A quick check-in before we get ready to leave town ....
off to St. Paul to attend the Women Rock expotique and run the Women Rock half-marathon!
I cannot believe that 18 weeks of training is about to come to an end. I cannot believe that tomorrow is already September 1.
I was thinking this week that technically I have been running on and off since high school. That was over 14 years ago! (graduated in 1998). More realistically, I have been running on and off consistently (hows that for an oxymoron?) for the last 4 years. I joined Midtown Fitness in St. Cloud in Fall 2008, and ran my first 5K in April 2009. And yet, on a mostly random whim on a Sunday this past May, I printed an 18 week training plan and started training for my first half-marathon!
The butterflys are settling into my stomach as I write this. I am so excited, but so nervous. Mostly for the fear of the unknown.
I am wondering what I should pack for food and beverages. What am I going to be able to choke down tomorrow morning??
I am curious what 5,000 women running in one place for the Team Ortho cause is going to feel like.
I am ready for this experience. Just hope my nerves and mix of emotions don't get the best of me!
I will check in again sometime later this weekend with a race re-cap!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: August 20-26
Monday: started with almost an identical route to last Monday, completing 4.92 miles in 59.13.
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: left the house now knowing which route I wanted to take; so I decided to head down the county road at the end of our street. I've run the road as part of a longer runs, but on this night decided I was going to go to the stop sign, or until I hit 3 miles; then turn and head home. I ran until the stop sign, which was 3.2 miles! Total mileage was 6.4 miles in 1:15.48. I am not a huge fan of out and back routes, but running in the country is a sort of relaxing you can't find elsewhere.
Thursday: wanted to keep it short, but somewhat fast tonight. It didn't work. I took A and the stroller with me. We made it 2.3 miles to the park in 31 minutes. I then let her play, and naturally 15 minutes turned into 25, and she still kicked and screamed as I put her back in the stroller. I don't know if it was the pause in running, the walking in the sand, or the climbing after her on the playground equipment; but my feet and legs just felt tired when we left the park. I decided to just walk home. Total mileage was 4.2 miles; I didn't track a total time as my Garmin died on the way home.
Friday: rest
Saturday: I had my alarm set, but opted to sleep in instead.
Sunday: Got up to do the long run I slept through on Saturday. I ran a figure 8 loop of the same route I've used for my 10 mile long runs. The figure 8 just added the necessary mileage to get up to 12 ... or it should have. I hit the five mile split in 1:01; which is pretty good considering I felt like I was going much slower than that. (That was sort of a theme this week; maybe from the previous weeks 30 miles?) My first disappointment came when two dogs came barreling out of their yards at me on the same road I decided I loved on Wednesday. I am not scared of dogs - but when I am running peacefully down a road past your house, your dog should be tied up and not running after me!! Talk about adrenaline overload. Anyway - I continued on when my blood pressure returned to normal. It was humid out this morning; and I drank up my water expecting to fill up when I got the the park ... lo and behold where I thought there was a water fountain, there wasn't. So I wasted a bunch of time (without pausing my Garmin) walking and looking for a water fountain. I ended up backtracking to the south baseball diamonds. At this point I decided this run was not about pace or mileages - it was just keeping routine. I meandered my way home, cutting my route short, and trying not to let it get to me. I really can't be disappointed - it was the first time I missed the 2:00 - 2:05 mark for 10 miles since I started double-digit runs! Total mileage was 11.35 in 2:28. The three lessons I learned: 1. if you normally wear a headband, wear a headband. Even this small change in habit just messed with me. 2. no matter how cool you think it is (seriously, it was supposed to be 65*, but turns out it was probably warmer and very humid), never wear a cotton t-shirt for a long run. It was soaked and uncomfortable! 3. know where to refill water. don't just assume you know. I could have kept going, but there was no way I was going to make it home without more water. And for fun - lesson 4. bad runs do happen!
Total mileage: 26.87 miles
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: left the house now knowing which route I wanted to take; so I decided to head down the county road at the end of our street. I've run the road as part of a longer runs, but on this night decided I was going to go to the stop sign, or until I hit 3 miles; then turn and head home. I ran until the stop sign, which was 3.2 miles! Total mileage was 6.4 miles in 1:15.48. I am not a huge fan of out and back routes, but running in the country is a sort of relaxing you can't find elsewhere.
