Weekly Workout Recap: Weekend of Hercules

In case you don't use the Internet or have a TV, there has been some nasty, frigid weather hitting much of the U.S. I might have mentioned a few hundred times that I hate cold weather, so with the holiday and the inclement weather, this week ended up being a bit lighter for me. I start training for the NYC Half today, so I didn't sweat it. Literally, I did not sweat much, because when I did work out I was mostly running outside and it was so cold that I didn't start sweating till I got back indoors.

I kicked off NYC Half training with a Refine Method class this morning before work. I'm extremely excited to be back training, but I really have enjoyed a couple months of down time. So this week's workout recap will be brief -- there will be a lot more to recap next week!

I think I may also change my workout recaps to the name of the race I'm training for, to keep them more specific. Since I've started work, I haven't blogged as much, in large part because I don't have as much to talk about, but also because much of what my day consists of is now work which I can't disclose. It's not exciting, CIA-style secrets, or even the explanation of how Sherlock faked his death (PLEASE tell me you watch the BBC's Sherlock -- it's truly fantastic). However, due to client confidentiality, I can rarely talk about what I'm working on.

So at least for now, this blog has become much more running-centric, and that's why I want my race-specific training to be better catalogued.


Weekly Workout Recap

Monday: 2.5 miles to/from NYRR to pick up race bibs.

No picture because it was pitch black outside and Sourabh and I were freezing so just ran there and back.


Tuesday: Rest.


Wednesday: 4 mile Midnight Run in Central Park.

This race was a fantastic way to kick off the new year. It was Sourabh's first real race! He did a great job -- despite an extremely packed first two miles, we ran it in 37:53! He was also feeling awful before the race. So proud of him!


Thursday/Friday: Rest days. Although I did 45 push-ups on Friday, so that has to count for something...?


Saturday: 4.5 miles in Central Park with some awesome run friends.

Saturday was seriously cold. Honestly there's no way I would have run if not for the fact that I was meeting Allison, Beth, Gabby, and Nicole. But once I got out there and saw these smiling faces, how could I not have a good time? Our loop went extremely quickly and I was sorry to wave goodbye after 3 miles. I need more time with my run friends in 2014!

Sunday: 30 minutes indoor cycling.

Technically, while we all say "spin" like we say "Google" for Internet search, it's a trademarked type of indoor cycling. Since I'm a lawyer, I should probably respect trademarks. Soooo I was indoor cycling, not spinning. It's kind of amazing what a good playlist will do! Somehow what feels boring on the treadmill goes by quickly on the bike.

I posted this on Twitter, but in case you don't follow my every tweet, I suggested that all runners and cyclists immediately download Fitz and the Tantrums' "The Walker" for their run/cycling playlists. It's a fun song with an awesome retro beat and it makes me want to bounce along the street or pedal harder on the bike.


On Deck for the Week of 1/6:

In my first week of training, Coach Jess has already hit me with exactly what I knew was coming for this training cycle: hill repeats. Eek! Although, the one and only time I did hill repeats during Chicago training, they weren't as bad as I expected. So maybe I won't die? Fingers crossed.

• 2 hour-long strength training workouts
• 1 yoga class (+ 1 super easy yoga class optional)
• 1 easy run
• 1 "long" run (6 miles)
• 1 recovery run

Besides the obvious training, I need to get back on the foam rolling bandwagon and focus on getting enough sleep (7.5 hours+).

I'm also very curious about how fueling (AKA eating) could be affecting my running performance, so I'm going to be keeping a journal of what I eat and how I feel during runs. No calorie counts or anything -- I just want to better keep track of how the things I eat affect how I run. If I find any interesting correlations I will, of course, be sure to share!


Hope you weathered the storm if you were affected by it, and for those getting hit by another round of nasty winter weather, good luck!