Things I’ve learned from not running everyday

workout

wednesday-walked 2 miles with Bree

Yesterday was such a beautiful hot day. I love that we’re still getting some warm weather, I’m hoping that means we’ll actually get a few days of fall before winter hits. I woke up to to a text from my sister Bree seeing if I wanted to go on a walk, um yes, always! Usually I don’t have to take J with me on Wednesdays but he wanted to “workout with mom” and I can’t refuse that!

Yes, Utah is that beautiful

He got to be in the stroller most of the ride, but on the huge uphill we do(plus the wind,look at Bree’s hair!), I made him walk for his workout ha. He did really well, pajamas and all.

Later on we headed to the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. We have yet to see the whole place it’s that fun! You can find us here all day when winter hits. J also was very proud of the outfit he picked out(twisted shorts and all) and wanted a little photo shoot. Of course I was all over that.

the science room

walked the ropes course(he was very cautious the whole way) and found an airplane!

Checking out the fish pond

Chalk with one of the employees

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This summer I decided not to run as many races and just run for fun. Don’t get me wrong, running races is really fun for me, addicting really. I wanted to take some pressure off and I  have really enjoyed just running whenever and however often I want. There are some great things I’ve learned from not running 6 days a week like I was last year.

*I’m not saying that running everyday is bad, especially when you’re training it’s often necessary. *

1. Not running X miles everyday doesn’t make me less of a ‘runner’. When I first started running and posting on the blog I always got a lot of people complimenting me on my runs or people asking what my run for the day was. I became a ‘runner’ and it was hard for me when I started running less because I felt like part of my identity was gone. I realized no one else thought this and it was just my own crazy thoughts ha.

2. Cross training is so gooooddd for you. I know you’re all like, duh! But seriously, when I’m running and training for a certain race all I want to do is run. If I have 15 minutes to do another mile or so or fit in strength training or stretching I would always choose a few more miles. I’ve learned it’s not always worth a few more miles because neglecting the other areas results in an injury, wah!

3. Cross training is fun. I actually started really enjoying strength training a couple years ago when Josh got me a weight set for Christmas. I could not say the same for other workouts like pilates, yoga, barre, zumba, etc. I’m proud to say that when you actually give something a real shot(or 3, ahem yoga) you just might like it. I’m so glad I’m strengthening other areas and in return I’ll become a stronger runner.

4. Listening to your body is 100x better than forcing a workout. I used to feel like I had to run everyday if I wanted to stay healthy and in shape. I really love running most days, but there came a point where I felt guilty if I didn’t run. Now I know it’s good for your body to rest and it’s essential for your muscles to repair themselves to grow stronger. If I feel like my body needs a rest, then I’ll go on walk or do some strength training.

what would you add to the list?

what is one thing you’re looking forward to this fall?