back to school + weekly workouts
First day back at work today after a great summer off with my family. I did my best to completely enjoy every second with my two kiddos last week, which was a nice way to end my summer. The icing on top was knowing that I got to spend my entire summer dedicated to my kids and not having to worry about coaching. Had I been coaching volleyball, I would have been at tryouts and practices all week. So, it was wonderful knowing that I had an extra week off at home with MacKenna and Miles.
Today starts my 4th year of teaching - crazy! I don't think I'll ever be ready for to go back to work after a summer off, but it is always nice to get a fresh start at the beginning of the school year. I feel like I'm finally comfortable in my role and ready to excel this year. Plus, I finish my master's degree in December, so that's just an added bonus and will make the school year (hopefully) even better.But, going back to work also means afternoon workouts once again. I guess it's better than 4AM workouts like I had been doing during volleyball season, but it's been since before MacKenna was born that I actually did afternoon workouts in the fall. I have a feeling I will HATE August and most of September with the heat + humidity, but I know I will enjoy October (the best month) fully with the crisp, cool afternoons - and getting to run on my birthday (even if it is 2 days after the half marathon)! That's only 10 weeks away, you know... Time to start shopping! ;)August 3-9 WorkoutsMonday: 5 mile easy run (8:11/mile) - Probably one of the best runs I've had in a long time. I'm glad 5+ mile runs are starting to feel easier - my endurance is getting so much better!Tuesday: 10 x 20 seconds with 1 minute recoveries (2.83 miles @ 8:16/mile) - I like these little interval runs to work on my leg turnover. Wishing my pace was a little bit better, but I started to die out at the end. Thankfully, the sunrise made up for it...
Wednesday: 3 mile easy run (8:25/mile) - I got rained on the first half of the run, then it started thundering right after the turn around point. Unfortunately, I was not feeling a fast workout...Thursday: 3 x 2000m with 400m recoveries (5 miles @ 8:01/mile) - My 2000m splits were supposed to be between 7:00-7:18/mile, but I was at 7:25, 7:42, and 8:09, respectively. Ugh. I have some work to do, but I will get there. Speed work outside is going to really push my limits, that's for sure.Friday: 2 mile easy run (8:17/mile) - I love quick, shake out runs. I think they are my favorite all week!Saturday: 7 mile long run (8:24/mile) - I felt so comfortable this run. My last hill was hard, as it always is (even though it's smaller than the one at our old house), but I enjoyed tuning out and just enjoying my long run.
Sunday: A much needed rest day!Total: 25 milesStrength training went well this week too - I got 3 short endurance sessions in (2x15) and will start building my strength this week. I'm looking at doing Jamie Eason's LiveFit trainer to build up my strength, but I'm between that and doing my own thing. So, we shall see.Have a great week! And don't forget, there is still time to enter to win a SPIbelt!