Cookies, Cardio & Calves on Fire – This Week’s Training Recap

Welcome back, Vibrant Fam! I’m a day late — oops — posting this week’s Mileage Monday.

Please, please forgive me.

If you’re new here: welcome, and thank you for joining me on this journey.

If you’re returning: thank you so dearly for continuing to show up. I feel it. I appreciate it.

The Week in a Word? Rough.

This past week wasn’t a mental battle like the one before — it was a physical one.

I know, a complete 180. But don’t worry, I did what I do best: overanalyzed the situation until I uncovered the (devastating) culprit. More on that later. 👀

As I write this, I’m fresh off Day 16 of running every single day.

Now, you might be asking:

“What do you mean, running every single day?”

Well, there’s a trend where people commit to daily running — some set a mile minimum, some follow other metrics. I’m following the one-mile minimum rule.

I’ve done this before, but last time I got injured during the virtual NYC Marathon (shoutout to my knees, who are 80 years old and dramatic). So this time, I’m being mindful but steady. Not every run is exciting, but a few definitely stood out.

Training Highlights – Brooklyn Experience Half Prep

Monday – Steady Into Tempo

I’d never done this workout before, but I think I slayed (?). It’s all about starting slow and gradually picking up the pace — training your body to not fall apart at the end of a race (aka avoiding the dreaded positive split).

Pace: 9:12/mi

Vibe: Strong

Tuesday – Easy Run Queen Energy

We love her, we stan her, she truly is that girl. My easy runs this week focused on building my aerobic base.

If you're like “wtf is he talking about?” — I got you.

Heart rate training is split into zones. I usually live in Zones 4–5, which means my heart’s pounding like a drumline in my skull. But Zone 2 (aerobic base) is all about slow and steady — teaching your body to sustain effort without overexertion.

Did I master this? No. Did I try? Absolutely.

Pace: 12:20/mi

Vibe: Heartstopper

Wednesday – The Hills Have Lies

I do not love hill repeats. Truly, I don’t think there’s a world where “running uphill” will ever be a joyful moment for me.

I had to do this one on the treadmill because of the weather, and honestly? I’m not confident I hit what I needed to hit. Short hill repeats on a Planet Fitness treadmill? Questionable at best.

Still, I did it. And my calves have not stopped complaining.

Pace: 13:25/mi

Vibe: Questioning Everything

Thursday – Easy Run, Round Two

WOOF. Thank you, Runna, for blessing me with another easy day.

I think I need to adopt the alter ego of Runita Sprintz because I am clocking miles like it’s my job. And no treadmill on Earth can stop me.

Pace: 10:49/mi

Vibe: Trudging On

Sunday – 10 Miles of Emotional Damage

This was the day I died. The day I met my maker. And it turns out? My maker is a rundown treadmill at the gym.

Because of the weather, I had to do my 10-mile long run indoors — and this is where everything started feeling off. I was sluggish. My body was begging me to stop.

I was disappointed. In my pace. My energy. My attitude. The whole thing felt unnecessarily hard.

It took a while to process that disappointment. I know I can do better.

But I reminded myself: I do this because I love it.

I’m not chasing pro stats. I’m chasing consistency, community, and growth. This outlet gives me space. It helps me stay grounded.

Pace: 10:52/mi

Vibe: Defeated but Persevering

A Post-Training Week Lookback: The Great Brownie Mystery

I couldn’t stop wondering: why the sudden stamina dip?

You know those crime movies where there’s a wall covered in photos, notes, and red string? That was me. Desperately connecting dots, trying to solve the mystery of my sluggishness.

And then, like a divine revelation (or maybe a sugar crash)… it hit me:

The villain? The saboteur?

🍪 Cookies, brownies, and chocolate milk. 🍫

I've been 3 months sober, and at first, I avoided sugar like a champ. Sparkling water? My bestie. But slowly… the sweets crept in. Brownies. Cookies. Chocolate milk. On repeat. Nightly.

I didn’t think much of it — I figured my running would cancel it out.

Spoiler alert: it did not. And suddenly my endurance was tanking.

So… we’re taking a break.

Not a breakup (this isn’t a Ross and Rachel situation), but a real break. The kind with boundaries and intentions.

Thank You, Always

If you made it this far — I appreciate you more than you know.These Mileage Monday posts have become such a fun (and sometimes chaotic) way for me to reflect, share, and laugh through the process.

As always, I’m fundraising for two incredible causes on the road to NYC and Tokyo:

🎗️ American Cancer Society

🎗️ Tackle Kids Cancer

Any support — donations, shares, or just cheering me on — means the world. 💛

NYC: $0 of $5,000

Tokyo: $632 of $9,600

Let’s keep running. Keep laughing. Keep showing up.

Stay vibrant, spread love, and hydrate or die-drate.