Tag: cross training

Weekly Workouts

Weekly Workouts

by TartanJogger ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I write these weekly reviews largely for my own benefit- I find that it helps me to stop and review how my week has been and when it can sometimes feel like all I have done is work, the blog reminds me that I do manage to do more than just that (sometimes!). This past week is a good example- it’s been a full on, busy week work-wise, and though I’d managed to do some Clarsach practice earlier in the week and I’ve managed to squeeze in some reading every night, I did feel that my fitness had suffered a little.

But pausing to review what I’ve done shows a different perspective: I managed one of Jacqui’s live classes (still only one live, though, getting away from my desk on time remains a challenge), and I also got my February Accumulator Challenge underway with four runs.

Monday-

The first day of a new month and I was determined to kick start that with a run. The day was unusually dry but bitterly cold when I headed for my lunchtime run around the harbour.

Distance: 3.1m

Time: 32m 49s

Elevation: 112ft

Pace: 10.35/m

Tuesday-

I managed to step away from my desk on time for Fitness Pilates. This is such a good workout- low intensity but strong moves, and I definitely feel the burn!

Wednesday-

It was a stormy day, and I knew that the harbour would be incredibly windy so I squeezed in a short run to the West Loch and back.

Distance: 2.7m

Time: 30m

Elevation: 177ft

Pace: 11.06/m

Thursday-

At lunchtime we had time for a walk, and despite the driving, icy rain and strong winds we walked to West Loch and added to the distance and elevation by adding in Carrick hill.

Distance: 3.37m

Friday-

I ended the working week with another 5k around the harbour. Still raining, still bitterly cold and still very windy!

Distance: 3.1m

Time: 33m 7s

Elevation: 148ft

Pace:

10.40/m

Saturday-

I woke up today to a dry and sunny morning, and so I pulled on my trainers and headed to a trail- the timber route- with an aim of 10k or so. I listened to Hamish Napier’s ‘The Woods’ instead of a podcast or audiobook and mixing it up was a great idea- the music perfectly matched the run!

There was even some snow at higher altitude, which added some fun to my run and it was the first run in some time that was gratifying and soul restoring, even with the stormy winds trying to blow me over!

Distance: 7 miles

Time: 1h 24m 16s

Elevation: 810ft

Pace: 12.01/m

I’m grateful for having space to reflect on this week- and to notice that, actually, it’s been a good week fitness wise! Here’s to next week!

Weekly Workouts

Weekly Workouts

by TartanJogger ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

So much for getting back to running this week- I’m afraid that a combination of my diary and a return of icy paths and roads meant that I didn’t get anywhere near as much running done as I’d have liked. Here’s how my week planned out:

Monday-

My week started off going to plan, with a short lunchtime run around the harbour. It was cold and wet, it it felt good to get it done, and to start the week right. After work, I also managed to join Jacqui’s Fitness Pilates/Fitness Yoga session which was just lovely- hard, strong but fab!

Distance: 3m

Time: 32m 22s

Elevation: 262ft

Pace: 10.47/m

Tuesday-

I had planned to squeeze in a lunchtime run, but it didn’t happen. Instead, we managed a short evening walk around the harbour. Yet again, I forgot to take a photo….

Distance: 2.91m

Wednesday-

I did manage another lunchtime run, and for the first time in many months I was able to head up the hill above Kilmory. I missed out Kilmory Loch, however, and just stuck to the hill. It was incredibly misty, but beautiful.

Distance: 2.8m

Time: 32m 39s

Elevation: 344ft

Pace: 11.39/m

Thursday-

Another short walk around the harbour, fortunately it was dry and cold for this walk.

Distance: 3.19m

Saturday-

The plan was a run. And I had hoped to manage a slightly longer run than I’ve done in the past couple of weeks, but we’d had a dusting of light snow overnight and by all reports it was icy and slippy underfoot. So rather than risk it we went for a walk instead.

Distance: 4m

With the cold weather set to continue in the coming week, I do hope I can get some more runs under my belt. Here’s hoping that the weather plays nice!

Weekly Workouts

Weekly Workouts

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After cranking up the mileage last week, it’s pared back a little this week, largely due to the volume of work. But I’ve still managed to get a few runs and walks in, though not as long as I had originally planned.

Monday-

I want to commit to doing more of Jacqui’s classes live. She is working so hard giving us an excellent selection of classes and I want to make the most of that so I started the week with an Evolve Fitness Pilates – Fitness Yoga session. And, wow, I felt that! It was great to feel connected back with the class and my buddies.

Tuesday –

I headed out straight after work to get a short 5k in. After Monday’s torrential rain, however, the roads were icier than ever, so I had to take it very easy and tentatively. Glad I did it, though!

