Since moving from Atlanta to Tampa in May, I’ve become an obsessive compulsive complainer about the weather. In a not-so-good-shut-the-eff-up sort of way. I talk a lot to my fellow runners and coaching clients about focusing on “the controllables” when it comes to running. Because there are so many factors outside of our control during big runs and races, we should direct our energy toward controlling the little things we can actually impact (e.g. sleep, rest, hydration, food/fuel levels, stress, etc.). The problem is, in life I’m often someone who tends to dwell on the things I can’t control. It’s always easier to SAY don’t focus on what you can’t control than to actually DO it. Am I right?

So, I’ve been bitching complaining a lot about the weather here. But I think I’m slowly getting over it, turning a new leaf and moving on. I’ve started to accept the fact that even when I get up to run before 5 a.m., it is in the 80s and the humidity is close to 90 percent. In Atlanta this morning (yes, I still check the Atlanta weather because I’m insane), it was 62 degrees. I do not live in Atlanta anymore. I am not going to live in Atlanta. I live in Florida. STOP. BEING. IN. DENIAL. ABOUT. THE. WEATHER. JESICA. SHUT. UP. MOVE. ON. JUST. RUN. I can learn to deal with it, work around it and make my runs as best as possible in my new conditions, or I can drain my mental strength to the point that I give up. I choose the first option.

This is my new mental outlook when it comes to running in tough weather:

Changing my mental perspective seems to be changing my running. Last week, I had a quality run where I averaged 8:06 despite the weather. Today, I ran 4 x 100-meters and 4 x 1-mile repeats with the repeats being in the 7:35 average range (slower than if I was training seriously but good for where I’m currently at fitness-wise). I’ve started to tell myself the same thing I do before a marathon when thinking about the last 6 miles: it is going to hurt and it is going to suck but you are going to do it anyway and it is going to be awesome. Mantras, people. Mantras.

Here’s what my past week of training looked like.

Getting Sweaty and Stronger

My fitness goals for 2015 are to stay in half marathon shape year-round (20-30 miles of running per week and long runs of 8-11 miles) and get stronger (2-3 strength training and cross training workouts each week).

• Monday: 3 miles easy
• Tuesday: 1-hour at Orangetheory Fitness, including 3.1 miles on the treadmill alternating between easy pace, tempo pace and 200-m sprint pace, 1,000 meters on the rowing machine and two rounds of strength in the weight room
• Wednesday: 3 miles (8:21, 7:55, 8:05)
• Thursday: REST
• Friday: 1-hour at Orangetheory Fitness, including 3 miles on the treadmill with hill runs at tempo and interval pace alternating between 3 and 5 percent incline, followed by 1,600 meters of rowing and 10 minutes in the weight room
• Saturday: Ran 8 miles before sunrise with new and old friends (See details about the run with pictures here)
• Sunday: 75 minutes of restorative yoga at Bella Prana Yoga via ClassPass

It has been a while since I’ve shared a recipe. On the clean eating front, I’m loving this Chicken Salsa Casserole lately. I’ve eaten it twice in the past two weeks. It is super simple to prepare and makes great leftovers. Be sure to follow me on Pinterest while you’re there to see all the recipes I’m making and pinning and other running inspiration and tips.

What I’m Most Proud of

Finally getting over the weather situation. I don’t have to like it, but I do have to live with it.

I’m also proud of starting to try some new workouts via ClassPass in my area (I’ve been to three new studios in the past few days). {I’m obsessed with ClassPass and am also an affiliate.}

Also, big shout out to one of my coaching clients who ran a 5K PR at the beginning of the month. She’s three weeks out from her goal marathon and her challenging summer training is paying off!

Where I Struggled

Sleeping. I’m having a lot of trouble falling asleep every night. That means I’m not getting enough Zzzzs and waking up early to workout with not enough rest. If you have any pointers on falling asleep easier, send them my way!

Thought for the Week Ahead

“Today is my tomorrow. It’s up to me to shape it, to take control and seize every opportunity.”
― Unknown

How was your week last week? How did your training go? What are you most proud of? Where were you most challenged?