Category Archives: balance

(run)Streaking

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, running

By now you all know how much I love, love, love running.
You also know that I love to run by my own rules, my own terms — for me, my way.

I apply that “my way” mindset to not just how I train but how I run and recover from those runs. My body responds best when I run 3-4 times per week…*sometimes* 5 times but that’s a rarity (usually only happens when I’m keeping mileage low, as I have been the past few weeks of un-training time between the last half and full marathon training about to ensue). 

I run my best,  most fresh, most happy when I stick to this run-pace per week.
…there are no junk miles allowed up in here.

So when I started hearing about runners who were streaking left and right, and then heard about Runner’s World hopping on the whole run-streak bandwagon,  I’m not gonna lie — it kind of irked me. And maybe irked isn’t the right word, but I guess I just don’t agree with the whole concept.

The idea of running back-to-back-to-back for days and weeks on end? It’s bound to do way more harm than good. No matter how seasoned of a runner you are. No matter if some of those run-streak days involve “just” a few miles. I just think it sends the wrong message for one, and for two — it’s not very kind on the body and joints.

By wrong message I mean this — why does more have to mean better?
…more “on” run days than off.
…more miles for miles sake vs. happy or fresh or strong miles.
…running to run vs. running with a purpose.

And by un-kind on the body? Well that one seems pretty obvious. While run-streaking, rest days go flying out the window. Sure, I’ve had my moments where I wanted to nix a rest day because I was antsy or whatever. But I’ve learned to quell the antsy pants on a rest day and I fully embrace them now. Not just because “rest days are good” but because rest days are just as important (in my view) as fit days are. Your body needs time to recover after all the work we put it through every day of the week. Without that recovery time, you can’t possibly expect your body to perform at peak capacity now can you? At least for me, that’s way more important than eeking out another workout, sans rest. I’d rather see my body work harder for that next workout because it can work harder, because its optimized for performance. I’d also rather see my body truly WORK for that rest day, truly earning it’s spot on my weekly training schedule.

So I don’t know — I totally feel as though I’m in the extreme minority as a runner when I say this but I am totally anti-run streaking.

But I’d rather honor my body with proper rest and focus on making every single run, every single mile count for something. Earning the rest. Working the work.

 

Am I alone on this one?

Honest and real

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, Chicago Marathon, dream, marathon, no limits, running

It’s about to get honest and real up in here.

I’m having doubts.
…about that *little* thing I signed up for on October 7th.

The Chicago Marathon. My first full marathon.

It’s ironic — and honestly, very frustrating — that I’m having moments of self-doubt and downright fear this week after just posting about how far I’ve come this past year, thanks to the barre n9ne 60-day challenge journey I’ve been on. A journey that has shown me that I have every right to love the skin I’m in, and to be confident in my abilities, in my strengths…in ME.

Yet, I’m doubting the marathon thing. Not just a little bit. But a lot.

…can I do it?

…do I (still) want to do it?

…what am I doing?? 26.2 is ridiculous.

...why am I doing this?

It’s that last question that really got to me.
…Why.

why, why why.

Why 26.2?

Because I need to prove that I’m a serious runner? Nope, that’s not it. I run for me, not for a title, not to “belong,” but for me.

Because I said I would? Well kinda…but that’s not a good enough reason to put myself through 16 weeks of training.

Because this is my year — of no limits, no boundaries, and a helluva a lot of “getting uncomfortable?
YES.

Let’s face it — I’m only doing this thing once (and I MEAN that). And this is truly my year — both mentally but also physically. I am the strongest and fittest I’ve ever been. My body is ready for the pounding it’s gonna take from marathon training.  This is it. Game on.

So why am I afraid? I guess its because I’m human and facing something as daunting as 26.2 miles is effing scary. It just is. It’s a powerful thing to say that your body was able to overcome the odds and ran 26.2 miles (because let’s be honest, very few in this world will ever do it). And I *do* want that. I guess I just don’t want marathon training to rule my life for the next four months – and maybe that’s why I’ve felt hesitant, scared, doubtful.

So I’ve made a deal with myself. Quite simply: I won’t allow marathon training to overcome me, my life, my semblance of balance. I know it won’t be all puppies and rainbows each and every week but I’m damn committed to making sure I’m having fun along the way. That I’m still following my #1 fit passion which is barre n9ne (sorry running, you come in 2nd place!). And that I’m still living life fully, happily, healthily and my way.