Distance: 3.1m

Time: 38m 53s

Elevation: 220ft

Pace: 12.31/m

Wednesday-

I had time for a lunchtime run, so I headed out to the harbour to make the most of the daylight. It was right in the middle of a rain shower, so I was drenched by the time I got home!

Distance: 3.3m

Time: 36m 33s

Elevation: 82ft

Pace: 11.04/m

Thursday-

Another harbour walk after work. It was cold, but dry. And I forgot to take a photo!

Friday-

As @TheWelshWookie was also working from home today we went for a lunchtime walk together, heading out to the West Loch for a change, including the hill up to Carrick Cemetery. It was a much needed break away from the desk.

Saturday-

I’ve been loosely working to a plan for Kintyre Way Ultra training, but I’m not being too rigid with it as I want the flexibility of doing what feels right during this month. Despite the stormy weather with big winds and icy showers we headed to the timber route to get back on a trail again, for the first time in weeks.

It was a joy to be back – I really felt the difference of the running surface, but the weather was relentless. I dropped my LSR plan and decided instead just to keep the run short and enjoyable.

Distance: 3.31m

Time: 39m 32s

Elevation: 390ft

Pace: 11.57/s

We’ll see what the weather does this week but the plan is more of the same: have fun, chop it around a bit and do what feels right.

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

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Happy Easter! I’ve had a wonderful weekend- how about you?

I was still getting over my chest infection this week so my activity levels haven’t been back to normal yet, but I am getting there. Meanwhile my eating has been, well, far from ideal – but I’m really not worried about it. Back on track between now and Florida 😉

Monday: travelling back from our trip away, but we did get a walk in. Nothing else.

Tuesday: back at class- yes! Sculpt was great, it’s tough, challenging, but feels very good indeed. That was followed by Trigger Point Pilates, which was ace.

Wednesday: back to Jog Scotland and it was my first run in 10 days. We ran for 40 minutes, which was around 3.6 miles. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and boy did I need it!

Thursday: a walk in Lochgilphead

Friday: three hours of gardening- I’m counting it!

Saturday: a walk to and from Portavadie as well as a lovely day in the Spa there

Sunday: a trip to Gigha, so we enjoyed a fab walk around the island

All in all, I still have a way to go to get back to my previous fitness levels before my chest infection, but a bank holiday 10k run today has helped to boost my confidence with that.

And here’s something I’m reminding myself of:

Have a good week!

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

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It’s been another busy weekend here in Tarbert, with lots going on. After having a bit of a blow out last weekend, I’ve been firmly back on track this week and this weekend. Here’s how it shaped up for me:

Monday: back to class- yay! We were back at Core Conditioning which I loved, but it was so tough after some time off. Everything ached, but in a good way. We then had Veraflow which I’ve been really enjoying. It’s a lovely class!

Tuesday: I did three lots of activity, starting with a lunchtime trail run. I hadn’t run in three days and my legs were feeling rested. I made it all the way up the hill this week with no stopping, and I continued along the trail for a little further than I had before. Loved it!

I followed that up after work with a return to Sculpt. I dropped my bands down a little and focussed on form and reps which was great. Next up was Trigger Point Pilates and my body felt so much better afterwards.

Wednesday: I was away in Glasgow so wasn’t at Jog Scotland. I did manage a short run from the SEC to Glasgow Green and back, though. The cherry blossom was lovely!

Thursday: rest day. I had planned an early morning run, but since the hotel fire alarm went off at 3am I was tired so gave it a miss!

Friday: I headed out for a run, planning 3-4 miles. I felt good and ended up doing 4.8 miles, so I was pretty happy with that!

Saturday: we had Fèis all day, so although it was a rest day I easily managed over 10,000 steps!

Sunday: I was planning a run- the morning was promising with sunshine, but a few heavy showers were creeping in. I headed out, planning to do 9 miles. The first four miles were fab, with glorious sunshine, then the rain and the hail swept in. The last 6 miles were challenging with very strong winds on top of the wet weather but my legs felt really strong, all be it very wet! I pushed a little and ran 10 miles but kept my pace steady and slow. When I finished I felt I could do more, so that’s a good sign.

I had rejigged my training plan as I had decided during the week to sign up for a half marathon that fitted reasonably well with my training plan for the Kintyre Way Relay. My original run this weekend was a cut back run of 10k. I figured that a longer run this week and possibly next week means I can cut back the following week in anticipation of the Birmingham Half Marathon, and will fit better with my work plans in the coming weeks.

At the moment I’m feeling positive and that my training is on track 👍🏻. Being kinder to myself in this training cycle is working!

Whether you are struggling or feeling strong, here’s your motivation for this week:

Have a good one!

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

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What a week!

March is off to a flying start, though I wasn’t to happy to see ice and snow yesterday ❄️, I wonder if that will be the last of it for this spring?

