Sick? Workout or Don't Workout? That is the Question

I woke up this morning with the start of a head cold. I have been all stuffed up and nose drippy and miserable all day long. I couldn't even smell the tomatoes and garlic roasting in the oven tonight. Not even fair.

Since I'm still pretty new at this running and working out community and I'm rarely sick, I still get a little uneasy about working out or running when I am sick. Kind of the cross between I don't really feel like working out, and knowing that when I don't want to, that's when I really should.

I found this really great article on Runner's World that really spelled out about running or working out when you're sick. I think it's really important to listen to your body.

If it wasn't like freezing cold and crazy windy, I probably wouldn't have run today anyway because of my dripping nose. It would have driven me crazy. But that is just personal preference. Just stuffed up, maybe.

So what did I do?

After my brief hiatus (oh, the beach plus some days) from my Squat, Crunch, and Plank Challenge, I picked up where I left off: week 2, Friday. The squats were pretty easy to complete, the crunches are definitely going to hurt tomorrow, and the 1:40 plank was brutal.

In case you've forgotten:

 

After that, I wanted to do something else, and found this pyramid arm workout by Be Mom Strong.

My arms are going to be a little sore in the morning, maybe even a lot sore, but I can not wait to get some heavier dumbbells for a really great burn.

My first workout in a week was short, but great.

Hopefully, I'll be feeling better tomorrow and I can get the kids (since they are off school because of the extreme cold) to join in a little cardio and yoga.

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What's your rule of thumb when it comes to running or working out when your sick?

How's the weather where you are? Freezing cold is putting it lightly.

 

KY Derby Half Marathon Training: Day 1

I am happy to announce that I had a successful first day of training :)

I ran 6.2 miles in 59:10, an average of 9:33 per mile. *hello sub-60 10k*

<insert Garmin photo here (if I had one)>

I had a good comfortable training run. I ran my first 3 miles in 27:40 and the final 3.2 miles in 31:30, can we say headwind? All together now: headwind.

I did determine, however, that I need new music. Like ASAP. I've been listening to the same songs since April, and I'm pretty much done with that. For a good long while anyway.

Race day countdown:

<source>

And many more miles to go.

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And I came home to a perfectly clean and organized closet. And a missing earring, courtesy of the Tornado Toddler.

<go hubs :) by the way! my side was already clean and organized>

Now, if I can get him to clean off his dresser...

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I have added a Challenges page to the blog (you can go straight to it here). As I add more challenges, this will keep them all in one place.

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Song suggestions? Give 'em to me!

When is your next race?

What challenge would you like to see in the months to come?

 

Challenge Check-in

Since it is Sunday again, I wanted to check in to see how everyone's 4 week Squat, Crunch and Plank challenge is going.

In case you missed it or if you want to start today, here is the schedule:

Personally, I am loving this challenge. In a hate kinda way :) I love to hate it anyway.

I do know I have had sore legs for a week now. And I'm sure I'll have sore legs for 3 more weeks.

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And sweet girl has a new snack spot (I finally got a pic):

 

 

The time has come, our fun is over...

Another "cold day" off school here.

Apple pie oatmeal:

 

Coloring a drawing of ourselves:

 

Hanging out with the dog:

 

Madison went to have sewing fun with friends, so Noah and I kicked it in to high gear and made some cinnamon rolls:

 

And Lydia tasted and devoured her first lollipop:

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After we got the kids in bed, Chad had some work to do, so I did some yoga and Day 3 of my SCPC (squats, crunches, plank challenge). I'm soooooo glad tomorrow is a built in rest day! Plus, I'll have the opportunity to move my challenge reps to the mornings instead of at night.

And then coffee and a cinnamon roll (or 2...). The cinnamon roll is a problem.

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Cinnamon roll(s) + mama not running as much = a much needed gym membership so I can get back to running 5+ days a week (without cold and wind!)

Tomorrow, I'm going to take on that challenge. Starting with a new place in town that's opens in February. It's going to be a center for women only with free day care- which would be my preference- but as always, money is a factor, their sales office is open tomorrow and they are supposed to be offering a pre-opening special, but we'll see how special it is! The fall back plan would be a new place a little further away, no day care, but it's super duper cheap. I'm kind of hoping the first place pulls through, but glad I have a back up plan.

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Extended winter break has come to an end and all alarms must be set for zero dark:30. Or 7:00, whichever comes last.


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How was your Tuesday?

Have your kids gone back to school?

 

You up for a little Challenge?

Last night, after doing my reps of squats and crunches, I decided I needed to be more consistent with them. What better way to stay consistent AND do more reps than a 4week Challenge? Oh, a 4week Challenge that includes squats, crunches and planks that's what!

I put together a little schedule to keep me on track. Are you in?!

<PS: I'm looking forward to Wednesday already. . .>

You can increase the muscles affected by your squats by holding your stability ball (or hand weights, or 20 pound baby) out in front of you.

I'm going to crank mine out now, while Chad makes me coffee :)