June Goals and Global Running Day

June 4, 2019 by 24 Comments

If you’ve been around here for a while then you know that I like to set monthly goals. But before we dive into June plans, let’s do a quick rewind on the month that was.

May Rewind

For May I had 4 goals:

  • Keep building my base and run 75 miles
  • Prioritize rest & sleep
  • Return to early morning runs
  • Reach the starting line of the Run to Remember healthy

And, with the exception of getting more sleep, I nailed all my goals! I hit 79 miles for the month, was out the door before 6 a.m. most mornings, and happily toed the line for my half marathon. The chaos that has come to be the norm around here for the month May did nothing to help my rest and recovery, so I’m not surprised I missed the mark here, but overall I’m really happy with the way the month played out.

June Goals

Prioritize rest & sleep — OK, so let’s try this one again! With school out and more white space on the calendar, I can hopefully do much better here.

Strength Training & Daily Core — While the mileage was up last month, my strength training suffered. Marathon training starts soon so it will be more important than ever to get at least one weekly strength workout. I’m also back to daily planking for a stronger core.

Improve my cadence — Coach Marc mentioned on our last run that with my form improving, he’d like to see me now pay more attention to my cadence. I’ll be doing some runs with a metronome, which should be interesting.

Run a strong 10K — I have the BAA 10K at the end of the month. I’m not sure what the time goal will be but I’d like to feel ready to push the pace a little.

Global Running Day!

I’m linking up with Kim and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics, and this week they’re asking everyone to share their plans for Global  Running Day. While Wednesdays are not typically a run day for me, as luck would have it I had to juggle my schedule this week so I’ll be hitting the pavement in the morning! I also plan to check out all of the race discounts that will be happening in hopes of finding a good deal on a September half marathon.

How will you celebrate Global Running Day? Have you set any June goals?

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Filed Under: Global Running Day, goals, month in review, Tuesday Topics

February Run Down & March Goals

March 3, 2019 by 26 Comments

With February in the rearview mirror, it’s time to set a couple of goals for March.  I like having these mini targets to keep me on track and accountable.

So let’s recap February and see what’s on tap for this month!

February Run Down & March Goals

Good things for the month:

  • I had 3 goals for February – weekly yoga, daily pre-hab work, and beat my January mileage. I did a solid job on the first two but came up short on the mileage.
  • Consistent strength training – beyond the pre-hab exercises I focused on core and upper body work.
  • I got a chance to get a Dexa Scan and learned a lot! (In case you missed it, you can check out my post about my field trip here.)

Things I could do without:

  • Ice, wind and frigid temps kept me indoors more than I wanted, and without a race to train for, I just didn’t feel as compelled to hit the mill for any real distance – and I’m ok with that.

On the decks for March:

  • With 8 weeks until my first race of the year, Portland 10 Milers and then the Run to Remember Half a few weeks later, it’s time to start to get focused on a training plan.
  • March Goals:
    • Increase my weekly mileage
    • Continue to work with Coach Marc on form drills and cadence
    • Continue to make pre-hab exercises a regular habit
    • Daily core work

New Ambassadorship!

I got a great start to my weekend when I opened my email Friday morning to learn I’ve been selected as an ambassador for Tailwind Nutrition! I absolutely love Tailwind – it is the one fuel I can count on with my often finicky stomach. I’m really looking forward to being a part of their team!

New Link-up!

If you hadn’t heard, Holly & Wendy decided to close down the Weekly Wrap – big thanks to both of them for hosting such a great link-up! Happily, Deborah and Kim announced the new Weekly Run Down link-up, so those of us who write a weekly fitness recap have a new place to connect and commiserate!

And that’s my run down. How did February treat you? Any big plans for March?

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Filed Under: #TailwindTrailblazer, Boston's Run to Remember, goals, month in review, Portland 10 Miler Tagged With:

January Wrap & February Goals

February 3, 2019 by 34 Comments

If you’ve been around here for a while then you know I like to set monthly goals. Having mini targets helps to keep me on track and accountable to the big goals I’ve laid out for the year.