Fortunately yesterday was a rest day for me so it didn’t affect my training. You might remember that I finished up the previous week with a 10 mile recce run, so I did head into the new week with a touch of DOMs. Here’s how the past week stacked up:

Monday: we had no classes this week, so I knew I could focus on some running to improve my stamina and build up some mileage without overdoing it. I headed out at dusk to do a recovery run, with no fixed distance in mind. I ran a steady 4 miles, my legs actually felt great afterwards.

Tuesday: I headed out at lunchtime with Alison and Morag for a trail run. Despite the long trail run on Sunday I coped fine with the big hill, so I was really pleased!

Wednesday: Jog Scotland session, and this week we did another 10 minute warm up, 10 minute weave run and 10 minute cool down. It always passes so quickly!

Thursday: 5 days of running in a row- a bit of a run streak for me! Again, I only planned a steady recovery run after Tuesday and Wednesday. I did just over 4 miles and captured the most beautiful pink sky as the sun began to set.

Friday: I forced myself to have a rest day, though I did want to run. Instead I spent some time doing some trigger point pilates at home to help ease out my fascia and muscles. I did feel good afterwards.

Saturday: I had a meeting in the morning, but I was keen to get a long slow run under my belt. But after a days rest and some repair work my legs felt tired, and my piriformis was niggling a little so I listened to my body and cut my run short from the planned 7 miles, finishing up at 4 miles again. I’m happy with that- I’ve been consistent but running a lot and I know I might just be edging it too much. I’ll cut back the number of runs I’m doing in the next week.

I did spend some time stretching and doing some more TPP too.

Sunday: I took my own advice and had another rest day. My body will thank me for it, I’m sure. But when I saw this picture, it did tempt me a little to lace up- but I resisted….

Have a wonderful week!

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

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Today’s blog post is brought to you with DOMS! Having DOMS is always a good thing, it’s a sign of regeneration & recovery and it acts as a good reminder that I’ve been working hard!

Have you sprung into spring? I certainly have. I finished February strong and feel ready to take on the rest of this fresh new season. In the past week my eating and activity has been on track, though with our February challenge ending on Thursday I did have a couple of small celebrations. More on that in my round up! Here’s how my week went:

Monday: no class for me- I was travelling to Dunfermline for a seminar so I knew I wouldn’t make it to Core Conditioning and Veraflow. Instead, I packed my running gear and headed out for 5k as soon as we arrived at the hotel.

Tuesday: with a full day planned I knew I’d struggle to get back in time for Sculpt and Trigger Point Pilates, so I was up early and headed out for an early morning run, something that is very unusual for me! I don’t love running in the morning but I’ll make myself do it when needs must. I ran for time- making sure I got in 30 minutes.

The sunrise was beautiful!

Wednesday: more running! This time it was our weekly Jog Scotland session. Our group did 10 minute warm up, 20 minute tempo run, 10 minute cool down. It was ace! Very pleased with our average pace!

Thursday: I was back on my mat- hooray! Back to my favourite class, PiYo. I felt really good, and strong. I worked really hard on the lower body section and I found the challenging core section not too bad. Making progress!

Thursday was also the end of our Feel Good February challenge, and I pretty much stayed on track for the whole month.

Friday: I found a short window of time to head out for a quick lunchtime trail run. I skipped out Kilmory Loch and headed straight up the hill instead. For the second time, I managed it without stopping and I ventured a little beyond the top of the hill. I was absolutely stunned when I got back to the office and discovered my time- I was one happy runner!

To celebrate this and the end of our February challenge I did have a couple of squares of tablet in the evening- it was lovely, but so sweet when you haven’t had sugary sweets for a while!

Saturday: rest. I had Clarsach class in the morning, and the afternoon was a busy one in Oban. We did get a good walk in while we were there.

Sunday: this was our first big recce run in preparation for the Kintyre Way Relay. We decided to run the final section first, taking us from Skipness back to Tarbert, a distance of 10 hilly miles. Our plan was to do this as a run/walk as we still have 10 weeks to go until race day. The weather was kind, and the company was great! Morag, Alison and I set off with Kathleen, Gordon and Amanda too.

I think we did really well- our pace was fine and included several photo stops. It’s the longest run I’d done in at least 18 months so I was very pleased with it. We did it in 2 hours, 20 minutes and our elevation gain was over 1,500 feet. Not bad!

Tony made a lovely omelette to refuel for lunch, after a dip in the hot tub, and in the afternoon I treated myself to one beer. I really enjoyed this bad boy:

Today I’m feeling good after it- my legs are feeling ok, I have some core DOMS no doubt from the rugged terrain.

My mileage has increased from 18.1 miles the previous week to 21.8 miles last week. It will probably drop a little this week as The longest run I have planned is 7 miles.

We’re also back on track with our new month’s challenge, so my eating and exercise goals have been refreshed and ready to see me through March.

