I mean, technically it has been spring for like a week. But it is so cold. And it snowed. And it is so like winter right now!
But I am still so excited for spring. Just the idea of warmer weather has me energized and ready to get back into the groove. I mean, once it does get warm and light in the morning I can give up most my treadmill workouts for at least a few months. Light at the end of the treadmill belt!
I feel like I'm also starting to get out of this funk I've been in. I hope so anyway. I know I've had a million starting again posts over the winter. I really hope I get back on track soon. Of course when I hit the snooze in my sleep for a good 45 minutes and stay in bed an hour after that it's a little hard to get on track with morning workouts. Not that that happened twice this week or anything.
One trick in my blogging corner is my outdoor runs though. My runs are when I take time to think about what's going on and what I would like to write about. Unless I'm on the treadmill. Then I'm like, how has it not been even 30 seconds yet??!!
So yeah, no promises, more like hopes.
I am in training mode though! My college friends and I, none of use which ran in college, are doing the Virginia Wine Country half on June 1! Which is somehow only 9 weeks away. I actually joined the Coaching by J program. Yes, bubs is going to try to train me. I'm sure it will go well... We just have different motivators, which has been the issues in the past, but I think we can work through that so I can have an awesome race. The faster I run, the faster I get to the wine celebration!
So, welcome spring!!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
February Goals
Yes, they're back! Time for goal setting (though on that note, can you believe it's February already?). I miss and love goal setting.
This month, or over the next 6 weeks actually, I'd like to invite you all to join me in one of my goals. I've started these programs in the past, but I think checking in with others would really help. SO, I am going to restart the 100 pushups, 200 sit-ups, and 200 squats challenges. Now, don't let the names fool you, you're working up to each of these amounts. Take a look, and I hope you'll join me! I plan on checking in on facebook on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday over the next 6 weeks. So, do your initial tests this weekend and we'll have our first check in on the Run Shivy Run facebook page Monday morning, 2/4.
And for the rest of them...
February Goals
-Plank a day. I had tried this over the fall and am inspired by all the SweatPink instagram pics of #plankaday to try again!
-Run 3x a week. Only a month and a half left until the first race of the year.
-Strength train 2x a week. Something I let slide training last year and don't want to let slide again.
I hope to see you all checking in on Monday!
This month, or over the next 6 weeks actually, I'd like to invite you all to join me in one of my goals. I've started these programs in the past, but I think checking in with others would really help. SO, I am going to restart the 100 pushups, 200 sit-ups, and 200 squats challenges. Now, don't let the names fool you, you're working up to each of these amounts. Take a look, and I hope you'll join me! I plan on checking in on facebook on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday over the next 6 weeks. So, do your initial tests this weekend and we'll have our first check in on the Run Shivy Run facebook page Monday morning, 2/4.
And for the rest of them...
February Goals
-Plank a day. I had tried this over the fall and am inspired by all the SweatPink instagram pics of #plankaday to try again!
-Run 3x a week. Only a month and a half left until the first race of the year.
-Strength train 2x a week. Something I let slide training last year and don't want to let slide again.
I hope to see you all checking in on Monday!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A little announcement - a new goal for the year
So, I went on a bit of a rant the other day about a guy that struck up a conversation with me in the gym, ending with "Well, see you for the next two weeks until you quit." I was annoyed at him (and if we're being honest, at myself a bit for letting it get to me) and happy to get it all out, but this is a year of letting go of negativity (a personal goal/resolution I didn't mention the other day. It's exhausting and I'm just over it). So, I've deleted that recap and just sharing my fun announcement instead.
I will still say though, in the spirit of keeping things positive, I realize people don't have to, but it is amazing and fabulous and so nice to see and hear people motivating each other at the gym. I know I just go to the gym and keep to myself as much as possible, but it would be great to see more encouragement, especially in a gym environment.
So, that said, one of my motivators and supporters, dear hubby, read my blog with my goals on PRing and while he is supporting those goals, told me he'd love to see me pick a race specifically and just really go for it and crush my goals. It's something we had briefly talked about before with a specific race in mind later this year. He, and our friends A and J are doing Ironman Texas in May, so for me to train properly, it will need to be in their off season.
Well, hubs, challenge accepted.
Now, if I had written my recap of the Marine Corps Marathon yet, you would know that, even though I have learned to say never say never, I decided I was one and done on that. Despite A's attempts for me to reconsider. I did it, crossed it off the list, done. (can you see where this is going?)
I will still say though, in the spirit of keeping things positive, I realize people don't have to, but it is amazing and fabulous and so nice to see and hear people motivating each other at the gym. I know I just go to the gym and keep to myself as much as possible, but it would be great to see more encouragement, especially in a gym environment.
