Weekly Workouts and Giving Your Body a Break

Hey, all! Sorry for the delayed post! I always feel so guilty when I’ve been a bad blogger. :(

Over the weekend, I went to a Somerset Patriots game for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s annual “Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.” DSCF4041

As I’ve posted about previously here, I lost my grandfather to the disease back in 2004, and so I participate in any awareness events and make donations for the cause whenever possible.

purplestride2011

PurpleStride 2011

I’m really upset that this year’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon conflicts with the organization’s annual PurpleStride 5K, especially since last year’s race was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy — so I won’t be able to run again this year, unfortunately.

I’ll go ahead and get to posting my workouts for this week:

Tue., July 16 : Cycling (10 miles) and Taekwondo class

Wed., July 17: Rest

Thur., July 18: 3 miles

Fri., July 19: 5 miles

Sat., July 20: Thai kickboxing

Sun., July 21: Thai kickboxing

Mon., July 22: 10 miles

Total weekly mileage: 18 miles

Needless to say, my weekly mileage for this week is pretty pathetic. After last week’s death-defying long run in the near-100 degree temperatures, I have to admit, I was a little freaked out. I’ve never felt that way before, and even though I learned a very important lesson and am being much smarter when it comes to hydration and timing my runs, I was terrified of a repeat performance. Last week’s heat wave in New Jersey was absolutely brutal, and no matter what I did, I just could NOT force myself to lace up those sneakers. Instead, I opted to keep my runs short and stay indoors for martial arts classes.

I felt guilty all week for keeping my mileage so low and for skipping my planned runs all together over the weekend, but I just could not muster the motivation to go outside. The temperatures approached the upper-90s all week, and the humidity was horrendous, even early in the morning and after the sun went down. Of course, I definitely didn’t want to spend upwards of an hour on a dreadmill, so while that’s always an option, it’s definitely not the lesser of the two evils! I know working out 6 times a week probably doesn’t qualify as giving myself a “break,” but in a way, I do feel like I gave myself a little mini-vacation from running last week — especially when now is the time to be ramping things up for Dumbo! — and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little bit enjoyable.

However, last night, I experienced a personal triumph — I did get out there for my long run, and I did make it up to 10 miles, which is my longest distance since the Superhero Half Marathon in May! And let me just say that, for the first time this summer, it was a FANTASTIC run. I decided to try running a little bit later in the evening, even though there was a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. I lucked out: it was drizzling on and off the entire time, there was absolutely no sun, and there’s was a nice breeze to keep me cool. I won’t say it was effortless — because there’s nothing about running 10 miles that’s effortless — but it did almost feel that way! The miles flew by, I felt strong, and I really did enjoy it.

I know I’ve whined and complained endlessly here about how much I loathe summer temperatures, so last night was a reminder of just how much I can actually enjoy running. It also served as evidence that even though I have been struggling to push my pace this summer, that logging those miles — even when I don’t want to! — is absolutely paying off. I am SO looking forward to cooler temperatures, and I’m definitely getting excited about collecting some more half marathon bling this fall!

So…if someone could just tell me how I can control the weather to be overcast and rainy every time I plan for a run that’s longer than, say, 5 miles, that’d be great. :)

Have you ever given yourself a “break” from running?

Jersey runners: Anyone have any recommendations for half marathons this fall?!

Comments

  1. The Trenton Half (Nov. 9)?

  2. I’ve give myself a break from running (just recently I took one) when it felt like running was a chore instead of something that I did because I love it. It helped a lot – the time away made me come back ready to run!

    • Jennifer says:

      I know exactly what you mean, Kim! There are definitely times when I feel as though my scheduled run is a chore, and I think giving ourselves a break can work wonders! That first run after a few days off is always pretty fantastic! :)

  3. YAY for a fantastic run!

    I’ve been in a weird running state for the last couple of weeks. I’ve been running on the treadmill rather than going outside which is really odd for me — and I’ve been starting out the runs feeling off. I don’t know if this is a summer slump or what, but I hope to shake it soon… maybe tonight! Planning a run down to the beach to try and shake it!

    • Jennifer says:

      It could definitely be a summer thing! Even though I hate it, I’m sure running on a treadmill is a heck of a lot more comfortable than braving the heat/humidity of summer. I’m super jealous…I’d love to be able to run to the beach! Enjoy your run! :-D

  4. Stumbled upon your blog and really enjoy it.

    I am more of an indoor type of person. I can feel more comfortable when i have AC in the summer, not freezing in the winter, a TV, and can lose track when working on a “dreadmill” or elliptical.

    I just find it hard making a transition from indoor to outdoor with working out. I wish i could go on long runs when it feels nice outside, but I quickly feel defeated after barely a mile. Do i just have to suck it up and stop being a baby? Haha, or is there an approach I should be looking at more carefully.

    • Jennifer says:

      Thanks so much for reading! I know what you mean, I’m sure it’s WAY more comfortable running on a treadmill than it is outdoors in this heat. I just have problem “losing track,” as you mentioned, unless I’m outside…on the treadmill, I’m pretty much staring at the clock the entire time!

      It’s definitely more difficult to run outdoors than it is on a treadmill. There’s no question about it. My advice? Start to slowly add shorter outdoor runs into your routine…the first several will probably feel pretty difficult, but your body WILL get acclimated, promise! :-D

  5. My fall halfs are:
    Sloppy Cuckoo in Philly, 9/22
    RnR Providence 9/29
    Atlantic City 10/13
    Runners World Hat Trick, Bethlehem PA 10/19-10/20
    Trenton 11/9

    • Jennifer says:

      AWESOME! That’s quite a racing schedule you have planned! I’d totally be into doing AC or the Hat Trick…will definitely look into those. THANKS! :-D

  6. Don’t beat yourself up about the high temps- it’s miserable and I give you permission to take a break! I’m glad your 10Miler was enjoyable- those are my favorites,too!

    What about NYC? The Grete’s Gallop Half or the Staten Island Half? Both in October.

    • Jennifer says:

      Thanks, Abby! Having your permission definitely makes me feel better! LOL. :-D

      I’ll definitely check those out! I’m always game for a trip into the city. Thanks!

  7. I have to say I am so glad I am not in Jersey this summer! It sounds brutal there. In any case, don’t worry about your miles. At the very least get out and walk! At least it is supposed to cool down…(I hope?)

    • Jennifer says:

      Brutal is definitely one word for it! The temperatures have cooled down quite a bit in the last week or so, but, it was pretty unbearable for a while there! I’m just doing the best I can re: my mileage and pace…that’s all you can do, right?! I’m really enjoying reading all about your adventures, by the way! :-D

  8. After my quick training this spring turned into ITBS, I’ve made sure to build in some rest weekends this coming fall.

    • Jennifer says:

      ARGH, sorry to hear that…thank you so much for the reminder. You are right. Sometimes I NEED to chill out a bit, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that!

  9. Great job on your 10 miler! I would absolutely love to have some beautiful running weather like that! I’ve been doing SO many of my training runs on the dreadmill lately and I’m starting to get tired of it, but the temps here are consistently in the upper 90s + ridiculous humidity and I just can’t muster up the courage to go run out there… maybe though I’ll give it a try tomorrow :)

    • Jennifer says:

      Thanks, Lauren! It was DEFINITELY a nice break from the heat. It’s ROUGH, for sure…but if the dreadmill works for you, then there’s nothing wrong with that. Hope you had an awesome run this weekend — indoors or outdoors! :-D

  10. Shades of Death half marathon in Allamuchy on October 13th is a good one to run.

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