It’s okay to be a little uncomfortable.
Week one in the books. One holiday, and a series of long days that have come to an end.
Honestly, consistency has been the most uncomfortable part, specifically with the nutrition and workout components. I’ve exercised at 5AM and wrapped at 11:40 PM on different days this week. That fluctuation is not sustainable in the long term, but it was a win for the week.
Week Highlights:
- 9-mile long run today. Wasn’t breaking any speed records, but it’s the longest I’ve run straight in a VERY long time. Outside of races, this is my first loop versus running an out-and-back.
The discomfort felt good.
On that, I’ve worked prehab tib raises and seated calf raises into my routine, and they’ve done wonders for my leg discomfort.
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Nutrition was tight Monday through Friday, with reasonable slippage yesterday and today. The youngest’s 6th birthday party and then Easter.
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Had to do some serious health-related tests, along with a more fun DEXA/VO2/RMR battery. Both came back looking good, which was great to see.
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The required writing sessions have forced time in seat. It’s been good. Minimal time needed to actually hit 250 words, but it keeps my brain churning in positive ways, and I’m greasing the groove.
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My pals are doing it too! Only 1 of 6 has dropped off, and even though they aren’t logging with the group, they’ve been more active. That’s a wonderful win.
Downs:
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Schedule inconsistency. Long hours, a 3+ hour weekly commute, two young kids. Life. My schedule for exercise and writing will never be the only priority, so I make it work. That said, I need to unlock a little more consistency, which naturally trends toward early mornings. The problem is I’m terrible at waking up, and even then, if my partner is at the lab and I’m in dad mode, the follow-through may not be possible.
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Belt squats in Easy Strength. I’m doing two sets of five reps at 200lbs. This is remarkably easy. But between the daily frequency, running, and the RDLs and hip thrusts, it’s just adding up. My plan is to run them another week, then swap to leg extensions if it becomes untenable.
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Running 4x a week. My legs were trashed after a 7.5-mile run last Sunday. I had the most arduous easy run of my life on Tuesday (3.25 miles), then kicked the can until the nine-miler today. Undoubtedly the right call, and the other cardio I did was on the Peloton and walking backward on my hacked-together reverse treadmill. That said, I’m not going to hit time goals if I can’t get mileage under my belt. A bit frustrated there.
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Lack of reading. Still reading, mostly audiobooks, but not chewing through them like usual. Predominantly because when my head hits the pillow, I’m fast asleep. Would love to read more physical pages during this challenge. Possibly focus on poetry.
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Getting protein in. Overall nutrition has been good, but I’m struggling to hit the 180g target. Just need to keep working towards it and prep a bit more.
But that’s it. Week 1 in the books. Let’s keep week 2 reasonable.