**Today is the last day to enter my blogiversary giveaway! It ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. and I will contact the winner tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.**
Hi everyone!
I intended to publish this yesterday but the weirdest thing happened to me on Sunday night. We went to church and then out dinner but on the way home from dinner I started feeling sick. By the time I got home my face had turned bright red, my head was pounding, I broke out in a rash and I was burning up. We think it was a histamine reaction, but whatever it was scared the crap out of me. Mom to the rescue with cold compresses, medicine and reassurance that I wasn’t dying. I felt better after about an hour or so but was not in the mood to finish this post. So, here I am today. I’m sure you wanted to know those details…you’re welcome.
For starters, I want to say thank you for your kind and supportive comments on Thursday’s post. I’m constantly learning more, but last week was a milestone in my healing and growing. Sounds kind of hippie-ish and hokey to say all of that, but looking at the process as a whole as made me appreciative of where I am today. I did mention that I have one more step in the healing process, but my appointment is not for a few more weeks so I will post an update afterward.
Onto today’s topic…workouts
Last week Jen (Peanut Butter Runner) posted about balancing her workouts and it made me reflect on my own “balancing act.” She mentioned how she consistently incorporates strength, running and yoga into her weekly workouts and that she’s stronger in all aspects since doing so. I couldn’t agree more. Here’s my own take:
If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time you know that a) I love running and b) it’s arguably my “main source” of fitness. That’s not going to change, especially as MCM training approaches. However, since my stress-fracture prompted an enthusiasm for strength training last year, I’ve gained a new appreciation for varying my workouts. I’ve always *tried* to do a little of everything when it comes to fitness (and I’ve written about it before), but not until the last few months have I found my groove. Who knows how long it will last (hopefully indefinitely!) but I can say now that I’ve seen improvements physically…in regards to muscle strength in the gym, on my yoga mat and stronger/faster runs.
In order to incorporate “everything” (running, weights, yoga) I give and take when necessary and try to get the most bang-for-my-buck. Most workouts are only 30-60 minutes long but have a specific focus. As for my decreased running, I’m careful to not fall into the mileage comparison trap. I’m still a runner if I only run 15-20 miles a week right now. Who really cares how many miles you run per week?!
I’m not a fitness professional so this is just based off my experience, but varying my workouts has “changed” my body more so than just running. By “changed” I’m referring to the look and muscle tone of my body. *Gasp.*
As I enter marathon training this summer, I’m more conscious than ever about what my body wants and needs. Last week was a good example of “doing a bit of everything” and feeling good at the same time.
Workout Recap
Monday: Cycle Bar spin class (50 minutes) + 30 minutes of yoga (at home while following this YouTube)
I was joined by some awesome bloggers/fitness enthusiasts. Annnnd I just realized I’m wearing the same shirt in both pictures. Oops…
Tuesday: 30 minutes of strength training (full body). This was actually my mom’s class! She’s a personal trainer and group fitness instructor.
Wednesday: 5 mile run
Thursday: 30 minutes of strength (chest and back focus) + 2 mile walk
Friday: 5 mile run + 75 minutes of vinyasa yoga (at a studio)
Saturday: 30 minutes of core, stretching and glute/hip work (think clamshells and bridges).
Sunday: 8 mile run. I’ve said it before, but I really warm-up after 4-5 miles. Just look at my splits. (I stopped to tighten my shoelace during the last mile and didn’t stop my Run Keeper app).
Ideally I’d have at least one full rest day, but Saturday’s mellow workout fit the bill this time.
I really need to get my summer run on!! thanks for sharing!!
[email protected] Cupcakes and Sunshine recently posted…Chasing the Moon
Go get it :)
Oh no! I hope you’re feeling better :( That sounds scary!
When I’m being good, I’ll incorporate all three and feel amazing. I tend to get lazy though and my good intentions go out the window! Definitely need to get back to working on strength though!
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…Belize Part 2 : The Caves
Oh boy do I go through lazy phases too! In that case I typically do a lot of “better than nothing” workouts…core, bodyweight strength training.
That looks like a good week of workouts to me! I struggle to find a good balance because I’m great at picking something I love and sticking with it until I get bored. :) So when I’m especially loving running, I want to run all the time, etc. My “ideal” balance would involve short-ish strength training sessions followed by quick runs a few days a week, with a couple other runs/low-impact cardio sessions thrown in there. I like to use yoga to unwind at the end of the day, but I could probably use more of it…
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Bouncing Back from the Blahs
I go through phases with fitness favorites too. When I’m enjoying running, all I want to do is run. Same goes for other workouts. I went through a major yoga phase a few years ago and that’s when I fell in love with my studio in Miami.