Thursday: wanted to keep it short, but somewhat fast tonight. It didn't work. I took A and the stroller with me. We made it 2.3 miles to the park in 31 minutes. I then let her play, and naturally 15 minutes turned into 25, and she still kicked and screamed as I put her back in the stroller. I don't know if it was the pause in running, the walking in the sand, or the climbing after her on the playground equipment; but my feet and legs just felt tired when we left the park. I decided to just walk home. Total mileage was 4.2 miles; I didn't track a total time as my Garmin died on the way home.
Friday: rest
Saturday: I had my alarm set, but opted to sleep in instead.
Sunday: Got up to do the long run I slept through on Saturday. I ran a figure 8 loop of the same route I've used for my 10 mile long runs. The figure 8 just added the necessary mileage to get up to 12 ... or it should have. I hit the five mile split in 1:01; which is pretty good considering I felt like I was going much slower than that. (That was sort of a theme this week; maybe from the previous weeks 30 miles?) My first disappointment came when two dogs came barreling out of their yards at me on the same road I decided I loved on Wednesday. I am not scared of dogs - but when I am running peacefully down a road past your house, your dog should be tied up and not running after me!! Talk about adrenaline overload. Anyway - I continued on when my blood pressure returned to normal. It was humid out this morning; and I drank up my water expecting to fill up when I got the the park ... lo and behold where I thought there was a water fountain, there wasn't. So I wasted a bunch of time (without pausing my Garmin) walking and looking for a water fountain. I ended up backtracking to the south baseball diamonds. At this point I decided this run was not about pace or mileages - it was just keeping routine. I meandered my way home, cutting my route short, and trying not to let it get to me. I really can't be disappointed - it was the first time I missed the 2:00 - 2:05 mark for 10 miles since I started double-digit runs! Total mileage was 11.35 in 2:28. The three lessons I learned: 1. if you normally wear a headband, wear a headband. Even this small change in habit just messed with me. 2. no matter how cool you think it is (seriously, it was supposed to be 65*, but turns out it was probably warmer and very humid), never wear a cotton t-shirt for a long run. It was soaked and uncomfortable! 3. know where to refill water. don't just assume you know. I could have kept going, but there was no way I was going to make it home without more water. And for fun - lesson 4. bad runs do happen!
Total mileage: 26.87 miles
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
32 Goals
In honor of my 32nd birthday, which I celebrated earlier this month, I set 32 goals I would like to do throughout the year. (You can read the entire list here.)
Of those 32, there are a handful that are related to health and exercise.
I thought it would be appropriate to share those here as well; since I talk about that stuff here more often.
They are:
Of those 32, there are a handful that are related to health and exercise.
I thought it would be appropriate to share those here as well; since I talk about that stuff here more often.
They are:
- set a new 5K PR
- workout 260 times (5 times a week); hence the reference to working out five times last week, and the count in the labels of Monday's post)
- cook 12 new recipes (presumably healthy ones!)
- try yoga
- run a 10K
- eat more fruits and veggies
- do 32 push ups (at one time!)
Just realized almost 1/3 of the goals are related to health and exercise. I am glad that it is so front and center in my life right now; I am also glad that since 2/3 are related to other things that it has not overcome me!
I love goals and I love lists.
Here is to a happy, healthy year ahead!
What are your short term and long term goals?
Monday, August 20, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: August 13-19
Monday: despite having been in the car for 5+ hours, and being tired from our weekend away; I did manage to get out and run 4.9 miles in 1:01.32. Not going to complain about the time - just glad I got out there on a night I typically would have skipped.
Tuesday: new running shoes ... (ah, yes. trust me, there was no plan to get new shoes just a few weeks before the race, but when I saw a hole starting to form I decided to play it safe and get new ones rather than have it get worse.) ... had me ready to go and try them out. I completed 6.89 miles in 1:20.15, and felt good.
Wednesday: I completed a fast 4.27 miles in 48 minutes! Anytime I can beat a 12 min/mile pace, I feel pretty good!
Thursday: rest (well deserved, if I say so myself!)
