace for a consistent mile, but I did it! Paces were: 9:53, 8:07, 8:09, 8:04, 9:20. Bangerang!

Wednesday - Rest day. Yoga again in the AM, followed by core strength in the evening.

Thursday - 5 miles at easy pace - averaged 9:40 min/mi. My legs felt a little stiff today, but I actually think it's because of the running tights I was wearing. I haven't worn them in forever, and I forgot that they actually pinch around my knees. Weird, but I'm blaming them. Did some core and general strength exercises after work, along with some foam rolling on my hips, quads, hamstrings, and calves. Hurts so good - let me tell ya!

Friday - 5 miles at easy pace - averaged 9:38 min/mi. This run was pure torture. Not because of how I was feeling; I felt great the whole run. It was torture because the grocery store bakery was making donuts or something, and I could smell it the entire run. Oh man, donuts!!

I'm pleased with this week and how I'm feeling. Less tired than last week, but I think that's partly to do with being back into our normal routine since Mom & Dad left. I'm looking forward to next week, except that we have snow in the forecast. Ugh!

How's your week going? Do you want donuts now, too?