My heart is quite happy today. Erin & Kristin have returned with their second annual link up called #4weeksfit and it really couldn't have come at a better time. The past two weeks weren't very easy, and totally screwed with my training plan. I've got just about 9 weeks left until my second half marathon and I need to kick some serious butt to prepare!! What's funny is when this linkup went live for the first time last year, I was only a week or two away from my first half marathon. We were so excited!!
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| Caleb and I // Erin and I |
Okay where was I? Oh yeah, I've been super lazy. I'm just going to be 100% transparent here, cause its my blog, and I do what I want! ;) Since the holidays, I have gained 13 pounds. THIRTEEN!!!!! Can we talk about how sad that is? I've completely let the random free donuts in the office break room rule my life, and also neglected my duties at the gym most days. While I know that I'm not "overweight", by any means... I'm highly uncomfortable in my own skin. I've never truly experienced what its like to hardly fit into the same work pants I've worn for nearly 3 years...until recently, and let me tell ya, its not pretty.
So, I'm here to declare my fitness- related goals for the month of March!
So, I'm here to declare my fitness- related goals for the month of March!
Run 16 times
This would average out to about 4x/week. I'm going to give myself bonus points if I can swing waking up before work to get my runs in...but I'm not going to count on it, cause most days? I love my sleep a little too much. Regardless, 16 miles is compatible with my training, so I think its a good number to stick with.
To run 3 miles under 30 minutes
I haven't done this in a very long time, and I know it would just make me THRILLED! I want to train my body that it CAN do whatever I push it to do. So, I'm hoping one day soon that I can hop on that treadmill (unless Spring decides to show up early and I can hit the real pavement!?) and knock out 3 miles in under 30 minutes! I think I'm getting there because yesterday I did 2.8 miles in 28 minutes! I seem to be on track.
Lift more weights
I haven't been in the weight section of the gym in a while. I miss it so much. I always felt like lifting helped my runs, as I was building lots of extra muscle. I can't wait to get back at it! Especially with my stud of a personal trainer (aka...my husband)
Stretch, a LOT
Last year I got a lot of pain in my "QL" area... (above the rump). It wasn't fun, and I honestly think its because I didn't properly stretch/ice my body throughout my training. I've been doing some intense yoga sessions via youtube here and there and have been loving them. In a love/hate type way!
This would average out to about 4x/week. I'm going to give myself bonus points if I can swing waking up before work to get my runs in...but I'm not going to count on it, cause most days? I love my sleep a little too much. Regardless, 16 miles is compatible with my training, so I think its a good number to stick with.
To run 3 miles under 30 minutes
I haven't done this in a very long time, and I know it would just make me THRILLED! I want to train my body that it CAN do whatever I push it to do. So, I'm hoping one day soon that I can hop on that treadmill (unless Spring decides to show up early and I can hit the real pavement!?) and knock out 3 miles in under 30 minutes! I think I'm getting there because yesterday I did 2.8 miles in 28 minutes! I seem to be on track.
Lift more weights
I haven't been in the weight section of the gym in a while. I miss it so much. I always felt like lifting helped my runs, as I was building lots of extra muscle. I can't wait to get back at it! Especially with my stud of a personal trainer (aka...my husband)
Stretch, a LOT
Last year I got a lot of pain in my "QL" area... (above the rump). It wasn't fun, and I honestly think its because I didn't properly stretch/ice my body throughout my training. I've been doing some intense yoga sessions via youtube here and there and have been loving them. In a love/hate type way!
Are you linking up? I can't wait to read everyone's challenges!!!!
LOVE the goals girl! I know you can do it! As a former dancer I LOVE to stretch but am somehow so bad at stretching as it relates to running, I think I need to add a stretching goal to my list because it is SO important, especially when training! Thanks for linking up!!!
ReplyDeleteGirl, we have all been there. The holidays and winter months are SO easy to put on some weight and barely realize it, until work pants don't fit. (#storyofmylife) but I know you're going to get right back into a routine and be feeling awesome in no time at all!! YOU GOT THIS!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand about the whole work pants not fitting, like Erin said #storyofmylife.I refuse to buy new work pants because they are so expensive, so I just squeeze into them lol so you are definitely not alone!! You have some GREAT goals and I know you are going to mark each one off your list at the end of March. Woo hoo for lifting more weights!! That's one of my favorite parts of working out!! I need to try yoga out soon, it sounds fun! New month and new goal, you go girl!!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!
ReplyDeleteI never stretch enough...and end up being so sore and stiff. I don't know if there are any classes at your gym- but try to do a Pilates class (or even just a video). I did Pilates for like a month before the class was changed to a different time- and it was the most flexible I have ever been- not to mention it just felt great!!
ReplyDeleteI'll be rooting for you and know you can accomplish all of these! I put on 20 pounds in three months when I started my antidepressants, so I totally know what you mean about hating that quick weight gain! I don't have a gym membership and it's tough to motivate myself to work out in my living room, so I'm hoping this weather warms up quickly and the snow melts!
ReplyDeleteI hate getting up early too! I actually just started a morning routine. It's been getting easier every day. Good luck with your goals this month! Hope you rock them!
ReplyDeleteYou've got this girl!!
ReplyDeleteIf you've gained 13 pounds, you carry it well. Cause girlfriend you look amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteIt is NOT fun but foam rolling has really helped with my aches and pain, you may want to try that! Plus it is easy to do while watching TV!
ReplyDeleteI have gained a lot of unwanted weight over the last year, so I know how you feel! I am really stepping it up this month and hope to get out of this slump! I need to work on stretching before/after my runs. What is your favorite stretches to do? I am new at running. Good luck with your goals!
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder on stretching! It's always something I fail to do and I really should be doing it twice a day for how tight I get in my hip flexors and lower back. Going to have to add that to my goals too!
ReplyDeleteIt is scary how slowly those extra pounds creep up on us and before we know it we're not wearing clothes that we used to wear on a regular basis. That's pretty much been the story of my entire life. BUT how awesome is it that we can make the choice to change our lives for the better and so those clothes we love fit again (or fit better). Love your goals and know you'll be able to crush them! I'm here if you ever need some motivation/support!
ReplyDeleteget it girl! i remember training for my first half marathon basically 100% on a treadmill and it was rough! i'm hoping spring comes soon for ya'll so you get outside :)
ReplyDeletealso, i agree with sarah, foam rolling has been my savior for running and just general aches and pains. i do it religiously now and definitely feel it the next day if i forget to.
I always have great intentions of getting up early to work out but sleep always trumps everything! Good luck with training for your half . I admire anyone who can run a half marathon - I get bored doing a 5k (terrible, I know!)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the end of March to see everyone's progress - I think we're all going to rock this challenge!
You got these girl!!! I wish I was there to run with you :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see you rock your half marathon too!!
Those are GREAT goals friend. I am excited to see what these 4 weeks have in store for you. I know you can do it!!! I'll send your random texts to keep you on track.
ReplyDeleteWoo! These goals are awesome. I know you have that 30-min goal in sight! You can do it.
ReplyDelete