Ultimately, that’s the only way I’m going to get myself through marathon training without letting fear overcome me, without letting that creeper named “self-doubt” poke his head in the door, and without letting it steal my joy for other things in life.

So yeah, this is me being real, honest and 100% me here. Running this marathon is a HUGE goal of mine. But it’s not my life. It just isn’t.

I know this might sound counter-intuitive to those of you who *have* run marathons before, but I gotta go with my gut on this one.

(and on that note, be on the lookout for my “rebel without a cause” version of a marathon training plan. I’ll be sharing that with you next week!)

Mindful (not mindless), intentional (not aimless)

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe

Mindful (not mindless).

Intentional (not aimless).

Just think about the meaning –the weight – behind those words: Mindful. Intentional.

Simple concepts really — a mindful approach, one that requires intention or aim.
…but in practice? Not quite as simple.

At least for me. It’s something I’ve been working on for over a year now (since the barre n9ne challenge started last May…more on this milestone tomorrow…) — and quite honestly? I think it’s always going to be a work-in-progress for me, but a work-in-progress means I’m always moving forward, always working to be better, more mindful, more intentional, right?

Mindful (not mindless) as it relates to healthy eating. Learning to push down my OATT-ing ways and trusting my body to alert me to true hunger. To remind me when it’s not hungry, but perhaps thirsty, or bored, or itching to mindlessly eat…out of old habits attempting to sneak back out.
…Intentional (not aimless).

Mindful (not mindless) workouts. Choosing true focus at the barre — both when taking class but also when teaching class. Staying in the moment, working hard to motivate (as an instructor), and working hard to lead by example (as a student of the method) — working hard, plain and simple. Running the mile I’m in, the run I’m in…and ultimately, the race I’m in (October 7, I’m coming for you).
…Intentional (not aimless).

Mindful (not mindless) living. Continuing to chase dreams. Constantly living on the edge of discomfort — in my career (both of them!), in my relationship with Scott, in my friendships, and as an auntie. Always looking for that mindful memory or moment. Searing it into my brain. Kind of like the butterfly I saw – not once, but twice – while running this weekend with Scott. I do believe that was my Nonna swinging by to remind me that she’s always watching over us. Her death, exactly three years ago on Sunday, still leaves such a sadness in my heart. I miss her. But I know she’s always lingering nearby — and this reminds me to continue to stay mindful to every single moment in life.
…Intentional (not aimless).

Mindful (not mindless).
Intentional (not aimless).

This has become my mantra for life, one that I’ve been rolling around in my mind for the past few weeks. This weekend, the whole concept was truly solidified for me — 2012 is proving not just to be the year of ‘no limits’ but my year. It may sound selfish to some, but for me, it’s become empowering to recognize 2012 as the year that I found my stride.

A May(be) plan

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, dream, focus, no limits, running

Hi, my name is Jessica and I’m a spastic-OMG-must-write-everything-down-and-create-spreadsheets-for-everything planner.

Hilarious, right? But seriously — so, so, so true, at least for me. I think this is largely why I wind up with bouts of OATT regularly…I let the days jumble together to attack me versus taking each day as it’s own “thing.” Y’know, kinda like that “in” thing I mentioned yesterday.

So anyway, when I realized that May was upon us (um hi, yesterday was May 1st, how the hell did that happen?!) — the wheels starting churning. I mean, really – how could they not churn?

…the half marathon is almost behind me.
…the barre n9ne teacher training is long gone and I’m happily in my teaching groove.
…my not new but I keep calling it new job is five months deep.
…we’re nearly at the halfway point in the YEAR.
…my year of ‘no limits.’
Damn.

So yeah, it’s been a busy, jam-packed year so far. Which kinda makes my heart soar with glee, not gonna lie. It’s been a full and happy and passionate five months. Of reaching for dreams, capturing them and chasing the rest. I dig that. This full life that I lead.

But back to my point – the whole planning ‘thang. The OATT-er in me obviously wants to plan the next month down to a science, with every little detail in place (not gonna lie, there have been spreadsheets involved…). The wannabe anti-OATT-er in me wants to *try* to go with the flow more in May. I mean, once June hits — I’ll be in MARATHON training, OMG. The next four MONTHS will be filled with schedules. FILLED.

So this is my little reminder, I suppose, to call this month the month of May(be) Plans vs. all-out OATT-filled plans.

