Here we are at the end of the month and I only now feel like I'm getting into a groove with my running. Since I'm not going all out for this training cycle (you can read about that HERE), I decided to work my running around my life instead of work my life around my running. That pretty much means I haven't designated certain days for training and certain days for rest. I'm basing it off of the weather and what other tasks I have planned for the day.
So I guess that means that if the weather's nice I'll go run or if I feel like coming home and spending the afternoon with Baylee, I'll do that too. I'm not training for the Olympics here and I'm not gonna win any prize money so it doesn't really matter. I know that sounds completely lazy, but I don't want running to over take my life this year. I have too many other things in my life that I want to dedicate time to as well.
After several days of sunny skies, we finally got some grey ones here this week.
It was a bit hazy for my run on Sunday but it was warm so I didn't care. My Garmin recorded the humidity at 93 percent! I was debating on doing 5 or 6 miles. I decided on 6 but my Garmin could only hold out till 5.65 miles before it died (my fault for not making sure it was fully charged). When I got home a had a REALLY good foam rolling and stretch session! I haven't done that in a long time.
Monday was a clerical day at work before the new semester started. We had no students so I got out early. I would have run except for it was raining. I know rain hasn't stopped me before but this was a colder rain. Instead, I picked up Baylee and we went for treats.
On Tuesday I had a work delay due to the sleet and then spent the rest of the evening on the phone with iFit about my iFit module for my bike and treadmill. I have called this company several times and I will tell you that once I get a customer service person they are SO helpful but the process of actually getting a person is awful. I am on hold for no less than 30 minutes each time. I've actually put my phone on speaker phone, got in the shower, got out and was still on hold!
Wednesday the skies were blue again and the sun was out. I only did 3 miles because I was annoyed with my Garmin. I mentioned in my Running Through a Horror Film post that my band was getting ready to fall apart. Well right before I left for this run, it did. I made do by taping it back together for the run.
I was annoyed because I could not see my mileage time or pace through the tape. I was running just by the sound of the beeps. It ended up I stopped .08 miles short, so I continued to run even after I stopped the Garmin. Luckily my dad has agreed to let me use his Garmin Forerunner until I either get this one fixed or get a new one.
On Saturday I did 8.9 miles through Central Park (on my Nordic Track bike)! I finally started using the iFit program for my bike and treadmill which has the Google maps and I absolutely love it! I can bike and run anywhere in the world. I chose Central Park in NYC for this ride and let me tell you it was tough! I normally can do 10 miles on the bike with no problem but I was ready to be done on this ride by mile 3. Since the bike is iFit compatible, it as able to use real elevation levels of the route that is chosen. I don't know why I waited so many years to start using this program!
And that's my week in a nutshell! Do you have any programs you use for your indoor bike or treadmill? -M
Sounds like quite the week! I'm so impressed by your healthy approach to running (and finding balance). So easy to get obsessive about it to the point where it isn't even fun anymore. I have ifit on my treadmill, but it's really old so there's not really a screen to make it fun. I'm hoping that when I finally get a new one, it's more emersive with a huge screen so I really feel like I'm in these places :)
ReplyDeleteI do have a screen on both of my machines but I connect the ifit to my iPad and that gives me a better screen. If you have a smart tv you can also use that!
DeleteThat's cool that your bike can take you on rides in places like Central Park! I bet that is a fun way to mix things up. We had weird weather last week too. No delays though... boo!
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome. I can't believe I didn't use the ifit years ago!
DeleteThose virtual routes look really good and will certainly help you with knowing where the hard bits are for your half. I've only ever run on a treadmill at the gym and they've not had the capability to show routes.
ReplyDeleteYour approach to your half sounds very healthy, especially if you have lots to fit in this year.
Knowing the routes for my upcoming races was the main reason I started using the ifit! It's fun too!
DeleteThat training approach sounds really good. Especially if you are just trying to enjoy yourself! I don't have any special programs for my bike, but that looks really fun to be able to pretend you are riding through central park!
ReplyDeleteThat ride was actually really tough!
DeleteOh man, you need a new Garmin! I have to say, when I replaced my old clunky 305 with a sleek new 220 model, I was really impressed with how much better it worked. Still, having to spend money when you aren't expecting to isn't fun...
ReplyDeleteI didn't actually buy the first one as it was a gift so I guess I'm due to spend some money on a watch. Still not fun, but I certainly know it will be money well spent as it is one running item I constantly use!