Here’s today’s motivation:

My plan is to get more miles in this week. Hope about you?

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

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Did you enjoy the mild weather last week? I certainly did. I made the most of it while it was mild and dry – it was perfect running weather.

We had no classes last week as Jacqui was recovering from a nasty virus, so I pulled on my running shoes and got outside. All in all, I ran five times! I didn’t want to overdo it and cause any injuries so I tried to keep my runs structured and sensible. I also ate well and fuelled properly for a change instead of leaving my diet to chance. I also made sure that I stayed properly hydrated.

Here’s how my week went –

Monday: I planned to run 4 miles, but after my first kilometre I realised that I was running quite quickly (for me) so I changed my plan, deciding to do 5K, increasing my tempo as I ran. I did it, and really enjoyed it- and I was really pleased to see my time at the end of the run. It was a great start to the week!

Tuesday: my legs were feeling tired after Monday and probably after a busy weekend catching up on me so I took a rest day.

Wednesday: Jog Scotland run- we did hills in Tarbert which is something I struggle to do on my own. I really enjoyed it, though it was tough. It’s exactly the type of training session I needed.

Thursday: a slow recovery run. The Welsh Wookie headed out with me at the start of my run and did the first couple of miles before breaking off to do the remainder of his run at his own pace. I had wanted to do the 4 miles I had planned earlier in the week, but I forgot to change my watch from kilometres to miles so I ran 7K instead and enjoyed it.

Friday: our weekly lunchtime trail run was arranged for Friday and it was such a mild day! I reached a real milestone- I was able to run all of the way to the top of the hill without stopping. Woo hoo! I was so pleased, and very grateful to Alison and Morag for keeping me going!

Saturday: we had a busy day, helping out at Fèis and Tairbeirt. When we were finished I was keen to get out for another run. I didn’t want to push myself too far or too fast, I just wanted to go out and enjoy my run, which is exactly what I did. I kept my pace steady but slow and ran an easy 5 miles. I also wore capris for the first time this year!

Sunday: another rest day. As much as I could have run, I chose not to. I have a busy week ahead and wanted to be prepared and ready for it. I also did my food prep for the week so that I can keep on track as much as I can.

This sums up the past week for me, and I’m very grateful to have made the most of it:

Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation

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How has your week been? Have you kept your health and wellbeing goals on track? I’m pleased to say that I have. It’s been an all-round great week.

Monday: my week started well with a busy day at work. I had arranged for a lunchtime trail run with Alison and Morag, and I found myself running late. Instead of cancelling altogether I headed out 10 minutes after them and eventually caught them up by skipping out the loop around Kilmory Loch. My week started off with a rainbow: I also did two classes on Monday night: I’m making progress at Core Conditioning and I felt stronger in the plank moves. I know I still have a ways to go but when I think back to the first class only four weeks ago it’s made a huge difference! After that we had Veraflow, which was a nice way to finish off my busy day. Tuesday: Another double class, which was a shock to the system after the past two Tuesdays being cancelled due to the weather. Sculpt was fab- hard going at times, but I do really enjoy this. Next up was Trigger Point Pilates and my body really needed it!

Wednesday: again, after two weeks off due to the weather, Jog Scotland was back. Our improvers group started with a 10 minute warm up, followed by a 10 minute ‘weave’ run – it was a variation on a line run where we weaved in and out of each other as well as running from back to front. We then had a 10 minute cool down.

Thursday: we had PiYo which really is my favourite class. I was feeling quite tired, though, particularly during the first half of the class but I had a second wind towards the end of class.

Friday: rest. I listened to my body and skipped my planned run as I was feeling pretty tired at the end of the week. Perfect timing since Storm Erik made an appearance!

Saturday: I had a Fèis Committee meeting in the morning, then I headed out for a run in the afternoon. I am determined not to do too much, too soon and so I was aiming to do between 5 and 6 miles. Instead of running around the harbour, I headed out to the West Loch and before I could talk myself out of it I decided to run up the steep hill to Carrick cemetery. And I did it, without stopping! Hurrah! I was feeling really good, probably benefiting from the rest day…. and I ran 10k! That’s my first 10k since June last year so I’m delighted. The skies were beautiful which no doubt helped to keep me distracted!

Sunday: I reckoned I could do with some active recovery after a week of classes and especially after Saturday’s run so we went for an hour’s walk around Tarbert Harbour. Yes, we were caught in a hail shower, but I ended my week of activities the same way it began- with another beautiful rainbow!

This coming week is going to be a bit of a challenge: I have a long day in Glasgow tomorrow, a trip to Mull on Thursday and a weekend away to Edinburgh at the end of the week. I’ll be fitting it what activity I can, when I can.

Here’s your motivation for this week, which reflects the gorgeous sights I’ve been treated to this week:

Wednesday Wisdom

Wednesday Wisdom

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