Why Don't I Feel More Refreshed?

I forgot that on Saturday I threw together a nominal no-run schedule for the week:

Monday: 30 minutes high intensity intervals on the row machine + strength training
Tuesday: 60 minutes spin class
Wednesday: 60 minutes elliptical + strength training
Thursday: 30 minutes swim + last 30 minutes of spin class
Friday: 30 minutes elliptical + strength training


I’ve already diverged from that, and it’s only Monday.  I spent 90 minutes on the elliptical trainer, working an HR program for 60 minutes and then a “cross training” profile for 20.  (Warm up and cool down occupied the other 10 minutes.)  I had no problem with any joint or muscle discomfort.  I stayed within an aerobic training zone, which I rarely seem to do when I’m running. 

Spending that much time in the gym during the work day meant I had no time left for strength training.  I’ll try to do a little 30-minute session at home tonight.  If not, I should have time tomorrow if I do a double shot session at the gym.  I’d like to swim again tomorrow…and Thursday. 

The no-workout weekend didn’t feel like it rejuvenated me.  In fact, I felt more stiff and creaky this morning than I usually do when I’m not taking rest days.  Could have been the amount of walking and standing we did at the convention.  Or maybe I’m just not a good recovery specimen.  After all these months of getting myself into shape and staying there, I’d think by now I’d be free from aches and feel more spry.  I’m sure I’m more energetic than I was 2 years ago, but I can’t remember what that felt like and all I know is that I don’t feel like I did when I was 20/30.  Exercise and nutrition are good for me, I know, but they’re no fountain of youth.  I’m feeling the effects of my age, I guess, and there’s no turning back the clock.  All I can do is resist the entropy and be the best I can be for this day and age. 

(There’s one aspect of my routine that remains a bugaboo, and that’s my sleep habits.  If I could force myself to get 8 hours of sleep a night, I wonder what sort of difference that would make?  I should add that to my list of objectives and experiment with what difference it makes.  I just can’t imagine “training” myself to get to bed each night by 10PM.)