A May(be) plan, you say? Yup, I’m calling this month the one month out of the entire YEAR where I try to stick less to schedules a little bit more. May(be). I’ll be traveling for work this month — which throws me into un-routine. Something I clearly need as a way to un-train myself of these OATT-ing ways of mine. This month also includes the Memorial Day long weekend which always means a gigantic bash for Scott’s birthday each year — and this year being his 35th (!), I want to make it extra special. :-)

The only thing I truly plan on doing this month, if I could quantify it in some way? I’d say it would be filled with lots of  “in” moments — of the barre variety for sure, perhaps of the running (without any rhyme, reason, distance or plans in mind) variety, and most definitely of the embracing each moment variety.

Hmmm…this May(be) plan is shaping up pretty nicely, if I do say so myself. Perhaps this recurring case of OATT Syndrome is on its last days afterall?

(one can only hope. and by “one” I mean my husband, who has the patience of a saint for putting up with my regular OATT-ing ways, heh)

In.

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe, Chicago Marathon, Cox Rhode Race half marathon, focus, half marathon, inspiration, perspective

In.

…run the mile you’re in.

…run the run you’re in.

…love this life you’re in.

…embrace every opportunity you’re in.

…be in the moment. Every moment.

…Be In.

So you all know my favorite running mantra is “run the mile you’re in” right? Well, my blog bestie Heather so thoughtfully reminded me the other day to always remember to also run the run you’re in, not just the mile you’re in, but the run you’re in. Not the one coming up next weekend, next month, or this fall (ahem, Chicago…).

It was a reminder I needed leading into this weekend’s half marathon. It’s no secret that my mind has often skipped ahead to Chicago this fall everytime I’m in “long run” mode. I start to freak out about it, worried as hell that I will never make it all 26.2 miles. So the “run the mile you’re in” mantra comes in really handy for me during those times…but now this “run the run you’re in” concept is another goodie I plan to tuck into the back of my mind for the next training cycle. (thank you, Heather, what would I do without you? Seriously.)

But once I got to thinking about the whole concept of being “in” whatever it is you’re doing, running or otherwise, it all started to come together for me. Being “in” is something we could all use a really good dose of. I know I talk a lot about being present, and taking disconnected or unplugged weekends from time-to-time, but I honestly think we all need to do more in the way of being “in” this life we’ve been blessed with.

…it could mean being more “in” the moment during your next workout. Focusing on the mind/body connection. The way your body moves and changes and transforms with every step, every drop of sweat, every punch, kick, jab or plie.

…it could mean being more “in” it to win it — going for that dream that always seemed so out of reach. Saying “effit” and just going for it.

…and sure, it could also relate to running. But I think we already covered that one. ;-)

Bottom line: “In” is a really great place to be.
(This post courtesy of the “Chronicles of things I’ve learned through Running.”)

 

On my mind.

Posted by Jess Sutera in fitness, balance, running, breathe, family, healthy eating, sisters, barre n9ne, career, Cox Rhode Race half marathon

On my mind…

My next trip for work. Booked for mid-May. At first I was feeling anxious about heading back into un-routine mode, but now I’m kind of looking forward to the change of scenery. It also helps that I now have coworkers that love to be healthy and fit like me (score!). I already have a trail run and a healthy dinner planned for one night while I’m there. However, I *will* be seriously missing my barre workouts though — so here’s my call for entries: who wants to meet up with me for a barre class while I’m in Cali? (ahem Naomi??) <—don’t all raise your hands at once now ;-)

A week, run-less. It’s happening. Probably the week after the half marathon. Or perhaps the week I’m in Cali for work. Though, I did just book a rundate while I’m out there. Fail. I guess the run-less week will happen the week prior then afterall! Note to self.

My Nonna. Her birthday is this week (today, actually). And the anniversary of her death is coming up this May. I’ve found my mind wandering to thoughts of her a lot more lately, particularly given the time of year. I had a dream about her the other night and woke up sensing her presence nearby. It was comforting. Everytime I see my little niece Isabel, my mind rushes to Nonna…she would melt in Isabel’s presence, I am sure of it.

*Updated*
One year of barre n9ne classes. Yep, today is also our one year barre-versary. The first day that my sis and I set foot in the studio for the very first time. Little did we know that just weeks later, we’d be embarking on the 60-day challenge and months and months later, our lives would be transformed in far bigger ways than either of us ever imagined. Stronger. Confidence blooming. And now, joyfully fulfilling our passion through teaching.
…one year later. Transformed.