Friday: after driving up to my in-laws on Thursday night in preparation for a weekend up north, I got up to get my long run done! Looking back, it went okay. However, I did find myself feeling pretty tired, I ran short of water, and my new shoes bothered my right little toe from about mile 9 until the end. It could have been due to the 16 miles already logged for the week, not being properly hydrated or fueled from the drive the night before, or just one of those days. Still - lessons learned for race day (have fresh legs, don't give in to traveling cravings!). I hit the 5 mile mark in 1:00 on the mark (give or take a few seconds), the 10 mile mark in 2:02, the 11 mile mark (which was the planned distance) in 2:14, and walked the last .89 miles to make it a total of 11.89 miles in 2:29.40.
Saturday: rest and enjoying the great outdoors.
Sunday: after driving aaaallll the way home from up north, I did muster up the energy to go out and do a quick 2.05 miles in 24:20. The sole purpose of this short, short run was to be able to say I had a 30 mile week. It also gave me my 5 workouts on the week; which I will have to explain in a different post. :)
Total mileage: 30.00.
Feeling good about the work that was done this week!
Tuesday: new running shoes ... (ah, yes. trust me, there was no plan to get new shoes just a few weeks before the race, but when I saw a hole starting to form I decided to play it safe and get new ones rather than have it get worse.) ... had me ready to go and try them out. I completed 6.89 miles in 1:20.15, and felt good.
Wednesday: I completed a fast 4.27 miles in 48 minutes! Anytime I can beat a 12 min/mile pace, I feel pretty good!
Thursday: rest (well deserved, if I say so myself!)
Friday: after driving up to my in-laws on Thursday night in preparation for a weekend up north, I got up to get my long run done! Looking back, it went okay. However, I did find myself feeling pretty tired, I ran short of water, and my new shoes bothered my right little toe from about mile 9 until the end. It could have been due to the 16 miles already logged for the week, not being properly hydrated or fueled from the drive the night before, or just one of those days. Still - lessons learned for race day (have fresh legs, don't give in to traveling cravings!). I hit the 5 mile mark in 1:00 on the mark (give or take a few seconds), the 10 mile mark in 2:02, the 11 mile mark (which was the planned distance) in 2:14, and walked the last .89 miles to make it a total of 11.89 miles in 2:29.40.
Saturday: rest and enjoying the great outdoors.
Sunday: after driving aaaallll the way home from up north, I did muster up the energy to go out and do a quick 2.05 miles in 24:20. The sole purpose of this short, short run was to be able to say I had a 30 mile week. It also gave me my 5 workouts on the week; which I will have to explain in a different post. :)
Total mileage: 30.00.
Feeling good about the work that was done this week!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Visual Progress
I am not one to take a lot of pictures of myself; I am usually the one behind the camera! I am also pretty self-critical, and so despite being down almost 30 pounds, (yes, I said it. I have three more pounds to lose before I am down 30 for this year!) I don't always feel like I look down almost 30 pounds. It is a sad thing really.
So, I decided to put this post together. One where I share lots of pictures of myself instead of others, and one where I admit what the numbers say ... honesty and bravery go a long way in feeling better!
I decided to take this post back about 4 1/2 years: This first picture is from February 2008. 2008 is when I hit my then heaviest weight. I decided enough was enough; I had just started a thyroid medication, and decided I would also start walking/running, stop drinking pop, and make a conscious effort to eat healthy. At this time I was weighing in at 179 pounds.
I lost 15 pounds extremely fast. I am not sure how much of it was related to thyroid versus diet and exercise. Regardless by Summer 2008 I was down to 165 pounds.
Another picture from a wedding we were at in August 2008.
Fast forward a few years. I did not lose much more after those 15 pounds came off. I was able to maintain around 165/170 for about a year before the weight started piling back on. When I got pregnant in September 2009, I was back up to 184 pounds. After I had Ava in May 2010, I quickly fell back to about 180, but was not able to lose any more. Granted I was not exercising as much as I should have been, but I do feel like my diet was acceptable. Here are two pictures from August 2010. I don't look great, but I don't hate how I look either.
