This was a great running week!

I know I run lots of miles all of the time but there was just something about this week that kept me smiling.

A couple of speedy runs, an easy run and a long run which all left me with that amazing little feeling which flows from the head down to the toes that screams – running is just awesome.

The timing could not have been better too. We leave for Disney World tomorrow (tomorrow!) so I don’t plan on running for a few days.

Our hotel has a beautiful gym and an even more beautiful outdoor path around the grounds but I am not exactly factoring in a run at any point.

I am only packing one set of workout clothes so should a 30-minute window arise and interest me, maybe I will take it up but not likely.

Speaking of packing, I really need to get on that.

It’s hard to pack when you decide you hate all of your clothes.

I have been going through my drawers deciding that I no longer like anything which has turned into me donating most of my wardrobe and then trying to go shopping in the holiday madness in search of some new things where I found nothing but a cup of coffee.

The bright side to deciding you need a new wardrobe the day before your trip during the busiest shopping time of the year is that the stores are open early and the sales are extreme.

If you are looking for me this morning, I will be in a mall again.

*Monday*

7.25 Miles

I kept steady at an 8:17 min/mile pace for the duration of the run and really didn’t feel as though I was making much effort.

I could have kept going but it was time for me to stop.

*Tuesday*

Pure Barre DVD & 6.25 Miles

Allow me to coin the term, “Plank Pathetic”.

I still can’t do the planks in this Pure Barre series without dropping to my knees within a matter of seconds AND the fact that planks are considered a warm up makes me question my sanity sometimes.

I removed the yoga block from between my legs to make it easier but that didn’t help. It probably made it worse.

The whole lifting and lower of each leg and bending each knee while in the forearm plank position and then the straight-arm position all within the first few minutes of the routine is just, yeah…I can’t.

And if that’s not pathetic enough for you, I can’t master the side plank variation AT ALL.

I can’t even describe the side plank positioning to you but it’s like a game of Twister and I am missing the big colored dots or something.

Uh huh. I told you. Plank pathetic. My run was great though! Two fabulous runs in a row.

*Wednesday*

7.2 Miles & Gigabody Barre Stretching

I am riding an endorphin high this week with three runs in a row that keep me smiling.

*Thursday*

Pure Barre DVD & 5.25 Easy Miles

Don’t ask me about the planks. They are still there.

*Friday*

Gigabody Balance & Strength Videos (both short) & 40 minutes Elliptical

My blurry view from the elliptical. I had the gym to myself. I guess everyone was on vacation.

*Saturday*

15 Miles

My first two miles were at an 8:34 pace. That would have been lovely had I not developed a sudden shin splint feeling in my lower left leg into the top of my left foot.

I slowed down to alleviate the feeling, relying on my personal experience of working all kinks out in the first few miles knowing I would feel fine once I reached my sweet spot of middle miles (usually somewhere in miles 5, 6, 7 and 8).

I never get that splinty feeling though and I really don’t know why it happened but as I felt it, I just went a little slower and thought about the toe cramp I had during the Runner’s World Half at mile two.

I remembered slowing down a bit even though it was a race and telling myself it would work itself out. And it did.

By mile four yesterday , the splint feeling was gone and I easily brought my pace back down under 9:00 min/mile.

I was so happy. Not just because I felt great but because I worked through a tough moment and got through that moment really based upon my own experiences.

Running requires some mental toughness and sometimes that toughness can only stem from lots of up and down running and racing experiences.

At the ten-mile mark, I made the decision to run five more miles to make it 15 total.

I never really know what my long runs will be. In my head, I know I am going ten and then when I reach ten, I make a decision of how many more. I felt pretty good at the 15 mile mark but went home after a short cool down as to not overdo it.

*Sunday*

Pure Barre DVD & A Few Miles

I want to get in a Pure Barre workout and probably a few easy miles before leaving tomorrow morning.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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Anyone else hate their wardrobe and feel like they have “nothing” to wear right now?

How was your running week?

Is today a rest day or a run day?