Non Training Week 3

This week was probably the easiest week for me in terms of not having a training plan as I had more important things happening in my life outside of exercising and running (it exists!) This was the last week my best friend would be in the UK before she moved to Australia, so I wanted to make the most of my time with her and also enjoy the final celebrations we had planned.

MONDAY: I headed back to the treadmill today for another attempt at intervals. I ran 5k aiming to increase my fast running sections from the session I completed last week. It was tough and I made myself feel quite sick after finishing - pretty sure the remnants of a weekend had some influence on this! Body Pump after. 

TUESDAY: I had my sports massage today, and it actually felt a bit odd going without any particular ache or niggle for once! I was pleased to hear that my therapist could feel that my hamstrings had already lengthened from the stretching work I have been doing though. Body Attack class in the evening. 

WEDNESDAY: Today marked the start of two nights of planned drinks with my friend, so I headed to 7am Body Pump and then cross trained in the gym afterwards and before I went to work in order to free up my evening completely. 

THURSDAY: It was my friend's last ever visit to our gym today, so I went with her rather than running outside. I attempted the treadmill but after 4k was bored and my legs had also had enough. I think one treadmill session a week is just about the limit for me. I was then coaxed into a 30 min 'Fab Abs' class which turned out to be pretty hardcore doing abs for the entire time period, followed by some cycling to finish. This evening's drinks were with a group of us from the gym, so naturally before heading into town this involved a triple plank being attempted - which is a lot blooming harder than it looks! I am still very proud of our final result (see image). 

FRIDAY: Rest Day - not only was I feeling the effects of getting in at 4am (thank god I had the day off work!) but also today was the day I had to actually say goodbye to my friend. This was incredibly hard, and left me with absolutely no desire to run, exercise or really do anything.

​SATURDAY: my run today was for me. I have no idea how far I ran or how long I ran, I just set out and ran until I wanted to come home. It was probably no more than 10k, but it was what I needed. I set out very fast, emotion driving me into an unnatural running style which left me breathless within in minutes. I calmed down though, settled into my run and enjoyed the way it gradually helped clear my mind. 

​SUNDAY: ​I woke up today feeling pretty rubbish. I had got virtually no sleep and felt tired and energy-less. I think a week of drinking, late nights, early starts, plus the added high emotions which have been running had all come crashing down on me. I intended to run in the morning but could not find the motivation to go out. I waited until the afternoon, giving myself some rest and also eating some proper meals (something I had been neglecting the last two days especially) I headed out the door with optimism but struggled from the first step. There was nothing in me physically or mentally, but I trudged around a very gentle 5km loop. I did feel better for getting out and doing something, but it definitely was not a run to be proud of! Onto next week, and the start of some more focused training before my marathon training begins. I am looking forward to having a bit more of a routine, which to be honest will help a little with filling the void my emigrating friend will have left.