So, that said, one of my motivators and supporters, dear hubby, read my blog with my goals on PRing and while he is supporting those goals, told me he'd love to see me pick a race specifically and just really go for it and crush my goals. It's something we had briefly talked about before with a specific race in mind later this year. He, and our friends A and J are doing Ironman Texas in May, so for me to train properly, it will need to be in their off season.
Well, hubs, challenge accepted.
Now, if I had written my recap of the Marine Corps Marathon yet, you would know that, even though I have learned to say never say never, I decided I was one and done on that. Despite A's attempts for me to reconsider. I did it, crossed it off the list, done. (can you see where this is going?)
I wanted a picture of my race pink postcard and my little cheerleader insisted on helping.
Yes, I'm signed up for another marathon. I'm not quite sure about this, but I'm registered, so I guess I'm in! I signed up for the Richmond Marathon November 16th. I've heard great things about this marathon and it gives me plenty of time to start training over the summer. And I plan to blog this training adventure a little better (as well as do a lot better!) than last year.
I won't lie, I'm so excited and so scared.
(Sorry, I had to)
Monday, January 21, 2013
I'm inspired
Hi friends! Happy 2013! How's everyone's new year going? Keeping to your resolutions and goals? I know I am all kinds of belated in putting my goals for the year out there, but I'm belated in writing about a lot of things, so posting in January is a win for me.
The past few months have been tough for me. I've just felt blah and unmotivated and certainly not in the mood to write while feeling that way. I'm starting 2013 in the same shape and weight (dare I say a little worse off?) as I did 2012. File that under things that don't help my motivations. I have made occasional gym trips and gone on a few runs, but mostly I've been enjoying lots (and lots!) of holiday food and drink.
I feel ready though. Ready to move on from this slump. Ready to get myself going. Ready to start really training again.
Last Monday I got up and made it to the gym early for a strength workout. I loved it. It was one of those workouts that just remind me what I enjoy about the gym and I just walked away from feeling energized.
Monday was the first time in a while I felt very zen and confident in the future of my training and weight loss journey. I just felt at peace and ready to move forward for myself instead of being stuck in what I have (overeating) or haven't (exercising) done in the recent past. I've been exhausting myself dwelling on all that, being mad at myself and comparing myself to others. I can't do that anymore, it's not healthy and it's been holding me back. Not to say those feelings won't happen again, like say when I get sick the day after this change in attitude and don't do anything for the rest of the week, so I will need to remind myself from time to time, but overall, I'm ready to move forward.
I feel like my writers block is lifting and I'm ready to take on another year. I'm not setting specific resolutions such as lose x amount of pounds, or generic "eat healthy" though hopefully both of those things will happen! I've felt the difference in my body when I eat well and when I don't.
I do have goals though. I would like to be consistent with my training and earn PRs in each distance I race this year (2 halves and a 5k for sure, though I'm sure that won't be all). I want to bring back my monthly goals and blog and vlog more.
(Ok, after writing it out, I'm sure everything sounds like resolutions. It's semantics. I feel like resolutions are often broken, only to be tried again for a week the following January. Goals I can break down, conquer and celebrate my success. Yes, I realize this might just all be in my head, but welcome to my logic!)
I hope everyone is making the most of their January and keeping on with any resolutions and goals you've set for 2013! I have a few backlogged posts to get out soon and then we're moving forward with my training for my next half: Shamrock half on St. Patrick's day just under 2 months away.
The past few months have been tough for me. I've just felt blah and unmotivated and certainly not in the mood to write while feeling that way. I'm starting 2013 in the same shape and weight (dare I say a little worse off?) as I did 2012. File that under things that don't help my motivations. I have made occasional gym trips and gone on a few runs, but mostly I've been enjoying lots (and lots!) of holiday food and drink.
I feel ready though. Ready to move on from this slump. Ready to get myself going. Ready to start really training again.
Last Monday I got up and made it to the gym early for a strength workout. I loved it. It was one of those workouts that just remind me what I enjoy about the gym and I just walked away from feeling energized.
Monday was the first time in a while I felt very zen and confident in the future of my training and weight loss journey. I just felt at peace and ready to move forward for myself instead of being stuck in what I have (overeating) or haven't (exercising) done in the recent past. I've been exhausting myself dwelling on all that, being mad at myself and comparing myself to others. I can't do that anymore, it's not healthy and it's been holding me back. Not to say those feelings won't happen again, like say when I get sick the day after this change in attitude and don't do anything for the rest of the week, so I will need to remind myself from time to time, but overall, I'm ready to move forward.
