Fitness life

5 on a Friday: Full Swing Summer Edition

June 17, 2022

1- Camp Week #1 is in the books! Or at least it will be after today. G took some time adjusting to a new teacher, but seemed as of yesterday to be happier than she was when she started. A&C seem to be enjoying horseback riding camp and learning a lot though there was a heated debated yesterday as to whether C cantered or merely was ‘fast trotting’ on a particular horse yesterday.

Next week is a repeat of this one and I feel like we are all setting into a routine that is going to change in another 7 days. Oh well!

We are headed to Jeremiah’s Italian Ice to celebrate the first week done. I think Cold Treat Fridays (idea from Kelsey!) might have to be a thing this summer . . .

a thumbs up to water play!

2- I feel much more at peace work wise. THANK GOODNESS. I am also learning that the only constant in work seems to be change — no team remains stable forever and honestly there are always adjustments to be made! We are planning for orientation week next week which should be fun and uplifting. Fresh new residents are shiny and inspiring and overall it’s just a nice vibe.

an insider’s look at my sticky note planning for orientation. (And some required pre-camp COVID tests. Ha)

3- WORKOUT UPDATE: I ended up sticking with Total Strength 2 (Andy Speer, Peloton) and it’s getting better. I have definitely seen increases in what I can lift — 20 lb x 2 push presses would not have been in my wheelhouse a few months ago. I am currently alternating running + lifting and I’m honestly sort of into both! And I am still feeling the ITCH to train for a longer race. (It isn’t going away!).

Related question – other than Another Mother Runner (which I still enjoy) and Marathon Training Academy, what are some inspiring running-focused podcasts? I’m less interested in elite guests than I am in practical training tips + ‘regular’ runner stories.

This week is week 3 / 6 so almost halfway done

4- Annabel wanted to watch the Amanda’s Favorite’s Patreon zoom with me. I just LOVED that she wanted that! It didn’t actually happen but we 100% will watch the video together this weekend.

(Yes I am both a Patreon creator and consumer 🙂 In addition to Amanda’s group above, I subscribe to Planners & Wine and of course cohost our group with Laura for BOBW. We will be doing an interactive ‘midyear goals check in’ later this month so if you’ve been thinking about it and would be interested in this exercise, now might be a fun time to join.)

5- EMAIL VICTORY?? Maybe??! I am down to one screen in my gmail and emptied out my work email. YOU GUYS. My recent inability to get to zero is basically because you are sending me SO MANY wonderful tips and ideas for BLP especially that I need more processing time for them all! I am slightly overwhelmed but also so grateful. I also need to get on scheduling some of the fantastic guest idea suggested. I promise I will get back to all of you and you will hear your questions, tips, and ideas in future episodes.


Okay – it’s total strength time. And we have a fun weekend up ahead too (hopefully weather won’t be TOO terrible as per our usual June situation). Happy almost-actual-summer to all.

13 Comments

  • Reply Chelsea June 17, 2022 at 6:42 am

    You could try The Rambling Runner – the podcast description says “A podcast about dedicated and motivated amateur runners who are working hard to get better and achieving inspirational results”. I’ve only listened to one episode which featured my coach and one of her athletes who is now the 5th fastest American-born African American woman marathoner (she’s an amazing athlete!), and I really enjoyed the tone.

    I also really like Fuel for the Sole, which is mainly about sports nutrition and is very scientific and evidence-based. The sports dietician host actually worked as a hospital dietician for many years and has an MS from Case Western, so she really knows her stuff. She’s not one of those “I got my nutrition certification in a weekend at a yoga studio types”. There are three hosts and they have a fun dynamic.

    All three of my kids went to nature camp this week, which is their absolute favorite. I like putting it at the beginning of the summer because (in theory) it’s less hot, but then nothing ever quite lives up after that. Their counselor seemed to really enjoy them, and I give myself a pat on the back for thinking to get her number as a potential babysitter. Today is water slide and Kona Ice day… hard to beat that.

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger June 17, 2022 at 10:45 am

      Added both!!

  • Reply Laura June 17, 2022 at 8:13 am

    I like the Ali On the Run podcast!

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger June 17, 2022 at 11:00 am

      Oh yes I heard she is great! Thank you.

  • Reply Marianne June 17, 2022 at 10:50 am

    I strongly suggest “Not Your Average Runner.” I think you would dig all the thought work.

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger June 17, 2022 at 11:00 am

      Added!! Thank you!

    • Reply Ashley June 17, 2022 at 11:39 am

      One of my favorites, for this exact reason! I’ve learned a lot about challenging my own limiting beliefs. Listening to Jill feels like therapy sometimes.

  • Reply Amanda June 17, 2022 at 1:48 pm

    Another big vote for Ali on the Run!

  • Reply Kristie June 17, 2022 at 2:24 pm

    I’m enjoying the recommendations for running podcasts! I also enjoy Run to the Top and Running Rogue (especially many of the earlier episodes for more practical advice). Good luck on your running and strength training!

    Have you read the book Roar by Stacy Sims? It’s all about training with our cycles instead of training like small men. She has a new book that focuses on athletes and perimenopause/menopause. Would be interested to hear your perspective as an endocrinologist. I’ve found the books to be helpful!

  • Reply coco June 17, 2022 at 5:01 pm

    I’ve started my Berlin marathon training and got to listen run to the top podcast, i like it that has short and long episodes, practical and inspirational. I also signed up for their tailored plan and I love it. runners connect if you want to check it out. they are the most science based, personalized online plans that don’t cost an arm. I kind of give up on lifting weight after few months as I realized it just not for my body type and doesn’t pair well if I want to train for a race. I might get back later. 🙂

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger June 17, 2022 at 8:35 pm

      ooh i am eyeing those plans! Do you do the 1:1 or the middle level?
      I totally want to keep strength training b/c honestly I like what it does to my body composition, but I miss running + training!!

      • Reply coco June 17, 2022 at 10:11 pm

        I signed up for the training plan only…. not the 1:1. their plan is very detailed with pace range within 10 secs. I’ve used them for the Tokyo marathon and I know it works very well. sometimes the training workout looks daunting but it’s exactly where my limit is and it feels good to target it! So far I’m happy with just the plan, the coaches are there to answer questions and adjust the plan as needed.

  • Reply Liz June 17, 2022 at 9:39 pm

    And another vote for Ali On The Run!

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