I don’t know about you, but I’m still feeling the “freshness’ of a new year. I’m trying out a new system- instead of keeping a log of my workouts in one place, and using a different planner for everything else, I’m keeping it all in one planner. The new planner is bigger than what I’m used to, with full-size 9×11 pages and a two-page spread for each week. There’s room to write down goals for each week at the top, and then plenty of room in each day to record my workouts, plus any other appointments or events I need to know about.
Writing out the goals for each week has been really helpful so far. Last weeks goals included “Run M-W-F-S, try a new yoga class, try a new Peloton strength class, trail run 1-2 times, finish I Let You Go, and sleep for eight hours a night.”
Ahem. Let’s ignore that last one for a moment. All the other goals were achieved! Somehow, having it written down pushed me to try the new yoga and strength class, which I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. I’m linking with Kim and Deborah for this weekly rundown. Here’s how the week went!
Monday
Three mile run. All my runs this week were preceded by banded squats and lateral squat walks, and I feel like it’s really helping to get my glutes activated.
Tuesday
I did a 45 minute yoga flow class with my favorite instructor, Denis Morton, on the Peloton app. I was starting to wonder if there were other yoga classes out there that I might like- maybe i’m limiting myself too much by doing Denis’s classes all the time. WELL! Keep reading to find a partial answer to that question…
Wednesday
I started the day with a new and different (to me) Peloton strength class. I tried a regular class, not strength for runners- it was a 20 minute glutes and leg strength with Daniel. I liked it, although I had to modify parts (I don’t do plyometrics with my “difficult” foot.) It was good to do something different- there were reverse lunges in this class which I haven’t done in a while.
THEN! I got out to the trail for a run, yay!!! In order to get in a little more distance, I walked a mile and then ran four miles. During that early one mile walk, I saw a creature on the trail ahead of me. It could have been a large dog? Or a small deer? But… I’ve encountered these before, so I was pretty sure it was a pig. Yes, Florida is so weird- we have wild pigs.
It looks like I’m closer to this guy than I really was (I had my camera zoomed in all the way.) Any wild animal could be dangerous, so I approached slowly and cautiously. He was snuffling around in the dirt and didn’t hear me at first, but he suddenly became aware of me and ran off into the woods. I was sorry to have scared him, but happy to have the path clear.
Thursday
I was a little sore today! No doubt from the strength class, but I think it was also from the trail run. I was sore in weird places like my calves and quads, which I usually don’t feel after a strength class. My trail run included some “Florida hills” (aka “slopes”) and maybe that did it- my usual routes are so flat.
Today I tried a new yoga class- I’ve heard people talk about Yoga With Adriene on YouTube and decided to check it out. Well…
It definitely wasn’t what I’m used to. Granted, this is the only one of Adriene’s classes that I’m taken, so maybe they’re all different. But this was a lot of gentle stretching. Now, I don’t deny that I need it! But… I like Denis’s class. I like how in addition to stretches, there are strength elements, and his flow gets my heart rate up and blood flowing. Live and learn!
After yoga, I did some upper body strength! Yes, I did! Not only pushups, but also rows, and I even got out my pull-up bar. A couple weeks ago, Wendy talked about working towards a strict pull-up. I don’t think I have a goal anymore of doing an unassisted pull-up (that just leads to disappointment.) But I agree with Wendy that at least working at it makes my back stronger- a stronger back is a good goal.
Friday
Three mile run, preceded as usual by banded squats and lateral squat walks.
Saturday
Ah! Back to a Denis Morton yoga class. This was a 45 minute class, and I had an even deeper appreciation for him. Thank you, Denis.
Sunday
So how’s that foot doing, anyway? Well… it’s better. Getting out of bed in the morning is much, much easier. And it feels fine while I’m running. But as the day goes on it starts to ache. I think it’s the universe’s way of saying “Not so fast, young butterfly! Don’t get carried away with that running mileage!” Duly noted, Universe. I ran four miles today. I would like to be doing a long run, but I’m happy to be running four miles. I threw Lisa’s fartlek ladder workout into this run, and it was fun!
