Another week of training is in the books which means another week closer to the beginning of half marathon craziness. I’m running three half marathons in a one month period and while I know my body will be ready for a break come November 8th, I couldn’t be more excited!
The fact that my body is healthy and has responded well to training provides me with the energy and motivation needed to focus these next few weeks. I know that this is the time to be smart and not dabble in too many extra-curricular workout classes which could leave my legs and body tired for race day. For the sake of my legs, I’ve made a commitment to myself and Jess that last week was the last week of saying yes to all the workouts for the sake of being social. Even though cross training is important, too much is not a good idea.
Based on my training schedule, most of my October ClassPass workouts will be either running or yoga classes though I can include a few Bar Method classes in there for cross training; as long as that is what the plan calls for that day. The HIIT classes will have to make a return to my schedule come November. I can’t wait to return to Brooklyn Body Burn as well as try Exceed, BFX and ShadowBox!
Last week’s workout schedule
Monday: I joined a few of NYC blogger friends for an evening Barre3 class. While it was a fun friend date and good workout, I’m not sure I’d do Barre3 again. I didn’t love the class format as I felt that it was very leg focused, whereas most barre classes I’ve taken balance the movements and engage the entire body equally. There also wasn’t as much stretching and lengthening which I’ve come to enjoy in Bar Method classes.
Tuesday: Thanks to ClassPass, I discovered that there is a great yoga studio just two blocks from our apartment. I really enjoyed the early morning open level yoga class at Area Yoga. The teacher opened all the windows, allowing the fall breeze to keep us cool and treated each student to a lavender neck rub during savasana! Later that night I headed down to Brooklyn Bridge Park for an easy, five mile run enjoyed while listening to Another Mother Runner podcasts.
Wednesday: I listened to my body and slept in well past my typical 5:15 wake-up. Ten hours of sleep was exactly what my body needed as I felt fresh and strong when I did my speed work that night. I looked like a crazy person doing the 8 x 400 repeats up and down my block but hey, keeping it close to home made things really easy. I headed over to Bend and Bloom Yoga during my cool down run, looking forward to taking a yoga class from Christine, one of my favorite bloggers. I didn’t realize that it was an Open+ class, meaning a more advanced version of their open class. I muttered a few expletives during the billion standing splits but by the end my body felt like a loose, melted noodle and was very thankful for another day of yoga.
Thursday: Even though their morning classes typically book the fastest, last week’s 6 AM Bar Method class only had four people! The small class allowed the teacher to adjust us constantly and focus on our form. In case you can’t guess, the result meant more butt burning and ab screaming fun. The last thing I wanted to do that night was head to into the city for New Balance Girl’s Night Out workout but I knew that I was meeting Zoe and Sashea there for the workout. I’m proud of myself for playing it smart and not pushing myself too hard and instead doing many of the modifications.
Friday: I’ve come to embrace REST days, making sure to make the most out of each one. This week I treated myself to ten hours of sleep, a longer than normal shower and a 30 minute massage at a small Asian body works place down the block. While it looks a bit sketchy on the outside, the Yelp reviews and multiple recommendations from friends is enough to keep me going back to enjoy their inexpensive massages.
Saturday: After a day of pumpkin shopping, gardening and housework, Bo and I headed out for an easy 3 mile shake out run late Saturday afternoon, focusing more on our conversation than our pace. Neither of us tracked the pace and instead focused on making sure we were running a relaxed pace.
Sunday: I had the opportunity to run one of my favorite races; the Bronx 10 mile race, after three years away. I’ve already penciled this race on my race calendar for next year. If you’re a NYC local, I can’t recommend it enough. If the distance is what worries you, embrace it and either download a new book or podcast on your iPhone to help the subway ride pass more quickly or make a day of it enjoying brunch up there before heading home.
Your turn: In preparation for the upcoming half marathons, I need to build a new playlist. What is your favorite song right now!?
Seems like you are being very sensible with your training. Good luck with the upcoming races x
I hear ya, I just want to do all the cross training with a long run sprinkled here and there….
Ellie Goulding’s On My Mind and Macklemore Downtown are my two recent fave running songs! Good luck with your training, Ashley!
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