It’s been a long time since I got serious about a training plan and even longer since I prioritized my running goals. From work to kids to Covid, I kept finding excuses to not actually put in the training. I did a decent job of training for the MCM 50k in 2019, but that was pretty much my last organized plan.
Last week went pretty close to what I planned…
- Monday – HIIT bike ride
- Tuesday – easy run
- Wednesday – this was supposed to be speedwork, but I was feeling “meh” so I hit the bike for an easy spin
- Thursday – speedwork + full body weights
- Friday – easy 5 miles + arms
- Saturday – 7 mile “long” run
- Sunday – easy 5 miles + leg day
I’ve written a plan that gets me up to 3 10 mile runs in the last week, so I should be good to go for the race in March. Beer Geek keeps suggesting that I should run a 4th half marathon, but I’m feeling pretty unexcited by that idea. I don’t need the state and I’ve done 7 half marathons in a row before, so I don’t feel like I need to “prove” anything.
I’ve been quite thankful lately that even before Covid I had a home gym. I managed to add a Bowflex C6 bike during the first year of the pandemic, which was a challenge to get, but oh so worth it. I was really nervous that I’d spend the money and then not use it – cross training has never been my strong suit – but it turns out that I really enjoy it. I’ve even used the Peloton app a few times with it, although I do find that I still prefer to make up my own workouts, just like on the treadmill.
I also recently added a Bowflex adjustable kettle bell.{{affiliate link}} It was totally an impulse purchase – it was an Amazon “treasure truck” item of the day. I got the text and bought it approximately 3 seconds later. While I don’t do a lot of kettle bell specific workouts, I have found that having the heavy weight (it goes up to 40 pounds) has been useful on leg day. Bonus that it goes from 8-40 without having that many weights in my small home gym.
Last week was pretty cold, so I hit the treadmill a lot, but this week is trending a bit warmer. Fingers crossed that the groundhog was wrong and we get an early spring!
I’m joining Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
Props to you for finding the enthusiasm for training once again. Like you, the last time I really followed a plan was for the London Marathon back in 2019. Yes the home gym has been invaluable. I doubt I’ll ever join a gym again.
I miss racing races. It’s been way too long since I got to do it regularly. Trying to get back to that.
We were twinning on Saturday with our 7-milers 😉 It’s great that your bike is working out and getting a lot of use. I was skeptical how much I’d use our bike (we’d had it for several years, but I’d never even touched it,LOL). It’s seen me through many indoor miles, this winter and last year.
I never thought biking would become my thing, but I really enjoy it. Now I just need to get over my fear of biking outside…
Sounds like you are off to a great start with training! I hope you find an event that gets you excited!
Thanks! It feels good to be back.
I’m ‘training’ for 2 back to back trail runs in the spring. One is a 15 mile (3 loops of 5) snd the other is the Ice Age Trail half marathon. I’m not following any formal training plan–my goal is to finish and have fun at both. I wanted to do the IAT 50k but I don’t know if I can even do that distance. I’m also not sure I want to because then I’d have to train, lol! Good luck with your training. I’m sure it feels good to prioritize running and fitness again!
I love how much you’re enjoying and using your stationary bike. I initially bought ours for my husband to use during the winter since he could no longer run and didn’t want to ride outside in the winter. Now I find myself using it much more than he does. Who knew we runners could embrace cross training? LOL