A Week in My Running Shoes: Training, Trail Adventures, and New Gear

Some weeks, running feels effortless—like my legs could keep going forever. Other weeks? It’s about showing up, even when I don’t feel like it. This past week was a mix of both.

I usually write more structured, advice-driven posts, but this week, I wanted to try something different. Instead of just talking about how to make running fit into a busy life, I wanted to show you what that actually looks like for me. As a working mom, my schedule is full, and running doesn't just happen - I have to be intentional about making space for it. Some days, it's smooth sailing; other days, I'm squeezing in a run between meetings or convincing myself not to hit snooze. But through it all, I make it work.

So here's a real look at my training week - the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. If you're trying to fit running into your own busy life, I hope this gives you some ideas (and maybe even some motivation!).

Monday: Leg Day, Sunday Night Blues, and a Treadmill Walk

Sunday night hit hard. You know that feeling when your mind won’t stop racing about the week ahead, and suddenly it’s 2 a.m., and you’re still not asleep? Yeah, that was me. Sunday night blues are a very real thing for me. I love my job, but yet Sunday nights are not restful.

By the time morning rolled around, I wanted nothing more than to skip my workout. But I knew that if I did, I’d feel even worse. So, I dragged myself to my basement gym for leg day (which my legs were not happy about).

What do I do for weight workouts? It's nothing fancy. I actually found a free workout on Pinterest that seemed interesting and manageable with the dumbbells I have. It gives me structure and I come back to it every week. It's fun to see that I have even been able to increase the weights since starting.

After a series of squats, lunges, deadlifts my knees were literally sweating (who knew that was possible?).

I wrapped up with a short treadmill walk, just to shake things out. In the end, happy I didn't press Snooze.

Tuesday: Freezing Cold Run, But I Kept My Promise

I could have used more sleep, but if nothing else I am consistent and disciplined; no skipping runs unless I absolutely need to. So, I grabbed a cough drop (still fighting off a lingering sore throat), layered up, and stepped outside.

Running in cold weather isn’t my favorite, and I am definitely excited for spring running. Despite the cold, my body usually warms up quickly enough once I get started. So I know I just need to push through and it'll get better. 

On my weekday runs I usually listen to a podcast. But today, I noticed I wasn't really paying attention to the podcast. When this happens I know I need to switch it up. So I put on my playlist. It did the trick. By the time I finished, I felt strong. A good reminder that the hardest part is often just getting out the door.

(If you’re struggling with motivation as a beginner runner, check out my beginner’s guide for tips to make running easier.)

Wednesday: Strength Training and a Midday Run (Hello, Daylight!)

Morning weight session. Not my favorite, but I’m sticking to my commitment of twice-a-week strength training because I can already tell it’s making me a stronger runner.

I used to avoid strength workouts, thinking, I just want to run—why do I need this? But now, I can feel it in my legs. My hill climbs are easier, my form is improving, and I’m feeling stronger overall. So I guess it's worth getting through. Plus, it's usually only 25 minutes, so I've learned to bargain with myself to make it through 20-25 minute workout which usually seems manageable (although not enjoyable).

Later, I fit in a lunchtime run at work. One of the biggest game-changers for me has been having access to showers at the office—it makes sneaking in a midday run so much easier. It gives me the perfect boost of energy to get through the rest of the day.

And honestly? Running in daylight > running in the dark. Every single time.

Thursday: Overcoming the Alarm Snooze Temptation

My alarm rang at 5:15 a.m., and I had that three-second hesitation—the moment where I could have rolled over and gone back to sleep. But I didn’t.

I got up, laced up, and headed outside for an early morning run. By the time I was finished my run, I was already at 10,000 steps.

It still amazes me how much energy morning runs give me. Sure, getting up is hard, but the feeling afterward? Worth it.

Friday: Rest Day Without Guilt

No running, no weight training. Just moving enough to hit 7,500 daily steps, which is my non-negotiable minimum I set for myself at the beginning of the year. I'm on day 73 of my steps streak, so I'm definitely invested and not about to let that streak stop.

As much as I usually love running, I enjoy rest days too. More time for sleeping-in on a weekday!.

(If you want to build a sustainable running routine, I go over how to do that in my free beginner’s guide.)

Saturday: Trail Running and My Terrible Sense of Direction

Saturday = long run day. My usual long-run trail was still covered in melting snow, so I decided to stick closer to home.

Can you believe that I actually managed to get lost? Yup! I did. 

I took the trail in the opposite direction I usually do, and my zero sense of direction struck again. I really don’t know what I’d do without race markers on trail races—probably end up 10km off course!

But despite getting lost, it was a gorgeous run. The sun was shining, and there’s just something about trail running that makes me feel completely in the present moment - I think I'll write a complete post on that feeling of running in the present moment one day (it surely deserves it's own post).

Sunday: Road Running and New Running Shoes

Today’s run was back on the roads. The cold weather returned, and I really can’t wait for real spring to show up - might be repeating myself here.

But the highlight of the day? A trip to my favorite running store to get a fresh pair of running shoes.

There’s something about new running shoes that makes everything feel exciting again. It’s like getting that birthday gift you had been waiting for for weeks.

Lessons From This Week’s Training

So there you have it. Every week of training teaches me something new. Here’s what I took away this time:

Strength training is working—I can feel the difference in my runs.

Running in daylight is a game changer—midday miles are worth it.

Rest days are important—no guilt, just recovery.

 I will always get lost on trails—at least it keeps things interesting.

 New running shoes = instant motivation boost

What’s Next?

Spring is coming, and I’m excited for warmer runs, longer daylight, and more trail adventures (hopefully with fewer wrong turns!).