Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

The training roller coaster continues.  In the spring it was all I could do to get out and get training.  It was a harsh winter and having an April half kept me motivated.  I finished that half a little slower than I would've liked but strong and I was proud.  (Read recap here.)

Then it was a lull and I used that time to work on my speed.  I had some pretty big breakthroughs there..I saw paces that start with 7:XX which is new to me. (Read: 5 tips to a faster 5K race)

Then it was time to train for the Chicago half back in July.  That was an amazing weekend, you can read about it here and here.  That weekend I PR'd my 5K time and finished a strong half which for me has been pretty illusive.  (Read about the race you have to run next year!)

That led right into a month long funk.  I knew it was coming.  It was bound to.  I had been training and feeling like I was in the groove all summer.  Now I feel like I'm coming out of that funk and been trying to just enjoy the run back up the training roller coaster. 

I am back on the Runner's World training plan that I bought for my April half.  It has served me well so why not use it again?!

When I'm not running, you can usually find me at the gym.  My gym time has been a funny mix of family and fitness.  I've been trying to teach MiniE her body parts so we have been singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" a LOT.  So much so that I found myself working out to it at the gym.  I know, it sounds funny but it actually does work.  Now I wouldn't advise singing it out loud, maybe just humming it or singing it to yourself but you can actually make a good workout out of it.

It's just crazy enough to help you break up your normal routine and you can make it as short or as long as you like! 

So try it and let me know what you think.

What inspires your workouts? What race are you training for?  What goals are you striving for right now?