It's Just a 10k: Training Recap

08.08.14

I have been having a tough time keeping up with my own life right now. I'm settling into a new work schedule, focused on studying, and spending any extra minute lacing up my sneakers to train for the next race!

A few weeks ago, my sister and I went to the Nashville Running Company to get Allie some new shoes. I was chatting with the sales associate and told her that I'm running in the "It's Just a 10k" race in a few weeks. Her response? "Have fun with that one! It's one of the hottest races of summer." The next day, I got an email from the race director saying the race is rescheduled for an hour earlier to beat the heat. 

What have I gotten myself into?!

I'm just about halfway done with my training schedule for the upcoming 10k. It definitely hasn't been a seamless process. The change in weather is really getting to me. If I don't run before 8:30 AM, I can't run that day. The humidity is unbearable. I feel like I am drinking in the air when I run. I shouldn't complain about the weather because, come November, we will still have beautiful weather here!

What I like most about this 4-week program is that I only run 3 days a week. However, the days I do run are a real kick in the butt. Tuesdays are simple 3 milers and cross training. Thursdays consist of 1 mile warm-up, intervals, 1 mile cool-down. Long runs are reserved for Saturday or Sunday. It's all very doable. 

My cross training is always yoga. If I had access to a gym, I'd utilize a bike or elliptical. But I prefer yoga anyway! I usually do vinyasa yoga on my own or a 30 minute Mandy Ingber video (author of "Yogalosophy" and Jennifer Aniston's instructor). I absolutely love her instruction and how she doesn't take yoga so seriously. I always feel great after her videos. And sore the next morning! After this race, I'll have a few short months before I start training for my next race. I'm definitely going to use that time to get back into yoga!

Here is the link to the yoga workout I use: http://www.fitsugar.com/Bikini-Body-Yoga-Workout-34707417

Strength training at the very least is always squats, push-ups, core work, lateral lunges, bird dogs, etc. I like to mix it up with other moves too but those are always on my list. I'm definitely trying my hardest to train well without a gym membership (I'll eventually get one when I find one I like). Even if I did have access to a gym, going for a 4 mile run and then driving to the gym just seems a little crazy to me. So I'm working with what I got!

I'm looking forward to finishing strong with my training and with the race! Only two more weeks to go!

Next up: fueling for workouts!