May 2017 Running Challenge

Getting a little tired of all the rain. It was raining again this morning and I briefly considered going back to bed, but I figured I'd just have a short hike and bring the umbrella. Well, that was probably a bad idea because I spent the entire hike fighting the wind with the umbrella. OK, maybe that's some good strength training, LOL. Speaking of strength training, I tried a little bit last night... some core work, squats/lunges and hip exercises like clam shells and donkey kicks. And then this morning I wondered why my legs felt weaker than usual. It took me almost the entire hike to realize, duh, it was from doing strength exercises for the first time in months.

5/1 - 4.6 run + 4.8 walk
5/2 - 3.55 walk + whatever I do at lunch (assuming it's not still raining)

I'm in for at least 100 this May. Glad to see this group in here!
14 miles so far for May.
Let's do this!

@KatieJane83 - Welcome back! Glad you had a great vacation and a much needed break!

@Skippygirlsmom -Great running!

I started the P90X3 program yesterday. First video was Total Synergistics, which is mostly light weight squats, lunges, pushups, etc. It was a good way to ease back into things. I have been easing back into lifting, but not in the "circuit training" type of style that the P90X programs kind of mimic, so an easy workout was a good way to start. This morning's workout was Agility. I loved this workout, but it was a little tougher for me to gauge my intensity regarding my hamstring. I tried to take it easy on the plyo moves that required a lot of jumping and would put added stress on them. That made the workout a little easier than it probably was intended to be, but I am trying to error on the side of caution with these videos since some of the moves may not be any better for me than running. To make up for it, I plan to go do a cycling class tonight.

I have to say that it feels good to be on a regular routine of strength training again. For most of the many years that I had been running, I always did some type of strengthening and yoga along with it. It wasn't until recently that I got caught up in thinking in terms of the number of miles I had to run, that I let the strength training fall to the way side. So here I am, trying to nurse myself back from an injury. I know I will not make that mistake again. I see that there are a lot of new runners here this month, so I just want to stress that point in hopes that it may save at least one of you from falling into the trap of getting too caught up in mileage numbers. Add your miles slowly and don't forget about strengthening and stretching and you will stay injury free!

Tracking my monthly "non-running" progress for accountability:

May 1 - P90X3 Total Synergistics + 20 minutes stretching and foam rolling
May 2- P90X3 Agility