MOVEMENT + STEPS THIS WEEK 🤸🏼‍♀️

Training for a half marathon while managing college life can be both challenging and rewarding. Over the past week, focusing on a variety of workouts has helped keep the routine fresh and effective. For example, tempo runs like the 1200s on Monday are great for building speed and endurance, especially when fueled with a mix of treats and balanced meals. Incorporating strength sessions such as Sculpt classes complements running by building muscle strength without adding bulk, which is essential for injury prevention and overall performance. Social activities, like celebrating Cinco de Mayo with friends, provided a good balance to the intense training. Taking evening walks and enjoying light drinks helped maintain active recovery and social connection, which is crucial for mental wellness. It’s important to listen to your body during long runs; the 9.5-mile run on Friday was notably hot and hilly, underlining the value of respecting environmental factors when planning workouts. Recovery days with gentle movement, like the strolls around Lake Harriet or Pilates sessions, showcase how active rest supports sustained progress. Monitoring heart rate and calories burned during each session, as noted, helps gauge effort and adjust training intensity appropriately. Using tools like Strava or Life Time classes can enhance motivation and community support. Ultimately, combining varied workouts, social balance, and mindful recovery forms a holistic approach to half marathon training, making the process enjoyable and effective. Staying consistent while embracing flexibility allowed this week to be "goooooood" and set a positive tone for the weeks ahead before graduation.