So the 21 Day Runner’s Reset is over, just like that!
It’s hard to believe that the 21-day challenge to limit sugar and increase strength training has come to an end. It was a really great experience and I learned so much in the process that I plan to keep up with beyond the 21 days!
I thought I would share my recap of the 21 Day Runner’s Reset and my main takeaways from the program. Thanks so much to Laura for giving me the opportunity to participate!
[bctt tweet=”My results from the 21 Day Runner’s Reset #runnersreset #runchat”]
21 Day Runner’s Reset – My Results
From January 11 to January 31, I participated in the 21 Day Runner’s Reset and it was definitely the right way to start off the year! I’ve shared my goals for the reset, so let’s see if I was on target or off the mark!
How It Went
While it wasn’t perfect every day, the Runner’s Reset when very well for me, and I’m so grateful! Since the Runner’s Reset focused on healthy eating and strength training, I’ve split up my recap of the experience based on those two areas.
Healthy Eating
Eliminating excess sugars from my diet was initially really easy for me, but over time, I realized that I had certain “cravings” and missed having those sugary sweets, especially whenever I was bored or stressed. I had a couple of nights out to Restaurant Week where I ate dessert, but honestly, they weren’t as satisfying as they normally would be. I also realized I needed to cut back on the M&M’s in my trail mixes!
I did a much better job of getting in the kitchen and preparing meals as part of the reset. Meal planning and prepping has been a big challenge for me and one of my goals is to create a workable routine. While I’m not quite there yet, I think I’m getting closer! I made some really tasty recipes provided by Laura that will now become part of my arsenal of healthy meals and snacks!
Strength Training
I have always found excuses to get out of strength training. I would rarely work out at home (because once I’m inside, I’m not working out!) and then wonder why I’m not progressing with my running as much as I would like.
Laura provided us with some great workouts to use for strength training, and the best thing was that they didn’t take up too much time! I regained an appreciation for working on my core and upper body – areas that have been neglected for quite awhile! I’m happy that I kept up with 3 days of strength training each week.
Main Takeaways
I ended up learning quite a bit about myself during this 21-day challenge.
Healthy Eating
- I consider myself pretty well “in tune” with my body’s needs, but this challenge made me more aware of my emotional eating. And now I know when to keep it in check!
- If I plan my time properly, I can really whip up some good meals. Just like with running, all it takes is getting started.
- The crockpot is awesome and should never be neglected! I need to take advantage of it to ensure that we have easy meals throughout the week.
- The less often you eat excess sugars, the more it really is a treat. Less is more.
Strength Training
- High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a great way to pack in a quality workout in a short period of time! More, please!
- My core and upper body need a lot of work!
- Lunges are challenging for me but the more I do them, the better I feel. They’re so important for runners!
- I really enjoy doing squats! Is that weird?
Moving Forward
As I move beyond the challenge, I will not be as restrictive with my diet, but I will definitely do a better job of portion control! I will also keep up with strength training because it’s so necessary and I really enjoy it!
Healthy Eating
- I will continue to meal plan and prep for the week, using Laura’s recipes and whatever great finds out there on Pinterest.
- I’ll keep away from the Twizzlers and other candies that cause me trouble, but I will have some sweet treats once in a while. I actually don’t miss them that much!
- I’ll be eliminating alcohol for Lent, so I’m looking forward to the reduced caloric intake from that alone.
Strength Training
- I’m taking four 8-week classes offered through work: yoga, boot camp, core and more, and weight training.
- I’ll continue working on strengthening my hips and working on single-legged balance in between workouts.
Thanks again to Laura and everyone in the Facebook Group for their support during the 21 Day Runner’s Reset! I had a great experience and have set the foundation that I was looking for, so I will say that my results are a success!
Workouts for the Week:
Wednesday 1/27: I finally had a rest day! The only exercise I had was walking to and from dinner for Center City Restaurant week, which helped me get past my 10,000 steps goal!
Thursday 1/28: Lunchtime Core and More Class. This time, it’s being taught by Ivy, who I’ve never had as an instructor. She is intense! We did a bunch of standing and one-legged exercises that really challenged me! Then I had weight training in the evening, another fitness class through work. I had a fun time – we did planks, lots of squats, used the rowing machine, and worked on machines for upper body. Carlos is a fun instructor and he kept all 8 of us entertained and exhausted!
Friday 1/29: The day ran away from me, so no running or working out.
Saturday 1/30: 7 miles in the morning with Bret. It was extremely tough, mentally and physically. The cold air was brutal, the running trail was narrow and icy in spots, and my legs felt really heavy.
Sunday 1/31: We went for a 4 mile run in the afternoon. The temperature was warmer, but there was still a bite of cold air. So many more people were out on the narrow trail, and it was another mentally tough run, but we did it!
Monday 2/1: Intermediate yoga class at lunch. This week was much more challenging but very fulfilling – we worked on the crow pose! Thankfully, I can still do it for about 10 seconds. Then I had boot camp after work – it was a great full body workout! I warmed up on the spinning bike for about 5 minute, then there were lots of pushups, wall sits, TRX rows, plyometrics and core work. It was tough but I loved it!
