Any Running is Better Than No Running!

Hello once again!  Boy, Sunday rolls around fast some weeks, doesn’t it?  Last week I was battling a nagging shin pain, and took some time off running.  The goal for this week was to get back to it ASAP.  As always I’m linking up with the amazing Kim and Deborah for the Weekly Rundown.  Let’s just see how the week went… Sunday I started off with a 10 minute core class and then a 20 minute glutes and legs strength class- all classes were on Peloton as usual!  Then…a 40 minute pool run. Yes, I’m super lucky to have a pool!  But… I haven’t found anything that keeps me in shape for running other than actual running.  On land.  I was hoping this would be my last pool run. Monday It was my usual Yoga Monday!  First a 5 minute core class and then a 30 minute yoga flow. Tuesday My shin had improved from a constant ache to an occasional twinge, but I decided to give it one more day off.  I did a 10 minute core class, and then two classes with Matty Maggiacomo- a 20 minute glutes and legs class and a 20 minute arms and shoulders class.  The arms class had a finisher that Matty said would make me curse his name and “reconsider the nature of our relationship.”  Ouch! After work I did a 20 minute yoga flow. Wednesday Running!  It was the day that was either going to be the best day or the worst day ever- if my shin felt good, I would be elated, and if it hurt I would be devastated.  I was nervous, obviously. I walked for one mile and ran for one mile.  Success!  For the most part.  I felt a couple twinges but overall it was okay.  I followed this short run with a short 5 minute core class. Later in the day I did a 30 minute yoga flow.  Hey- I’m on a yoga roll this week! Thursday I remember hearing somewhere that when you’re coming back from an injury, pay close attention to how you feel the day after you run- if the area hurts when you get out of bed, then the muscles/tendons weren’t ready for the run.  I stepped down with great trepidation… and my shin felt perfect!  Victory!!! I did a 10 minute core class, a 10 minute chest and back class with Matty, and one of his 30 minute glutes and legs classes.  After work I did a quick yoga flow- I couldn’t break my streak! Friday I started with a 10 minute barre class.  I picked one that was all standing, which was a great warmup for running.  The Peloton barre classes are a super effective glute activation, and because it was standing I felt like it warmed up my lower legs and feet as well. Then, a 2 mile run!!!  You can see I’m proceeding with great caution.  I can’t say that my shin was 100% pain-free… but let’s say 98%. Later in the day, a 20 minute yoga flow! Saturday This was the first time I did a Peloton strength warmup class- I did a 5 minute upper body warmup before doing one of Matty’s 20 minute arms and shoulders class.  It was nice to have a little extra warmup first thing in the morning.  I also did a 5 minute core class. Later in the day I did a 20 minute glutes and legs strength class and… oh darn- I broke my yoga streak.  C’est la vie! Sunday On tap for today- a run!!!  Probably 3 miles, but if everything feels good I might go a little farther… just a little.  And yoga- must do yoga. The two short runs I did this week left me cautiously optimistic, and I’m happy with my ramped-up strength training.  I figure no matter what happens, I won’t regret getting stronger! If you do Peloton, do you like to stick with the same instructors or mix it up? – I mixed up the core classes a little this week, but I’m loving Matty for strength and Denis for yoga these days (well, I’ve loved Denis for a while now!) What’s your favorite cross-training? – I can’t really use the word “favorite”… but if I have to, I’ll get in the pool.