So let’s recap January and see what’s on tap for this month!

January Wrap & February Goals

Good things for the month:

  • Joined Coach Marc for a treadmill workout
  • Finally made it back to the kickboxing studio
  • Logged 51.25 miles – given that I didn’t run most of the first or last weeks of the month, that’s higher than I expected!
  • Found my new running shoe!

Loving my Brooks Adrenalines!

Things I could do without:

  • All things Polar Vortex
  • Piriformis deciding to not play nice this past week – contributing to the lack of mileage

On the decks for February:

  • Focus on daily pre-hab work – especially glute activation and hip strengthening
  • Beat January’s mileage – while I haven’t set a miles goal for the year, I would like to see my mileage consistently increase each month.
  • Time on my yoga mat at least once a week

Hoping to put this new mat to good use!

Recapping January & setting some February goals #weeklywrap #runchat #runnerslife Share on X

Ambassadorships!

I’m happy to announce that I’ll be returning for my 4th year as a SPIbelt Ambassador!

Use code TEAMSPI for 10% discount

And, for my 3rd year as a Skirt Sports Ambassador!

Use code SSA821Mic to save 15% on Skirt Sports

And that’s a wrap!

I’m joining Wendy and Holly for the Weekly Wrap, and guest host Amy, from She Runs by Faith.

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Filed Under: #skirtsports, goals, month in review, SkirtAmbassador, Weekly Wrap, WomenWhoMove

Wrapping up October Madness

October 29, 2018 by 20 Comments

October Madness!

Is that a thing? It sure felt like it around here this month. Juggling long stints of single parenting, multiple work events, and lots of school activities left my head spinning and feeling a little discombobulated. And, while there was also some fun with family and friends mixed in, I am finishing October t-i-r-e-d!

On the fitness front, my schedule left me in a state of “do what you can when you can.” While there was some cross training on the Arc Trainer and a little time on the yoga mat, I stumbled on my consistency with my PT exercises as the month wore on, and my running success yo-yo’d. I seem to stall out around 4 miles, before the radiating pain in my right hammy flares. As such, my longest run of the month was just 6 miles – and, if you follow me on Instagram then you know that the wheels really came off the wagon on Sunday’s run and had me questioning my ability to return to 13.1 any time soon.

So, as we turn the page to November, the goal is pretty simple – be consistent! My schedule should be much quieter so that should help. I’ll also be spending some quality time with my massage therapist and checking in with the physical therapist. Will see if my mileage can be increased safely in time, but I’m determined to not let my lack of running cast a shadow over all I can do.

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

And, with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

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Filed Under: injuries, month in review, Tuesdays on the Run, Weekly Wrap

Putting a wrap on September

October 2, 2018 by 24 Comments
Hello October!

With a fresh month laid out in front of us, I’m putting a wrap on September and eyeing a few October goals.

Running – In September, I started to slowly pull myself out of “run when I feel like it” mode and attempted to return to something that resembles a training plan. My weekly mileage was starting to build when my cranky hammy made a return appearance last week just before the Ocean Road 10K – sigh. I didn’t let it stop me from running and enjoying the race though (recap to come). For October, the goal is to continue to add miles and finish the month feeling ready to take on the Harborside Half.

Strength Work – I continued to make daily PT exercises the goal and for the most part, this was a win. The exercises are beyond tedious and I’m so ready to be over them…but apparently, my hammy continues to have other plans. So I’ll keep focusing on them in October, but plan to add back in some time with the kettlebells to keep things interesting.

Cross-Training – My goal for September was weekly yoga and I’m happy to say “done!” I also managed to slip in some kickboxing classes despite my hectic schedule – and there’s hope I’ll get to the boxing studio more in October.

