January Review

With trying to blog more regularly again, I will plan to share these updates daily or weekly versus monthly. However, I figured a month review for January would suffice.

It wasn't my greatest month; in fact, it was my lowest mileage since last April/May. I ended up working out just 11 days. Looking back in my planner December and January are the first two months in quite some time that I have hit at least the 50% mark. Typically, I workout 4-5 times a week.

Why was the month so rough?

When the month started, I was in vacation mode. No, we hadn't been anywhere warm and fun, it was just due to being out of our normal routine (I am a teacher), and all the traveling and visiting over the holidays. I let myself get into the "I'll get back on track tomorrow" mindset.

The bitter cold has not helped. Seriously, I just read an article posted by the local news station that this winter has been the coldest start to winter since 1983/1984. Our average temp has been just 10*. The meteorologist broke down subzero temperatures for the month of January into hours. They totaled over 11 full days at those nasty marks! Brrrr. Not to use the weather as an excuse but, even if I have going to the Y as an option versus running outside, it is just not comfortable leaving again after coming home from work.

Lastly, the last two weeks have been largely due to work. With the end of the quarter, it is a naturally busy time. On top of grades and progress reports, I had some evaluations and IEPs to work on. There were a few nights these last two weeks I skipped my workout and stayed up late finishing work.

Enough on my pitfalls -- we all know focusing on those don't help. What did I accomplish this month?

I ran 7 times, totaling 40.9 miles. My longest run was 8.05 miles and my shortest run was 3.19 miles. My fastest paced was an 11:06 average, and slowest was 12:18 average. Overall for the month, my average pace was 11:36. As a side note, I use Nike Plus app on my iPhone to track this. When running on the track at the Y, I don't; know if the app is entirely accurate. Any other experience with this? When I was still running outside in October and November, my pace had gotten to be my fastest yet. Since running inside, it has been slower.

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In addition to running, I try to make it a class at the Y twice each week. It is the same one I posted about a year ago - then called Pilates Mix this was the description of it -

"A mind-body connection/awareness practice and total body conditioning workout. Helps improve posture, balance, strength, flexibility, breathing, and core strength. This class incorporates exercise equipment."

It has since been changed to Interval Conditioning, but I just checked and the new description is not online yet. The format hasn't really changed, it is a mixture of HIIT, strength training, boot camp type combos, etc. I enjoy it because it is not too intense but it does challenge you. Recently, they ordered kettle balls for use in group fitness classes and Tuesday's IC class is specifically incorporating them now.

Anyway - this month I made it 5 times out of a total 9 Tuesdays and Thursdays. Only one week did I make it both days.

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I am excited that today starts a new month. I can let go of the feeling that I need to save the month like was feeling the last week or so. It is a new start! And of course, this is the month my marathon training will begin!