Happy Sunday! I’m currently writing this blog while drinking a cup of hot tea since it’s currently 58 degrees, and I’m not complaining! I’m more than ready for the cooler temperatures to arrive π
Overall this wasn’t a great week of training. Lack of motivation + some personal things affected my workouts this week. I’ve also been watching Hurricane Florence and it looks like she may cause some issues for the race next weekend. I’m okay with rain, but not torrential downpour rain and hurricane winds. If it looks like the weather is going to be really bad, I think I’ll take a DNS. It’s not worth it to travel and run in those crazy weather conditions!
Here’s how my workouts went last week.
Monday, September 3
3 mile run + core work.
Kicked off Labor Day with a run and then did some core work when I got back home. It was also my sister’s birthday so we celebrated with cupcakes – red velvet cupcakes to be exact. They were delicious!
Tuesday, September 4
Rest Day.
This was my first day back to work after my staycation, so I knew it would be a long stressful day. What I didn’t expect was to find out about all the layoffs that took place while I was out of the office. A majority of the people that sit near me will no longer be with the company as of the end of October. To say this made me sad would be an understatement. Luckily my department wasn’t directly affected by the layoffs, but I’m still super sad 90% of my work friends won’t be there as of November π
I also went for my annual physical after work. Overall my test results were fine but some numbers were still low, including my red blood cell count, so my doctor put me on an iron supplement. I’ll take that for 6 weeks and then get re-tested. This makes sense because the average recovery time for this after the bone marrow surgery is 3 months and I haven’t hit that threshold yet.
Needless to say, it was a crazy day and I had no desire to workout, so I didn’t.
Wednesday, September 5
Hip-Hop Spinning Peloton Class (45 minutes) + Core Workout (10 minutes).
Such a fun class! This was my first class with this instructor and I loved her energy. The core workout I took after the class definitely made me feel the burn.
Thursday, September 6
4 mile run + HIIT (15 minutes).
Great workout, but I don’t think I will do this combination again because my legs were killing me for days afterward!
Friday, September 7
Rest Day
I had to go to the mall after work and while I was there I stopped in a store called Jenny’s Spa. They offer massages so I opted for a 10 minute back massage which was awesome! She really got some knots out near my shoulder blades.
Saturday, September 8
8 mile run.
It was still a little humid, but other than that, the weather was great! Way cooler than it had been all week and breezy. Just a few rain drops but luckily I beat the rain (it rained literally all day after 1pm). It was a good last long run of my training cycle.
Sunday, September 9
Body Work + Abs (45 minutes) + Spinning (45 minutes).
I was SO happy to wear a hoodie on my walk to gym today – I could barely contain my excitement! Besides the weather, my double workout went well. I wanted to make sure I got in some strength training since I was lacking that this week (skipped boot camp on Wednesday).
Total Weekly Mileage: 17 miles
Summary: 3 runs, 2 spinning classes, 1 Body Works + Abs class, 2 core workouts + lots of stretching and yoga poses.
Grade This Week β B
Have you ever had a week where you just felt blah? That was this week for me. My body has been in a constant state of DOMS all week (no clue why) so it’s been hard to push through to get the workouts done. Plus my energy level was pretty much non-existent most of the week. I think part of this might be due to my monthly cycle (sorry if that’s TMI). I’ve noticed the past few months that my energy tanks whenever I have my period. Then this morning I woke up with a weird feeling around my left collarbone. Not sure if it’s a pulled muscle or what but it definitely feels off. I lifted lighter weights in class this morning so that I wouldn’t irritate it more. Hopefully it goes away soon.
Speaking of next week’s race, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Hurricane Florence just goes out to sea. As of right not it’s looking like there will be rain Saturday and Sunday, but I still think it’s too early to weather stalk. Luckily I’m taking Amtrak down to Philly so if it rains a lot, at least I won’t have to drive in it. I’ll still plan on going to Philly if it’s just going to rain, but if the weather report calls for severe weather, I may just take a DNS. Even though I trained, it’s just not worth it to me to run both days in crazy weather with hurricane winds and possibly get sick or injured. I have other races in October and I would like to be healthy for those!
That’s it for this week – thanks for reading!
How was your week? Did you also have crazy weather this week?
In Case You Missed It
Liz Dexter says
Hope Florence gets out of your way and that the blahs go. It is a known fact that a woman’s cycle affects her sport. As you get older, that can become less of a problem, of course …
Hope things pick up next week. You’ve come a long way since your donation – be kind to yourself!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Liz! Yes, I keep trying to remind myself that I’m not 100% healed yet and that I’m just going to continue to get better.
I’m really hoping that Florence just goes away!
Wendy says
Kind of crazy to think that another RnR race could be plagued by rain. I wouldn’t do it either–one was enough in the pouring rain. Altho we didn’t know it would rain like that…
I hope you’re feeling better this week. I felt blah too but I blame most of it on the mama blues. Let’s hope for a better week for both of us!
kookyrunner says
I know right?! Actually I’ve had rain for all of my races this year except for one, lol. Maybe I bring bad weather with me when I go to races?