DeleteGreat attitude! When running becomes to much of a chore then it is time to make a change :) Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Thanks MB
DeleteI have my old Garmin Forerunner 10 that I no longer use--the battery was getting quirky. You can have it if you want! PM me if you are interested. I'll send it to you.
ReplyDeleteYou are so generous! I'll be in touch.
DeleteYour paragraph about not training for the Olympics sounds like a piece right out of my thoughts ;-) That is totally my "mantra" for this year....as much as I love running, there are other things (truly) that need my attention and they also bring me satisfaction. #solesisters
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. There are many things in my life that bring me satisfaction besides running and I'd like to spend more time on those things too!
DeleteI have a Polar watch with a broken strap like that. For the life of me I could find nothing anywhere about getting a replacement strap so I ended up buying a whole new watch...and promptly lost it in Vegas. Sigh. Can you tell I'm still sad about it?
ReplyDeleteO man that stinks!
DeleteI am intrigued about this Ifit program for the bike heading over to check it out. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI'll try to do another post about it soon!
DeleteI pretty much took a complete break from running for nearly all of 2015 and it was great. Now I feel pumped to run again. Can you find a replacement band on amazon or something?
ReplyDeleteThis same thing happened to my sisters garmin and they ended up replacing it. I'll have to contact them.
DeleteSo sorry about your garmin! Hope you are able to get it fixed soon. Love the idea behind the Nordic track bike system! That looks so cool!!
ReplyDeleteI always liked the bike because I could ride while watching TV but having the maps integrated in it is really cool too!
DeleteI love the Nordic track idea-I'm thinking about checking out Zwift to make make my trainer rides a bit more entertaining :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun!
DeleteThat iFit computer sounds really cool! I'd love to have that on my Spin bike. I appreciate your approach to scheduling your runs around your life rather than your life around your runs. That's exactly what I've always done and will continue to do. The people in my life are far more important to me than a training schedule. Running is not a career for me, it's just an outlet and something I enjoy doing ..therefore, I will get it in when I can and not at the expense of others. :)
ReplyDeleteThe truth is I like to come home and just do "nothing" some days. Maybe it's just a winter thing?
DeleteThe bikes in my apartment's fitness room have scenes that you can bike through France. It's a good distraction, but I wish they had more options.
ReplyDeleteOn the one I have you can actually plan your own route as well as pick some pre-set ones.
DeleteWhen I first saw your picture of the latte, I thought "What is that, brownies? Cake, cookie crumbles?" that's how you know where my brain is always at.
ReplyDeleteI love your attitude on training! no need to kill ourselves over paces, right!?
They are organic dog treats but are suitable for people to eat. I know someone who tried one before!
DeleteNice job! Ugh, too bad about your Garmin. I wish I had an indoor bike at home...building a home gym is becoming more and more tempting...
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have the equipment but I still go to an actual gym. It makes me more motivated!
DeleteOn the treadmill I make up my own "program" of speed intervals or hill intervals. I haven't tried a built-in program before! That gingerbread latte sounds AMAZING right now!
ReplyDeleteI'm always up for a gingerbread Latte. I wonder how long they'll keep that flavor around?
DeleteFitting your running around the rest of your life makes sense to me! Garmin issues are the worst. Mine is only a year old so I hope it will hold on for a while longer.
ReplyDeleteThe Garmin still works fine, it was just the strap that broke. That makes it such a shame!
DeleteI'm going to look into that iFit program. Are you using it on a stationary bike or a trainer? I do not enjoy my bike trainer AT ALL but maybe something like that would help. Sometimes we need to just run for the fun of it -- as it fits into our lives. I can certainly understand how it can take over. A gingerbread latte would be an ideal treat for a rainy day. Thanks for linking, Meranda!
ReplyDeleteThe ifit program is interchangeable between my stationary bike and my treadmill.
DeleteThere is no pet peeve greater than staying on hold on the phone! I despise it!
ReplyDeleteThat ifit program sounds like it would be neat, can you just pick anywhere to ride?
My gym class has brought back spin classes but they just don't fit my schedule. Another friend suggested I just go and get on a bike and do my own she said to try youtube for virtual classes but this ifit sounds interesting too!
That is so cool that you can ride your indoor bike through Central Park!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny what we runners consider lazy? Non-runners definitely wouldn't consider it lazy. :-) I love your attitude about running this year.