I feel like my writers block is lifting and I'm ready to take on another year. I'm not setting specific resolutions such as lose x amount of pounds, or generic "eat healthy" though hopefully both of those things will happen! I've felt the difference in my body when I eat well and when I don't.
I do have goals though. I would like to be consistent with my training and earn PRs in each distance I race this year (2 halves and a 5k for sure, though I'm sure that won't be all). I want to bring back my monthly goals and blog and vlog more.
(Ok, after writing it out, I'm sure everything sounds like resolutions. It's semantics. I feel like resolutions are often broken, only to be tried again for a week the following January. Goals I can break down, conquer and celebrate my success. Yes, I realize this might just all be in my head, but welcome to my logic!)
I hope everyone is making the most of their January and keeping on with any resolutions and goals you've set for 2013! I have a few backlogged posts to get out soon and then we're moving forward with my training for my next half: Shamrock half on St. Patrick's day just under 2 months away.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Can you believe it's November?
Because I can't! So, a few months ago, I gave up on setting and putting out specific goals. I was stressing myself out to meet the goals with my race training (yes, recap coming, for real). And while I have a couple 5ks in the next few months, which I'm super excited about (Turkey Trot 2012!!), my next big race isn't until March. I don't have a training plan started yet to work in to other goals, but I need structure.
In the middle of writing this, I was procrastinating (what?!) and checking twitter, and I saw a post for the #21days challenge posted on The Chocolate Mile this morning. I'm really excited to participate in this challenge, which runs now through Thanksgiving. So, check it out! Challenge 1 complete for me!
I do have a few other goal, such as cleaning up my eating and changing up my workouts. More weights and a break from running, except for Turkey Trot. Which might end up being a lie, and it would be ok if so. If I really feel ready to and like I need to squeeze in a short run, I probably should. So, I guess that goal should really be no required running. No 3x, 4x, whatever a week running for a certain distance. If I do it, great. But whatever.
For weights, I found this 12 week plan online on Bodybuilding.com. I'm really excited to give it a go, like I am with most plans I find. I know, I find a plan, I get so excited, I follow for a week or so, and then taper off. Then I get so behind on the plan and don't feel like starting over, so I quit. I think the reason I more or less stick with my running plans is there is a concrete end goal. I haven't decided what is going to keep me to stick to this plan. I think it will be good to have a set workout when I go to the gym, but also, I don't want to stress myself about sticking to this plan. It will be hard with the holidays, and I'm already reminding myself that it is ok to adjust and just let things happen how they work best for me.
So, summary of vague goals, since I didn't to a nice bulleted list as usual: eat better, follow #21days challenge, workout more often, but doing the workouts I like. And most importantly, DON'T STRESS! Just get out there and go for it, whatever it may be that day.
I do, however, still want to lose weight, so while I'm emphasizing stress free, I do hope I stick to my eating well and doing something goals. And since it's the first of the month, why not show off some (lack of) progress pics and a weight report. I'm hoping to lose the same few pounds I did earlier in the week (and I will say, the weigh in this morning happened after breakfast, not my usual as soon as I get up. Yes, this makes me feel better).
November 1
Weight 161.6
In the middle of writing this, I was procrastinating (what?!) and checking twitter, and I saw a post for the #21days challenge posted on The Chocolate Mile this morning. I'm really excited to participate in this challenge, which runs now through Thanksgiving. So, check it out! Challenge 1 complete for me!
I do have a few other goal, such as cleaning up my eating and changing up my workouts. More weights and a break from running, except for Turkey Trot. Which might end up being a lie, and it would be ok if so. If I really feel ready to and like I need to squeeze in a short run, I probably should. So, I guess that goal should really be no required running. No 3x, 4x, whatever a week running for a certain distance. If I do it, great. But whatever.
For weights, I found this 12 week plan online on Bodybuilding.com. I'm really excited to give it a go, like I am with most plans I find. I know, I find a plan, I get so excited, I follow for a week or so, and then taper off. Then I get so behind on the plan and don't feel like starting over, so I quit. I think the reason I more or less stick with my running plans is there is a concrete end goal. I haven't decided what is going to keep me to stick to this plan. I think it will be good to have a set workout when I go to the gym, but also, I don't want to stress myself about sticking to this plan. It will be hard with the holidays, and I'm already reminding myself that it is ok to adjust and just let things happen how they work best for me.
So, summary of vague goals, since I didn't to a nice bulleted list as usual: eat better, follow #21days challenge, workout more often, but doing the workouts I like. And most importantly, DON'T STRESS! Just get out there and go for it, whatever it may be that day.