Friends I adore. My friend from college (who is by far the funniest yet most loving and kind person I’ve ever met) just welcomed her first child into this world yesterday. I’m so happy for her and her husband – the two of them are going to be a riot as parents, I can’t wait! And another friend — a friend I met at work seven years ago and instantly connected with (one of those “I feel like I’ve known you since birth” connections) — has a birthday coming up. We’re celebrating the big 3-0 together this weekend. It’s going to be epic. I promised her that and I never reneg on a promise. ;-)

Sisters like mine. Jen is thisclose to defending her PhD dissertation and then graduating with her PhD in May. She’s in the final throes of it — all while raising the most perfect like 17-month old I have ever seen. I am constantly amazed by her. And my other sis Jo is constantly giving me the perspective I look for, the encouragement I need and the inspiration to dig deeper, push harder, reach farther. She’s come a long, long way over the past few years and sometimes I think I forget to tell her that. So this is my reminder to both of them — I am proud to have sisters like you. xo

A husband who gets me. Truly gets me. Who’s gonna push me all 13.1 miles in just over a week. Who I cherish date nights in with more and more each week. Who I can’t wait to celebrate our 8 year (!) wedding anniversary with in June. And who I *really* can’t wait to get back to wine country with at the end of June. It’s long overdue. We’ve earned this one. No doubt.

On my mind.

Work. Workouts. Friends. Family. Loves.
…totally not in order of priority either. ;-)

Why?

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe, perspective, barre n9ne

Fact: I’ve been running four times a week throughout the winter and into this round of training for the half marathon on May 6th. Pretty consistently so, I’d say.

Fact: I run because I love it, because it challenges me, because it keeps me fit.

Fact: I do not run ‘just to run’, nor do I run to maintain my weight. My running motivation is far deeper than that now.

So when it came to running yesterday, my third of four planned runs this week, I found my motivation waning by late afternoon. You see, I went to barre n9ne in the AM – an awesome class with one of my fit besties Steph - and had grand plans to get home and run a few miles with Scott, taking full advantage of having him around during school vacation week.

However.

My knee was a wee bit achy when I got back, so after much hemming and hawing, I decided to postpone the run to after work and before dinner, in the hopes that my knee would loosen up and I’d be all clear to run.

The good news? My knee felt fine by midday.
The bad news? My motivation was flying quickly out the window. I chalk it up to poor sleep patterns this week and the tail end of half marathon training that always leaves me so tired.

So when my sis (oh so wise sis) pushed me on my reasons for wanting to get my run in last night. She simply asked me one question:

Why?

Why did I feel that I ‘needed’ to get that run in last night when I clearly wasn’t feeling it?
Why did I respond that it was because I wanted to get my four ‘planned’ runs in for the week.
Why did I feel so strongly that I must get those four runs in?

Why?

It’s not like one training run will ever make or break my training. (as I’ve said a million times on this blog, talk about pot/kettle!)
It’s not like my body isn’t fully capable and accustomed to running often.
It’s not like scrapping one cardio session this week will do any harm to my fitness levels.

So why, why, why did I question my intentions?

Call it a reoccurance of OATT syndrome.

Or call it what it is — I am so darn used to pushing myself physically, filling any free time that I have with a good sweatfest. I set such a high bar for myself.all.the.time. Legit unable to chill out and not DO anything just beause I have the free time, unplanned and all. <<–something one of my IRL besties asked me about on gchat yesterday too, she literally has no idea HOW I don’t know how to relax. Haha. Well she DOES know me very well so she ‘gets’ it, it IS me afterall, but still. Point taken. I need to chill the eff out.

So what’s the  moral of this little story of mine? That sometimes (ok, a lot of the time), it’s a really good thing to simply step back and ask yourself WHY.

Your answer may both surprise you and remind you that everything you do and strive for in life ought to be done with intention.

…not just out of habit.
…not just because it was according to some ‘plan.’
…not just because it’s what you’ve always done.

But because there is true, real, strong intention behind those actions.  

I’m a big, huge, giant believer in living with intent. So this little OATT outbreak turned into a really, really good reminder for me to get back to living that way. Stepping away from the plans, the habits, the routines.

Getting back to intention.

This is how our minds work: ‘The Rules’ edition

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, sisters

As you now know, not only do I suffer from OATT every five seconds on occassion, but my sister Jo has a similar case of OATT (though I daresay mine is worse than hers, most of the time, anyway).

Here we are – y’know, in case you forgot what we looked like or something ;-)

On one of our rundates recently, we started mulling over “The Rules” — our quirky little “mandates” we try to live by, and make sure that eachother upholds too (even if it includes a little arm-twisting, now and then).