And now… time to make waffles. I mean, obviously- it’s Sunday, right?
Did you do any new workouts this week? Do you like trying new classes or do you like to stick to the same ones?
44 Responses
I’ve tried a few Adrienne videos. I know that everyone loves her but I just never found one that clicked with me.
My favorite “Florida” animal was the bunch of peacocks that were wandering around one night when we were in Cape Canaveral for vacation. We just don’t have that back home!
Ha, I’ve never seen wild peacocks! That sounds prettier than pigs. Good to know it isn’t just me with the Adriene classes. I’ll stick to my Peloton yoga for now.
I didn’t click with Adrienne either, but I share your love for Denis 😉 I also totally LOVE all of Daniel’s workouts…he packs a lot of power into those 20-minute (sometimes shorter) sessions. I am using a planner similar to yours. I like the weekly spreads as well as the month-at-a glance feature.
Yes, Daniel is great. I might try some of his other classes as well. For yoga, Denis is the best!
I’d be scared to see a wild pig! Only because I feel like they would be territorial and run at me. That’s great that you do the glute activations before your run. Everyone recommends that, but I never take the time. I have been doing a 5 min glute workout on Peloton a few days this week and I’ve also been having some glute soreness. Related? I’m starting to think so! I thought I’d keep at it because it would help, but when I stopped doing the workout I was feeling better! So I guess I need to ease into those workouts.
I don’t use a paper planner anymore, but I do love organizing my week and day. I get so distracted and do much better on a plan! (and colored pens. Gotta have colored pens with that planner 😁)
Yes! I need colored pens! Thanks for the reminder.
I think I would have been more scared if there had been more than one pig. Like a herd of wild pigs- that sounds dangerous. But just one- he looked kind of cute! But a lot of wild animals look cute and are actually dangerous.
Yes, it sounds like that glute workout was causing the pain for you. I really need the glute activation because I have some form issues I’m trying to fix. Anyway, glad to hear you’re feeling better.
I both try new classes and do some on the repeat. And I make up my own stuff often, obviously.
There are many, many Yoga teachers out there. Even on Peloton. 🙂 I will just say that you are a very active person (aka very Yang) and some more gentle, slow classes (aka more Yin) might be useful. Feel free to ignore me. Very Yang people usually don’t like gentler classes — and usually the things we don’t want to do are the things we actually need. Anyhoo . . . .
Glad the foot is better, but sad that it still makes its presence known. The other day I was just thinking 2022 is going to be your year! I hope that’s true!
I know, Judy- you’re right. Sometimes Denis’s classes start slowly and I find myself impatient to get to the “hard” stuff! I have to remind myself that I need all of it. Maybe I’ll make it a goal to try a different yoga class on Peloton this week- it’s definitely good to mix things up.
I like Adriene because she is so gentle and I can’t manage more at the moment. But it’s good to have options. I need to do more with my Peleton app. I have got into the habit of stretching and/or doing squats every day at least now, so that’s something.
I don’t love the Peloton app as much as a lot of people- I don’t use it for the running or cycling classes, am so-so on the strength classes, so I’m using it almost exclusively for yoga. I am making a goal to try a new strength class every week though. I’ll definitely keep the Adriene classes in mind though since so many people have come to her defense!
You know I love Adriene–everything else I do is so intense and with her, I get to just soak up all her goodness. I used to power yoga and vinyasa, but that practice stopped serving me–I was getting injured. It’s nice that there’s a different kind of yoga for everyone.
I’m glad you had such a good week! Strong backs for the win!
Well, you do some intense strength training so I can see how you would want a more gentle yoga class. As you said, there’s a different kind of yoga for everyone.