So, I don't love the next picture - but I was just three months post-postpartum. My stomach will forever be my worst enemy, I swear.
In late spring 2011, we moved for my new job. After we moved that summer I spent a lot of time walking. Not a lot of running, but I walked like crazy. There were weeks I walked 20 miles because I loved walking around the lake in Albert Lea that much. I was off my thyroid medication from August until October, and I believe that played at least a part in ballooning me to my heaviest yet. Here is a family picture from November 2011. I think my face is what changes the quickest when I gain and lose weight. By late December 2011, I was up to 193 pounds. UGH.
Here is a picture from Easter 2012 (early April). By this point, I had already dropped between 10 and 15 pounds.
And these last three pictures are from this past weekend at my sister's wedding. I am just under 167 pounds these days. The lowest I have been since 2008. Even in this dress, clearly you can see I still have some work to do in the mid-section! When I go back to the pictures from 2008, I think my face is skinnier now, but I like how my overall body looks in the red-shirted picture above. Either way, whatever the reasons for putting weight on, I have visual proof I've put the work in to do something about it.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: August 6-12
Monday: planned 5, completed 5.35. This did break my stretch of fast runs to start a week. I am sure mainly due to having ran on Sunday night, versus starting the week on fresh legs. Still, as slow as it felt, I finished in 1:04.42 - right at minimum goal pace.
Tuesday: rest (with a busy, busy week ahead, the plan was to run M,W,F,Su)
Wednesday: planned for 6, ended with 0 :( This was disappointing, but with some early evening rain and a whole lot of packing to do, I never made it out.
Thursday: rest, which was probably a good thing because we hit rain about half way to my parents house, and it never quit!
Friday: I promised my sister I would run my long run on Friday instead of the morning of her wedding! And I did. I finished 11.2 miles in 2:15. I was right on pace the entire run, and really don't think I could have felt much better. This was a new longest long run!!
Saturday: rest (not counting the dancing!)
Sunday: planned for 4. How silly of me. I knew I wouldn't get up and run in the morning, but I was hoping to feel re-energized by evening and take a nice stroll down by the lake. Looking back, I should have snuck out mid-afternoon, but I was so tired and enjoyed the snuggle time. For supper that evening, my parents had brats and hamburgers with the family to celebrate my and my twin sister's birthday. My Uncle and Opa stopped by, too. Before I knew it, the clock struck 8, and I was done for! I was sleeping before my two year old that night, but to be fair she had over a two hour nap!
Total mileage: just 16.55. Disappointed with the overall mileage, but so glad the long run felt so good.
Goal for this week, is to run all my miles and hope the long run still goes as planned!
Just about 18 days until go time!!
Tuesday: rest (with a busy, busy week ahead, the plan was to run M,W,F,Su)
Wednesday: planned for 6, ended with 0 :( This was disappointing, but with some early evening rain and a whole lot of packing to do, I never made it out.
Thursday: rest, which was probably a good thing because we hit rain about half way to my parents house, and it never quit!
Friday: I promised my sister I would run my long run on Friday instead of the morning of her wedding! And I did. I finished 11.2 miles in 2:15. I was right on pace the entire run, and really don't think I could have felt much better. This was a new longest long run!!
Saturday: rest (not counting the dancing!)
Sunday: planned for 4. How silly of me. I knew I wouldn't get up and run in the morning, but I was hoping to feel re-energized by evening and take a nice stroll down by the lake. Looking back, I should have snuck out mid-afternoon, but I was so tired and enjoyed the snuggle time. For supper that evening, my parents had brats and hamburgers with the family to celebrate my and my twin sister's birthday. My Uncle and Opa stopped by, too. Before I knew it, the clock struck 8, and I was done for! I was sleeping before my two year old that night, but to be fair she had over a two hour nap!
Total mileage: just 16.55. Disappointed with the overall mileage, but so glad the long run felt so good.
Goal for this week, is to run all my miles and hope the long run still goes as planned!
Just about 18 days until go time!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Women Rock MN
I first learned of the Women Rock MN Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 10K back in April when I went to the expo for the Earth Day runs in St. Cloud. They had a booth set up, and I was drawn to the pink banners.
