Marathon Journey Week 14

I started this week feeling incredibly tired on Monday, but I went to the gym anyway because the desire to run was still there. I decided to add a minute to my intervals but jogged 0.2 mph slower—and I am so happy with that choice.

Even though a part of me didn't want to do it at first, my inner voice stepped up and said, "We are doing this. Let's go!" I want to stick with the 4.2 mph pace until I can run a full mile without stopping. It feels so much better than 4.4 mph, where I was finding myself too winded to keep going.

Here is how the rest of Week 14 unfolded:

The Weekly Breakdown (5/17 – 5/23)

• Sunday: Rest.

• Monday:

  • Intervals: Walk 4 mins, jog 6 mins, walk 2 mins, jog 3 mins, walk 4 mins, jog 1 min, walk 5 mins.

  • Pace: Walk at 3.0 mph / Jog at 4.2 mph.

  • Total: 1.45 miles.

• Tuesday: Walked for 30 minutes at 3.2 mph (1.58 miles total).

• Wednesday:

  • Intervals: Walk 4 mins, jog 7 mins, walk 4 mins, jog 3 mins, walk 3 mins, jog 3 mins, walk 6 mins.

  • Pace: Walk at 3.0 mph / Jog at 4.2 mph.

  • Total: 1.76 miles.

• Thursday: Walked for 30 minutes at 3.0 mph (1.49 miles total).

• Friday:

  • Intervals: Walk 4 mins, jog 8 mins, walk 4 mins, jog 2 mins, walk 2 mins, jog 2 mins, walk 2 mins, jog 2 mins, walk 4 mins.

  • Pace: Walk at 3.0 mph / Jog at 4.2 mph.

  • Total: 30 minutes | 1.78 miles.

• Saturday: Rest.

Honoring the Hustle and the Rest

Tuesday was another tired day. Because I sit a lot for my job, my pure walking days are just about getting some good movement into my routine. After I dropped my child off at work, I went home and took a nap. I didn't sleep well Monday night, and when I am really drained after a workout, I listen to that need.

By Thursday, my body wanted to take things a bit slower on the walk, so I did. I was thinking ahead because I knew I wanted to push for another minute on Friday.

And Friday was absolutely amazing! I increased my jog time by another minute, getting up to an 8-minute stretch. It was hard, but it wasn't bad. About 4 minutes into that first 8-minute block, I wanted to stop. Instead, I talked to myself. I told my body, "You can do this. We got this." And we did! When the final 2 minutes of jogging came around, it was tough, but I pushed through again.

My body was dragging afterward and I could have really used a nap, but duty called and I had to work. Even though I was tired, I was so inspired and motivated that day. After my run, I worked on a post for my main blog, fit in 20 minutes of crocheting, and brought in some income. I slept like a baby Friday night. Doing that much every single day isn't sustainable, but it felt incredible to ride that wave of momentum.

My Journey, My Rules

I am so proud of my progress. It is truly amazing to see what is happening. I don't know what next week will bring, and I don't feel pressure to add another minute to my runs every single time. Friday was a challenge, so I might stick to the same interval structure for Monday.

I love making the final decision only when I get on the treadmill. It works so much better for me. My body is adjusting, I’ve been eating much better, and my sleep is averaging about 6 hours—which seems to be exactly what my body is naturally used to, even when I wake up without an alarm.

I am going to continue to listen to my body. I don't care if that means taking naps, shifting my routine, or doing things that go completely against mainstream "fitness culture." I am seeing real results by doing things my way, because every single body is different.

Remember to consult your doctor before changing your physical activities.

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