I do, however, still want to lose weight, so while I'm emphasizing stress free, I do hope I stick to my eating well and doing something goals. And since it's the first of the month, why not show off some (lack of) progress pics and a weight report. I'm hoping to lose the same few pounds I did earlier in the week (and I will say, the weigh in this morning happened after breakfast, not my usual as soon as I get up. Yes, this makes me feel better).
November 1
Weight 161.6
Hopefully next month I'll improve on my self portrait skills.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
What gets me out of a workout rut?
This week's Sweat Pink vlog question was how do you get yourself out of a work out rut? I even did my hair and makeup for you guys this time!
I also had a great workout this morning. 30 minutes on the treadmill, interval style. The pace on the runs was faster than I had been going recently, but I wasn't checking the time every two seconds, so I consider that a success. I felt comfortable enough to push up the speed for a couple minutes, followed up by some pushups, crunches and squats (from the hundred pushup challenge series I've tried before). Seeing what I can still do helped break me out of my current rut!
Also, the link to the motivating website I mention in the vlog is http://reasonstobefit.tumblr.com. Love the site! I have a bunch of reasons pinned and printed.
How do you get yourself out of a rut?
I also had a great workout this morning. 30 minutes on the treadmill, interval style. The pace on the runs was faster than I had been going recently, but I wasn't checking the time every two seconds, so I consider that a success. I felt comfortable enough to push up the speed for a couple minutes, followed up by some pushups, crunches and squats (from the hundred pushup challenge series I've tried before). Seeing what I can still do helped break me out of my current rut!
Also, the link to the motivating website I mention in the vlog is http://reasonstobefit.tumblr.com. Love the site! I have a bunch of reasons pinned and printed.
How do you get yourself out of a rut?
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Oh hi, blog! Welcome to October
You may have noticed I didn't blog once in September. Not one single word published (important distinction, since I thought about it and wrote a sentence of a draft). I was doing so well in August, getting back on a roll all around and then I just stopped. You guys, I've been so tired. And not I just need to get more sleep tired, just emotionally drained I guess. For the most part, I didn't want to think about writing here, writing emails, or much in the way of communication. I'm hoping to wake up this month. I have been keeping super busy, I took over a different client group at work, so I've been adjusting to that, and weekends have been one (mostly fun!) thing after another. Not enough time for training in the least. I did get in an 18 miler with A and had a not so great experience at this year's Virginia Beach Rock n Roll half. I would like to do a September wrap up post, but I want to recap (hopefully tomorrow!) the Diva Half Marathon I ran yesterday with friends K and J.
I've been thinking a lot lately about my racing schedule next year and debating going back to just 5ks and 10ks and giving up the longer distance runs for at least a year (except for the Shamrock of course!) and concentrating on my time goals for those distances. Under 30, which I've been trying for in my 5k all year, and under an hour for my 10k. Have I said that yet? I think it's the first time announcing that goal, but correct me if I'm wrong! I know I can do both, at least once, and want to concentrate on those goals instead of just announcing them before every race.
I say this pre-marathon and post half (my fifth half is in the books!). I already know I want to improve my half time, and I have a feeling as much as I say I'm one and done for the marathon... I know I'm going to want to see what I can do if I stick to my training a little better and eat properly. These races are a competition with myself, so checking just one off the bucket list doesn't really work.
I'll leave you with a vlog today! I taped this a week or so ago, so sorry if anything is outdated. The lovely Sweat Pink girls started a weekly vlog list, which I'm behind on, of course. This is the first intro and question, enjoy!
I've been thinking a lot lately about my racing schedule next year and debating going back to just 5ks and 10ks and giving up the longer distance runs for at least a year (except for the Shamrock of course!) and concentrating on my time goals for those distances. Under 30, which I've been trying for in my 5k all year, and under an hour for my 10k. Have I said that yet? I think it's the first time announcing that goal, but correct me if I'm wrong! I know I can do both, at least once, and want to concentrate on those goals instead of just announcing them before every race.
I say this pre-marathon and post half (my fifth half is in the books!). I already know I want to improve my half time, and I have a feeling as much as I say I'm one and done for the marathon... I know I'm going to want to see what I can do if I stick to my training a little better and eat properly. These races are a competition with myself, so checking just one off the bucket list doesn't really work.
I'll leave you with a vlog today! I taped this a week or so ago, so sorry if anything is outdated. The lovely Sweat Pink girls started a weekly vlog list, which I'm behind on, of course. This is the first intro and question, enjoy!
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