Other Stuff – Returning to meal prep, restoring my morning routine, and a little time for self-care were also on my September goals list.  A bit of a mixed bag here – while I’d give myself high marks for making two trips to the massage therapist this month, meal planning was a bit erratic, and the combination of work and solo parenting while my husband traveled for work completely derailed any sense of a morning routine. All three of these will be goals again in October.

And that’s a wrap!

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

And, with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

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Filed Under: month in review, Tuesdays on the Run, Weekly Wrap

Wrapping up July

July 30, 2018 by 32 Comments

I swear if I were running at a pace equal to how fast these days are clipping by I’d have a PR or two!

Instead, as I predicted, in my July goals, the month was very low-key on the running front. And, honestly could stay that way for the rest of the summer. But before I look ahead to August, Iet’s quickly wrap-up July.

Running – July was my lowest monthly mileage of the year, and if it hadn’t been for the RnR Chicago Remix I might have run even fewer miles. Both the hip and knee made it clear that time off and extra self-care were needed. I even finished the month with a week of non-running – though I did make an exception to log a little road time with my youngest son!

Strength Work – I made daily PT exercises a goal and for the most part, this was a win, as the only days I missed were during the Chicago weekend. I also logged 7 hours working with the physical therapist, leaving most sessions with jelly legs as Abby has really pushed me with a lot of single leg work. My plank streak also grew to 211 days, and thanks to the 5-minute Plank Challenge, I upped the ante on the length of planks.

Cross-Training – My July goal was to get to kickboxing class twice a week. Unfortunately, work and camp pick-ups made this a challenge so I had to settle for a weekly class and supplemented with time spent on the Arc Trainer.

Macro Plan & Weight Loss – I started following a macro plan in July and did hit my goal of doing a better job with meal planning and prep. I spent the month trying to figure out how to scale back on the carbs a bit while increasing my protein. As a result, I saw just a half pound off the scale but did lose a half inch in my waist.

I’m still noodling over August goals, so, for now, that’s a wrap!

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

And, with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

How was your July? Have you set any goals for August?

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Filed Under: month in review, Tuesdays on the Run, Weekly Wrap

April Wrap-Up and May Goals

April 30, 2018 by 20 Comments

And just like that, another month is coming to a close! So it’s time for a quick wrap-up of how things shook out in April.

Running – There were 60.55 miles on the road and the mill. Following the recommendation of my massage therapist, I shelved my new Mizuno Skys and went back to running in the Saucony Zealots. I also added in the new Kinvara 9s (I use to run in Kinvaras all the time until Saucony messed with the design). So far so good!

Strength Work – Thanks to the Tricep dips, Push-ups, and Jump Squats challenge there was some focus on strength training this month. And, my plank streak continues to roll along (120 days and counting!)

Cross-Training – Just a little time was spent on the Arc Trainer, but my poor yoga mat was often neglected.  Basically, as my schedule grew more hectic during the month, non-running workouts took a backseat.

May Goals

With the Run to Remember Half at the end of the month, there will obviously be a big focus on building mileage. If I complete all of the runs on my training plan, then I should hit around 85 miles.

And, with the increase in mileage, I know I have to keep up the self-care (rolling, massage) and the PT exercises that seem to help keep the piriformis happy and quite.

I also know that I do better if I don’t “just run” so weekly yoga sessions and some time with the kettlebells will also be part of the plan.

Overall the goal for May is consistency!

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

And, with Erika, Marcia, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

How was your April? What are you looking forward to in May?

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Filed Under: goals, month in review, training, Tuesdays on the Run, Weekly Wrap

March Wrap-Up

April 2, 2018 by 27 Comments

Happy Monday!

I was going to say “Happy Spring” but as I type this I’m watching snow fall again. Seriously?!? Hard to believe that I ran yesterday in a long sleeve top and skirt and at times felt too warm. After dealing with 3 nor’easters during the month of March I have given up trying to predict what Mother N will do next!

So with the new month laid out before me, it’s time for a quick wrap-up of the month that was March.

