Juggling the Weekly Workout Routine

When I think about it, I'm pretty regimented with my weekly schedule. Between working out and going to work, I've got everything very well synchronized. Even when everything falls into place, my routine is a delicate balancing act. It doesn't take much to throw my schedule off track. Summer is especially a challenge. Flexibility is the key. All summer long, I've been moving my workouts around, getting up early just to get them in, or worst case scenario, skipping a workout altogether. Between vacations and fun outings, I've had to do a lot of juggling with my workout schedule. This week was no different.

I missed both my studio yoga classes this week as well as one of my CrossFit workouts. Running is always my priority and is always the last thing to go when I fit it all in. On Thursday, my son and I had a planned college visit to the University of Wisconsin. I also had a follow-up visit at the periodontist that morning. I played with my schedule this week as I considered all this. Do I skip Thursday's run? Or do I get up at the crack of dawn to get it in?

I am always willing to wake up early to run and figured I would do that on Thursday. But when I woke up Wednesday morning and looked outside, I made a snap decision to skip yoga and run. It was 60 degrees with blue skies and no wind. For a runner, perfection. I wasn't going to spend the morning inside a yoga studio! While I was tired and I didn't have the amazing run I hoped for, I didn't regret it. After I ran, I came home and did yoga with Cocoa at my side.

Knowing I didn't have to wake up before the sun to get my miles in on Thursday was really nice. The periodontist took my stitches out and told me I was doing well. Matthew, his girlfriend, and I hit the road at 8 am for the 2 hour drive to Madison, Wisconsin. After the information session, we toured the campus. UW-Madison is huge. It is also very beautiful. When the tour was over, we wandered around on our own. We walked down State Street, which extends from the campus to the Capitol building. I treated Matthew and Diana to brats at the State Street brat house. We had ice cream, made from the UW cows' milk (they have a big agricultural program), on the Memorial Union terrace. Enjoyed the lake breezes. When we headed back home, exhaustion set in. Diana was tracking her steps and she informed us that we walked almost 7 miles that day.

Matthew and Diana on the Memorial Union Terrace

Wisconsin State Capitol building
Matthew and Diana

No wonder we were tired! But it was such a fun day.

I woke up this morning completely unmotivated to do a long run, and skipped it in lieu of riding my bike. I've mentioned my anxiety about riding on the road this summer and longing for a bike ride, I decided that I needed to tackle that fear head on. To ease my fear of riding on the road with the cars, I figured that a quiet, cool early morning would be the best time to get back on the horse. I made a spur of the moment decision to ride to one of the preserves where I do a lot of running. It's a straight shot from my house, about 5 miles on the road, and I enjoyed the quiet traffic-free ride. I shared the path with other cyclists, but there were also a lot of runners training for the Chicago marathon. A few of the local running clubs sponsor these Sunday morning long runs and I spied coolers under trees throughout the route.

I have yet to master the bike selfie. Enjoy my path.

It's been a long time since I've ridden my bike and my glutes and hamstrings reminded me of that. I was feeling a little saddle-sore as I headed home. The road on the ride home had a little more traffic, but the cars gave me a wide berth. All but one. I heard a honk behind me, and as the minivan swerved around me, I spotted a Trump/Pence Make America Great sticker prominently displayed at the top of their back window. Of course. I chuckled about it all the way home.

I had 3 runs this week, and running continues to go well, rarely having to stop to walk anymore. The cooler morning temperatures certainly help! My little bike interlude gave me a much needed break. Becky used to program long rides into my marathon training and now I see why.

It's been a really fun, active summer, and I'm sorry to see it coming to a close. Summer is so short for us and we pack so much in. As much as I hate to see it go, I'm starting to look forward to fall, not just for the cooler temperatures, but also for the routine. I've got to get back on track and complete some long runs in for my upcoming fall races. Last week at CrossFit, Coach Kate and I talked about fall training. She wants to start Steph and me on our fall strength cycle. She gave me a taste of it, with lots of upper body work on Tuesday. My arms were shaking by the end of the workout and I was sore for a couple of days. Steph and I will be doing 2 strength sessions per week. I also plan on going back to the yoga studio twice weekly.

Box dips but there was so much more..

Instead of feeling guilty about missing workouts, I believe that it's not only ok, it's beneficial to shake up the routine. Switching things around, participating in different activities, and even rest days give your body time to recover and avoid burnout. Doing something different can be fun and can help prevent burnout.

Do I sound like I'm trying to convince myself? Do you feel guilty skipping and/or missing planned workouts? Do you take time off to enjoy alternative activities? How was your week?

I'm linking up with Holly, Tricia, and guest host Teresa for the Weekly Wrap!

PS Tomorrow is the last day for my GOPO Rosehip with Galactolipids giveaway! Check it out!

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