Weekly Training Update: 5/27-6/2

The week, in training:

Monday: Rest (sick)
Tuesday: Piloxing (taught) +  BODYPUMP (taught)
Wednesday: 3.5-mile run (still sick)
Thursday: Trampoline fitness class
Friday: 4 miles + 30-minute YMCA audition
Saturday: BODYPUMP (taught)
Sunday: 7.15 miles (a.m.) + 3 miles (p.m.)

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Crouching in the woods along an unmentionable section of trail, I struggled to find a sliver of myself. I was on day four of some sort of stomach ailment/intestinal issue - my co-worker deemed it norovirus - and I struggled with cramping, bloating, other things and ridiculous fatigue. I was hoping to find some semblance of normalcy on that 3.5-mile run but all I found was a lack of stamina, frustration and a well-hidden spot over a guard rail and behind some trees.

I was fairly certain, in those miles, that I was going to be sick forever ... or need to take a pregnancy test.

By some higher power, though, I woke up Thursday morning full of spunk and ready to take on the day - and a trampoline fitness class for work. I don't want to say too much here since I don't know how my piece will develop but it was the most fun I've had in a long time. The class, which was more than just jumping around, incorporating intervals, resistance work and core training. The class was full of young people - think early 20s - who came with friends, and it created a far different dynamic than the group fitness classes I teach. And it didn't hurt that the instructor was not bad to look at. The class was exactly what I needed - a fun experience without expectations (and nausea).

And I think the illness-force rest was just as important. My legs felt fresh on Friday and even fresher on Sunday when I hit some crazy paces for both runs. More importantly, my mind was ready and excited to run.