Days 170 - 176: Rest?

I think we should just accept that updating is going to be a weekly thing now.

While the actual 20 mile run wasn't as bad as we expected, the following days were less fun. So, since originally, before our rearranging because of my traveling, this was scheduled as a "rest" week, we decided to stick to that schedule. In fact, since most training plans only ever get to 20 miles, everything after this is just bonus, so we decided that instead of 2 weeks increasing distance followed by one step back week, we're going to do one week increasing, one week step back. I think it's a good plan. Every extra mile we do will help, but not pushing it too hard will help prevent us from getting injured, over-trained, or over-tired so close to the big day.

I was pretty tough on myself for a rest week, though. Monday I did my usual yoga class; my back was killing me after our run, but felt much better afterward. Tuesday morning Chris and I ran a slow, heavy, somewhat painful 7 miles... we were definitely not recovered yet. Since it was a slow beginning of the week at work, I left a little early and did a double yoga class Tuesday. The classes were slightly different styles and philosophies, but both were slow and purposeful, and we were really encouraged to focus on each pose and the strengthening and/or releasing the pose allowed. It was just what I needed.

Wednesday I started my new belly dance course: Upgrade U by Beyonce. I actually made it to the studio early enough for the walk in and work out class the hour before... it's like a step aerobics class or a zumba class but with belly dancing moves. It was a good chance to practice some of the things I learned last class, and it definitely got my heart going. My actual class wasn't too tough this week... just a lot of preliminary stuff. Should be fun though.

Thursday morning Chris and I ran a much better 7 miles. I was finally free of my aches and pains and soreness. Friday was supposed to be a rest day, but for my birthday Randy took me salsa dancing, which totally counts as an extra workout! So, given the double yoga classes Tuesday, the double belly dancing classes Wednesday, and the dancing Friday, I decided I could just take Saturday off (at least from working out).

Today Chris and I ran 13.1 as a last practice for our Thanksgiving Day half marathon. The weather was perfect: sunny, 60s, nice breeze. We finished in 2:30, which is definitely acceptable for a training run. I was actually really excited about the run for some reason, and I felt great afterward. We celebrated with a delicious (and quite large...) lunch at Highland Bakery.

All in all, a good week, I feel. Recovered from 20 miles, took a little rest from running so much, and got in a lot of cross training. Hopefully I'm all prepared for this week!