Yes, I hope we both have a better week!
Jennifer @ Fit Nana says
I, too, am closely watching Florence, but not for race purposes. :/ Although, I did see something a little bit ago that points more to the Carolinas and maybe Georgia so…. I don’t ever want to wish a hurricane on anyone but I do not want it to come here. I know, I’m selfish. I can’t help it. I have high hopes that she fizzles out and is just wet or, like you said, turns and heads back out to sea. I hope it doesn’t affect your race next weekend!
And I’m with you on the blah for this week. And, speaking of energy levels, have you read Roar? She talks about working out and our menstrual cycle in there and offers advice, etc. It’s a pretty good book and I’d recommend it even if she didn’t talk about that.
kookyrunner says
It’s only Monday and Florence is already getting on my nerves, lol. I just hope that she fizzles out. I feel like the U.S. is due a reprive from hurricanes after all the crazy natural disasters last year.
Thanks for recommending ‘Roar’. I’ve added it to my Amazon list and will purchase it once I get through some more books I have at home. I am looking forward to reading that and learning what she says about how our hormones affect our training. I’ve always been interested in that!
Marcia says
Oh wow I’m sorry Florence could potentially throw a big kink in your race plans. I’m sure having low iron adds to the blah feeling. Hope the iron supp works its magic for you fast.
kookyrunner says
Yeah Florence looks like she might be pretty bad but I hope that there is still a chance that she can still make her way out to sea.
I’m hoping that the iron supplement will work. Hopefully I will feel some increase in energy after taking it for a few weeks.
Lesley says
Here’s hoping you have good weather next weekend. I don’t know Boston runners did it this year. The conditions looked awful! Sorry to hear about your work too. My work’s been going through crap and I think more people are going to end up leaving before the dust settles.
kookyrunner says
Yeah I still think about the Boston Marathon runners and how much grit and determination they had that day!
Sorry to hear that your work has been going through changes as well π
Kimberly Hatting says
It will not rain in Philly. It will not rain in Philly. ((say it with me)) It will not rain in Philly.
Now that we got that outta the way…I had kind of a blah week as well. My glutes were slow in their healing, but are finally feeling better. UGH.
kookyrunner says
LOL I’m going to keep saying that mantra all week.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I hope the hurricane doesn’t affect your race! We were supposed to go to South Carolina this week but are changing our plans. I dont want to get there and then have to evacuate! I had definitely had weeks that feel blah. Maybe your body just needs a little rest/extra recovery. Hope you feel better this week!
kookyrunner says
Oh no! So sorry that you had to cancel your travel plans due to the impending hurricane π I’m still hoping that it will not be as bad as they are saying.
Coco says
I think work layoffs like that would have thrown me off all week. Sorry for that surprise after your staycation! I’m sure lower red blood cell counts must impact your energy too — aren’t they responsible for carrying oxygen around? π I think it’s too early to know what Florence will do, but it does look dicey for next weekend. They canceled the DC tri this weekend b/c of the rain and risky conditions but some other races went on.
kookyrunner says
It definitely messed with me all week, heck it’s still messing with me. Although I know it’s just a part of life, it still sucks!
Yup, those cells are responsible for carrying oxygen which explains why some of my runs have felt so hard lately, especially the long runs, lol
I hope that Florence just makes her way out to shore!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I bet that Peloton workout is fun. But I hear it is pretty pricey.
kookyrunner says
The bike is pricey but honestly it really is a great investment, especially if you use the bike several times a week.
Becca | Rabbit Food Runner says
I’ve had plenty of weeks of blah. Post-vacation weeks tend to be that way for me because I don’t have any breaks to look forward to and work usually is stressful. And the end of training cycles. I really hope the hurricane doesn’t derail your race! This is a new week, clean slate, hope it goes better for you
kookyrunner says
That’s true – I don’t really have any long breaks to look forward to for the rest of the year. Hopefully this week goes better!
Cari says
Sorry to hear about your owrk colleagues. Always worrisome when that happens. Hope your department stays safe
Agree re: being not worth dangerous travel. Be safe
And yes, I had the blahs the week before last. I blamed heat, jet lag
kookyrunner says
Thanks Cari. It was definitely not news I wanted to hear but I know that’s it’s just part of corporate life.
Sandra D Laflamme says
I hope you don’t have to take a DNS but running in those kinds of conditions is no fun at all. Fingers crossed for you and everyone that the hurricane isn’t as bad as they say.
kookyrunner says
Me too! Unfortunately the hurricane is currently looking really strong but I’ll have to wait a few days to see what path it takes!
Chaitali says
I feel low energy and kind of blah when it’s that time of month too. Hopefully this week will feel better! I imagine the mental hit about seeing work friends being laid off probably contributed to the blah feeling too π Fingers crossed for decent race weather next weekend!
kookyrunner says
Yes I’m hoping that I feel much better this week!
