If it was a few years ago and I was feeling the same way I do today [read: crummy], I betcha that you would have found me up and about… Working away at my job and sweating in the gym. I wouldn’t have let myself rest and would have pushed myself to my breaking point. Why? Because in my mind rest = laziness. Pretty crazy, right?
Well that was then and this is now… Over the past year I have truly learned to relax and to listen to my body and for that I am so thankful. It’s one of those easier said than done things but it’s been well worth it. Today’s highlights include making breakfast, watching The Today Show, eating lunch, reading blogs, taking a shower, playing Words with Friends, and switching into a second set of PJ’s. And I am totally a-ok with it. My body needs rest and that’s exactly what I’m gonna give it!
Thanks to Jessie from Jessie Loves to Run for hosting another thoughtful link-up!
And as soon as I feel better, I cannot wait to jump back into my training schedule. A couple of weeks ago I shared that I’m a big planner, like a color-coded calendar kinda gal, but there are two things that I don’t typically plan are 1) my meals and 2) my workouts because I like to have the flexibility and to give into my cravings. But with three half marathon’s on my calendar for the spring, I thought a training program would help to keep me on track.
Please note that I created the above plan based off of a training schedule that was provided to me as part of being an Ambassador for the ZOOMA Annapolis Half. I made a few modifications to account for the other races that are on my calendar between now and then, in addition to TNT training. As we all know, life happens so some days a workout just won’t work out, literally, and I’ll adjust as necessary.
Today… #elf4Health 1/3 Day 39: Eat at least THREE food groups at each meal today. Done! Breakfast: coffee, chocolate oatcakes topped with peanut butter frosting + cottage cheese + raisins, and frozen berries on the side. Lunch: an orange, a peanut butter sandwich, and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Snack: yogurt + cereal + banana. Dinner: I’m thinking oatmeal and steamed veggies…
Tomorrow… #elf4Health 1/4 Day 40: Run or walk a mile as fast as you can!
Question: How do you relax?
Question: Do you prefer to run inside or outside? Music or no?
— Allison
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holy jesus child. I do everything but plan out my workouts. I suck at it actually, for some reason i am planner in every other aspect of my life but when it comes to training I refuse to be set in stone like this. totally intimidating to me. i commend you on this though, way to go.
Thanks girl! The only other time I’ve planned my workouts was when I was training for a marathon… I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t training, but it definitely helps me to stay on track when I have something that I’m working towards!
I definitely need to work on listening to my body more and being a-okay with just having a restful/relaxing day when I am able to. I think that those kinds of days are absolutely necessary for both our physical and mental well-being.
Good job on the planning. I am a HUGE planner, so I imagine that I would do the same thing if I were training, as well! Good luck!
It took me a while to accept and to actually enjoy rest days… I read something recently where they called rest days “rebuild days” which is a great reminder, the body is strong but definitely needs time to rest and rebuild too!
First off, I am super proud of you for resting today. I still struggle with this as we have discussed so I always think it’s amazing/inspiring/encouraging when people who are similar in that way are able to! And that is quite a schedule…you are going to rock those halfs
Can’t wait to be with you for the first 
I cannot wait for R’n'R
It took me a while to enjoy rest days but I recently read something that referred to rest days as“rebuild days” which makes total sense- our bodies are strong strong but they definitely need time to rest and rebuild too!
Can I just say that I love that you made yourself a schedule? I need to have plans too so I made a schedule for the next 3 weeks but I can’t go that far out (mostly because I’m still at the mercy of my coaches). I’m so glad you realized how much you needed the rest today. It only makes you stronger!
It was a bit intimidating at first but now that I’ve made it, I love it! I love knowing what workout I’m doing what days and what days are dedicated to rest!
I have also gotten very good at resting when I need it. Ain’t nothin wrong with couch time and a good TV show. I am a planner to a certain extent but have gotten much more spontaneous and less obsessive about plans over the past year. So exciting to start training once you feel better though! Good luck girl.
Thanks girl! Rest days = rebuild days!
Dang girl, that is one MONSTER planner! I’m so excited that you have so many incredible races this year, I know you’re going to rock them.
I’m also so happy you’re listening to your body and giving it some much needed r-e-s-t. You’ll be back to your full energy self in no time, I just know it. 
Thanks so much girl! I cannot wait to be back into my routine and rhythm… Rest days are always nice but I’m starting to get antsy
resting makes you stronger! i totally believe that. listening is key, well done friend.
Agreed! Rest days = rebuild days!
glad you’re taking a break! sounds like you need it!
It’s been much needed and much enjoyed!
Allison, I’m so proud of you for giving your body the rest it needs. You’ve come such a long way… so treat yourself to some frozen yogurt today (it will definitely help your sickness too =)).
Last night’s fro-yo concoction was fabulous! Just what the doc ordered
O I love this! Hooray for letting yourself rest and not feeling bad about that. Sometimes you just need a break! That was me yesterday actually! And it was so worth it. Work outs will always be there when you are ready to get back into it! Good luck with training girl!
Thanks so much and I’m glad you enjoyed your rest day too
I prefer running outside, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that I’ve turned into a bit of a wimp during the winter months. I much more easily give in to using the treadmill when it’s 15 degrees out (I used to ALWAYS run outside).
But as soon as it warms up a bit, I’ll be back out there. Nothing beats the quiet neighborhood streets for a run.
Oh my goodness, if it’s 15 degrees outside you betcha I’d be on the treadmill!
Three halfs on the schedule, that’s awesome! Your training plan looks great…I generally don’t plan my workouts too much either, but at the same time I do like crossing things off lists. So it’s nice to have a general goal and daily to-do item. Good luck!
Thank you! Plus one more in the fall and many more shorter races in between! I have a feeling 2013 is going to be a year full of running fun
rest is something i struggle with doing as you probably know, but you are really inspiring me in the way that you have been respecting your body and giving it love! and if we need to rest, why not enjoy it and take advantage with blog reading and ‘today’?! my go-to morning show whenever i’m not at work is ‘live with kelly!’ – i recall it being the highlight of being home on breaks from school. i also loved the fancy shmancy j. crew pjs you put on IG recently!
Oh my goodness, I haven’t watched Kelly in years! I used to watch her and Regis in the mornings when I was at college, good flashback
And thank you, the PJ’s were courtesy of my momma at Christmas!
I used to have the same kind of issues with rest. No matter how busy I was, or how tired my body felt, I’d force myself to work out every day because I couldn’t deal with the guilt that came along with feeling lazy. Not only did that cause a serious spike in my stress levels, but it messed up my body chemistry and I had to take a tonne of time off to get my body to a better place. Better to just listen to your body from the beginning and not mess around.
True, true, true! I’m so glad you recognized it, no matter how long it took you! Rest days = rebuild days
Are you running the zooma half? I am forgoing it (unless dad wants to pay and drive…you know mooching off the parents and not living at home LOL). I don’t really have a plan or anything just taking one day at a time.
Yes I am ma’am and you totes should too!!!
My day looks a lot like yours – gotta love the rest days! I find that I need a plan for my workouts – I find I get more accomplished that way!
So far, I’d have to agree- I’ve loved having a training schedule and knowing what’s on the agenda and what days I can rest!