Tuesday 2/2: I went for 2 quick miles on the treadmill during lunch. I was a bit sore from boot camp but overall it went well!
Week 4 Report Card:
I’m really happy with how my workouts went in the past week. While I’m still trying to figure out whether to run for 3 days or 4 days a week for Cherry Blossom, I am getting in quality runs every time, even though they’ve been a bit tougher lately.
It feels really good to have the fitness classes back in rotation. I end up pretty tired by the end of the day, but for me, it’s worth it. Building strength is always so exciting to me, and my hips are loving all of the attention they’re getting!
Based on this past week, I’m going to give myself an A. Woohoo! Let’s keep it up, as I approach my last week of training for ZOOMA. I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes for this virtual 10K race!
Would you ever do a program like the 21 day runner’s reset? How are your workouts going this week?
I’m linking up with the ladies of Wild Workout Wednesday: Annmarie at The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie at Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced, Michelle at Fruition Fitness, and Nicole at Fitful Focus!
I’m also linking up with Megan for the Weekly Workout Recap Linkup!
Sounds like the 21 day reset was really good! I too love squats, and after doing them for a while, I love the feeling of power they give me when I’m running. I can actually feel my glutes engage when I’m running up a hill!
And as for the m&ms, yep, I tend to eat too many of those myself. But I’m pretty good otherwise. I know what makes me feel bad, and I try to stay away from that most of the time.
It was a great program, Wendy! Yeah, it’s like oh yeah, you’re supposed to use your glutes when you run! 🙂
Knowing your weaknesses is key – these challenges really help magnify that!
I learned so much from the reset too, and I am going to continue working on putting them into practice. I fell off the wagon this week, but have grabbed hold of the reins again!
I had a sugar weakness last night due to stress….ugh! It’s a journey for sure, gotta hop back on the horse!
I’m glad that your reset went so well. I struggle with mindless eating, especially when I’m bored, so that’s something I am really trying to work on this year.
That’s good! I like to eat at least every 4 hours so I do have little snacks, but the key is to keep them healthy!
That’s great that the reset was so good for you! Strength training is a key for me to stay healthy and strong. Giving up sugar completely is pretty hard but small changes make a huge difference and you are right I think you crave them less after a while.
I’ve fallen back in love with strength training – such a relief, because I really need to keep with it!
So interesting! I kinda wanna eliminate alcohol for Lent too but not sure I could pull it off- I DO need to cut back, that is for sure! (Ps. I am not an alcoholic :P)
Haha, oh no worries! I think it’ll be tough at first but I guess you get used to it and lose that craving! I’m looking forward to drinking more H2O!
Such a good reset program! Sounds like it really helped.
I’m also a big Crock Pot fan 🙂 You might have figured that out though 🙂
Haha yes, love your recipes! I’m so glad I did the reset 🙂
This sounds like a great reset cutting sugar is a huge detox for me I feel good when I cut back. Great job on making it through.
Thanks, Ivanna! It’s funny how everything tastes so much sweeter now!
Sounds like you got it all under control! Great plan and who doesnt love some rest now and then?! Have a great day
Thanks, Autumn! I’m working on it!
I think the 21 day reset sounds like a very balanced approach to clean up some habits that may sneak in during the year. Like you said. I usually grab sweets when I’m bored or stressed, rarely because I am TRULY craving them.
It’s just me, but I like 3 days of running a week. If I’m really feeling it, or the weather is absolutely perfect, I’ll run a 4th. But I find that only doing 3 gives me plenty of time to strength train & cross train. Both things I don’t want to give up in the name of running.
Now that I’m doing so much more strength training, it’s tough for me to get in more than 3 days a week of running. It feels weird but I think it’s a better balance!
I’m so happy to hear this worked well for you! I’ve been cutting out sugar for the past 3 weeks as well and notice a significant difference, though I will say I’m excited for next week when I can have a glass of wine ;-P
Thanks! Glad you’re doing well with it too! Meanwhile next week I’ll be cutting out wine, go figure! 🙂
I am currently on an elimination eating plan for health reasons, and didn’t want to cut sugar at the same time because of a history of restrictive patterns. But it’s something I’d like to focus on, I definitely notice an energy difference!
Now that you mention it, I did have more energy throughout the day during the reset!
This program sounds great! I’m 100% with you on the crockpot. It is by far my favorite kitchen tool and I use it at least twice a week. It’s just so easy to get a yummy meal on the table with very little work.
It’s such a huge timesaver for me, I’m glad I’ve “rediscovered” it!
You had some great results! I sometimes refer to my slow cooker as my “sister wife” because I use it all the time and it helps me on crazy days!
