I learned an important lesson last week that I thought I'd share. And that's what we're all here for, right? I love watching and listening to other people's life experiences.
Well, these last few weeks I've started a whole new routine that includes moving around my job, fitness, freelance work, eating, coaching cross country... you name it, I pretty much just restarted EVERYTHING. I'm not gonna lie, it's been rough!
I've struggled all my life in setting a routine and then actually sticking to it. I am a PRO at making plans and then not following through. (With myself, not with other people. I promise, I'm totally dependable! LOL)
So you can imagine it's been a little hectic. One of the things I restarted that I really want to stick with is my T-25 workouts. It's important to me, not only because it was an expensive motivator, but because I know I can accomplish and kick butt on that workout challenge! Dude, I have come SO far in the last few years. I know I can do anything I set my mind to.
So here's the problem.
I also have the last 1/3 of my Half Marathon training ahead of me. This is the point in my training where the runs get longer, the runs get harder, and I have to stay focused. This also means that I take extra care of my body in between these long training runs. I need to make sure that I'm fueling and hydrating efficiently each day so that when I step outside that door on saturdays, I am good to go the distance.
After completing 4 days of the T-25 workout plus a crazy week of my daytime teaching job and a night time freelance illustration job... I was pooped!! In my head I started to hear those negative thoughts;
"You can't do this"
NO! I'm not going to let my brain tell me what I can't do! I've worked too hard to just give up on something and I have set my goal!
That thursday night, I just kept thinking about the dreaded double workout scheduled on Friday. And then jumped to my scheduled 8 mile run the very next morning. Was I crazy?! I was so tired. To make matter worse, the fires up in Yosemite have lovingly sent all its contaminated air down into the valley where its been just sitting on top of all of us down here breathing it in. But was I just making excuses? Surely a fire throat, clogged sinuses, and a migraine is a sign I should maybe take heed to?
Finally, I picked up my phone and texted my lovely friend who happens to be my own personal pocket coach. I told her how I was feeling and the advice that came back was so needed.
"LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!"
She was very stern with me. She told me that I needed to listen to the signs my body was practically screaming at me. She explained, (and I don't know why I didn't come to this conclusion on my own), that the Beachbody workouts like T-25 and Insanity and P90X were all put together for clients who don't usually delve deeply into the fitness world. Of course there are always exceptions to this and we all have to find our own routine. Each program is set up to be fool proof with a specific meal guide, exercise plan, and Shakeology to assist those who do NOT have a regular fitness plan.
I do.
I have a complicated training plan for my Half Marathons throughout the year.
Can I do both? Of course! but I need to be willing to adjust. What's most important?
At this point, my race is the most important. I can't go out on training runs and try to prepared for a distance race if I have physically exhausted my body during the week. I could try... but that's asking for an injury. No Thanks!
I had to re-evaluate what my goals were. Yes, I very much want to continue with T-25, but instead of hitting 2 workouts on fridays, I need to incorporate an active rest day to gear up for my run. For that, yoga is my best friend. I can still rest my muscles but I get in some balance and strength at the same time.
After my Half Marathon, I can absolutely start up on the 2 workout fridays because my training runs will be back down to shorter distances. That's an attainable goal for me!
To drive home the point of this entry... Listen to your body! Everyone is different. It's ok to have a rest day even if it's not in your schedule. Sometimes we just need a break. Find what works for you.
Hope you guys have an awesome week!! Hit it Hard!
