Marathon Journey: Week 3

This was a difficult week. I am still struggling to sleep consistently, though the past couple of nights have finally started to improve. On top of that, I got my period this week. My first day or two can be very crampy, including back pain. In the past, I’ve worked out through it, and while it doesn't bother me during the workout, I usually feel much worse afterward. This time, I adjusted. I worked a little less and rested more than usual. I wanted to keep up with the training, but I knew I needed to give my body some extra care.

Mindfulness Over Momentum

Being mindful of my body and feeling out what I can handle is my top priority right now. Even with the challenges, I feel I did great this week. I took other things slow so I could focus on my progress, and it felt right.

I actually increased the amount of running I did within my 20-minute blocks, and I am very proud of that! I also added the rowing machine for a 20-minute session. Wow, what a workout. I’m going to keep adding different things next week, too. I pushed myself a little bit, but not too much. My glutes and hamstrings are definitely feeling it today! When I ran today, I could feel the soreness, but it wasn’t "pain"—it was just that "yes, I worked those muscles yesterday" feeling.

Patience with the Process

I’m sticking with the walk/run intervals until I feel ready to add more running. When that happens depends entirely on how I feel. I’ve gotten pretty out of shape, so it’s taking some time, and I would much rather be patient with my progress than rush it and get hurt.

My nutrition could still be better. I had some busy days and turned to fast food for dinner. My breakfast and lunch have been healthy, but those heavy dinners might be affecting my sleep. It’s hard to tell when you’re changing so many things at once! I’m still drinking lots of water, but I know I could be doing even better.

A quick reminder: If you are looking to change your exercise or diet, please involve your doctor. I am sharing my journey, but I am not a professional. I don’t have health issues other than being overweight, and I don't really "count" that because I can still do everything I want to do! I’m healthy in every other way.

Weekly Log: 3/1/26 – 3/7/26

• Sunday: Rest. (Slept 5.5 hours uninterrupted).

• Monday: 25-minute walk (varied speeds 3.0–3.5 mph). Distance: 1.31 miles.

  • Strength: Leg press (100lbs x10, 3 sets), Abdominal crunch (50lbs x10, 3 sets).

• Tuesday: 20-minute walk/run (4 min walk at 3.0 / 1 min run at 4.8). Distance: 1.32 miles.

• Wednesday: 20-minute walk (3.0 mph). Distance: 1.0 mile.

  • Strength: Leg press (100lbs x10, 3 sets), Leg extension (50lbs x10, 3 sets), Abdominal crunch (50lbs x10, 3 sets).

• Thursday: 20-minute walk/run. Did 4:1 intervals, but cut the last walk to 3 mins and did a 2-minute jog at the end! Distance: 1.39 miles.

  • Strength: Abdominal crunch (50lbs x10, 3 sets), Glute bridges.

• Friday: Rowing Machine (20 minutes / 3014 meters). I haven't rowed in years, so I kept a comfortable pace to see if I could finish the full 20 minutes.

• Saturday: 20-minute walk/run. Same intervals as Thursday (ending with a 2-minute jog). Distance: 1.39 miles.

  • Strength: Leg press (100lbs x10, 3 sets), Crunches (50lbs x10, 3 sets).

The Reward of the Slow Build

My hope in sharing this is that you believe in yourself, too—whether your goal is a marathon or something else entirely. I am sharing a process, and while it isn't "fast," it is rewarding.

The best things come from a solid foundation. Don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s. I’m documenting this to see how far I’ve come, and that includes the days I miss or the days my body says "no." None of us can be 100% all the time, and that’s okay. Take your time. Do what is best for you.

I love you.

This is Love