I am one tired cookie this morning. Yesterday was a day of tests. I will be completely honest and say that for most of the day at work I felt very defeated and overwhelmed.
By the time I left to go to my facial I was nearly in tears, but thankfully spending an hour getting pampered alleviated my stress somewhat.
I felt renewed enough to head to the gym and kick ass at a workout. Sometimes when it feels like you can’t control anything, there is nothing more satisfying than a good, sweaty run.
I had actually planned to do 5 or 6 miles, but found out that my Dad is coming to see me tonight (yay!) so I wanted to get in tomorrow’s strength training as well.
I hopped on the treadmill and decided to run a “fast” 3-miler. For me, fast means a sub 10 min/mile pace. I’m hoping to get faster someday, but right now it is what it is. I busted out the 3 miles in 29 minutes and felt victorious.
Then I headed downstairs to Body Pump, which was a new release and very challenging.
As I left the gym, dripping in sweat and looking like a drowned rat, I felt much better.
Better, but starving. After showering I knew I needed to get food into my facehole (which is almost healed by the way!) as soon as possible.
These clearance garbanzo beans have been sitting in my pantry for many months. I’m a sucker for a clearance deal, but after purchasing them I feared they might be funky.
Last night, I took the risk. They tasted just like full-priced beans to me! I rinsed them thoroughly and stuck them on top of some spinach along with some corn and Kefir Caesar dressing.
Random dining at its finest. This was actually really good. I may have added some cheese and hot sauce to the mix post-photo.
Devoured.
It was much later than I was used to (I had to go to the late Body Pump) and I had a ton to do around the apartment, so a 6-minute Meal was the perfect solution.
I rushed around trying to get everything done and then hopped into bed by 9:45 so I could get up at 4:26 this morning to head back to the gym for cross training.
I’ve really noticed a huge difference in my endurance during this round of training and I think it’s due to the larger amounts of low impact cardio and strength training I’m incorporating in with my running.
I haven’t felt as fatigued from the training and I don’t feel burnt out, which is usually the case by this point.
I ellipticalled for 3 miles, which served nicely in loosening up my tight leg muscles.
Honestly, I don’t like morning workouts. I hate getting up that early and I always feel tired throughout the day. But… I’m glad it’s over and now I can focus on a night with my family. I need it.
Holy ramble today. I’ve had more caffeine than usual. I guess we’ll blame that.
Morning workouts: love ‘em or hate ‘em?
If you run, what are your tips for increasing speed?