I try to do some strength training each week. One or two days with some dumbells. After every run I do mobility and bodyweight exercises to help prevent injury and work on imbalances. I think it’s helped keep me injury free this training cycle :-)
Ellie recently posted…B Happy Peanut Butter [it’s not smooth, it’s not crunchy, it’s SMUNCHY!]
That’s such a good habit to do the mobility and bodyweight exercises after every run. Might as well if you’re all warmed up and sweaty. I’m glad you’ve managed to stay injury free! Ultimate goals :)
I used to be a lot better about having a good mix of all three, but the more I have started training for races, the harder I have found it to balance all three. I remind myself that even the smallest amount of strength training after a run will benefit me so even if I only manage 10 minutes, it is better than nothing.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Avocado Toast – 3 Ways
It’s hard, no doubt. And yes, something is better than nothing. If anything, I wrote this post as a reminder for me to keep it up when marathon training starts next month.
Oh no I’m glad you’re okay! Your fitness routine looks very similar to mine right now- a little running, a little spinning, a little yoga, and a little strength. It took me awhile, but I finally found a good balance. It’s all going to get flipped upside down again once I move in a few weeks, so I need to make it a priority to fit in strength because I do think it’s beneficial to our health.
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Boston You’re My Home
If only I had Core Power by me *insert eye roll emoji*
I’m so happy that you have found so many forms of fitness that you enjoy!
Hope you feel better! When you’re like us (allergies, Celiac, stomach issues) I know how fast you can go from good to really, really, scary bad. The speed of it still surprises my parents and boyfriend.
It came on so quickly. I think that part of it scared me the most! Thank you :)
I’ve just recently added yoga to my workout mix and I love it. Right now I’m doing a lot more strength training than cardio, but I’m hoping this summer to find a better balance with regard to that! You have such a nice variety going! :)
Claire @ My Pink & Green Life recently posted…12 Easy Ways to Live Greener
This week was one of my better weeks of “balance” but, of course, some are more running or strength heavy depending on the week. Overall I’m so happy with this little routine. I’m so glad you’re enjoying yoga!
Wow, I hope that allergic reaction gets figured out!! Sounds very scary but I’m glad you’re ok. Moms are the best in situations like that. I’ve found that since starting CrossFit last fall, I have loved running up hills. I pass people on hills during races because of all the leg/glute strengthening I’ve done in CrossFit.
Don’t know what I would have done if I was alone when it happened. Yikes!
Yes- great point! I realized during my half last month (with 4 bridges/hills) that I don’t fear hills like I once did. I actually passed people and didn’t slow down (too) much. I credit that to strength training!
Girll I’ve been running 15-20 miles a week since April ended and I’m still a runner too:) I need to add in more strength training. I ebb and flow with it. I did it a lot and now I haven’t and feel super weak. I’m trying to start adding it in, in small doses like 20- 30 minutes to build up my strength again!
For most of my “fitness life” I’ve gone in waves with strength training, but these last 6ish months I have been pretty consistent. Knock on wood!
I’m so glad that you are ok! Luckily for you, I LOVE it when my clients cross train, so we will talk and keep you mixing it up while getting your miles in!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Never Give Up (Let’s Try This Again)
WAHOO!
We have very similar workout schedules! Running is definitely my main source of cardio, however, I find that I run faster when mixing in strength training and taking advantage of rest days :) I can’t believe you are training for a marathon over summer. After the heat waves I had to run through last summer while training for Chicago, I think I’ll stick to spring marathons from now on haha.
Tell me about it…I’m such a poor planner haha. All of the races I want to do happen to be in the fall, unfortunately. One day I’ll smarten up :)
Great topic! I should actually join in and post this as well. I love seeing how people manage their workouts! I still consider myself a runner and some weeks I only run 3-5 miles! haha SOOOO glad you are ok! How scary that much has been! Honestly allergic reactions are so weird. I found out I was allergic to (I don’t even remember, haha) from a reaction to the sun! For like 2 summers I would get rash like symptoms and itch like crazy but didn’t break out in anything. Found out it was a build up of whtever the vitamin was on my skin! Weird…and completely off topic lol
Loved your post today. I’m a big fan of short, effective workouts :)
Yeah I think I have some sort of post-tramautic stress from that episode because now I’m scared it’s going to happen again haha. I have a friend who had an allergic reaction from the sun (or she thinks) and found out it was a combo of taking a prescription and just being outside. She had to go to urgent care! So weird how these things happen.
hmmm something random from my weekend ? i planted lots of flowers on sunday, went to a cavs party on saturday (they lose waaaahhhhh) and did other non fun things like laundry, grocery, cleaning, etc. oh you know….on friday night i was a bit in a pissy mood so i was just watching tv at home and ignoring others (i know childish) and couldn’t find something i wanted to watch so i read a book. it was so relaxing to just lay on the couch with the windows open and read a good book ! i usually read before bed so its in short bursts so it was nice to not be half falling asleep. i know its not super exciting friday night but it reminded me that sometimes low key old-school is the way to go.