(Even though I am not usually a fan of the color)
I didn't give it much more thought for a couple of weeks. After finishing April on a strong note, I set a goal for myself for the month of May. Randomly, I remembered this half-marathon signage I saw and looked up more details on the race.
That search was followed by imputing details into a Smart Coach plan on Runner's World website; and much to my surprise, I found that the goal I already had set and the mileage it entailed wasn't far off the half-marathon plan that was sitting in front of me.
Within a day, I took the plunge and registered.
Now, we are just over three weeks away from the race! A bucket list item being crossed off! I am nervous, and beyond excited.
It looks like it is going to be a great race! They have great products (I can't wait to get my hands on that jacket!), and they give money towards a great cause. Read more about Team Ortho here! Plus, I think it will be pretty cool to run with over 4,000 other women runners! (Yes, their facebook page yesterday said they just surpassed 4,200 registered runners!)
Bib numbers are posted .... all the training I've been doing is so close to paying off!
Where will you be September 1, 2012? :)
(Even though I am not usually a fan of the color)
I didn't give it much more thought for a couple of weeks. After finishing April on a strong note, I set a goal for myself for the month of May. Randomly, I remembered this half-marathon signage I saw and looked up more details on the race.
That search was followed by imputing details into a Smart Coach plan on Runner's World website; and much to my surprise, I found that the goal I already had set and the mileage it entailed wasn't far off the half-marathon plan that was sitting in front of me.
Within a day, I took the plunge and registered.
Now, we are just over three weeks away from the race! A bucket list item being crossed off! I am nervous, and beyond excited.
It looks like it is going to be a great race! They have great products (I can't wait to get my hands on that jacket!), and they give money towards a great cause. Read more about Team Ortho here! Plus, I think it will be pretty cool to run with over 4,000 other women runners! (Yes, their facebook page yesterday said they just surpassed 4,200 registered runners!)
Bib numbers are posted .... all the training I've been doing is so close to paying off!
Where will you be September 1, 2012? :)
Monday, August 6, 2012
Weekly Wrap-Up: July 30 - August 5
Monday: I mentioned last week that I am coming to love my first run of a new week. It has become a pattern that this is one of my fastest runs of the week, usually (I believe) because it is on fresh legs! This week was no exception. I headed out for a 4 mile run; and made it home in 45:19. I even had a mile split (at the third mile) less than 10 minutes. Barely less, but less is less, and it was a PB mile split! Yeah.
Tuesday: Another decent run. It was the first time in a while that I took Ava with me. With the heat we've had this summer, I've gone on a handful of later runs and when I do that I prefer to go alone. We completed 4.18 miles in 51:15. Not my best time; as I have been consistently maintaining at least a 12 minute pace. However, I can tell I am getting stronger when I can now complete a run with the stroller in what used to be my goal pace when alone!
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: Again, it was a nice enough night out that I decided to take A-bug with me. Plus, it gives Chad a bit of a break. He has been quite supportive of my running this summer in his own way! We did 5.2 miles, and finished in 63 minutes. Not great, but not bad.
Friday: rest
Saturday: rest - basically I didn't wake up early enough and decided a Sunday run would be just fine.
Sunday: Well, the beautiful weather we had (finally!) did not lead to a beautiful run. I ended up going in the evening, which I typically do not do on the weekends. I also my diet had not been great throughout the weekend, and I have a feeling this affected my run. I set out to do 7 miles, but did not plan the route out exactly. I finished with 6.88 miles. I took Ava and the stroller with me again ... and the first mile was miserable. I had a stomach ache, and stopped at the bathroom. Generally, I just wasn't in the groove. Even after I got past the first mile, I never got into a good rhythm. There were periods of time I would maintain my goal pace, but wasn't feeling it. I finished in 1:33 - so approximately a 13.5 minute/mile pace. I don't know if it was just one of those days, or if it was the factors I mentioned. As frustrated as I felt at times, I did think to myself that it was a)good to experience running when it didn't feel good before the race and b)better to get such a run out of the way before the race!
Total Mileage: 20.26 miles
It was supposed to be a cut back week according to my training plan, but after the prior weeks low mileage, I wanted to get back to a good mileage base. I did cut back and limit my long run. I think it was a good balance, time will tell if it works in my favor or not!
