Sunday, August 27, 2017

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!

GOPO





66 comments :

  1. I think life sometimes interferes with our training plans and that is usually a good thing. When I was younger I used to worry that if I missed a run or two, or skipped a strength training workout that my inner sloth would take over and I'd break my fitness habit. After all these years I figure it's pretty well implanted in my brain so I don't worry too much if I miss a workout or two.

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  2. I don't feel guilty if I miss a run because of doing something else that is important or fun, but I've missed my weekend run because of Harvey and it's not looking good for another few days for getting a run in, and I'll get antsy, I know it.

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    1. I'd be getting antsy too. That happens to me in the winter, which I why I brave the cold and snow to get outside. Stay safe!

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  3. I do feel guilty when I skip a run, but I'm slowly coming to realize when it's necessary -- and it usually does do me a world of good.

    I think for me it's fear of gaining back the weight overnight. Of course the rational mind knows that that won't happen, but when you've struggled for as long as I have, it's a common fear. I'm a work in progress.

    I happened to chat with a trail runner with RA at the race today (as I was volunteering). Her dr. has suggested she shouldn't run . . . and I told her how your dr told you to keep running!

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    1. Did you tell her to find a new doctor? LOL--but seriously. The mantra is "use it or lose it". Telling peeps with RA not to run is outdated advice. Glad she and you were both out there running!

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  4. Well, as you know, this summer has been all about shaking things up (not by choice) and doing things differently (my own choice LOL). AS much as I embrace a routine, I get stir crazy doing the same old/same old all the time (even if it's stuff I love). I think the body benefits from a change of routine...the muscles get rejuvenated (in all kinds of different places) and one's overall strength increases.

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    1. It's so easy to become complacent and stuck in a routine. I like mixing it up, but I don't like missing my workouts! I think I'll get back on track this week.

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  5. I'm very Type A so I think to have a routine for my workouts. Sometimes I do feel guilty if I missed a planned workout, but I either make it up later on in the week or if I don't , I don't beat myself up over it. Sometimes you have to adjust runs, especially if the weather is beautiful!

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    1. See, you get me. Type A++! I'm learning to let go. It's a work in progress.

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  6. I don't often miss workouts but when I do I get ticked with myself. Can't wait to see where Matt decides to go!

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    1. Me too! The college search has been fun. But now the hard part begins...the applications and the paying for it...

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  7. You had a solid week! All that walking around the school counts for a lot. It is so hard to adjust my schedule with my studio classes. My favorite OTF coach works M/W/F, my favorite indoor cycling instructors teach T/W and my favorite yoga instructor teaches T/F. Since yoga gets me to work a bit later, I usually only do that on Fridays -- I feel less bad getting a later start on a Friday!

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  8. Ive been skipping workouts alot more lately and have been mostly ok with it. I used to be much more strict with getting everything done but I guess this injury has taught me to its ok to back off a bit. Usually I can get my workouts in as long as I do them first thing in the morning.

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  9. Let's just say that I like additional workouts more than alternative workouts. I am SUCH a person of routine. Riding bike hurts my bum a lot. I totally know what you mean about being saddle sore. And that person in the minivan is such a bag of dicks!!

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    1. Right? But that sticker on the car said more than we need to know...

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  10. When I'm in 'running mode' it is so hard to skip a run or trade it for another activity! But, you know I've been in cross training mode this summer and have absolutely loved and embraced the variety and 'freshness' it has brought. While I am ready to get back to regular running and half marathon training, I will miss being able to do whatever class/activity I feel like at the moment.

    I'm sure you needed a little break and spending the day with your son looking at colleges is a great reason for a little break!

    As to the bike riding ....as much as I've been riding the past 8 years, I'm still uneasy about sharing the road with cars! They just are unpredictable!

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    1. I don't know how people are by you, but the drivers here have gone insane. Stop signs? Optional. Right turn on red? Roll on through. It's pretty scary.

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  11. I agree that it's beneficial to switch things up and take extra rest if that's what you need. If you always push through, you may just end up burned out instead. For the last 3 years, I've done a fall full and had to take time off from running after that. Instead, I would just go to the gym and take different classes. I needed that break from doing the same thing all the time!

    Great job this week!

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    1. I'm glad not to be running a marathon this fall. The training really burns me out.

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  12. I don't feel guilty for missing a workout. Many times it is just what our body needs.

    Is your son planning to attend the University of Wisconsin?

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  13. No guilt here on missing a workout - especially if you swap in something else for what was on the plan. I've learn to embrace being flexible - it's a lot less stressful!

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    1. I'm ok with missing an occasional workout. I just don't want it to become a habit.

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  14. ok so you soooo snagged my attention with the university of wisconsin!
    I almost went there.
    I didnt for all the wrong reasons (THE COLD THE COLD THE TUNNELS THE COLD :-)).
    Lets make him go so I can live vicariously :)

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    1. I wished I had gone there as well! I went to Marquette, so the cold wouldn't have been a factor. Back then, it just wasn't even an option.

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  15. My workouts last week were so not the norm but it was a welcome change of pace. And it made getting back to it this week seem exciting. Almost. :)

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    1. Ha! I am actually looking forward to getting back at it this week.

