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Becoming a Runner: Week 5 Update

Week 5 was another set-back slow week for my running—I only ran 3 days last week.  I started the week off strong, but between the bitter cold weather that moved back in, the freezing rain and snow that decided to show up on Friday evening, and a too-long workday on Saturday (12 hours on your feet takes a lot out of you), I simply couldn’t find my get-up-and-go by the week’s end.

Here’s what I did for Week 5 (January 18 – January 24):

Day 29 (1.18.15): 1 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 2 mile jog <<Make up from Original Day 21, Supposed to do a 3 mile jog>>
Day 30 (1.19.15): 2 mile jog <<Make up from Day 22, Supposed to do a 3 mile jog>>
Day 31 (1.20.15): Rest <<Supposed to be completed>>
Day 32 (1.21.15): 1 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 mile jog, ¼ mile walk, 1 mile jog <<Make up from Original Day 23, Supposed to be completed>>
Day 33 (1.22.15): Rest <<Supposed to be completed>>
Day 34 (1.23.15): Rest <<Supposed to be completed>>
Day 35 (1.24.15): Rest <<Supposed to be completed>>

At the end of week 5, I’m now 5 runs away from finishing my challenge.  My goal at the end of week 4, was to have the challenge completed in 38 days, and to be able to tell you in this post that I did it.  Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way, so it’s time for a new goal!  My goal going into week 6, is to complete my challenge by Saturday, January 31.  That means I’ll have 6 days to finish my 5 runs.  With the current weather forecast for Louisville, that’s going to take some major dedication (and lots of clothing layers), but I’m determined to do it! 
Here are my notes from Week 5:

Day 29 :  Today’s run felt great!  The sun was shining and the temperature was perfect, which really makes a difference in my attitude. I tried out a new route, and the change of scenery was definitely refreshing!  My muscles felt strong, and my knees and ankles didn’t ache like they have been.   My breathing was consistent, and I never felt like it was a struggle to run. 

Day 30:  Today’s run was short and sweet!  Running in the warmer weather is so much easier!  My knees and ankles ached a bit today—I’m going to work on stretching longer after my runs to see if that helps.

Day 31:  Rest

Day 32:  This was my longest distance so far!  It was 45 degrees outside, which was perfect, and the run when by much faster than I expected.  I usually don’t like the walking breaks, but today I did.  I think I pushed myself harder during the running stretches, so the breaks were nice!

Day 33: Rest

Day 34: Rest (Freezing rain and snow were a no-go for me!)

Day 35: Rest

Week 5 definitely lacked some motivation.  My energy level felt much lower this week, which makes it difficult to push myself to go run after a 10+ hour workday.  I was thinking about factors that may have affected my energy levels, and I think my diet is a major contributor.  I always try to follow a healthy diet, and make good food choices, but sometimes it difficult when you’re always on-the-go.  I’m definitely going to look into some good energy-boosting snack and meal ideas for busy (running) moms!

What do you do to help keep your energy up throughout the day? What are some good on-the-go snack and meal ideas that you’ve tried?

Until next time…

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