For the last few weeks–perhaps even a month–my knees had been feeling achy on runs and long walks. I pulled back on intensity and distance, which helped some, but not enough, and then it finally occurred to me: I haven’t bought new running shoes since April. Those shoes maxed out their mileage some time ago. Sunday night I bought a new pair, and it’s made a huge difference in my workouts this week!
The Brooks Ravenna 4
Here’s what last week looked like in terms of workouts (spoiler alert: I kind of dominated :-D) :
Sunday: Biking- 11 miles (with Andrew… it’s possible that we stopped for ice cream/Italian ice somewhere in the last few miles, but if we did, I assure you it was 100% Andrew’s decision, and I only went along with it for moral support.)
Monday: Running- 30 minutes (debut run for the new shoes!)
Tuesday: Lifting- 30 minutes; Ultimate Frisbee- 90 minutes
Wednesday: Running- 30 minutes
Thursday: Lifting- 30 minutes; Elliptical- 20 minutes (intervals);
Friday: Running- 60 minutes (trails)
I have been a devoted living room weight-lifter for years, but while we were in Jamaica I discovered the beauty of lifting at the gym. The allure is about 15% accountability–I won’t skimp on reps if someone is standing next to me–and 85% vanity–mirrors on multiple walls so I can see my muscles working from different angles? Heck, yes! Pure vanity, but very motivating. I had two great lifting sessions this week as a result, and I’m pretty sure I’m stronger already.
In retrospect I should have taken a day off because we are leaving today to hike and camp for the long weekend! I think today will mostly be driving and setting up camp, with most of the hiking being tomorrow, so hopefully it will give my muscles a chance to rest. I can’t wait to be in the mountains!
Have a great Labor Day weekend!
What was your best workout this week?
Weight lifting: living room or gym?
Any big plans for the long weekend?
A Two Storey Home 
As soon as I switched to the Ravenna 4 I PR’d in the 10 miler and the marathon 🙂 Enjoy your weekend!
Nice! Ravenna’s are the best! There was a period between the Ravennas 1 and 2 that they stopped making the shoe, and during that time I tried the Adrenaline, which are similar, but not quite the same. My last pair was Adrenaline (I just wanted to compare again), and now I am firmly back in the Ravenna camp! I just feel like they were made for my feet!
Cute new shoes! They make all the difference in the world, right? Great workouts this week! Yay for hikes, not yay for no rest days girl! 🙂
Thanks!! They really do make a difference! After that week plus hiking this weekend, Monday was a rest day to the max. I slept 10 hours the night before, took an afternoon nap, and did exactly nothing in between the two. Hah! It was much needed 😀
Yay for new shoes! And BEAUTIFUL ones at that! 🙂