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  16. I like biking as well- maybe even more than running. Glad you got back on your "horse" and enjoyed it. It's hard when cars come up behind you and you can't make eye contact to see what's going on as well with the rearview mirror. Hike/bike trails are my comfort zone.

    Thanks for posting!

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  17. I can relate to your bike rides! I rarely ride on the roads with traffic. In fact, I hate that my parents always ride their bikes in town with all the cars around. I always take my bike to the trail or the park where there are no cars.

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  18. It can be hard to remember LIFE in the midst of what our brains try to convince us is important (routine). Alex is having to be REALLY flexible right now--and so am I, as sometimes I need to let him go to the gym rather than loll on the couch with me (if he is home at all!)

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    1. Being married to someone in the medical profession requires a lot of flexibility--something that it took quite a while for my husband to adjust to.

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  19. Great job with your workouts! I used to feel really guilty about missing a workout - it would really bother me and affect my whole day :( I'm a lot better about it now! And I don't feel bad for taking rest days when I need it!
    Have a great day!

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  20. Flexibility is always the key...and I definitely have struggled with it because I love having a set routine! I'm glad you got to go for a nice bike ride this past week. And yeah, the Trump supporter behind the wheel doesn't surprise me one bit, smh...

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    1. Ha! I wasn't one bit surprised, but seeing that sticker made me LOL!

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  21. One thing I like about doing 10k's is if I miss a run, it's not the end of the world. I would get so caught up in hitting all my workouts when training for half marathons, I didn't have much flexibility. Now when life happens and I need to shift things around, or skip a workout, I can do that and not stress about it.

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  22. You are such an inspiration. Looks like you got in some good workouts. I also have an anxiety about riding on the road. I am always afraid I am going to get hit by a car or something. I like riding on trails.

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    1. I prefer the trails too. But unless I transport my bike via car, I have to ride on the roads. I sure enjoy riding my bike, though!

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  23. Yes!! Your first paragraph on staying on schedule with just the right balance for flexibility.

    Your college tour reminds me of my university! Penn State has this awesome and delicious creamery, the best ice cream! We blame the freshman 15 on the creamery there.

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  24. Balance is so important! It makes sense to switch up the routine and move things around, especially since it feels like it's important to enjoy Summer as much as possible right now :)

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  25. It's definitely okay, and even important to have those cut back weeks. I always think summer will be easier to get my workouts in but it's harder with kids around and more flexible schedules than when we're in a good routine.

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    1. When my boys were little, I sure struggled with my summer workouts! It was almost a relief when they went back to school so I could have a little more flexibility (and sleep)!

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  26. Interesting you ask if I feel guilty for skipping planned workouts. Just posted about feeling guilty about taking an impromptu rest day! lol Sounds like you have a great coach at CrossFit. I might be a little jealous. I've only found one coach that actually understood that I wanted to run and was willing to program stuff for me - all the others just tell me I should just do CrossFit. Sheesh. Glad I found PSE and got an online program! :)

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    1. What's even better is that I have another running buddy who does CF with me! The owner of the CF box is an endurance athlete/ former Ironman, so the philosophy is really different there.

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  27. I do like my schedule and I don't like anything getting in the way of it, but life does happen and I know sometimes things happen for a reason and a missed workout might mean we needed it.

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  28. Is that campus lakeside? Fabulous location. I do tend to feel a bit guilty if I miss a scheduled workout. Sometimes it just cannot be helped.

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    1. Yes--the student union is right on the lake. It's incredible.

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  29. I know for sure I'd get three times the runs in if I got my butt out the door in the morning. I just love my coffee and Good Morning America too much. And then of course by the time I want to run, all hell breaks loose and I never get out the door. Glad you made it back out on the bike.

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    1. I do have to force myself to go--but if I want to enjoy coffee, I make sure I'm up really early!

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  30. I'm not sure why people are honking at us. The law is to share the road. We have to follow their rules. Hmmm.

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  31. MAJOR facepalm to the jerk honking and swerving. Grrrr.

    Sounds like a really productive week!!!

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  32. I think you and I have been shaking it up all summer and it is a good thing! Love it! College campus tours sound exciting! What about University of Florida? :-) Has he decided yet?

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  33. I ALWAYS feel guilty when I have to miss a planned workout. I really don't know why I feel so much guilty, especially if I have to miss a workout because I am sick or injured. I shouldn't, but I do.

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  34. I've had to miss a couple of long runs due to our hiking adventures and feel bad but then I realize I did do some hiking and that is better than nothing. Sounds like a good week for you and happy that your runs are continuing to do well. How exciting to go on campus tours with your son!

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  35. I'm a creature of habit for sure, but even I know how important it is to shake things up a bit. It can help make us stronger both physically and mentally.

    I rarely beat myself up for missing a run or workout here and there. I even used to joke that a marathon training cycle is so long because inevitably there will be a missed long run (or two). :)

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  36. Summer is too short! Let's start over!

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  37. I feel guilty with missing workouts but at times, I do consciously make the decision not to go even when I have the time to, only because other priorities (e.g. sleep/studying) are calling. Alternative activities are a lot of fun though and I like that it changes things up!

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