Welcome to the weekly rundown! I’ve been joining the weekly rundown, graciously hosted by Kim and Deborah for over a year now, and this week I’m making a little change. I usually start the week on Monday and end on Sunday, with my longest run of the week. But it really wasn’t working to get that run in, finish the blog post and then publish. I felt like I was in a hurry to get it done, and who wants to feel like that on a Sunday?
So I’m going Sunday to Saturday instead- it feels weird to start with a Sunday, but here it goes!
Sunday
I already reported briefly (because I was in a hurry!) that I ran seven miles last Sunday. What I didn’t mention- but elaborated on in this post, was that all of my runs felt hard last week, and my heart rate was unusually elevated during all of them, but especially Sunday’s. I decided to take a rest day, so…
Monday
I did NO EXERCISE AT ALL on this day! It’s been a long time since I took a complete rest day, and it felt good. I got to sleep an hour later and also took a nap.
Tuesday
I had every intention of running this day, but when I got up I just didn’t feel like it. I know- that was weird. I did do a 20 minute Peloton yoga flow in the morning and the first class of Peloton Crush Your Core 2, week 2.
A quick word about this core program- I know some people (oh, hi there Kim!) think it’s too easy. Yes, it’s not the most difficult core class I’ve ever taken (that honor goes to the Jane Fonda Advanced Workout, abs section- we didn’t use fancy words like “core” back in the 90s.) But I like it- the classes are either five or ten minutes, so you can easily add it onto whatever else you’re doing. And although I’ve done plenty of core work, I wasn’t doing any specific core classes before I started this one. I think the problem may be in the title- “Crush” you core makes it sound a little more badass than it actually is. If it were called “Ease Your Way Into a Core Program” it might be better. I’ll definitely finish the four weeks of this program, and then go on to do other Peloton core classes.
Wednesday
Today I definitely wanted to run, so I did a slow and easy three miles. It felt okay, and when I checked my heart rate afterwards it was a little high. My norm is around 130 for an easy run, and on Sunday it was 165 (eek!). Today’s run was 144 so I figured I’m slowly getting back to normal.
Later in the day I did the second core class, and lower body strength. I just wasn’t in the mood for Jess Sims’s perkiness, so I did my own thing. I will say that I basically copied one of her classes though and did single leg deadlifts, single leg bridges, and a lunge sequence where you lunge forward onto your right leg, then immediately bring the right leg behind you for a backwards lunge without touching the floor in the middle- so you’re balanced on the left leg in the transition. Single leg work and balance, my two favorite things!
Thursday
I started the day with a 30 minute yoga flow and then worked on my pull-ups. I feel like I’m making progress, but am probably still miles away from doing an actual unassisted pull-up. That’s okay! I’m getting stronger.
Friday
By this time I had figured out that I’m probably dehydrated (sigh) due to digestive issues (sigh!) which I’ve been having ever since I had Covid (SIGH!) I had been guzzling extra water and doubled up on my LMNT, so I started off for a three mile run cautiously optimistic.
You know how you can tell right away if it’s going to be a good run? Well, I could tell. I felt better, and after a mile and a half I stopped my watch to check my heart rate, and sure enough it was 130. Note- I don’t usually obsess over my heart rate like this, only when I feel like something is off. Anyway, I felt so good that I played around with the pace a little for the second half of my run. I was listening to this episode of Rogue Running podcast, and Chris gave the best explanation of a tempo run that I’ve ever heard. He explained what it is, why it’s beneficial, how to find your pace, what it should feel like… I HIGHLY recommend this episode if you have any interest in tempo runs.
I can’t say I did a tempo run, but I tried out different paces and paid attention to my effort level- could I keep up this pace for an hour? Does this feel like half marathon pace? One rule of thumb is that a tempo pace should be around your half marathon pace (although it can vary) but since my last half marathon was three years ago when I was in much better shape, that doesn’t help me much. Anyway, it was fun to briefly experiment with different paces while I felt good for a change. Later in the day I did core class #3.
