At six months postpartum, mileage feels better than intensity. I feel like I’m responding better with frequent, predominantly aerobic runs, so I decided to increase my training load by trying six days of running right now. All of my runs this week were 30-60 minutes in length and I ran 31 miles total, which felt very good.
I also decided to add an extra day of running based on stress of everything. We have been extremely fortunate so far in the situation, yet there is so much anxiety around the pandemic. Running provides a release for the anxiety to make it more manageable.
Monday: 5 mile treadmill run
I tried a new iFit course, one along a mountain course in Sedona. A majority of the course was either downhill (-2-3%) or uphill (2-8%). I let my stride open up with faster running on the downhills and kept uphill pace comfortable. My average pace was 8:41/mile, with 365 feet of elevation gain.
Tuesday: Strength training & 6 mile stroller run
My strength workout was actually two, back-to-back. I’m working on editing some at-home strength workout for my athletes and I filmed two before Isla woke up. Once Isla was up and fed, I took her out on a 6 mile stroller run. We saw a few other runners and walkers and were cautious to keep distance as we passed.
Wednesday: Rest day
I planned on running outdoors with the stroller, but a dense fog hung over for all of the morning. My afternoon was busy with work, so Wednesday became a rest day by default.
Thursday: 7.3 mile stroller run
I took Isla out earlier in the morning. We do not live in a crowded area by any means, but I am trying to avoid running when more walkers may be out. We enjoyed just over an hour of running and passed only a handful of people. I was surprised at the pace I was able to maintain – an 8:44/mile with the stroller! Living in a flat area certainly makes for easier stroller running.
Friday: 4 mile treadmill run & strength training
This was just a light and easy treadmill run, done at a comfortable pace of 9:06/mile. I started a new set of ReCore2 exercises, which are becoming progressively more challenging.
Saturday: 55 minute progression run
Since I am focused on building up mileage and frequency, I am keeping intensity lower right now. Instead of doing a hard workout, I did an aerobic progression run. The first 40 minutes were easy, and then I ramped up the pace to aerobic threshold (8:00/mile, cutting down to 7:30/mile for the final few minutes).
Sunday: 3 mile recovery run
I opted to run on the treadmill again, due to 30 mph winds with 45 mph gusts. I maintained a very light pace – a 9:30/mile.
Linking up with Weekly Rundown!
How was your week in running?
How have your workouts changed with the pandemic?
7 Responses
Thankfully, my workouts have not been affected much…thus far. I’m really glad my long run was yesterday, though, because we had crazy wind here today as well. Great mileage for you last week!
If anything, I think I may be doing even more exercise now! It’s my sanity and I basically have nothing else to do. Way to get in a solid week of training and running. Stay well and thanks for linking up today
I found myself wanting to run more due to stress this week. I’m just trying to remember not to overdo it and to keep up with my strength training as well!
I certainly have upped both the frequency and intensity and I’m feeling it. I’m going to ease up a bit this week–now that the burpee challenge is complete, it will feel easier, anyways.
You did a lot of great runs! I’m getting bored with my neighborhood running route and not minding treadmill workouts for variety. That’s crazy!
Great job! Getting the fresh air is so important for everyone, Isla included.
I’m going out for daily walks and hoping to be able to convert that into runs, soon. I miss going to the gym and PT, because I was able to complete some more serious movements, but it is what it is.
Great week for you! I’ve been doing a lot of things other than running, due to some pain right now. I miss running! I’m so thankful for all of the apps allowing free trials right now so I can get my workouts done in a different manner.