I haven’t tried Adrienne, but I definitely appreciate different yoga at different times & different purposes! When I was having lower back pain a few weeks ago, even the Peloton beginner classes felt a little too intense 🙂 But I used to be really into power yoga.
You are so diligent with your glute activation, nice work!
Is that a javalina? I ran into a herd of javalinas when we were in Sedona in December! My mother in law sees them all the time in Phoenix!
I actually had to look up ‘javelina.” I don’t think so- I think we just have wild pigs here.
I guess there’s a time and place for all sorts of yoga classes. My husband tried one of Denis’s beginner classes today and it actually moved too fast for him- because he hasn’t done yoga in a long time. I can envision a situation where I would go back to Adriene’s classes.
I love your new planner! I’m also a paper and pen gal when it comes to using planners. I love to use it to write down all my workouts and every week I write down one good thing that happened to me that week as well.
Another strong week of workouts for you!
Thanks Kim! That’s high praise coming from the Workout Queen. Yes, I know Peloton keeps a record of all our classes for us, but there’s just something about pen and paper!
I am so risk averse, even when it comes to low-risk choices like what exercise class to do! On the one hand, you could be missing out on something you’d lie. On the other, you know you like what you know. I do try to dip my toe into something else once in a while.
I’m glad your foot is progressing, even if it’s keep you in line.
I would be so confused if I encountered a wild pig!
Yes, it was a little confusing! You don’t really hear a lot about what to do if you see a pig on your run.
The problem with trying a new class is, if you don’t like it you’re kind of stuck with it, and might feel frustrated that you didn’t get the workout you wanted. I would say I’m risk-averse too in that way. I have to really push myself to try something new. One of my goals is to try another new yoga class this week- at least if I don’t like it I’ll still have my other classes with Denis.
I used to go to a local yoga studio and there were four teachers there. I really only liked two of them and would always be a tiny bit upset if I signed up for a class thinking it was one of my preferred teachers and then one of the others would sub. Not every teacher is for every student. I love Adriene and recommend her to everyone, but my accountability buddy prefers Two Birds Yoga. You just find what you like!
I love pigs, but I’m not sure what I would do if I encountered one in the wild!! Probably freak out. I always freak out when I see a deer or beaver on my walks with the dog!
Two Birds Yoga? I don’t know that but I’m looking it up!
Yes, I really wasn’t sure what to do about this pig- luckily he took care of that by running away.
Love the new planner and that you write down goals for the week. I write goals for the day and at the end of the week I’ve been writing down highlights and stuff I’ve learned. It helps me remember the things I actually did. Haha! I like Adrienne because she’s calm and soothing. I used to attend a hot vinyasa flow but now that we no longer have a gym membership, I’m fine with slower yoga. How crazy to see a wild pig on you run! We have tons of wildlife around here but so far no swine!
Hmm, writing down goals for the day is next-level! I might try it.
Lots of people have come out in defense of Adriene! I might try another of her classes before I decide it’s not for me.
I do share your love of Denis but I also like some of the other yoga instructors. Nice to see you adding in some strength training too. I love Daniel for ST. I also write down my goals for the week. Really helps me as well!
One of my written-down goals for this week is to take a Peloton yoga class with someone OTHER than Denis, so I’m pretty sure it’ll happen!
Sigh. I need to do yoga again. I just don’t love doing workout videos. I used to do one of her neck/shoulder videos that could be done sitting in a chair and did love it. I’m just too impatient for most videos. I feel like I watch each minute tick by where when I’m exercising solo outside (or in a group setting in a class, which I haven’t done in years and now can’t because everything is shut due to COVID), I can stay in the “zone.”
I am all about team paper for planning. I use my planner more and more each year that goes by! I’d love to see how you structure your planner sometime. A post in the works, maybe?
And I think I’m going to aim for a gentle Adrienne video later today? You’ve inspired me and I really do need gentle right now, even if it was a bit TOO gentle for you. Haha.
