Training Log
A week of running with Easy Pace runner, Adam
Editor’s Note: Welcome to Training Log, where I’ll be spotlighting routines and insights from real runners (and readers!). There’s nothing I love more than hearing about what people are working on—and this includes what they’re thinking about—while running. If you’d like to share your log, please email me: ameliafaith@gmail.com.
Name: Adam Weigle
Age: 34
Location: Chattanooga, TN
When did you start running and why?
I'd always been a "jogger" just to get a good sweat in, but I've never really considered myself a runner. In 2015, I had a traumatic life event that really put things into perspective for me—my mother had a sudden stroke and would never be the same again. On top of that, I decided to get a physical (I hadn't had one in years) and I had high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Yikes! I was 29 years old! So one day, I decided to just start running. Not sure if I was running away or towards something, but I just felt like running (in Forrest Gump's voice)! For my physical health, primarily, but I never knew in a million years what it would do for my mental health. It's really helped me cope ever since my mom's stroke, and I'm happy to say my health is right back on track. No medications needed! All from lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement.
I think one of the many reasons I’ve kept running for a few years now, is that it’s hard. I am thoroughly convinced that doing hard things daily is necessary for a fulfilled life. And I’m realizing that more and more as I get older, especially while raising a family. It’s hard. It’s hard as hell. But that’s not something to run away from. It’s shaping me into a better father, husband, man, and overall person. As Coach Jimmy Dugan said from A League of Their Own, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes great.” Not sure if you can tell, but I really like Tom Hanks movies. ;)
What is your training like currently? Anything ~special~ coming up?
No races on the schedule currently as my wife and I are preparing to welcome our third daughter this May. I guess the newborn phase can be as tiring as a marathon in itself, so I'm mentally preparing for that!
I also have two young daughters (1 & 3), so sticking to a regular training schedule is a challenge to say the least. Some weeks are better than others. Heck, it's hard enough just sleeping through the night some weeks. I really just try to fit in runs whenever I possibly can—5am, lunch break, evenings when the babies are sleeping, anything. I try to run anywhere between 3-5 times a week. Lately, I primarily run at least a 5k, but if I go on a long run on the weekend, I like to push myself to 5+ miles.
Adam’s Training Log
Monday: Started the day with my daily wagon walk with my daughters. This consists of me pulling them in our little red Radio Flyer wagon down our neighborhood hill and back up again. It's exactly one mile and my daughters love it. I love it, too. I get quality time with my girls before I start my day and a little pre-run warm up (if I'm able to run that day). During my lunch break, I ended up running a 5k with my daughter in the jogger stroller while she was singing 'Let it Go' from Frozen the whole time. I'm fortunate enough to work from home so my girls are always close by. Great day :)
Tuesday: Started the day early with my one mile wagon walk with the girls, but wasn't able to get a run in. Definitely thought about it a few times, but my work schedule and screaming babies took priority.
Wednesday: I ran 2 miles on my lunch break. Shorter than I normally like, but I tried to make up for it by running hills the majority of the time to really get the heart going.
At the start of the second mile it started raining really hard. There’s something so beautiful about running in the rain. My mind started reflecting on where I’m at in life and I became overwhelmed with gratitude. How lucky am I? I have a beautiful family, a happy home, a great job, health…I feel like the richest man in the world. I definitely wanted to take that last mile, bottle it up, and put it in my pocket, so next time someone asks why I run, I can hand it to them and say, “this is why.”
Thursday: Started work super early and didn't get off until later in the evening. I was able to get a light stretch in for about 15 min. These are the days when I need running the most. I need to do a better job of getting a run in on busy work days. It helps create clarity among the chaos, and overall helps me be more productive.
Friday: Ran a 5k bright and early in the morning (5am) before the family was awake. These are some of my favorite runs. It's my time. No one needs anything. My phone is quiet. My thoughts are quiet. Looking up at the rising sun and smiling. This moment is temporary. Running is so freeing. Just me and my two legs working hard before anyone's awake. Bring on the day!
Saturday: Ideally, on the weekends, I like to get a long run in, but it's really hard with two little ones. My wife stays at home with the kids all week, so on the weekends I usually take them to give her a break. I still try to get a stroller run in, but even that can be a challenge. Started Saturday with a wagon walk with my girls and did a little stretching in the afternoon.
Sunday: Set the alarm for 5am to run and snoozed right past it! Ugh! I blame it on the beer and football I was watching the night before. Had all intention of running today, but didn't make it happen. I was able to get in three decent runs throughout the week so I'm definitely grateful for that. Already getting my running clothes washed and ready for the upcoming week. I won't be hitting snooze tomorrow!
Other things to think about while running this week…
“Runners run faster if they swing their arms.”- Aristotle
I Lived the #Vanlife. It Wasn’t Pretty. Caity Weaver tries VanLife, hilarity ensues.
@PossumEveryHour Enjoy!