I took things easy (for me) this week. We all need cut back weeks in our routines and since I don’t follow any sort of training plan, I just let the cut backs occur naturally.
It just so happens, naturally meant Thanksgiving week.
Funny how most of America was busy intensifying their workouts to burn off their turkey, casseroles and pies.
I just can’t plan for that and I don’t think that anyone really should eat with the intention of being able to burn it off later. What if your body doesn’t feel like cooperating, doesn’t feel like running an extra bunch of miles even though your brain says you have to?
That’s what I always think to myself when I hear that.
It’s not that I didn’t run. I did. I just felt the need to go a little lighter with things.
Nothing hurt or bothered me but something inside was saying to take it down a notch for a few days.
So, this week saw a reduction in miles at the beginning of the week, fewer barre routines, I skipped most core work and didn’t stretch all that much either.
*Monday*
Rest Day
*Tuesday*
Pure Barre DVD and 5 miles
*Wednesday*
In The Gym (elliptical & 3.1 treadmill miles)
I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got to the gym.
I didn’t think that I felt like running so I started on the elliptical. When I hit 20 minutes, I hopped off and stepped on the treadmill figuring that maybe I would run a quick mile and then go back to the elliptical to finish things up.
But….
This was my first treadmill run with my Hoka sneakers. Within one step I just could not get over how light and comfy they felt on the belt!
I knew they were a light shoe, I have been running outdoors with them for a while now but on the treadmill? Wow.
Don’t get any ideas here- they are not replacing my favorite Energy Boosts as my main shoe.
I am just thrilled to have two pairs of great running shoes that I really like so that I can rotate every day and be happy.
I ended up running 3.1 miles (speed between 7.0 – 8.1).
I need to remember that the treadmill can be lovely.
As often as my first instinct is to say I hate it, the treadmill can sometimes feel easier on the body to the point where I may, just may, attempt to switch up my runs from outside ALL of the time to inside SOME of the time.
*Thursday*
7.25 miles
Nothing crazy here, I just went with the flow which saw my pace jump around between 9:00 – 9:30 min/miles.
*Friday*
Pure Barre DVD & 7 easy miles
I was on the phone for the entire run. I never even looked at my pace but I will assume easy.
*Saturday*
13 miles
This run was nothing to speak of other than to say I love my Lulu Fluff Over Mittens because they keep my hands from knowing it might be cold outside.
*Sunday*
I haven’t completely decided just yet but I think it may be another rest day. I would say I would go for a walk or something but I hate walking.
Walking would just turns into running because I never feel like I am getting anywhere when I walk, especially if I walk the path that I normally run.
Wait, does ice skating count as a workout? I think my son and I are going ice skating later today.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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How often do you take cut back weeks in your routine?
Best thing you ate so far this weekend?
Do you have a favorite sneaker for treadmill runs?
A holiday week is the perfect time for a cutback in exercise in my opinion. Mentally, when I’m around family and focusing on non-workout stuff I just don’t have the desire to run a lot of miles! I’d rather be doing other things honestly. And I agree that I think it’s ridiculous to say you’ll burn off whatever you eat. I don’t think people even realize what they’re saying with that.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Recovery Update and Plans
Amen!! I cannot stand how people will overdo their workouts the following day just to burn off a few extra calories. I mean gosh it’s one day for crying out loud. Why can’t the whole world just enjoy it without feeling guilty?!!
Glad we think alike on this!
I’ve been so curious about Hokas. Fascinated by the concept. I run roads and treadmills with the same shoe. Something to think about.
I really like them. My first run I will admit my feet were confused and said no but the second time, I really enjoyed their cushioning and the fact that they are really light. I normally run with one shoe since it is had to find what I love but I do like rotating. I have also learned that many shoes work better for the treadmill vs. outdoors, including my Energy Boosts. I like them for both but have read many reviews which say that people love them for the treadmill moreso than outdoors.
I had a drastic cut-back week…of zero miles! Well unless you count last Sunday’s 26 miles:) Its been a really long time since I took a full week off of running and a REALLY long time since I went so long with no cardio. But I think my body definitely appreciated it! And I still ate all the food I wanted:) I never like running on the treadmilll but sometimes its just an easier option.
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…Philadelphia Marathon 2014 Recap
I always think that I don’t like running on the treadmill but I learned last year that I do. I just have to remember it lol.
killer shoes btw!
Sooo you’re light weeks put my tough weeks to shame. Ha. I actually went running again this past week because taking time off work means I suddenly have an opening in my schedule. It felt good, but I think I need to swap sneakers. I’ve had this pair for 6 months, so it’s probably time.
I hope you had a blast ice skating.
When the sneakers have reached their limit, the runs are kinda terrible. Mine reached their end the other day, I can’t take another step in them. It’s the weirdest thing too because it can happen overnight. I knew the end was near but then suddenly, they were just done and running became not comfortable at all.