Trying something new

After completing two half-marathons in the spring, I was sure to be on track for at least two more this fall. Well, life happens and often plans get scrapped. While I have been able to run a couple of times each week, my training routine has sadly gone by the wayside. It has been strange to not have a goal race in mind right now. I toyed with the idea of planning a trip during the winter to a warmer climate – a destination race (!) but I know that as soon as it gets cold, my motivation for running outside will lessen. So, while a winter marathon does not have much appeal, I have been wracking my brain to come up with some type of goal for myself.

Reading an email gave me the idea of a ‘staged marathon’. This sounds really cool! Over the course of a week, you run various distances that total up to 26.2 miles. I have my husband almost convinced to join me in our own little adventure in different parks around our city. Maybe a few of our running buddies will be interested. The more, the merrier! I’m looking at the last full week of October for this.

Anyway, I have also been mixing new things into my cross training days. Zumba has been a weekly event for me this summer and it really did put more spring into my running stride. My daughter joined me yesterday to try TRX – kind of like Pilates on suspension straps. It was very interesting and is not supposed to bulk you up. It felt relaxing and challenging at the same time. This may be our new thing for the fall. It helps to change up a routine every few months so your body doesn’t get too comfortable.

Off my routine

It happens to all of us. Our schedules get out-of-sync and before you can blink, you’ve missed a week of working out. Maybe it’s because you are on vacation. Or you’ve come down with the flu. Sometimes it’s an injury. But, usually, it’s because the honeymoon is over. The excitement you felt for a new activity has waned a bit. Considering how hot this summer has been, the weather certainly has had an effect on many outdoor activities.

I spent most of the past week caring for my DH after he had some problems due to hypertension. Sitting up all night in the hospital is not good for one’s body but it had to be done. He is doing just fine now, but I have not returned to my routine yet. I did manage to get in a good 5 mile run last Saturday morning (it felt great to be outdoors) but had to be flexible with the rest of my time. We did take a few walks this week and I made it to Zumba last night. A little yoga and some weights rounded out the week.

While most people would be happy with what I did this week, I know it falls short of my training schedule. But, these things happen. I am not going to worry about trying ‘to make it up’. That is a sure way to get injured, been there, done that. I will total up the miles I completed and focus on making next week better. So, what would I suggest when life gets in the way? Here are some easy tips to keep moving, even a little…

1. Take some extra time and stretch before you get out of bed.
2. Walk as much as you can, including the stairs.
3. Use the internet for quickie routines from various instructors
4. Get out in the fresh air, and breathe deep
5. Don’t worry about it, count it as a rest day.