November 18, 2017

Weekly Wrap-Up: Getting Back into the Running Groove

I haven't even looked at my computer in two days--I feel like should have a ton to catch up on, but it's actually been pretty uneventful. So, I figured that since I'm running again, I could do a "weekly wrap up" of my runs, instead of writing about them each day like I used to.

Writing about the running 5-6 times a week was redundant for sure! So, I think looking at it week by week will be interesting (at least for me) to see in one small nutshell.

I made the commitment to start running again (or at least give it a trial, and afterward, I decided to continue). The fact that I have made myself "determined" instead of "motivated" has made a world of difference. By stating my determination and committing to certain goals, it's a no-brainer. There are no questions, I just do it.

Determination is running in the rain in Michigan in November

As far as goals go: I don't have any distance or time goals. My only goal is to get back into running and not train so much or so hard that I hate it. Thomas calls that a "hobby jogger" and that is exactly what sounds good to me right now!

Yes, I would like to get faster; but I don't really have a specific number in mind, nor do I want to train for a specific number. I just hope that by running again, my body will naturally get faster at it. Distance wise, I'm happy with just running three miles at a time right now. Maybe once it doesn't feel so challenging (as I get in better shape), I will want to add a little distance; but for now, three miles is good.

Frequency: I am going to commit to running three times per week. When I've said that I'll just run "when I feel like it", I never do it! Hahaha, it's very rare that I want to run. (However, I'm usually okay with it once I start.) It doesn't matter what days I run, I'm just going to commit to three times per week (Monday through Sunday).

Today was my fifth run back at it. I had a great milestone today, too! I will write about that in a minute. But first, here is the recap:


Despite the fact that I'm not training, I still like looking at the data just to see if/when/how much I'm improving each week. After last week's runs, I am really surprised at how quickly I'm improving. During my first back at it, I had to work really hard to get a sub-11:00 mile, and today I ran a 9:38 mile! I didn't expect to see a sub-10:00 for a long time.

It was raining today, and the last thing I wanted to do was go run in the rain in November. But, per my determination and commitment, I dressed for the rain and headed out. Within half a mile, I was soaked!

Because I wasn't thrilled about running in the rain, I deliberately covered my Garmin with my sleeve so that I wouldn't be tempted to look and try to better my pace from last time. I just wanted to get through it, and even try to enjoy it. And I did! There were a few times where I forgot I was running, and I just got lost in my thoughts.

Running right now is hard, though. An 11:30 pace feels just as hard as a 10:00 pace, so I never really know how fast I'm running. It's funny--I used to be able to tell almost to the very second what my pace was when I was running.

Being so out of practice, I've forgotten quite a bit. I used to know each mile marker like the back of my hand, too--I could tell you the exact moment that my Garmin would beep, signaling a mile. Now, I just have a vague idea about where the mile markers are. It's kind of fun that way!

Even though it feels super hard right now, it's nice to be back to running. It's exciting to see my improvement (especially how quickly it's coming back to me!) and I like not feeling pressured to hit specific goals.



Today, we babysat Luke and he's staying overnight. He is eight months old now, and this is my FAVORITE age for babies! He is so so so cute. And literally the most content baby on the planet.

A few days ago, I went into Spencer's to get a barbell for my ear, and I happened to see a baby fedora. I nearly died. Of course, I just had to buy it for Luke!


My kids always come up with silly things to do with Luke, and today they were planning to set up a long train of dominos so he could watch them knock it over. Luke just sat and watched them, but it wasn't working out so well because Joey was all over the place. So, Noah and Eli decided to "outline" Luke with the dominos.

We were all cracking up, because the poor kid just sat there, still as can be, and let Noah and Eli have their fun at his expense ;) They put up about three layers before Luke finally scattered them. I love seeing the boys play together--I'm so glad that my kids finally have a cousin!



4 comments:

  1. It's so nice to have a cousin! My son finally had his first and only first cousin - she is almost 4 and he is almost 16! So even though there's quite an age difference he absolutely adores being with her. Enjoy the baby time - it goes fast :(
    --Beth in Chicago

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    1. It goes by way too fast, doesn't it?! I feel like it went by in a blink when my kids were little, so I'm enjoying every moment with my nephew. My kids are having a blast with their new (and only) cousin ;)

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  2. I love that you're running again -- and that you went back to it on your terms!

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    1. Me too! I know I wouldn't enjoy it if I came up with a set of "rules" for myself, so doing things this way has been just what I need :)

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