In hindsight, starting a new weight lifting plan the same week I decided to join the Runner’s World summer running streak was a bad idea. Okay, it wasn’t bad, just not good.
I ran 25 miles total for May. I don’t know the last time I ran so little, but it makes sense since I took a few weeks off when I got sick, was out of town and then had that rare fainting spell.
Now that I’m running again, I can feel the effect of those weeks off and the low mileage in April (~50 miles). It’s discouraging to need a short walk break during an easy 3 mile run. While I’m not training nor have any races lined up, I don’t want to lose more of the fitness and speed I worked hard to develop in the months I was training with Marc.
Enter Runner’s World’s summer running streak. Runner’s World outlines the parameters here, but the rules are pretty simple: run at least 1 mile a day from Memorial Day through 4th of July, a 38 day streak.
I like my rest days and have never run more them 4 or 5 days consecutively. I’ve also never just gone out for a single mile. That’s easy. It probably would take me longer to get ready to run than to actually run a mile.
Starting the running streak the same week I started stage 1 of the New Rules of Lifting for Women (NROLW) program wasn’t a good idea, but it’s been manageable. Each workout leaves my legs pretty sore, so running the next day — even for 10 minutes — feels like running the day after a 20 miler or a hard half marathon. I’m glad I only have to do 1 mile a day.
WEEK OF MAY 28th
Monday: 3 miles, NROLW workout A
Tuesday: 1 mile walk, 1 mile run
Wednesday: 1 mile warm-up treadmill, NROLW workout B
Thursday: 2 miles on the track
Friday: 1 mile warm-up treadmill, NROLW workout A
Saturday: 1.3 mile run, 5 min walk
Sunday: 2.7 mile run (I wanted a whole number for my weekly total)
The runs are all generally 9:30-10 minute pace, except the track where I run closer to 9 minute miles.
As for NROLW, so far I really like the workouts. I read most of the book a few weeks ago but delayed starting the program because I was still training for the Pasadena half marathon. The only downside is that I need to get in the gym for the workouts. It’s not required as there are at-home modifications, but my dumbbells at home are too light.
It’s also nice to workout with Sean. He’s pretty familiar with the weight room and has been helpful getting me set up and correcting my form as needed. (I like that I look like I’m mid-flex rather than moving hair out of my face in the photo above.)
I should be back in the gym today, but need to give my ass some rest. Before my run yesterday I bent down to pick something up and felt a strange pain on the right side of my butt. This didn’t bother me during my easy run, but I had to put off today’s workout which calls for a couple of sets of lunges and deadlifts. I don’t think I pulled a muscle, but I know rest will help. I still plan to run a mile… because it’s only a mile.
Lotería Chicana 
I couldn’t imagine doing that streaking stuff… I don’t think I’ve ever run more than four days in a row. My biomechnically challenged self wouldn’t like that too much. But I can see how it is a new and potentially fun challenge that would essentially eliminate any excuses not to work out.
As for weight-lifting, I can’t wait to read what you think of that program. I’ve seen it mentioned more times than I would like, and honestly, I haven’t even touched a weight machine for at least 2 months or picked up any weight for at least 1. My home weights include 3-pounders (whoop!) and a 15-lb kettlebell. I think I’ll start doing more of that stuff in July.
I’ve been trying to mix up the running workouts too. I do stairs at a local high school now – which is a little bit like interval-training.
I made my first protein smoothie today – with chia seeds!
I look forward to your New Rules workout recaps. I bought this book about a year ago. I haven’t really been able to squeeze in that type of workout yet because it seems that you have to lift heavy which doesn’t go well with the type of running I’m attempting (but rethinking) to do right now.
I like streaking in theory, but I HATE getting dressed and then showering for 1 mile. Yes. I’m that lazy.
I could do a streak right now while not training for anything specific. When training and doing longer runs, I really like my rest days especially after a long run or speed/tempo workouts. Since I’m keeping it easy and short, it’s quite manageable.
I need to get some protein powder. I’ve done stairs at UCLA’s Drake Stadium. It’s not easy.
Yeah, the workouts are designed to get you to work up to lifting heavy and staying away from the light Barbie dumbbells. I try to keep the 1 mile runs to warmups before the NROLW workouts. Otherwise, anything less than 3 miles doesn’t seem worth the prep and shower. I’m not one of those runners who will workout with showering.