First week complete. This week I felt that I was really starting fresh. I took the previous week off as an unplanned rest as I battled a bad  head cold. Two weeks later, and I still can’t get rid of the cough or the feeling of always being congested. Luckily, it didn’t hold me back too much, but I was definitely feeling out of shape. I didn’t follow this week’s plan exactly, but I did what was best for me in getting back into a solid running plan.

Monday:Rest Day

Tuesday: 1 Mile Run, 3.35 Miles Cycling

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: 1.37 Miles Run

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: 4 Miles Run

Sunday: Rest Day

Total Miles: 6.37 Miles Run, 3.35 Miles Cycling

Definitely pulled the low mileage on this week, but I felt good. Most importantly, I was excited about training. There are so many new things I’ve started doing, I don’t want to leave the gym most of the time. Besides for running on the indoor track (finally a break from the treadmill!) I’ve been working on abs, lifting and cycling. My newest obsession is the resistance bike. It pushes me a lot more than I would on the basic stationary bike, and I don’t get bored sitting there. Like I’ve said before, I really want to focus on cross training this time around. I also want to make my body stronger as a whole, which is why I’m working on my abs and muscles.

The biggest perk from this week? I was able to run outside twice, and one of these runs was after work. Most of the time, it takes me about an hour to get home, so by 6:30 in the evenings, the roads are pretty dark and it’s safer to run inside. Luckily, Thursday I was able to get out of the office right at 5:30, have an easy drive home, and get in 6:15. Those extra minutes meant everything, and I ran a short, quick run in 20 degree weather. And even though it was short and cold, it was the perfect run. A nice reminder that my pace outside is still much quicker than my indoor pace, and that sometimes  all you need is a little fresh air to get your blood pumping.

I wrapped up the week with a “long run” Saturday through a new neighborhood and found my new favorite spot to do hill repeats. I’m actually looking forward to my hill workouts, something I never thought I’d say. And just like that, my new training plan has given me a new mindset on running.