4 Weeks of the Prep & Running Schedule (Plus: Why I Quit Barre Blend)

I quit Barre Blend. 

Why I Quit Barre Blend

I admit, I really thought that Barre Blend would be a GREAT program to combine with my half marathon training this winter because it’s low impact and it focuses on glutes and core.

But a program can only be great for YOU if you actually enjoy it. And at the end of the day, Barre Blend just wasn’t for me. While I appreciate Elise Joan’s positivity and personality and the workouts themselves were actually harder than I expected, I found myself putting them off, not looking forward to them and even completely skipping them, despite putting together a great Barre Blend and running hybrid schedule for myself. 

I’m someone who commits and follows through. It’s a personality trait that I am really proud of. So it was a big deal for me to quit a program that I told the world I was committed to! But at the end of the day, I love strength training, I feel awkward dancing and I just wasn’t motivated by teh workouts. I also pride myself in running a very HONEST Beachbody coaching business and it was important for me to tell you that I don’t need to do every program or love every program!

What My Challengers Are Saying About Barre Blend

Many of my challengers in my Barre Blend group are still going strong with the program and are loving it! In fact, many are saying they’ve never had a more round butt from a workout program. As the program has progressed, it’s getting harder and many are saying they’re seriously being challenged and loving it! One of my clients even said that her physical therapist noticed that her glutes were stronger after just 2 weeks. 

Why I Loved 6 Weeks of the Work (But Wouldn’t Do It During Half Marathon Training)

Last November – December, I completed every workout in 6 Weeks of the Work and it is in the running for my favorite Beachbody program EVER. I absolutely LOVED this program. It challenged me in ways I have not been challenged in years. The focus and determination I needed to complete some of the workouts was on par with my toughest running speed work sessions. When I finished, I felt SO victorious and like I have NEVER been stronger. 

I purposely did 6 weeks of The Work when I was not training for a race. It was over the holiday season and I didn’t always have the chance (or the energy) to do as many runs as I normally would while doing this program. I averaged 2-3 runs/week while completing it. Generally, I wouldn’t recommend that anyone do 6 Weeks of the Work while training for a half marathon. I recommend doing this program during your off season or between training cycles. I had an Ironman triathlete, Kristin, do 6 weeks of the Work during her triathlon off season and she raved about how much stronger it made her (and how the workouts challenged her!). 

4 Weeks of the Prep & Half Marathon Hybrid Schedule

Once I started thinking about quitting Barre Blend, I had the idea to do 4 Weeks of the Prep, the prequel to 6 Weeks of the Work. 4 Weeks of the Prep is designed to prepare you for the its more intense sister program.

What is Difference Between 4 Weeks of the Prep & 6 Weeks of the Work

How 4 Weeks of the Work Compares: 

• Workouts are 30-35 min compared to 45 minutes
• It’s 4 weeks long vs. 6 weeks long
• You’ll do every workout twice – there are 10 workouts that repeat 2 times, whereas 6WOTW never repeats a workout. 
• Rest periods are longer with fewer reps
• There is a modifier
• The moves aren’t as intense (6 Weeks of the Work has many full body moves that include holding your body weight in addition to lifting weights).

When I finished a 6 Weeks of the Work workout I was SPENT. Exhausted at times. It pushed me to my limits. When I finish a 4 Weeks of the Prep workout (granted ,I did do 6 Weeks of the Work first meaning I was stronger for this), I usually am feeling energized and that I got a good workout, but I’m not completely wasted. 

For the reasons above, I feel that 4 Weeks of the Prep is a much better program to include in your half marathon training. I personally have dropped the weekly cardio workout and am only doing the 4 strength workouts. If you aren’t doing tempo runs or speed workouts, I’d recommend doing the cardio workout as there is not much cardio in 4 Weeks of the Work outside of these 2 workouts. 

I do want to note that while I did NOT run often while doing 6 Weeks of the Prep, I ran a really, really solid half marathon in January on minimal training! It was a post-twins PR for me and I felt strong throughout, despite not doing any speed work!!! Read my race recap here.

Here’s My 4 Weeks of the Prep & Half Marathon Training Schedule:

Weeks 1 & 3: 

• Monday: Run & Legs
• Tuesday: Push
• Wednesday: Run- Speedwork
• Thursday: Full Body Tempo & recovery run
• Friday: Pull 
• Saturday: Long Run
• Sunday: Rest or Mobility
  

Weeks 2 & 4: 

• Monday: Run & Strength and Power
• Tuesday: Total Body Push/Pull
• Wednesday: Run- Speedwork
• Thursday: Isometrics & recovery run
• Friday: The Crucible
• Saturday: Long Run
• Sunday: Rest or Mobility 
  

4 Weeks of the Prep Sample Workout

Here is a sample workout of 4 Weeks of the Prep if you’d like to try it out to see if it’s for you! 

4 Weeks of The Prep, Half Marathon Training and Timed Nutrition

So far, I’m really finding that it’s manageable to do 4 Weeks of the Prep with my pretty intense half marathon training . I’m running about 30 miles a week so far and planning to increase mileage.

To take it to the next level, I’ve decided to commit to Ultimate Portion Fix’s Timed Nutrition for the first time. I’ve been suffering from major Runger (running hunger) pangs and have been doing way too much mindless snacking and allowing myself way more treats than usual. I’ve used the excuse that I’m just hungry from all the running but at the end of the day, these snacks aren’t high quality or good for me. I would be much better off fueling myself with healthier foods and being more conscious of what I’m putting in my body.  My hope is that committing to Timed Nutrition during my half marathon training for the San Diego Half Marathon in March will speed up my recovery and help me fuel well for my hard runs and workouts!

When I did 80 Day Obsession, I did not do Timed Nutrition and I really want to test it out and see how it will help my running! Another motivation for me is that I am going on the next Beachbody Success Club Trip to Punta Cana at the end of March so I’m wanting to commit to the nutrition plan to feel even more confident in a bikini! Hey, we can have athletic AND aesthetic goals!!! 

Join Me for an Exclusive, Intimate Nutrition Focused Challenge Group on February 24th 

I’ve been really thinking about ways that I can help my challengers get better results. My regular accountability groups are super engaging and great and often full of runners who are combining Beachbody programs with running. We talk about nutrition and weight loss is often part of the process for many, but not for everyone.

I want to be able to serve my clients who are interested in losing at least 5 pounds and who want a more intimate group to share their successes, struggles, AND keep themselves extra accountable by sharing their daily food log each day.

I will be committed to showing up for you and giving you an experience you have never had to keep you accountable to your goals. We will have optional weekly meal prep parties, weekly meal plans, and a raffle for those who hit their weight loss goal. This is going to keep ME accountable to my goal of sticking to tied nutrition as well and I’ll be right there with you!!! 

As always, I will have my regular monthly accountability group that supports runners and anyone who wants to do any Beachbody program. 

To join either group or any of my groups in the future, please fill out the form below. Please specify if you want to join the nutrition focused group (Feb 24th) or the regular group (Feb 17th).