Week 2 half marathon training went like this:
Total mileage: 21.6
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Race Pace intervals 5 miles
Wednesday: 4 miles easy
Thursday: Running Drills, strength
Friday: Hill repeats 5.4 miles. The icy roads didn’t do me any favors, but I didn’t break a hip either, so win!
Saturday: Heavy weights. Let the picture show, your could shoot a cannon through the gym and not hit a soul. Resolutioners where are you?
Sunday: 6.2 icy miles easy
Overall I’d call my workout week a success (although the heavy weight session left much to be desired–I’m not in this to become a power lifter so it’s all good). Since the polar vortex finally lifted, I got outside for the first time this year, although to be fair the conditions were still pretty icy and Friday’s hill repeats were a joke. Although I chose the clearest possible route, Sunday’s run still had more walking due to icy patches than I would’ve liked. The biggest surprise this week was Thursday’s drills. Holy sore calves Batman. I’m sure the hill repeats the following day only fueled the fire but my poor calves (the upper part almost behind the knee) were still hurting yesterday. Moooo!
Speaking of pain, it was a painful, emotional weekend for me. No, not because of the skating results, how could I be sad about my home girl Gracie taking the gold? Let’s just say the family stuff I’ve been alluding to reared it’s ugly head and I finally came to a turning point where I’m grieving a loss. Not of a person, but of a relationship as I knew it. Without dragging out the laundry that I’m sure will bore you to tears, I am a child of an firey, contentious divorce, that still smolders today. Sadly not uncommon I suspect, but one that, for better or worse, shaped me and my five siblings. I spent the past 40+ years in a peacemaker role, and after half a lifetime, I’ve finally (finally!) realized that it is not my peace to make. In some ways it has made me stronger and more independent, but I know I keep stuff bottled inside and some pretty tough barriers up too. My runs lately have been a great therapy couch. I am guilty as charged of being drawn toward physical strength when I am not feeling that way mentally. Alright, sorry to take the blog off the running path and into a dark, uncharted ditch right out of the gate on a Monday. But as we all know, life is complex and almost never what it appears to be on the surface.
Do you use running as your therapy couch?
Yes running is therapy!
And I am in a similar situation and am dealing with much more family drama yuck than I bring up in my blog. So I understand. And it SUCKS. When I can run, each step is like an eraser taking away some of the yucky stuff. I’m glad you have running to help you work through whatever you are going through right now.
Yes, it sucks for sure. Hugs to you, Lisa!
I’m sorry you had to go down such a long, emotional path. I hope that your decision this weekend leads to peace for you. And absolutely, running serves as therapy for me, quite often. One of the reasons, of course, that it’s tough to be injured!
No doubt running serves as great therapy for me. I’m sorry for the family drama – I hope coming out of this weekend you find some peace.
Gosh, I think we all have family drama at some point – we had to sever some family ties a couple of years ago – too darned toxic to us to continue. Sad but true.
I am glad that running helps you sort things out and clears the head. Hurray for endorphins!
Don’t apologize! It’s your blog to talk about what you want. And I bet a lot of people can relate. A friend and I talk often of how we kind of have to abandon some family relationships. Just not put in them what we used to, and let them be, because it’s too much stress and we’re not getting what we’re putting in. That is different than your peacemaker role, but same bottom line – do what is best for you! Hugs!
Dear gawd, don’t you dare break a hip!! Breaking a stanky sweat will be just fine, thank you.
I definitely use running as my therapy time. And sometimes it can be so hard to let relationships go even when you know you need to.
I’m sorry that things are a bit tough emotionally at the moment. Running is such a great release in times like this – used it myself many times.
Glad you have your running therapy!!!
I know it is hard to end a relationship (especially with a family member) – I had to do the same with my mom a number of years ago. Some days the guilt from that decision overwhelms me but then I remember all the rest and know it was the only solution. Hugs to you!!!
Take care of yourself. Yes, I use running and all for therapy. Talk about whatever YOU want on your blog. Your friends will listen.
Sorry you are having a hard time emotionally. Peacemaker is not a fun role and rarely is successful since most people are so set in their ways:( I hope you are feeling better. Running is great therapy and better than pretty much any other option of coping.
All the time. Actually, I started running 20+ years ago to chase away some inner demons. They still taunt me at times, and I always go back to the run, to keep my head in the right place. Life is hard. I’m glad you have your outlets, the blog and the road.
HUGE HUGS!!! I have lots of crap I don’t reveal on the blog & the gym is my therapy.. I so get it!!!
WHAT the heck are you talking about?!?!? Omgosh, we need another massive texting session. Let me know what’s up.
Lots of good stuff on the plate last week…getting stronger you are!
Much love!!
I LOVE JUSTINS!
Also, straight from the jar.
There’s nothing better!
Aww, I’m sorry about your emotionally draining days!! I hope that you are feeling better, and it is perfectly fine to use running as your therapy! I do it too!