What a week! Phew! This week at work was busy and somehow left me feeling like I needed some time off, so this weekend, it is a 4-day weekend for me. I just mentally needed to disconnect from all things HR-related (my line of work). And what have I done? Indulge in my favorite things that I normally do not have time to do— reading, baking and watching movies on PureFlix (the G-Rated family oriented version of Netflix) :) I am a simple girl, so this is ME time perfection. Aside from that, it was a good week of physical activity, although it was hot all week. A few weeks ago we got spoiled with some autumn-like temperatures, but the heat was back this week. Supposedly. fall temperatures will be back this week along with stormy weather. We will see. Anyhow, this is how the week went.

MONDAY (3-MILE WALK/1-MILE WALK)

The running progression continues. You guys, I really think that my “I am done with running” was me burned out. Because I continue to enjoy it so much. One thing I have done though, it not time myself. Yes, I wear the watch but don’t turn out the GPS. I just run and its so freeing. I have a good 4 and 5-mile route, so I have been sticking to those distances.

TUESDAY (4-MILE WALK)

I continue to use my walks to get stronger and push the distance. The body is definitely feeling stronger and the stamina is the best its been since surgery day.

WEDNESDAY (STRETCH AND STRENGTHENNG)

A few months of barely any activity can really bring out little aches and pains that you did not have before, so I have been making a point to do lots of stretching and strengthening. One of my favorite runner, Sally McRae (@yellowrunner) is always sharing runner specific workouts, and she now has a workout app, which I have been using for about a week. I am really loving the running fundamental and strengthening workouts, which come in a variety of durations. Plus she is super nice, which makes following her instructions even easier. I know she cannot see me, but I feel like I’d be disappointing her. LOL.

THURSDAY (REST)

FRIDAY (3-MILE RUN/1 MILE WALK)

SATURDAY (4.5 MILE WALK W/WEIGHTED VEST)

This weighted vest (from 1st PHORM) was key in me getting stronger faster. It really adds an extra layer of effort to my walks, plus I sweat like crazy! It is always funny when I wear it because people give me weird looks like I am some kind of weirdo having a Vietnam flashback or something else. And truly I cant blame them because it really looks like a ballistic vest. Good thing I did not get the camouflage one. :)

SUNDAY (4.5-MILE TRAIL RUN/HIKE)

First— I started my workout late today, because I was watching the Chicago Marathon. What an amazing day Team USA had in all the races! I was especially impressed by Emma Bates flying under the radar to take 2nd place. And I always love how Sara Hall always leave it all on the races the runs. A grinding 3rd place for sure! Tomorrow I am off, so you better believe I’ll be watching the Boston marathon. It’s a fun weekend if you are a running fan!

But back to the day on the trails. Today was test time. This is the first time post surg that I have4 been to an actual trail with elevation, and I wanted to test how I was feeling. Honestly— i felt strong, even though I ran and hiked. I have to say that I was not prepared for how hot it was nor the fact that I took a new trail portion so I was lost for about half a mile, which on a trail can seem like forever. But I found my way back. It was quite an effort going up the high inclines and I was sweating so much that I was grossed out, and could not wait to take a shower. But it felt so good to be out there, pushing myself. Plus the leaves are starting to change and the trails look so pretty.