The storm before the calm
Looking forward to a week of reset,
relaxation and revitalisation
I know the calm usually comes before the storm but over the last week it's been the other way round in my case and I'm so looking forward to the calm next week.
It's been one heck of a week, both physically and mentally. After writing about needing more thinking time in last week's blog, I really am in desperate need of taking some time out. The good news is that I'm on holiday from work next week, only the second week in 9 months and one of those was moving house, which was no fun whatsoever! So I'm very much looking forward to this one where I'll be taking a step back, gathering my thoughts and then coming out refreshed and revitalised for the last quarter of the year - eek!
Anyway, back to the storm of last week. Last Sunday saw me and my running bud taking on the challenge of the virtual Great North Run. Virtual you say? And yes, a number of people, including Mr Bob, asked if we were simply running round in a circle in the garden - whaaatt?! No, you downloaded an app and then the likes of Sir Mo Farah and other sporting celebrities encouraged you at each mile mark. It was very good actually. Now, can I just say that me and this particular running bud should not be allowed to run together without adult supervision. We're a really bad influence on each other, we egg each other on to do crazy challenges, run faster, further, harder. We'd already planned a route slightly further than the 13.1 miles required, which didn't bode well for a start.
Within about 2 miles we'd taken the wrong path because we were so busy talking and not focusing on where we were going so that took us slightly out of our way. We then went too far on the next bit and ended up doubling back. Then we got distracted by a path that looked very appealing as it went through a lovely wooded valley, so we decided to go off-piste and take that one instead. It looked to be heading in more or less the right direction anyway so what's the worst that could happen. We were obviously both homing pigeons in a former life as by some miracle, albeit some miles later I might add, we ended up on the exact road where we needed to be. Just one teeny wee problem as the app congratulated us on the fact we had completed the Great North Run. Erm nope, not in our case as we still had about another 5 miles to go. By the time we got back to my friend's house we had clocked up about 18 miles - it had been another classic Woody & Stephers adventure!
On Tuesday night, despite still walking like John Wayne after my Great North Run adventure, I decided to go to my running club and do the speed session on offer. Let's just say that my hamstrings did not speak to me for the rest of the night, the rest of the week in fact.
On Wednesday I did 2 lots of hardcore weights sessions with a PT client and then with my fitness group and also squeezed in a mini HIIT session for my colleagues.
Friday I did 2 lots of kettlebell sessions with PT clients, Saturday was boot camp out in the Peak District and this morning I've done some yoga, a long run and a strength session.
On top of all the physical stuff this week I've been working flat out to try and get as much of my work finished as possible before my week off. At the end of a 10 hour day on Thursday I was mentally shattered but hugely satisfied that I was ending the week in a good place and an up-to-date 'to do' list. I'll try not to think about what will be waiting for me on my return!
This is why I'm so looking forward to next week and I have plenty of self-care and self-development things planned. Despite being on holiday (or rather, a 'staycation') it's still important to me that I have things planned in the diary. I don't want to drift through the week and feel like I've not done anything productive. Me and Mr Bob are planning a few days out but where and what we do depends on the weather. I'm hoping we have some good walking weather over the next few days. I've also got some learning time planned so I can practise my French amongst other things. It's also very important that I plan some chill out time where I can just sit and read a trashy novel or listen to some cheesy music to give my brain a rest.
Stuck for relaxation ideas? Try one of these and make sure you plan the time in your diary
- Do some gentle exercise such as walking, yoga or simply stretching.
- Spend time with a friend, not to put the world to rights but to simply chat and laugh about the small things in life.
- Listen to your favourite music or podcast.
- Spend some time in the garden or go to a local park and enjoy the nature around you.
- Get creative by printing off your favourite photos and putting together a collage that will make you smile every time you look at it.
- Read an uplifting and inspiring book.
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