Saturday
Started the day with fourth and final core class for the week, and then did another lower body workout on my own similar to Wednesday. I’ll go back to Jess’s classes… just not this week.
Later in the day I did a twenty minute yoga flow with a focus on twists. All yoga this week (and every week) was with Denis Morton… love his classes.
On tap for Sunday…
It’s like a cliff-hanger! Will I do a long run? Hopefully, the answer is yes. I’ve had my nightcap of LMNT and I’m going to get out there and give it my best try.
So that was more of a laid-back week. At first it felt good, but as the week went on I got tired of taking it easy- I’d like to get back to feeling like my old self. Onward!
Have you done the Peloton Crush Your Core programs? What do you think of them?
Does anyone else remember those old Jane Fonda workouts? – I had the very first one on an LP.
32 Responses
I switched my weekly rundown calendar too when they opened up the linkup early. It’s better for me–I can finish the post on Saturday. I’m glad that a few days of rest helped you. I’ve had several friends struggle with running after Covid. It sounds like time off and easing back in works well. I hope you feel better soon!
PS I hate any and all core work, so I’m sure that class would feel hard to me!!
Wendy, I doubt that- the strength work you do is so hard, I’m sure your core is strong.
I really thought I was free and clear of Covid complications, and now this. Sigh!
I am glad to read you are feeling better this week. I also have to stay on top of hydration. I did do the core program and I agree, they are not the hardest classes on the platform but they are great for establishing a routine and reinforcing the basics. Hope you continue to feel good this week!
Yes, I’m really glad I’m doing this program. I’ll definitely continue with core classes when it’s over.
So glad you are feeling better. It’s funny, I like my “life” calendar to go Sunday – Saturday (like most printed calendars) but I plan my workouts Mon – Sun, Seeing the Garmin calendar laid out that way always confuses me.
I did Emma’s first core program when I first joined Peloton, and it got me into the daily routine. I am doing her new one now to focus on form — especially for those darn hollow holds.
Ha ha, yes- in one of the classes she said something like “5-10 minutes is no big deal until you get to the hollow holds!”
We have a disagreement in our family because I feel like the week goes Mon-Sun, but my daughter insists the week starts on Sunday. To each his own, I guess.
Ha ha ha…. I agree, “Ease Your Way…” would be a more suitable name for the Crush classes. But, I agree that they are a great way to establish a consistent core routine. At least the second series has a few more challenging moves & holds.
Yes, I do have to say those hollow holds can be pretty painful at the end of the workout!
I never did the Jane Fonda workouts, but I do have an “8 min abs” workout which is from the 90’s I think (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWjTnBmCHTY). It is my go to workout!! If I haven’t done it for awhile I am in pain for days afterwards, so I know it’s a good one 🙂 And the hair and clothes are just so cheesy. A classic!!! A persons heart rate is such an interesting thing. Apparently I have the heart of a gerbil because my average HR for my easy run is around 150 (starting out) and when I do speed work or race it’s not uncommon for me to hit 191. Some people think this sounds like heart attack territory, but it’s normal for me! Glad you are getting back into your groove and also got some needed rest this week.
Wow, that’s interesting- your HR is HIGH! But, like you said it’s normal for you. 8 minute abs sounds familiar, although I don’t think I ever did that one. It’s probably very similar to the Jane Fonda workouts- same era, so same style, probably.
Yes, I definitely remember Jane Fonda. And Kathy Smith, and Cher (yup, she had some workout videos and I had them).
Glad you are feeling better but boo to those continued digestive issues! It’s always something, right? Hopefully that resolves soon.
I don’t obsess over my HR, but I do like to keep an eye on it. It’s good info!
Really? Cher had workout videos? I’d like to see that! Yes, it’s always something. At this point i’m just managing each situation as it comes up.