So without further ado — on what normally would be Foodie Friday, I bring you:

“This is how our minds work: ‘The Rules’ Edition”

A ‘triple’ is only allowed on the first Monday of every month (just kidding…kinda)…and only if the other one is also doing a triple. Otherwise, it is completely fair to bitch the other one out for doing a triple. (caveat – if we ever DO complete a triple workout, we promise, we’re fully fueled before/after, the workouts are spaced out, and we don’t make a habit of it, we promise. We’re not here to advocate over-exercising!)

Rest days must be ‘complete’ rest days and must be taken in the same week. None of this ‘I’ll use Sunday as my rest day’ when the other knows that her last rest day was the PREVIOUS Tuesday (in other words, more than a full week between rest days? No bueno.)

There is no such thing as ‘only‘ running XX number of miles for an allotted run. A run is a run, plain and simple. Could be 3 miles, could be 12. It all ‘counts.’ It all matters. It all rocks.

It’s completely normal to discuss the week ahead’s workouts and how you can strategically plan run, barre, sister dinner dates into the mix.  <—OATT alert!! At least one of the three must happen each week. (and every other ‘date’ should include sushi. Or oatmeal. It’s a rule).

Throwback ‘rule’ – you can only trade three skittles (at minimum and none of this only yellow and green, there must be at least one ‘money color’, i.e. pink, purple, or one red. MUST.) for one starburst (again, said starburst must be a ‘money color’ or else the 3 skittle-minimum no longer applies. You can give her none in return as far as I’m concerned. In fairness, of course, to the flavor law.)

(does anyone else now suddenly have a random craving to go buy a pack of starburst now? yeah…er…me neither.)

There is absolutely no truth to the phrase: I’m not in the mood for wine tonight (if sister says this, there is something seriously wrong….or she’s pregnant. Justkidding.Justkidding.Justkidding.)

A couple of chocolate chips is totally an acceptable yogurt topping. ‘nuf said.

There is always a way to fit in ‘Jess and Scott’ pizza and two glasses of wine and still be within ‘your number’ (i.e. food log ‘number’) and not starve yourself all day. It’s been done. And it was worth every last cheesy filled calorie.  TRUTH.

If you’re gonna eat a cookie, eat the damn cookie. A real one. Homebaked. With real sugar. Real butter. Real chocolate chips. No going halfway and stopping. Commit to the cookie. And enjoy it, dammit.

You can work peanut butter into any recipe. Savory. Sweet. Doesn’t matter. It ALWAYS WORKS.

And finally, you are fully within your rights to block your sister’s Facebook and Twitter updates while traveling to avoid oatmeal envy. It’s sheer torture otherwise. Trust me (us) on this one.

;-)

Slow. Down.

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, breathe

It was this bowl of oatmeal that reminded me that it’s time to Slow. Down.

On Sunday, while listening to Joel Osteen on DVR in the background, I watched the steam slowly rise from my bowl of oatmeal. The coffee cup beside it was equally warm and steamy.

I was mesmerized.

…by the slow steam rising.
…the comfort of this scene playing out.
…of how slow and joy-filled that moment was.
And I almost missed it.

Almost.

If I hadn’t been in a state of disconnection this weekend, I am sure I would’ve missed the signs, the cues, the signals. From my body. From my inner-most thoughts. From my surroundings.

It’s time to slow down.

To stop trying to be everything to everyone all the time.

To stop striving for perfection, of never-missed beats.

To cut myself a little slack.

As Scott so eloquently put it — “this past month our lives have been on fast-forward. I’m tired. We’re tired.”

And he’s absolutely right. I have been so caught up in my (relatively new) job and making an impact, of becoming a barre n9ne instructor and learning to be the best instructor that I can be, of running increasingly longer distances in preparation for the half marathon, of secretly aiming for the elusive 100-mile month, of continually pushing my body, my mind, my spirit, my life to the limits — jamming as much into my days, every single day.

I’ve lost that edge-of-the-ledge glee that makes living my best life now so wonderful.
I’ve been going too fast.
Missing moments.

I need to slow down.

This weekend of disconnection proved that to me.
On Saturday, the day was filled with activity — but not rush-rush-rush activity like normal. We opted for a 5-miler on Saturday vs. the previously-planned 9-miler (weather was yucko). I met a friend for a pedi before she left for a 3-week work trip. I visited family in our hometown, a hometown that’s only 20 minutes away yet we never seem to “have time” to visit. I got some much-needed snuggle time with Isabel. Who at one point looked up at me from our perch on the floor, put her face so close to mine I could feel her breath on my face, and she looked at me with glee and said “Hi!!” and giggled so freely, so joyfully, so beautifully. I melted.