Tuesday: Another decent run. It was the first time in a while that I took Ava with me. With the heat we've had this summer, I've gone on a handful of later runs and when I do that I prefer to go alone. We completed 4.18 miles in 51:15. Not my best time; as I have been consistently maintaining at least a 12 minute pace. However, I can tell I am getting stronger when I can now complete a run with the stroller in what used to be my goal pace when alone!
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: Again, it was a nice enough night out that I decided to take A-bug with me. Plus, it gives Chad a bit of a break. He has been quite supportive of my running this summer in his own way! We did 5.2 miles, and finished in 63 minutes. Not great, but not bad.
Friday: rest
Saturday: rest - basically I didn't wake up early enough and decided a Sunday run would be just fine.
Sunday: Well, the beautiful weather we had (finally!) did not lead to a beautiful run. I ended up going in the evening, which I typically do not do on the weekends. I also my diet had not been great throughout the weekend, and I have a feeling this affected my run. I set out to do 7 miles, but did not plan the route out exactly. I finished with 6.88 miles. I took Ava and the stroller with me again ... and the first mile was miserable. I had a stomach ache, and stopped at the bathroom. Generally, I just wasn't in the groove. Even after I got past the first mile, I never got into a good rhythm. There were periods of time I would maintain my goal pace, but wasn't feeling it. I finished in 1:33 - so approximately a 13.5 minute/mile pace. I don't know if it was just one of those days, or if it was the factors I mentioned. As frustrated as I felt at times, I did think to myself that it was a)good to experience running when it didn't feel good before the race and b)better to get such a run out of the way before the race!
Total Mileage: 20.26 miles
It was supposed to be a cut back week according to my training plan, but after the prior weeks low mileage, I wanted to get back to a good mileage base. I did cut back and limit my long run. I think it was a good balance, time will tell if it works in my favor or not!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
August Goals
In predictable fashion, a new month = new goals!
This month I will work towards:
1. Running 125 miles! My time span is five weeks; from July 30 - September 2. At 5 weeks, 125 miles is 25 miles/week. These five weeks will end with my first-ever half-marathon! And I couldn't be more excited!
2. Losing 3.8 pounds. Weight loss will continue to be part of my goal until I reach my goal! I had no idea what number to strive for considering the 5 pound loss I am coming off of for July. I chose 3.8 because it will leave me at an even number; should I reach my goal, I will be 28.6 pounds down for the year!
3. Scheduling routine doctor appointments that I am behind on. I had my follow-up with the dentist today to start the repair on my broken front teeth. I need to call and schedule a physical and an eye appointment.
4. Joining the YMCA. With my half-marathon training plan coming to an end, my plan at this point is to start looking at more cross-training and weight lifting. I have progressed more than I thought possible in recent months when it comes to my running, and now I want to shake things up and tone things up. New weight deserves a new body, right? :)
5. Doing something for myself. I need to step away from physical health, and do something to make myself emotionally healthy. In all honesty, this shouldn't be hard to do with my sister getting married. I have a perfect reason to get my nails done, my eyebrows waxed, etc. After the wedding, I would like to get my hair cut, and buy a new outfit!
There you have it ... the five things I will strive to achieve this month.
What are you currently working towards?
This month I will work towards:
1. Running 125 miles! My time span is five weeks; from July 30 - September 2. At 5 weeks, 125 miles is 25 miles/week. These five weeks will end with my first-ever half-marathon! And I couldn't be more excited!
2. Losing 3.8 pounds. Weight loss will continue to be part of my goal until I reach my goal! I had no idea what number to strive for considering the 5 pound loss I am coming off of for July. I chose 3.8 because it will leave me at an even number; should I reach my goal, I will be 28.6 pounds down for the year!
3. Scheduling routine doctor appointments that I am behind on. I had my follow-up with the dentist today to start the repair on my broken front teeth. I need to call and schedule a physical and an eye appointment.
