Non Training Week 4

MONDAY: I started the week with a fairly unimpressive 8k run time wise, however my legs felt ok and mentally I was in a much better place compared to Sunday's rather pathetic effort - so I was happy! Body Pump class afterwards.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class - in a gym studio measuring 23 degrees - it was hot and hard! Afterwards I tried another Fab Abs class, involving thirty minutes of focused abs work. I also played Badminton today as part of my work, so was feeling pretty knackered by the time I finished the day.

WEDNESDAY: as I am still making sure my running is moderated, today ended being a double Body Pump day. At the 7am class I felt ok, but by the evening severe DOMS had set in. My abs were tender and my shoulders were absolutely killing me! It felt like my shoulders were bruised just to touch, which I think had stemmed from my badminton efforts, a sport I have not played in years. Body Pump again was therefore bit of a struggle, but with a grimaces and gritted teeth I got through it!

THURSDAY: I was glad to avoid the gym today as my shoulders still felt totally battered! An enjoyable 9.5k run was on the cards instead; no watch, just me, the streets, and the rather strong wind! 

FRIDAY: I felt tired today but knew tomorrow would need to be a rest day due to commitments I had planned, so dragged myself to the gym a little reluctantly. I was better once I got there though, cross training with cardio intervals and stretching. 

SATURDAY: Rest Day

SUNDAY: I ran ten miles today with my friend on what was unseasonably warm and windy day. I need to learn to trust my iPhone weather app more when it says its 16 degrees outside, regardless of how grey it looks out the window - I was hot! This was the longest I had ran since the Oxford Half Marathon a month ago and I could feel the lack of miles a little in my legs. Tightness crept in sooner, especially in my calves, which I can guarantee will be the first muscle to cause me bother if they get the chance. I really enjoyed a longer slower run though, which I don't think has truly happened for a while now outside of a race situation. I think running with my friend helped a lot with this, and today's run has definitely given me a bit of a boost for the weeks to come and before marathon training begins. ​