In full honesty and transparency, because it’s important in life and in running, I had a terrible week. Ok, so I had a terrible running week. Like seriously, zero miles. I went to kettlebell class and that was it. I was in an intensive certificate program for 8 hours a day, then doing my own work, commuting, had evening commitments, and was trying to read each night for class the next day. The classes were awesome! But… I averaged 5 hours a sleep for the whole time. It was rough.

A bright spot though, I did homebase for ARRC on Saturday, which meant I got to see all my running peeps, even if I wasn’t out on the hills with them.

I’m going to try again. Even though my schedule says 26 miles this week, I will be happy if I can hit 18-20, given how the past two weeks have been. It’s all you can do sometimes, try again in the morning, step by step.

New Shoes

This past week has been crazy, and this week ahead is going to be positively nuts. I’m trying to be optimistic, but has been so much going on at work. This week I’m actually in an intensive professional development certificate program- I got pulled from the waitlist on Thursday. So posts this week maybe a little light because I’m writing them in between class, reading for class, and the other things already on my evening calendar.

 

This week was the first week of the running schedule. Suffice it to say, it did not go as planned. I got most of my mileage in, but not really on the planned days. I ended up not running Monday or Tuesday, but did go to kettlebell class on Monday. I ran 4 miles in my neighborhood instead of 2 on Wednesday- with my new shoes (black Saucony’s!!!). Thursday was 2 miles on the treadmill and an hour spin class (just over 20 miles). Friday was my off day, which given the week, I really needed. Long run Saturday with ARRC for 7.5 miles (a little by myself and just over 6 with the group) and then right to class. And a short 2.5 miles on Sunday. So instead of the planned 18 miles, I hit 16 miles.

 

While I’m disappointed since it was the first week, I was still close to my goal, and it won’t have long-term impacts. I will pick myself up and try again this week- 20 miles over 6 days. All of my runs will have to be in the early morning since I have 8 hours of class each day, and either a class activity or a previously scheduled commitment on my calendar, evening running is off the table. So time for early alarms, and a commitment to actually getting out of bed. Hmmm, I may have to move my alarm clock.

Happy Monday! Summer is definitely here- it’s hot, humid, June and we’ve celebrated Global Running Day on June 1.

One of the big drivers behind me starting this blog is for accountability. I have had a really hard time this past year being consistent with my weekday runs. I’m in Arlington Road Runners, so my Saturday runs are always with the group. Knowing that people are counting on me to be there, and that I’ll have friends to run with is enough motivation for me to not miss or sleep in. But weekday runs…. I have hit the point where I can run a marathon with just 2-3 runs in 7 days, but it’s not my best. So, I’m working on consistency and accountability.

This past week, I’m working on coming back from a very light month of running post-marathon. I ran 4 days last week with a total mileage of 12.34 miles. Additionally, I had 2 cross-training days (one of deadlifting in the gym, one kettlebell class with Functional Fitness).

My current fall races are the Baltimore Half Marathon in October, and the Richmond Full Marathon in November. My plan is part-Hansons, part my running group. Here is my basic schedule- we’ll see how the schedule in the rest of my life goes and what changes I have to make.

Fall 2016 Running Schedule

Dusseldorf Finish Line Selfie

What better way to start something than with a conclusion? Inspired by my friend Courtney at EatPrayRunDC, race recaps will be a staple. Races keep me running, and keep me challenging myself. I’m going to be honest and accountable about how my training is going, so I’ll also share how the actual race went.

 

The Dusseldorf Marathon in Dusseldorf, Germany on April 24, 2016 was my 7th marathon since I started running 6 years ago. Read More →

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog, Run, Travel & Adventure! While this isn’t my foray into blogging, it’s been almost a decade since I last blogged regularly. I love running, travel, adventure, foreign policy, art and good conversation.

Hopefully you’ll go with me as I work my way through life.