Running – I fell short of my 70-mile goal thanks to the aforementioned weather and to one very irritable piriformis. This pain in the butt (literally) cost me some time on the road and led to a DNS for the Black Cat 10. On the upside, thanks to babying the heck out of said muscle and doing my PT exercises like it was my job, I finished the month feeling much stronger and running pain-free!

Strength Work – In addition to all of the PT work, my plank streak continued (Day 91!), and I managed one strength session weekly.

Cross-Training – With less running, I spent some quality time on the Arc Trainer and the bike. I also managed a weekly yoga session following a program with Daily Om.

All-in-all, not a bad month. My April goals are pretty straightforward – add more mileage while keeping the piriformis happy and make it to the starting line of the Portland 10 Miler. And hopefully, in the process, the spring weather will finally come and stick around for a while.

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.

How was your March? Has Spring made an appearance where you are?

 

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Filed Under: month in review, Weekly Wrap

November Rewind and December Goals

December 4, 2017 by 18 Comments

Before these days start ticking by, I want to quickly wrap-up November and set some goals to close out 2017!

I had 4 goals for November:

  • 30 Days of Movement
  • Complete the #RunNovemberChallenge
  • Strength Train 3x’s/week
  • 150 Minutes of Planking (5 minutes/day)

Thanks to the #RunNovemberChallenge, I hit 27 days of my 30 days of movement goal. As I run-fessed, long days in the car for Thanksgiving travel derailed my “streak”, but I’m still pretty pleased with how this challenge went – it was perfect for this non-run-streaker since I could complete my minimum daily mile with either a run or a walk.

Please don’t ask me how many miles I racked up – I did a terrible job of tracking. Same holds true for my total planking minutes. While there was daily planking and I know I hit my 5-minute goal the majority of the days, there were definitely a couple of days towards the end of the month where I was short.

Strength training 3 days a week proved to be ambitious given some of the crazy busy weeks I had this month between work and the solo parenting duties. In the end, I hit the gym twice a week – which is probably a more realistic commitment, especially once I return to a race training plan.

So while there were a few misses, I’d say overall this was a pretty solid month.

And the plan for December?

Given how busy things can get around the holidays, I’m going to keep these goals pretty simple.

  • Ease back into training – With a couple of races figured out for February, it’s time to hit the register button and then get back to something that resembles a training plan.
  • Continue the focus on strength work – I’m running pain-free and I want to keep it that way. I will continue to meet up with my friend E for weekly gym sessions on Wednesdays and see if I can get her to join me for my Friday sessions.
  • Make sleep a priority – I was running a sleep deficit most of November, which is just no bueno, so time to turn that around.

So how was your November? What are you focusing on this month?

I’m joining Holly & Tricia for the Weekly Wrap.

I’m also joining Marcia, Erika, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run.

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Filed Under: goals, month in review, Tuesdays on the Run, Weekly Wrap

September Rewind

October 1, 2017 by 38 Comments

And just like that, another month comes to a close! As always, I’m joining Holly & Tricia for the Weekly Wrap – just wrapping up the whole month. When you’re done here, please visit these two great ladies and all of the other bloggers linking up.

Good things for the month:

  • Completed half marathon #13! Although it was a struggle – finishing it was a win!
  • Skirt Sports Ambassador meet-up – always fun to meet-up with runners who you’ve been in touch with online.
  • Started training for my fall goal race – the Harborside Half.
  • Got back to strength training.

  • Finished the month with pain-free runs!

Things I could do without:

  • Mother Nature’s unwillingness to let summer go – the humidity finally broke around here at the end of the week!
  • A cranky ankle slowed me down and I fell short of my goal of 80 miles for the month – I finished with just 53.

On the decks for October:

  • Return to speedwork and hill repeats as I get into the meat of this training plan
  • .I’m looking forward to meeting up with my friend E for weekly gym sessions! We’ve now got a standing date at the gym on Wednesdays, so I’ll be adding in one more weekly strength session on either Mondays or Fridays.

Tell me something good about your September.

 

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Filed Under: month in review, Weekly Wrap