Non Training Week 7

MONDAY: I often see quotes and motivational images circulating on social media about 'never missing a Monday' etc., and although I did exercise, my usual routine was thrown, and this seemed to make me feel a bit lost for the entire week! My usual Body Pump class was cancelled, and then after work it was absolutely chucking it down with rain. I don't mind getting wet when running but this was another level! I actually contemplated a rest day, but the urge to do something got too much, so I headed to the gym. It was quite comical at the gym as half the usual Body Pump regulars were in there doing the same as me, wandering around not really sure what to do and looking a bit lost! I opted for 20mins of intervals on the bike and then upper body weights.

TUESDAY: Body Attack class and Fab Abs class. 

WEDNESDAY: double Body Pump day - I really looked forward to doing this after missing Mondays's class, the 7am and the 6.30pm workouts actually weirdly felt like there were different days and didn't make me feel as tired as normal. I even squeezed in a 25min cross training session before the evening class.

THURSDAY: my first run of the week! I enjoyed getting out, despite having to battle for pavement space with the Christmas Market goes who had descended on Lincoln. A pleasant 9.5k loop in surprisingly warm December conditions. 

FRIDAY: I forced myself to run today as I felt a bit guilty for my lack of running so far. Normally this would have been a rest day, but with Monday knocking me out of routine I felt like I needed some extra miles in my legs. I chose my familiar 8.5k loop, and put not pressure on myself as a form of self compromise for actually getting out the door! 

SATURDAY: today was very, very windy as Lincoln felt the influence of Storm Desmond hitting the country. It did not really take a genius to work out that running was going to be tough! I somehow managed to accumulate ten miles, running roughly two miles to and from my friends house, then an eight mile route with my friend. At points the gusts were strong enough to knock our feet from underneath us, nearly making us trip ourselves up. I struggled in the headwind, I find the wind really throws my rhythm and often leaves me feeling like I have actually been physically winded. Conditions like this are all good training though, and although upon finishing I think I actually referred to the feeling as 'like being punched!', at the same time it did feel amazing to have actually accomplished the challenge. 
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​SUNDAY: having not had a rest day this week, and having completed my long run yesterday I was at a bit of a loss of what to do...rest? run? cross train? It felt odd doing nothing on a Sunday! Rather than lacing up my trainers in the morning my view instead looked like this...(see image). Sat on my bed, compression socks on, finalising my soon-to-start marathon training plan, and reflecting on this week's 'training'. After four hours of Christmas shopping/walking my hamstring was however bothering me - after seven weeks of being careful and with two weeks until marathon training starts, its fabulous timing! - so I sensibly opted to rest. I have a sports message booked for next week so I am just praying its something which can be manipulated out...!