Fitness Habits life

Still Tired + Tiny Tweaks

March 15, 2023

Next week might feel closer to normal?

I hope so! On the plus side, today was a total rest day – I am loving these. I ‘sleep in’ until ~5:30-6 AM. I used to do strength on my non-running days but the coach I am working with would prefer I do them on easy run days so that I get a total rest day. Yesterday I did my strength workout (30 min lower body) at 6 pm which is something I previously told myself I “couldn’t” do.

I do see the benefit, even if some of it is mental!

Other things I have been doing differently as a result of having a coach:

  • More fueling on long runs
  • Routine 12+ mi runs most weekends. Making runs this length a matter of routine even if I’m not specifically training for something
  • Running more by feel than trying to hit specific paces (or heart rates – thank goodness because my running heart rates tend to be much higher than the perceived exertion would suggest)
  • Long runs on SATURDAY not Sunday – okay really this is my preference rather than the coach but I greatly prefer having it done early in the weekend! This makes Saturday nights more relaxing and I have more energy to spare on Sundays.

On that note, here are some really small things I am trying lately:

  • Still using my blank Stalogy rather than any sort of dedicated daily planner (using Sterling Ink for weekly). Really loving the increased flexibility
  • Creating a dedicated weekly list in my Stalogy so I don’t lose track of anything
  • Working on creating some decent-sized margins on my non-clinical days. Transition time! I need it. If I have a meeting from 1p – 2p, I avoid offering the 2p slot to anyone and instead offer times starting at 2:30. Definitely makes a difference in avoiding that harried feeling AND provides processing time that is valuable right after a meeting or session.
  • The Yay! playlist on Apple Music on the drive to school. The kid like it, I like it, and less fighting about who is choosing songs!

Anyone else have random tiny little tweaks that have been helpful lately?

AMA REQUEST!!!

I am prepping an “Ask Me Anything” style episode for BLP! Send me your questions – planning related or not – via email, leave a comment, or text to (305) 697-7189 — that’s a Google voice number not my actual cell phone #, don’t worry!

8 Comments

  • Reply omdg March 15, 2023 at 7:42 am

    Sometimes I think you just have to accept that you feel tired, even if there’s no good reason why. Today I could NOT get out of bed, and maybe it’s daylight savings, the amount of work I’ve been doing, perhaps brewing a cold. So I slept in until 6:30. I’ll still get plenty done today if I take care of myself.

    Dyl basically puts herself to bed now, and I mostly don’t worry about it since I go to bed at 8:30 and she goes to bed at 10. It seems to be working fine. Someday you’ll be there too!

    • Reply Coree March 15, 2023 at 9:09 am

      Yeah, everyone I know is really tired these days. I could happily go to bed at 9 every night.

      My tiny tweaks – when folding laundry I’ve been putting school uniforms in packs – so the sweater, polo, trousers, socks, and undies, and it makes mornings so much easier.

    • Reply Sarah Hart-Unger March 15, 2023 at 10:13 am

      True – and also DST is a very good reason! It sucks to feel an hour off for a week or so.
      A is currently still really enjoying some 1:1 time before bed but you are right the whole process might eventually be more streamlined. I enjoy reading to G but it will be great when she can truly read on her own, too.

  • Reply Coco March 15, 2023 at 9:22 am

    Actually i like to do strength workout on my workout days too if not too tired to make it a real workout. And then take easy days super easy. After seeing my coach to run 9mim/mile plus for his easy runs (his marathon time is 2:20), I am convinced that I should go slower on my easy runs. My strategy is to run with HR around 135. Let’s see If it’s really that good to build aerobic base as so many experts say.

  • Reply Heather March 15, 2023 at 10:38 am

    I’m in a season of solid hybrid training with weightlifting and running. I also have a complete rest day and usually pair my shorter speed training with a non leg intensive weightlifting day, I’m so glad your coach suggested full rest days as I think it is extremely beneficial to have a complete day of rest from any structured exercise.

  • Reply Chelsea March 15, 2023 at 12:12 pm

    I love having total rest days. I really think I benefit from having some days be hard and some days be easy rather than everything being sort of “medium”. I’m glad to hear you are having a good experience with your coach 🙂

  • Reply Elisabeth March 15, 2023 at 1:42 pm

    I have been exhausted all week. DST will be kicking my butt for weeks, I think…?!

  • Reply ashley March 15, 2023 at 4:02 pm

    The time change has completely messed up my sleep patterns. Also, I think being tired is sort of normal when you’re working full time, raising kids, and trying to do other things on the side. I’m more shocked when I’m NOT tired.

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