Happy Monday! Today is a special day where we honor Dr. Martin Luther King. He has made such a profound impact on our country in a positive way. If only he could see the ripple effect of his dream and what life is like today.
Just like Dr. King, I too have a dream. My dream of course falls in line with my mission statement… involving faith, family, fitness, food and fun.
Because this is Motivational Monday, I am sharing with you some of my fitness dreams or goals for this week. My intention is that it will help motivate YOU as well as help keep me accountable with my own goals.
I have a dream to stay active and reach my goals.
Last week I scheduled a challenging training plan for myself. I was hesitant if I was going to be able to make the miles, the time, and still be able to walk at the end of the day.
I succeeded!
I even conquered a dreaded 12 mile run on Saturday afternoon. I wasn’t sure how the run would go, since my furthest run to date was only 8 miles. I knew that making that big of a jump on the training plan was risky, but I was going to take it anyway.
I ran at a comfortable pace (averaging around 10:27 min/mile). I ran the whole time, except when I had to stop and wait at stop lights. I felt strong until I hit the wall around mile 8 (wouldn’t you know). I ran out of water. I didn’t bring enough nutrition. I bonked. But I kept moving forward. It wasn’t the prettiest. I am sure my form even suffered. But I kept moving forward. I did not walk. I did not give up. I challenged myself to set out to finish what I started. I completed my 12 mile training run in stride.
Shortly after my run, I was beat. I was hurting. My lower back had an ache, and my right knee was sore. I stretched, massaged, and iced my sore body… and now (Monday morning) I am feeling good as new.
Check out what I accomplished last week on the training plan. It was a lot of running. I think I need to shake things up a bit and add more strength training back into my plan.
Last Week’s Training Plan
Monday: 8.5 miles on the elliptical
Tuesday: Bootcamp
Wednesday: active recovery day – Field Trip to Train Museum
Thursday: easy 5 miles on treadmill
Friday: active recovery day – Field Trip to IKEA
Saturday: 12.13 miles!!
Looking back over the past few weeks training plan, I realize that I have done a lot of cardio. Which is great for training, but not great for my ultimate goal… my dream of losing weight and getting more fit. I need to add more strength to my routine.
Because this week is a somewhat recovery week (from my 12 mile run) as well as preparation for my wisdom teeth extraction on Thursday… I am going to fit in fitness when and where I can.
This Week’s Training Plan
Monday: easy 3 miles + 8 strides & NTC Strength Workout
Tuesday: easy 5 miles + NTC CORE workout
Wednesday: easy 4-6 miles +NTC strength workout
Thursday: Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery!
Friday: rest/recover from surgery
Saturday: rest/recover from surgery
I am going to be pumping water, vitamins, proper nutrition and positive energy. I have a dream and goal in mind, and I need to keep my eye on that goal. If I want to achieve my goal, I need to consistently follow my plan to reach my goal each day. However, if I find that I need to back off and rest, I will. I want to make sure that my body is healthy and ready for the wisdom teeth extraction.
To be completely honest, I am totally nervous about going to sleep to remove 3 of my wisdom teeth. I have never had major surgery like this (besides having 3 babies via c-section – but I was totally awake for that). People have their wisdom teeth taken out all the time. No problems. Yet, I am totally nervous. I do not know what to fully expect.
Chuck Douros says
I’ve had the exact same experience in the same amount of miles. Bonked at 8, walked like a zombie thru 12. Same exact aches, back and right knee. It was my hardest training run to date and frankly, I bit off more than I could chew. But I got thru it and learned, and so it seems you did too. Now I use a hydration belt on the uber long runs and bring Gu and soft fruit. Glad you hung in there! Nice!
Rachel says
I am sorry to hear you had a similar experience. I had water (I carry a Nathan sport bottle) and ONE honey stinger… but I should have pre mapped out a place where I could refill my water bottle half way… and brought more gu/nutrition. Live and learn. 🙂
Alison says
I had all 4 wisdom teeth taken out when I was 18… it went fine. I’m sure it’ll be fine for you as well! 🙂
Runner Dad says
My goal for this week is just to get out the door. A stomach bug bonked me today, and with high temperatures only in the low to mid 20s this week I’m not sure how successful I’m going to be. Hopefully I’ll get out there though!
Jai says
This is inspiring to read. I used to run years and years ago and have been trying to get started again. Keep up the good work!