4. Joining the YMCA. With my half-marathon training plan coming to an end, my plan at this point is to start looking at more cross-training and weight lifting. I have progressed more than I thought possible in recent months when it comes to my running, and now I want to shake things up and tone things up. New weight deserves a new body, right? :)
5. Doing something for myself. I need to step away from physical health, and do something to make myself emotionally healthy. In all honesty, this shouldn't be hard to do with my sister getting married. I have a perfect reason to get my nails done, my eyebrows waxed, etc. After the wedding, I would like to get my hair cut, and buy a new outfit!
There you have it ... the five things I will strive to achieve this month.
What are you currently working towards?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
July Goals: The Recap
Is it me, or does each month just seem to go faster than the one before?
I had 5 goals set for the month of July ... and it wasn't a bad month.
1. Run 96 miles. This wasn't my best accomplishment. The heat got in the way more than I would have liked, along my own laziness that comes with these hot days of summer. My personal goal was to run nearly 25 miles each week; I ended with totals of 20.35, 19, 24, and 13.2. Total mileage was 76.55 miles over the course of the four full weeks (July 2 - July 29). Still 3 miles above the training plan I am using.
2. Lose 5.8 pounds. I totally wasn't expecting to meet this one. June was a fairly decent month for weight loss, and I have found it hard to get big numbers in multiple months. I started the month with a quick 3.4 pound loss, and then spent the next 3 weeks bouncing between numbers. Much to my surprise the last two mornings I have weighed in another 1.6 pounds down. That put me at 5 pounds down for the month (I could care less about the .8!), and 24.8 down for the year! I am 3 pounds from the lowest I was at in 2008; and half way to my goal of losing 50 pounds. WOW.
3. Schedule appointments (physical, eye, dentist). Finally, I did call and set up a follow-up at the dentist; though it will only take care of some of the dental work I need to have done. (Boo-hiss!) Will probably reset this goal for August.
4. Try 3 vegetarian recipes. I posted about the one I did make. And it totally helped that I had found that recipe prior to setting that goal. I am still interested in learning more about eating a more natural diet, and will continue to look for healthy recipe ideas.
5. Wear my pre-pregnancy jeans. At the beginning of the month, I wrote that I didn't know if I had met this goal for June, because I didn't try them on. (June was a up-down month on the scale.) I did try them on shortly after setting my goal; and they are what I have worn the majority of this month! :) Even when it has been too hot for jeans because many of my capris are too big! LOVE.
I didn't meet all of my goals; but progress was made on each one. And that, my friends, is success.
Let me tell you, success is sweet.
I had 5 goals set for the month of July ... and it wasn't a bad month.
1. Run 96 miles. This wasn't my best accomplishment. The heat got in the way more than I would have liked, along my own laziness that comes with these hot days of summer. My personal goal was to run nearly 25 miles each week; I ended with totals of 20.35, 19, 24, and 13.2. Total mileage was 76.55 miles over the course of the four full weeks (July 2 - July 29). Still 3 miles above the training plan I am using.
2. Lose 5.8 pounds. I totally wasn't expecting to meet this one. June was a fairly decent month for weight loss, and I have found it hard to get big numbers in multiple months. I started the month with a quick 3.4 pound loss, and then spent the next 3 weeks bouncing between numbers. Much to my surprise the last two mornings I have weighed in another 1.6 pounds down. That put me at 5 pounds down for the month (I could care less about the .8!), and 24.8 down for the year! I am 3 pounds from the lowest I was at in 2008; and half way to my goal of losing 50 pounds. WOW.
3. Schedule appointments (physical, eye, dentist). Finally, I did call and set up a follow-up at the dentist; though it will only take care of some of the dental work I need to have done. (Boo-hiss!) Will probably reset this goal for August.
4. Try 3 vegetarian recipes. I posted about the one I did make. And it totally helped that I had found that recipe prior to setting that goal. I am still interested in learning more about eating a more natural diet, and will continue to look for healthy recipe ideas.
5. Wear my pre-pregnancy jeans. At the beginning of the month, I wrote that I didn't know if I had met this goal for June, because I didn't try them on. (June was a up-down month on the scale.) I did try them on shortly after setting my goal; and they are what I have worn the majority of this month! :) Even when it has been too hot for jeans because many of my capris are too big! LOVE.
I didn't meet all of my goals; but progress was made on each one. And that, my friends, is success.
Let me tell you, success is sweet.
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