Just thought I'd throw in that picture of me for a little variety! This was taken at my Swensen Grandparents' house in Ammon, ID. I think I was somewhere around Wes' age. My mom was so good to make me look cute all the time. I need to be better about that with Sydney!
The past week of cross-training went really well. I actually enjoyed the variety and being out of the freezing cold (last week was really bad). I was able to finish my January Runner's World, just in time for February's issue to arrive. (A tip to new runners: Runner's World is an extremely motivating magazine. I highly recommend a subscription!)
It's interesting to see how running has changed me both physically and mentally. I used to think waking up before 7:00am was insane. In fact, my Dad and sister, Angie, have always been early risers (like, before 6:00am even) and I always thought they were crazy. I guess I always thought marathoners were crazy, too, though. Funny how things change.
I think it started when I went running with my sister, Angie, in San Diego over the summer. In order for us to get our run in and for her husband to watch the kids, we had to get running by about 6:00am. At first, I was a little apprehensive, but then I just knew it had to be done! And done, it was. When you're training, whatever has to be done, has to be done.
This past week, I got to the gym by 6:00am (when it opens) two mornings and 6:30am one morning. (The other morning, I went to our clubhouse gym a around 8:30am.) Brian has a class at 8:00am two days a week, so I have to get there and home before he has to leave for school. I do what I have to do!
Actually, it's not that big of deal for me anymore. I kind of like it now. Seriously, it used to be that if I looked at the clock and it said anything before 7:00am, I felt exhausted. (I couldn't even make it to a 9:00am class in college.) Granted, my kids have changed me now, too. They rarely sleep in until 7:00am, but again, I've begun to prefer it. I feel like if I get up after 7:00am, my whole day's gone! Also, I try to get to bed by 10:00pm at the latest these days, especially since I prefer not to nap during the day. It doesn't always work out, but I do my best!
I'm just grateful to see how running has changed my perspective on what I am capable of. I can wake up at 5:30am. I can accomplish a goal if I set my mind to it. I can do a lot of things if I work hard at it! It's a great thing to realize and capitalize on.
According to my training goals this week, I needed approximately 3 hours, 54 minutes of cross-training. I had 3 hours of cardio and about 50 minutes of abs. I figure that's pretty good.
Weekly Goals
Monday: 7 miles at 8:41 /mi
Tuesday: 7 miles at 8:41 /mi
Thursday: 7 miles at 8:41 /mi
Saturday: 6 miles at 8:41 /mi
Outcome
Monday: 30 min. stationary bike
Tuesday: 30 min. swimming; 30 min. elliptical; 10 min. abs
Wednesday: 30 min. elliptical; 30 min. abs; 20 min. stretching
Friday: 30 min. bike; 30 min. elliptical; 10 min. abs