…yet, I never snapped a single photo from our visit that day. I didn’t want to interrupt our moment with technology.

And then Saturday night rolled around. Our date night out to that favorite wine bar I mentioned. We lingered. For hours. Over every single course of our meal. We ordered dessert. And a nightcap. And slowed down. Way, way down.

On Sunday. The rescheduled 9-miler was looming. Then the ”oatmeal moment” happened. Wheels started slowly turning. I suddenly thought to myself “do I even want to run this half marathon anymore?” And that’s when I ultimately knew, for me to question something that I love to do so much? I need to slow down. No – I need to stop. Stop it all. Embrace a Sunday filled with un-routine. I had hit my breaking point. Tears rolling down my cheeks and a quick hug from Scott and I knew. No 9-miler. No nothing.

Just a long, slow, peaceful Sunday. On the road to a wee bit of a slower day, week, month, ahead.
…I can still live that best life right now. It just doesn’t have to be quite so fast all the time. I know this now.

Running (wicked) smart

Posted by Jess Sutera in balance, running, half marathon, barre n9ne, Cox Rhode Race half marathon

(Editor’s Note: Back to regularly scheduled programming up in here – thank you all for indulging me in yesterday’s post. I clearly needed to get that off my chest – couldn’t stop pinning, tweeting, FB’ing about it all day yesterday. ;-) )

Lately,  I’ve been thinking about the whole working smarter, not harder mantra and how I’ve been trying to apply that to my running.

I like to think of it as running (wicked ) smart. <– a total Boston phrase, “wicked”

Thus far, my half marathon training schedule has certainly been changing on the fly week-to-week, depending largely on how I’m feeling in between taking and teaching barre n9ne classes and ramping up my running mileage week-to-week (I’m now hovering around  25-27 miles/week compared to my pre-training weekly mileage of about 15-24).

The whole “week-to-week” thing has been working out really well so far. I told you how “not a fan” I am of training plans overall and that I like to train by feel, training loosely week-to-week versus via a very regimented schedule. However, with the balance I’m trying to strike between teaching/taking barre classes and half marathon training, I’m glad I created an actual training plan this time around (even if I’m constantly adjusting it).

For example – just this week I had to make an adjustment to my running plan. Not because of a conflict in my schedule for the week. Nope.

It was simply because my body was telling me “No!” – and I chose to listen.

And really, I think that’s the key in this whole thing – choosing to listen. I am such a stubborn person and am the first to openly admit that it’s often hard for me to listen to my body when it’s telling me something. But I’ve learned from previous experience (and injuries!) that *not* listening never tends to work out very well.

So rather than risk junk miles (which I’m no fan of), I simply postponed my run from Tuesday night to this morning (as you’re reading this, I should be just finishing up said run!). That gives me a full day and a half since my last workout (6am barre method on Tues, rest day on Wed) so my legs ought to be very, very happy with me. Plus, getting my endorphins rushing before heading over to barre n9ne to teach is never a bad idea in my book. The 9am-ers ought to brace themselves – I’m bound to be full of energy for a nice little barre n9ne-style butt kicking. ;-)

My running “schedule” for this week remains intact, with slight modifications, and my body will be stronger and happier for it. And to be honest, if that run had simply been canceled vs. postponed for this week, I would have been ok with that too.

Big picture – what’s an extra 6 miles *really* going to do for my training? Will it be a make-or-break for me?
Nope. Not even in the slightest.

A wicked smart question to ask yourself (myself included!) next time you’re even remotely questioning the “to run/not run” thang in your mind’s eye.

**********

And, in case you’re a curious person (like me!),  here’s how my training schedule  is shaping up this week (and I’m pretty pleased with it):

Sunday – cross-train (barre n9ne)
Monday – 5 miles, intervals; barre n9ne at night
Tuesday – cross-train (barre n9ne)
Wednesday –REST (oh glorious rest!)
Thursday -  6 (rescheduled) miles; barre n9ne legs (I also teach on Thursdays)
Friday – 7 miles, rundate style (with the sis!) (I also teach on Fridays)
Saturday – 9 miles, rundate-style (with the hubs, and hopefully via a new route we’re hoping to scout out tomorrow!)

Total miles this week: 27 miles
(which means I’m heading for my first 100 mile month!)