Hurricane Florence is still looking strong unfortunately π
Chocolaterunsjudy says
Hope Florence stays far away from Philly! I know so many are training for that. I tend to get pretty run down towards the end of a training cycle, and often feel outright sick as we leave for a race, but fine once we get to our destination.
I can tell you this — Hurricanes are really hard to predict. Many years ago I was invited to give a talk at a conference in NOLA (the only time that ever happened to me!). Wouldn’t you know there was a hurricane forecast? This was well before Katrina, btw. It was such a tough decision, but I ended up canceling at the last moment, and of course then the hurricane turned & it wasn’t so bad.
kookyrunner says
Totally agree with you about the weather and the hurricane. Luckily Philly isn’t too far from me and I’m taking Amtrak so I can wait until the day of to make a decision.
Melissa says
Hope your weather stays okay for race day!! We had some heavy rain and wind this weekend, but who knows where the storm is headed next. Hopefully you’re feeling better this week, too! Some weeks are just slow and sluggish and low energy – TOTM or not!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Melissa. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather won’t be an issue but for now i’m just tracking the storm.
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
you seem much more positive this training cycle and you look fantastic. I know you are going to rock it this weekend! I am excited for you
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Deborah. My perspective on running changed this summer so I think that’s why I’m more positive this training cycle!
Jenn says
I’m sorry about all the layoffs. Even if you aren’t directly affected, it can be very poor for morale and I’m sorry for that.
Your training is still on point. I hope that the weather holds for Philly with all the storms coming through.
The last two weeks have been rough emotionally and physically. I am hoping thing start to settle down.
kookyrunner says
Yup, you’re so right about the morale, but I’m just trying to stay positive!
I hope that things get better for you this week.
HoHo Runs says
Maybe the low red blood cell count is helping with the blah feeling too? But very impressively, you still got in a lot of activity! I wouldn’t feel too bad your week. I haven’t thought about Florence affecting the Philly race. Hopefully she’ll play nice but I’m not sure I’d run in heavy rain either — unless I’d already spent the money on airfare (those re-booking fees are awful!). I see there are several more lined up behind her. π Thanks for linking!
kookyrunner says
I think the low red blood cell count it contributing to the blah feeling as well. I’m hoping that I’ll start feeling a little better after a few weeks of taking the iron supplement.
I’m hoping that Florence plays nice but it looks like she is really going to slam the Carolinas (unfortunately). As far as Philly goes, I’m hoping it won’t be a total washout.
Lauren says
Great job! Philly RNR holds a special place in my heart and I’ve run it a few times so hopefully the weather isn’t too bad this weekend, maybe just a little rainy? Also I’m super jealous of your Peloton-those classes look fun and so convenient!
kookyrunner says
I love RnR Philly. This will be my 3rd time doing it. The city is just so much fun! I’m hoping that it’s just a little rain this weekend.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I’m sorry you came back to news of the layoffs π I was just watching the weather report and the track of Florence and thought of you. I really hope she turns back towards the open water. I wouldn’t blame you at all for taking a DNS if the weather is cray cray – just not worth it. Keeping my fingers for you!
kookyrunner says
It looks like Florence will slam the Carolinas (unfortunately) but I think Philly should be okay. If it’s just a little rain, I can deal with that but I will not run in hurricane type winds and a torrential downpour!
Jessie says
Hoping Florence heads back away from the coast and doesn’t affect your race! We were just in Georgia and people didn’t seem too concerned yet, but that has probably changed.
Sorry to hear about the layoffs at your job, I’ve been there before with my previous employer and its not fun… π
kookyrunner says
It’s looking like Florence will just bring a rain to Philly, and I’m okay with that. I just didn’t want to try running in hurricane like winds!
Agreed – it’s definitely not fun but I’m just keeping my head in the game and focusing on all the projects I need to complete.
De Bolton says
I really hope the weather calms down this weekend for you. I hope your training wasnt in vain. Our gym is transitioning and It’s hard losing your work family. We have a couple people who are awesome leaving us and it is sad.
Really hoping you have a good race this weekend.
kookyrunner says
It’s so sad to see good people go, especially ones that you consider friends π
As of now I’m still planning on going to Philly and praying for semi-decent weather!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
Sorry you’ve been feeling blah. You definitely do a lot of workouts during the week – maybe all that hard work just caught up with you? But I know what you mean about that time of the month…it makes workouts feel so much harder!
Fingers crossed for the hurricane staying away from Philly! I’m not sure how long you’re staying but I wish we could meet up outside of the race – let me know! π
kookyrunner says
I think that may be it. I was doing a lot of double workouts so it may have just caught up to me.
As of now I’m still planning on going to Philly and would love to meet up with you. I’ll contact you!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I think youβre being really smart in thinking ahead about Philly. Like you said, some rain is one thing, but tying to run through a downpour with high winds isnβt worth the health and safety risk. As the weekend gets closer I have no doubt that youβll make the right decision.