Just because I’ve been too busy to post lately doesn’t mean I haven’t been working out. In fact, these past two weeks have been amazing compared to the virtually non-existent fitness regimen of my past couple of months.
I’ve been running and biking consistently and the results are already manifesting themselves on the scale: 2 lbs of flab gone! My clothes are also fitting a little more loosely and I feel much, much better about myself. My speed and endurance still suck, though.
Last year, when my marathon training was in full force, running at 8:00 min/mile pace for 10 miles was a breeze. This afternoon, I did 3 miles at 10:00 min/mile. So starting this week, I am re-introducing my favorite speed-building and fat-scorching workout of all: Interval Training!
This summer I plan to run a half-marathon somewhere. Possibly VA Beach. And I’ll be damned if I don’t PR. It’s time to kick some ass!
After a several week long, work-induced running hiatus I am finally able to go run again. And it felt amazing, rain and all. Even Bruce joined us.
I used to think that not exercising because of work was just an excuse. But this past month that was totally me. I was coming home too worn out to do anything but sleep after long days at work. Thankfully, that craziness is over.
It is time to get back to my regularly scheduled training again.
3 more miles today. And I didn’t feel sore at all which surprised me a little considering my running hiatus. Once I started going up those hills, however, I could tell my legs were not fully recovered from yesterday’s run. Not too bad, though.
Tomorrow I need to make sure I avoid running while hungry. My route passes right by one of James Madison University’s dining halls and the smell of whatever was cooking today made my stomach growl disapprovingly. Although I bet it made me run faster just so I could get home for dinner.
So yesterday, I finally went running again. It had been at least 2 weeks and I was certain I would have to stop to catch my breath on the hills every now and then. But to my surprise, I didn’t have to stop at all. It seems I still do have a little shred of endurance left somewhere deep inside. It’s pretty sad when you’re happy you can run 3 miles without stopping after having done 26.2 a few months earlier.
It was a beautiful day for a run too. With temperatures in the low 70’s I was able to wear t-shirt and shorts for the first time this year. Last time I ran a few weeks back it was in the mid 20’s. How quickly things change. In fact, it seems like we skipped spring and went straight to summer around here. This week the highs are in the mid-80’s. I’m hoping that’s not a sign of things to come because I do not do well in hot and humid weather.
Personal Rant
I miss running. And regular work hours. It’s been several weeks since things have been normal for me.
This renovation project I’m working on has a crazy tight, almost unrealistic schedule. Which means 10 - 12 hour work days every day plus some more on weekends. When I get home I am worn out and want to do absolutely nothing.
Humans were designed for moving around, scavenging, hunting. We were meant to be active, not sitting at a desk staring at a computer monitor for hours at a time. It’s just wrong. Plus, I don’t get paid enough for this shit.
The project deadline is the end of April and it can’t come fast enough. I miss my free evenings. I miss my weekends. And I miss running.
Good way to start the week!
3 wet and rainy miles with Milo.
3 miles with Milo this afternoon. I love the fact that I don’t have to rush after work to catch those last few rays of sunlight before it gets dark.
I am also glad I wore my running jacket because it is wind proof. And it was really windy and cold out there today: 35F with a wind chill of 25F. Totally should have worn compression tights instead of shorts. My legs were a little numb.
Went for a 3 mile run with Milo tonight and it was tough. Since I started adding weights to the workout mix, my legs felt extremely heavy. Hills felt like mountains and I felt like I was barely moving. Apparently kettlebell swings and squats will do that to you.
I knew before I even ran today that it was going to be hard. I came close to not going but I made myself get out there anyway. The little voice didn’t get its way today.
2.23.13 - 4 Miles
Low 50’s this afternoon, which meant perfect long sleeve t-shirt and shorts running weather. As much as I love running in the snow I also like not wearing all those layers sometimes.
Training is going well. Gradually building up the miles and the endurance in these legs. Next week I will be covering longer distances. And in a month I expect to be doing 13-15 mile long runs on the weekends like I used to just a few of months ago.
Originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, I now call Harrisonburg, Virginia home. 