Thursdays SUCK!

So, yesterday I told everyone about my workout schedule for the next 8 weeks. And I told you about my concerns for Thursdays because they include a short, hard run and strength workout.

Well, I must say my concerns were validated. I was very worried about the timing of everything, so I got up a little earlier than usual, 4:30am. Oddly enough, it took me a little longer than usual to get moving at that time, but I was on the road by 4:50am. I ran my 2 mile route and I was really trying to push it. A couple of times, usually on gentle uphills, my heart really started to pound, but I was still feeling pretty good. I did my first mile in 7:05. Not bad, but I had thought I would be a sub-7 minutes with as hard as I was working. When I turned into the second mile, the wind was in my face and the rain had started coming down pretty steady. It is very difficult to concentrate when you have rain and wind beating you in the face, and I struggled to keep my pace and form. I finished the run in 14:30. I am more than a little disappointed with my time on the second mile, but I am trying no to be too hard on myself. After finishing, I cooled down for a couple of minutes, went inside, and stretched.

Next I was on to abs. Katie and I are still doing the Ab Ripper X, and my performance was really starting to improve. I was able to complete quite a few of the exercises, and I may be a bit delusional but I thought I was noticing a difference in my appearance. This morning was not a good showing. I don't know if my legs were gassed from the run, but keeping my legs in the air for some of those moves was impossible. My reps were way down from where I was last Sunday, and I was having to take quite a few more breaks. When I was done with this workout I was soaked with sweat.

Finally, I moved on to my back/bicep workout. I have not officially transitioned shoulder work into these 2 strength days so I was improvising some sets into the routine. I was having enough trouble that I dropped some of the weight before I even got started. Overall, the workout went well, and when it was done I could not have been happier to have it over with.

As far as time goes, I was finished at almost 6:00am (Top Plays was just finishing up); just about 15 minutes later than usual, but I was able to make up the time getting ready.

And I have to tell you I am gassed. I don't know if it was getting up early, the workout, or most likely, a combination of both, but I am tired. And hungry, my stomach is really growling; I'll have to have my morning snack a little early. This being the first week of the new training, I am sure that my body will take some time getting used to the new normal, but until then I think I am going to struggle with some of this stuff.

A good note to all of this: Yesterday was my first day back to work since receiving my notice of non-reappointment, and I had a really down day. I know that leaving this place will really be a loss in my life. However, as Wednesdays are my rest days I also did not work out. And today after a nice hard workout, my attitude is far more positive, and I am happier overall. I know all the docs say "endorphins, blah, blah, blah" but maybe those crazy guys have a good point. Working out makes you physically and mentally healthier. Whodda thunk it?