Week 7: Taking a Break

This week my body was definitely ready to take it easier. I wanted to spend more time soaking in nature without the stress of pushing myself and I mostly succeeded. 

Tuesday’s run took me to a new route close to work and became an accidental speed session. A stressful and overly long work meeting plus the anxiety of unknown roads meant adrenaline was pumping and I clocked some way too fast miles. While it’s nice to know I can go fast, I’m not sure it’s my favorite. I also didn’t love the route- it’s through vineyards and a few homes and my anxiety about stray dogs protecting property meant it was hard to enjoy. Probably won’t repeat this route. Wednesday was another accidental speed session- my heart rate has really improved and it was fun to see that, but probably overdid it again. So much for a break week! 

So, once I got to Thursday, I knew I really had to take it easier. I committed myself to a hilly 3 up canyon, where I knew I had to slow to a hike, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I ended up doing an extra 1/2 mile just because that upper section on Canyon is one of my favorites. 

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Friday was a running rest day but otherwise far from restful. After a very busy work day, I took Noah beach camping!

This was the perfect break from real life - walking on the beach, lots of reading, sitting by the fire, to the constant symphony of the crashing waves. 

The only downside was both of us were struggling with a cold that took a little away from the experience. But it was still immensely more fun than being sick at home. 

This week started in like a lion but definitely went out like a lamb- I’m feeling too rough today to do the planned 5 miles, so I’m leaning into the purpose of the week and taking a full rest day. 

Soaking in the sunrise this morning reminded me of how small we all are in this immensely beautiful world. And that it’s so much more about appreciating the gifts each day beings than putting on pressure for more and better all the time. I’m trusting that I did need today’s rest amidst the stress of life and the world at large, and coming back from camping feeling more purposeful about cultivating that rest and appreciation in my day to day life. 

All that said, the numbers definitely support this as a rest week - almost 4 hours less and almost 10 miles less than last week. 

I can only hope that today puts me in a good position to feel recovered this coming week and ready to reach some new training (while still trying to listen to what I need) 

 As long as I can recover from this sickness decently well I’m going to be attempting my first double digit run this next weekend. I’m nervous but excited. Here’s hoping my strength keeps growing!