I definitely think there’s a time and a place for gentle. I hope you enjoy the Adriene class. I think doing a more active class makes me less aware of the time, but I do have to admit when I’m doing a hard power yoga class, sometimes I’ll check, hoping there’s not too much time left, ha ha.I thought about showing a picture of the inside of my planner- maybe I’ll do that at a future date. i do love to see how other people organize their lives!
I use one planner for everything as well, and I really like having it all in one place. What is your Peloton name, we should follow each other! I’m NicoleBoyhouse if you want to follow me, then I’ll follow you back (unless we are already doing this and I’ve forgotten!)
I’m “RunnerGirlJ” and I think you would be the first person to follow me- I’ve been keeping a low profile. I would be interested to see what you’re doing though!
Glad to hear that your week went well.
A wild pig ? That’s something we don’t see up here.
Hope the foot stays pain-free. My foot finally is but ever now and then I feel it and I worry.
The countdown to Florida is on for me.
Yes! You’ll be in Florida in two weeks. I hope it’s a little warmer for you.
I’ve been starting my runs feeling quite stiff and not ready to go so I think I’m going to steal your idea of those squats beforehand! I remember when I first started running that was something I always did and I’ve let it slide the last couple of years. So glad you’re enjoying your planner – and I’m the same, if it’s written down it really helps to get it done somehow!
On my last trail run, we spotted pigs! But it wasn’t a wild one like yours – these were domesticated on a farm and there were so many beautiful babies running around!
Yes, doing squats (and other similar exercises) really does help- I feel much more ready to run in the mornings.
Even my wild pig was kind of cute, so I can only imagine how cute domesticated baby pigs must have been!
Good week of workouts – hope you find some other yoga classes you like as much as Denis’.
I’m a creature of habit so I’d probably prefer sticking to the same classes. I used to drive my friend nuts by wanting to run the exact same route every time we ran together.
Ha ha… I run the same route frequently!
There is definitely something to writing out workouts and goals isn’t there?
I have never tried Adrienne’s yoga. I say if Denis’ classes work for you, why mess with a good thing? 😉
Yes, I’m starting to think you’re right Michelle- I should just stick with Denis!
Glad your foot feels better and your week went well.
Too fun to have a log book for our plans and to record our runs. I use it only for the second ones. I started to fill my log book (pen and paper) long time ago:1985!!! I keep on writing on it even if I have appropriate programs on my pc.
During my “running career” I met many dangerous animals: shepherd dogs, bulls ecc. I never had problem but many years ago, while I was running in group, a big dog ran away from a garden and bit one of us.
Bulls??? That sounds dangerous and scary! And yes… dogs are dangerous too.
I love your new planner! And be careful! Wild pigs are not friendly AT ALL (Yes, I would still approach, but I make poor decisions like that).
Ha, yes, I’ve heard they’re dangerous. Although this guy just did not look scary… I mean he had that snout… so cute! I was careful though.
I love your new planner – it’s pretty. Can you share a photo of the inside?
I am glad you had such a great week running… but I had to laugh that you encountered… a pig! I usually encounter turkeys and deer. Haha. BTW, who takes your running pictures?
Have you tried Kristin’s yoga classes? She’s my favorite.
I was going to share a picture of the inside but am not completely happy with the way ‘ve been organizing it. Like “Angie orthodontist” is right next to “ran 4 miles” or whatever- I’m thinking I want to try different colored pens for clarity. I’ll post a picture when I have the improved version!
i take my own photos, ha ha. I have different points where I prop the camera up, then I take a video, then do a screenshot from that. The benefit to this is that I’ve seen a lot of videos of myself running, which is motivating me to work on form. I did get a little tripod for Christmas, but I haven’t started using it yet.
Seeing a wild pig while you’re out for a run is such a “Florida” thing to happen, hahaha.
It’s funny – the way you described Yoga with Adrienne’s class made me think I might really like her! Ha. Different strokes for different folks.
Yes, a lot of people replied that they like her classes. You should check it out!