In Review: August

August was somewhat of a transition month for me. I had several days of in-service and committee meetings, so I got to slowly acclimate myself to going back to work. It wasn't the best month, but it wasn't the worst.

On the negative, this month I experienced my first injury that was more than discomfort and actually sideline me for a bit. I had one week where I didn't get to run at all. I worked out just twice that week, then eased back into my routine the week after. I've been good since, but feel some tightness along the side of my foot from time to time. It is definitely something I will continue to monitor, but I've been able to stay active since.

I still ended the month with 60.6 miles or running and hiking. While my goal was 80, I actually thought I would end up with more than that. However, between the crabby foot and not hitting some long run distances when I could, I fell short. Still, I think there is a silver-lining when I consider I hit 60 miles in a month that I didn't run for an entire week. There was absolutely progress in my pace - I logged three of my fastest runs of the summer. I use my Garmin to track individual runs, and the Nike Running app to keep all my runs and miles logged in one place. I had set a mini goal for myself to keep my average pace for the month under 13:00 min/mile, which I did until I did some hiking  and included a climb up the Elba fire tower as part of a run.

The number of group fitness classes I went to also decreased, to 10. This was due in part to the week I was sidelined for my foot, as well as due to the week the Y was closed. (Our Y closes one week every August for an annual deep cleaning and renovations.)

Overall, I logged some form of exercise on 19 of 31 days this month. While I am not impressed with that number, it is over half of the month that did include a workout.

I might sound like a broken record, but I am still not seeing the results I would like to see on the scale after gaining weight this winter/spring. I weighed myself less obsessively than last month. August 1, I weighed in at 193.8; I only had two weigh-ins register higher than that the remainder of the month. The rest bounced between 190.0 and 192.4, so there is some progress there. Although a year ago I was still 22 pounds (about) lighter, I have to take this as it is comes. And it is a journey. My goal for September is to get push through down into the 180s.


Some other (non-running) highlights of the month were:

A visit from my college roommate and her kiddos.

A night at the county fair.

Our annual four-wheeling trip.

 

 

 

Starting my Master's program.

 

Turning 35.

 



 

 

While I started the post saying it wasn't the best month, but it wasn't the worst - I guess I'd have to change my mind and say it was pretty darn good. After all, I had a lot of time with family. I balanced some challenges. I made some progress on goals. I celebrated another birthday. I saw friends I don't see often enough. I ran a race faster than expected. I got to go camping at one of my favorite places. I was able to allow my daughter participation in sports.

Not bad at all.

What were some highlights of your month?