Feeling the Groove

I never thought I would say I prefer to workout in the morning.

I am NOT a morning person.

But, lately, if I don't get going in the morning, I never seem to want to get going.
Of course, recently, with Chad having been working nights, I had to do morning.

This week, with no day care, I have a choice!

So, when I didn't get up at 5 yesterday, I decided to do an afternoon run.
And all day at work, I just kept thinking how I wished it was done already!

None-the-less, I made it to the gym after work.

Determined as ever to reach my mileage goal, I even skipped my usual 1/4 mile walk.
And instead just started running.

Mile 1 went over pretty smooth!
I hit my usual mental block around the 2 mile mark, but pushed ahead to 3.
Between 3 & 4, I struggled. My lungs were telling me to quite. My head didn't know what it wanted. But my legs knew they would get there.
So, I kept pushing.
And finally, FINALLY, the distance light (?) - flashed 4.0.

I did it.

For the first time in many months, I ran 4 miles with ZERO walking breaks.

While I've been sticking at just under a 13 min/mile pace, I ran this one at 13:19.
Giving me a final time of 53:19.

As tough as it was in spots, I'm so glad I pushed through.
It. Felt. Great!

And I finally feel like I am back in the groove.

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After the mental challenge of dreading the workout all day yesterday, I was determined to get up this morning; even after staying up a tad too late.
And, I did!

I was up at the same time as yesterday & still worked out 60 minutes. PLUS - I even got to work early. I guess that means one of two things. I can either sleep later. Or, I can bring my straightener with me instead of wearing a pony tail every day! :) But, those that know me, know I love my pony tails!

At the very least, it means I don't have to stress about the time frame too much.

Anyway. On to the important stuff.
This mornings workout.

I started with 20 min on the bike - and ended up with 6 miles. Which was great! I just don't know how I was so much faster than the other day? When I got up there was a twinge of tightness. But honestly, I was just surprised I hadn't felt any soreness prior to that from yesterday afternoon's run.

The next 20 minutes I focused on strength. I did one set of 5 different upper body strength exercises. I used the circuit machines. Those were followed by 2 set of 4 different ab exercises.

Finally, I headed back out for 20 more min of cardio. I hopped on the elliptical. I started to feel fatigued, but pushed through with little difficulty.

All in all, I'd call the workout a success.
I'm feeling good an hour later -
though I think some soreness will kick in from too much sitting at my desk.
And though I am feeling good - I still feel like I gave it my all at the gym.

And back to the comment about feeling in the groove.
I feel it!
What a great start to the week.