Haha, I love that! The slow cooker is the best! Thanks 🙂
I’m glad to hear that the reset was a success for you. Its always great when we’re able to take steps to be more in tune to what our bodies tell us, even if we find out not so great things about our eating habits as a result. And I agree, the power of crockpot cooking should never be overlooked!
Thanks, Kathryn! So important to listen to your body…and it’s been telling me a lot lately!
You had an awesome week of workouts! I’m envious of the workouts you have offered at work – so cool! We have series of classes at work as well, I’m taking a yoga/pilates class for 12 weeks, but it’s pretty basic stuff. Maybe next session (spring?!), I’ll look for a strength class. 🙂
Oh yoga/pilates sounds great! The yoga is nice, I just wish had had longer than a half hour for lunch! I bet a strength class will be great too!
It sounds like you had great success on the reset! I don’t cut out sugar completely, but I try to minimize it and it really does help with energy, cravings, and body composition. I love lunges also – they hurt, but the more I do them, the better they feel both during and after. Good luck on giving up alcohol for Lent! I’ve thought in the past about giving up something like alcohol or chocolate, but I worry about not having enough willpower for it.
Thanks a lot, Laura! Cutting the sugar is huge, but it’s tough to maintain, so I have to really keep an eye out. Chocolate would definitely be tough, but I think Lent is a great time to show a sacrifice. I’m sure you’d have the willpower with whatever you choose! 🙂
Sugar can be so hard to give up… so addictive! Glad it went well for you and that you have some new recipes. I have always enjoyed my participation in Laura’s various programs but haven’t done this one.
Yes, sugar is terribly addictive! I really enjoyed the reset, Laura was awesome!
Congrats on finishing the challenge! Sounds like a great way to kick start the year and hopefully great segway into February.
Thanks a lot, Becki!
Sounds like the reset was a good thing for you. And yay for more strength training – stick with it!!
I think I’m hooked on strength training now, thank goodness!
Oh I definitely need to do this!! Thank you for the information
No problem!
I did her reset last year. It’s a great way to get back on track. Glad that it worked for you and that you have some things to go forward with.
Thanks, Erika! 🙂
I tried racing weight program which is similar to a “reset” program But I only made it 5 days before Ben n Jerry’s started whispering sweet nothings into my ears…kudos to you woman!!
Haha, B&J’s is a tough one, lol! I never heard of racing weight program, I’ll have to look into that.
I loved the Runner’s Reset! So great to read about your experience and I can’t believe how fast the time went by,
This was so good for me and I realized I don’t need chocolate every night! When I have it on the weekend, it is such a treat that I savor. I love your plan of going forward and what a great week of workouts!!! 🙂
Thanks a lot, Natalie! The time did go by fast! Glad you got a lot out of participating too 🙂
Congrats on your success with the program. M&Ms? Yes, they’re my favorite but I rarely buy them so when I do it’s a treat to be enjoyed thoroughly.
Thanks, Jill. I may have to stay away from that kind of trail mix since it’s so addictive, but a little chocolate is okay once in a while 🙂
This program sounds like it was exactly what you were looking to get out of it! Great job. And Kudos on giving up alcohol…I know I can do it since I had to through two pregnancies…but I like it too much to say goodbye to it for 21 days! No, I don’t drink everyday! 😉 I just enjoy it on the weekends! A lot! 🙂
Yes, it really did reset me, which was what I needed! Haha, I know what you mean…I don’t drink everyday but I know having that restriction will have its rough days!
Nice job completing the challenge! I’ve found challenges are tough for me because I get bored before the “habit forming” part kicks in haha.
Thanks, Ali! It wasn’t easy every day but I guess I find these challenges really thrilling!
Share some of your favorite crockpot recipes with us – PLEASE!
Haha, that sounds like an idea for a blog post! I need more time to accumulate more recipes that I’ve tried 😛
This reset challenge really intrigues me! I have a major sweet tooth problem too especially when I am bored, or just laying on the couch late at night. But I’ve been doing better since starting weightwatchers 🙂
That’s great that Weight Watchers has been going well for you! It’s still tough to ignore that sweet tooth, but self-awareness is everything!
Sounds like the reset was great for you! It would be a challenge for me to lessen sugar from my diet since I have a sweet tooth. It’s something I need to work on. I need to break out my crockpot too. Great job on your week!
Thanks a lot, Sherry! Crockpots save so much time and takes away some of the anxiety I have when it comes to meal planning.
Woohoo I love this! Runners are usually in disbelief of how much better their running is once they start strength training! Glad you’re experiencing the same thing 🙂
Yes, I definitely feel the benefits of strength training! We all need to dedicate more time to it!
I’m glad you found this as a positive experience! That’s great. I try really hard to keep the strength training as a focus during my workout schedule. But the sweet thing is my downfall. I can’t help it, but I’m starting this week to start cutting them out slowly. M&Ms are so easy and fun to eat because they are so easy to fit in the palm of your hand and pop in your mouth without really thinking about what you are doing. Ohhh sugar….
Sugar is so tough to resist! I’m so glad I signed up for the program, I learned a lot!