I’m all for low-key nights :) What book did you read? I’m on the lookout for a new one.
I’m not done yet. Big Little Lies which i think is going to be a show or movie at some point ? I’ve never read her books so i thought i would start with this one. so far its ok. I am also listening to The Rogue Lawyer in the car. i worked as a law clerk for 2 years so i sorta like John Grisham books. so far i like it. The last one i LOVED was The Nightingale. couldn’t put it down.
I liked that book, but my favorite of her’s is “What Alice Forgot.” Yes I think I read it’s going to be a movie!
Lately I’ve been slacking on keeping up with strength training. I feel like all I want to do is run outside! This is a good reminder to keep back up with it:) That’s so cool that you’re mom’s a fitness instructor!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Chicago Michelob Ultra Half Marathon Recap
When the weather is nice, there’s nothing better than running outside. I feel you there! Yes, I love her classes! She’s been teaching since I was in middle school :)
What a scary event on Sunday! I hope all is well now and it doesn’t come back again. I think I may try out the yoga video you’ve posted. I’ve wanted to deepen my own yogaa practice, but I always think I could do something more “productive” with time. I need to shift that mindset and take on a more varied exercise routine too!
Julia @ Drops of Jules recently posted…Can We Control Our Identity? [VLOG] Mental Health Monday #2
Here’s a link with more videos! They’re broken up into time length too :) http://greatist.com/move/free-yoga-videos
I added in 15 minutes of strength training 4 days a week during my last training cycle, and it made such a huge difference! It was short enough it didn’t feel like a chore, but it helped so much. I do like lifting heavy, but it’s so hard to balance that with running and work.
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Extreme Hiking Brecksville Reservation
Yes! You don’t need to lift for hours upon hours. 15 minutes a few times a week can be so effective, and easier to add to a schedule.
Glad you’re feeling better, that sounds really scary! This post really motivated me to work out harder! I typically do Pure Barre 4 times a week and cardio (treadmill intervals) 3 times a week.
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A few of my friends do Pure Barre regularly and love it!
I’ve completely let my strength training slide because I’ve started a running training plan. To be honest I find the running much more enjoyable than strength workouts. I try to do some yoga everyday thought because I always need to stretch out after sitting studying all the time.
Megan recently posted…Is sleep deprivation affecting your health?
I think the most important part of exercise is finding something you enjoy! It’s more sustainable that way. I think yoga is a great complement to any fitness routine.
You are just so balanced when it comes to working out. It doesn’t seem like an obsession at all for you and I love that you do it because you enjoy it. I’m not really a fan of promoting people doing workouts that make them miserable, and it’s fun to find a balance. I kind of like a mix of running and strength, because my body can’t handle consecutive days of running, so strength is a nice breather in between. And wow, so thankful that you are okay after that allergic reaction on Sunday. I wonder what did it to you?
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That means so much to me, Emily. I really enjoy what I do when it comes to fitness and I can only hope other people find the same enjoyment and satisfaction. I actually don’t like running back-to-back days most of the time either. Usually because that requires me getting up super early to beat the heat, and I like sleep :)
I think it’s SO important to mix up your workout routine. Not only to avoid injury but also to ensure you’re not just working one muscle group over and over again and forgetting about the others!
Last year I had an ongoing ITB issue which made me realise just how much I needed to switch things up in my routine – so now I alternate between HIIT, running, yoga, strength training and just riding the good ol’ stationary bike for half an hour on days where I know my body needs the extra rest (but my lame circulatory system still needs a little kick in the butt :P)
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I didn’t really touch on injury prevention, but you’re so right! I like riding the stationary bike while reading a magazine on my “rest/low-key” days :)
You pretty much have my ideal workout schedule! Right now I shoot for 3 runs, 2 strength workouts, 1 full-length yoga class and a couple shorter sessions, 1 or 2 hikes, and 1 full rest day. When I’m not training for a race I like to cut back on cardio and do 3 strength workouts per week – I think switching focus occasionally helps keep me balanced.
I so wish I could hike regularly! I live a good hour from a trail, and even that is not really hilly. Thanks, Florida :)