Week 4. How am I already going into a month of these lifestyle changes? At least I hope I keep up with them and they stick. Of course this week, we were on vacation, and that opens up a whole new can of worms in terms of trying to maintain these changes.
It really helped when I looked at my training plan for the week and I saw this note from Alicia:
Vacation Week – all workouts are a choice. Meaning anything I put in is a suggestion. Priority one is striking the balance of rest, recharge and family time! So if on a given day you have the time, energy and desire to workout, go for it, but nothing is mandatory.
That felt really good to read. I went into the week telling myself if I worked out 3x on vacation I would be good. And I didn’t end up getting in my bodyweight workouts but I did go out for 3 different runs. (Even though one was from Week 3, I still counted it.) I am currently 34 weeks out from the London marathon and if this was the time to take a bit of a break, it was the time to do it. My mind needed a rest from the constant busyness of my job. I am constantly in back to back Zoom meetings all day and it just takes a toll on my brain.
My long run was nice to get out and do. From my photos from last week’s blog and notes, you saw I went out with my 7 year old rescue dog Copper and we ran a rail trail. Later in the week, we went out for a 30 minute easy run where we ran down to the end of the bay. Relatively flat and pretty views. I am hoping to really get back to the point where running is enjoyable again. Not that it would be easy but also not a constant struggle. That 30 minute run felt that way. It was definitely not easy, but I took my time and enjoyed being out in the early morning, dare I say the cooler temps and the misting rain made it actually feel a bit chilly at times. Hi fall! I see you coming soon.
I have done better with working out, but on my vacation, my nutrition always slides…. It does help that my husband has been trying to eat healthier lately as well. When we got up there, we went out for dinner to a restaurant in town. What did I want? Something comforting? Probably a burger and fries, my go to meal being out. However, my husband ordered first and got some fish and some veggies. I immediately went back to the menu and looked again. Instead, I went to for a grilled chicken wrap with tomato, lettuce, bacon and cheese with fries. No, the fries, were probably not the best option. Moving forward I should try to do maybe a baked potato or steamed veggies. But, I was not going to beat myself up about it. It is all about the balance, especially on vacation.
In order to set myself up for success with my nutrition during the week, we went to the grocery store the next day and I stocked up on some of our staples at home that we have in the house that are healthy snacks. We got yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, cheese, fat free milk. Before even going to the store we had planned out a few at home meals -so I knew we were going to do a chicken caesar salad and a caprese salad. So I knew I needed chicken, lettuce. I had picked up basil and tomatoes at the local farmers market. We knew we were going to BBQ burgers one night so we got leaner ground meat. We got corn on the cob at the farmers market. It definitely helped to plan before we got there, because I am definitely a person that if I am hungry at the grocery store, I don’t know what I will come home with.
There were definitely other times where we went out for lunch or dinner. I tried out salads at places with chicken. There were grain bowls with veggies. And wine. And maybe some french fries too. Can’t get rid of them entirely. It’s about balance. And on vacation, I made the healthier decisions but still enjoyed some items on the side. Like a maple creemee. And if you haven’t had one, I highly suggest one next time you are in Vermont. Doesn’t matter the season.
And there is always room for birthday cake! Especially when it is your little guy’s 3rd birthday and a local cake decorator made this delicious and gorgeous dino cake!