It sounds like you made a smart decision to do a cutback week and that your body reacted well to it. I hope the rest was all you needed and that you heart rate stays in its normal range on future runs.
I did the same thing – switch to a Sunday to Saturday recap so I could include all of Sunday’s workouts since sometimes it includes a late afternoon walk or an all morning long bike rides.
Yes, I think the rest definitely helped. I’m still working hard at staying hydrated, which suddenly seems like a big chore. Sigh!
I’m glad you’re feeling better – hopefully the extra rest will do the trick.
I had to chuckle at the Jane Fonda reference – I remember those “ab” workouts 🙂 I did the first Crush Your Core series and agree that they’re great for getting you into a core workout routine.
Yes, I’m planning on continuing with a core program once this one is done. I still think if I went back to those old Jane Fonda workouts I would be dying- they were HARD!
I found Crush Your Core 2 to be a good refresher. Not too hard but not too easy either. I did enjoy the short, doable length! My tempo pace (when I cared about such a thing) was 10k race pace +30 seconds. For me that’s 15 seconds faster than half marathon pace. It’s a pace I can sustain (not easily but if I had to) for an hour.
Glad you had a good run!
Yes, that sounds like the correct tempo pace. It’s hard for me right now because I have no idea what my half marathon or 10k race pace is. But a fast-ish pace you can maintain for an hour is right.
Glad things are improving healthwise. I know I really struggled on my runs the other week when I had digestive issues all week and also ended up dehydrated, I’m sure. Well done!
Sounds like we had a similar issue! I never used to worry about getting dehydrated, but now I realize how crucial it is.
I enjoyed the core challenge for the same reason you seem to! It started me on a daily routine, where even on long runs days (like yesterday’s 18 miler) where I’m pretty tired after, I still convince myself to do 10 minutes of core. I really hope it makes a difference in preventing injury, since so many running injuries are about a weak core (and/or glutes). I like Emma as an instructor too- plus it doesn’t hurt that she has very aspirational abs, ha!
I’m sorry you are still struggling post-Covid. Its wild how it affects everyone so differently.
Yes, even a 5-10 minute class seems to make a difference. And it’s not hard to convince yourself to do it, since it’s so short. I’m also hoping it’ll help prevent injuries!
So…did you do a long run?
Glad the HR seemed better as time went on and hopefully the right fluids continue to help you move things in the right direction.
I did a long-ish run! I felt good, but decided to keep it as a cut-back week. Next week I plan to increase the distance.
I already switched to Sunday to Sunday. I always posted before Sunday was over so it made sense.
You are inspiring with all your core work.
Glad to hear about your HR. Now you need to get your digestive issues under control
Yes, next up digestion! I’m going to put more effort into it, rather than just waiting for the problem to resolve itself.
Remember my core classes are all very short! 5-10 minutes is totally doable.
My husband has a pull-up bar set up in our spare bedrooms. I’ve always ignored it, but you’re giving me some inspiration. I can not do a pull-up (I think that should go without saying). How should I get started? Is this something I should be doing every day?
Yes! First off, you definitely won’t be able to do a pull-up to start with. I would suggest goggling it- pull-ups for beginners or how to get started on pull-ups- something like that. In my post “avoiding the pelo-trap” I have a link to a video- it’s “pull-ups for runners,” but actually it’s for anyone who wants to get started with pull-ups. It’ll give you some preliminary exercises to get started.
A complete rest day sounds great! i actually did that yesterday (just did a few stretches) in hopes it would help make this week’s workouts feel better.
Yes, maybe a complete rest day was just what you needed- I’ll be interested to hear how it worked out for you.
I feel this so deep in my soul. Ugh.
I’m sorry everything is so hard lately. It’s so frustrating to have to take a step back, even when it’s the right thing to do. Hugs.
Thank you Jenn! Life just seems to go in “hard” cycles sometimes, right?