A short week at work followed by an entire weekend of Graham not working was a treat. Why can’t it always be this way?
Monday: 9.5 miles. It was Labor Day, and I was planning to do a shorter run. I skipped the previous day’s long run, which meant I had to do it this day. I was not looking forward to it. I walked half a mile before I started to run. There was no groin/hip pain, which was a plus. My weather app had said it was 66 percent humidity with a temperature in the 80s when I finally rolled out of bed. I was drenched in sweat but the runner’s high propelled me. I used a run/walk strategy for most of the run. Steps: 26,718.
Tuesday: Nothing. Steps: 9,323.
Wednesday: 2.1 miles. I meant to run to the track for speedwork but it was being used. I am self-conscious about using it because many of the people there are in much better shape than I am and run a lot faster. Steps: 10,719.
Thursday: 1.52-mile speedwork at the track and lots of crunches. I also did about five pushups and apparently that was enough to make my arms sore the next day. Steps: Unknown. I didn’t realize my Garmin was dead until the end of the night.
Friday: 1.35 miles just to get out of the house during lunch. I didn’t really do anything else, though I had planned to go to a yoga class. Steps: Unknown. I didn’t wear my Garmin because I forgot it on the charger.
Saturday: No exercise. Graham was off work the whole weekend for the first time in almost two months. I have no regrets about not working out. Steps: Unknown. I didn’t put my Garmin on until most of the day was over.
Sunday: 7 miles. This was supposed to be 11 miles. I felt fine, the weather was perfect, and I had plenty of time to finish, but I just wanted to get home to get ready for our photo session so that I would not be stressed. Instead of making this a long, slow run I sort of tested out a faster speed for various lengths, with walking in between. Steps: 13,977, though I didn’t wear my Garmin the entire day.
#1800MinuteChallenge so far: 497.
Week’s mileage: 21.47.
Reflections
If all else fails, perhaps a few new workout pieces can provide that inspiration I’ve been lacking. I tend to wear the same workout tops and bottoms for years. Does getting new workout gear motivate you?

Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.