You Can't Always Get What You Want

This week has been frustrating for me.  I sat down to work on a training plan for a half marathon on February 15 (so soon...yikes!).  I realized that I'm already so behind when compared to the training I did for the Dallas half (that never happened).

I think a lot of it is based on this time of year.  It's colder, it's dark when I get off work, there is less motivation to go out and enjoy the day.  I've tried moving a lot of my runs indoors on the treadmill and that is the ultimate motivation sucker for me.  Let's take a look at last week's workouts, shall we?

Sunday - The "arctic" cold front had blown in, so I headed to the gym with 5 or 6 treadmill miles on the brain.  I just joined a new gym and found out that the cardio machines all turn off after 30 minutes to encourage sharing.  The gym wasn't busy while I was there, so after 3 miles, I reset my treadmill to go again.  This time I ran 1.5 miles before deciding I'd lost my groove and couldn't continue.  In total a 4.5 mile long run...not bad.

Monday - I convinced my mom to sign up for a 9 week aerobics/strength class with me.  She's still a little upset that I persuaded her, but eventually she will thank me (I hope).  For the first class we did step aerobics for about 30 minutes, and then some chest/upper arms and ab strengthening.  This was my first time ever doing step aerobics.  I really enjoyed the class and liked the instructor!

Tuesday - I woke up with a sore chest from the aerobics class.  Later in the morning, I realized my calf muscles were super sore too.  I figured a run after work would feel good even on sore legs.  I was wrong.  Half a mile in on the treadmill, I had to stop and massage my calves.  My muscles were so tight, so I finished up walking and riding the stationary bike.  Before I left the gym, I spent a long time stretching and using the foam roller.  The foam roller has never caused so much pain for me before.

Wednesday - My calves were feeling a little better.  My mom and I had our second aerobics class.  For the second class we did kickboxing cardio.  Any time there was a lot of jumping, I took it easy so my calves would be ready for a run on Thursday.  Again it was a great cross training class and I enjoyed the strength conditioning.

Thursday - My bicep muscles were sore, but my calf muscles were ready to rock.  It was raining, so I headed back to the treadmill.  This time my goal was 3 or 4 miles and I managed 2.75 before I could go no more.  I was trying to make-up miles from Tuesday, which I realized was not a good idea.  I have to listen to my body and give it rest when it needs rest.  I ended with more stretching and foam rolling, plus some ab moves from Tone It Up.

Friday - I had a long run planned for Saturday, so I sat out on Friday.

Saturday - My body must have appreciated the rest day on Friday because today I rocked 6 miles.  I hit my favorite trail in shorts and a t-shirt and couldn't have been happier.

My mileage for the last 2 weeks has been 10.5 miles and 9.25 miles respectively.  That is not the mileage I'd like to be doing a month before my next race, but it will have to do.  I keep reminding myself to focus on the good runs because there will always be bad runs.  Hopefully the class I'm taking with my mom will help build strength as well as work on my cardio endurance.

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a fun time saying good bye to 2013 and ringing in 2014.  I spent the evening with some girlfriends enjoying Peach Bellinis and catching up.  It was a perfect cap to 2013.

Reflecting back, 2013 was a pretty good year.  I accomplished a lot of fitness goals.  I ran more miles than ever before (600 to be exact).  I got new PRs in all of my race distances.  I completed my first sprint triathlon.

PRs According to Garmin

I traveled to Oklahoma, Big Bend National Park, Washington DC, and South Padre Island. I also spent a lot of time with friends and family at destinations a little closer to home.

A Sea Star on South Padre Island

2013 didn't end exactly the way I planned. The Dallas half-marathon was cancelled and the boyfriend and I decided to part ways. However, I tried not to waste too much time being sad.  I knew I could have a fresh start in 2014. I focused on staying positive and hanging out with my family as much as possible.

Family Christmas 2013

So here we are, a few days into a new year.  I've been reading everyone's resolutions and goals.  Here are a few of my own.

1. Run a half marathon in under 2 hours.  I've already picked 2 races for the spring and am planning at least one more in the fall.  I know I'm really close to that 2 hour mark and with a little more training, I can get there.

2. Buy a road bike and complete a duathlon.  I completed my sprint tri last year with the mountain bike that I bought when I was 13.  It's time for an upgrade.  I signed up for the Esprit de She duathlon in October for extra motivation.

3. Pray more.  Right now I have the perfect opportunity to turn my focus inward and reflect on who I am and who God wants me to be.  By praying and reflecting, I'm hoping to learn more about myself and the path God has laid before me.

That's kind of it.  I'm sure I'll set lot of other goals for myself throughout the year, but these are probably the most long-term ones.  If you follow me on twitter or IG, you know I've signed up for the Tone It Up Love Your Body challenge.  This challenge runs from Jan 1 - Feb 14.  I hope this challenge will encourage me to prioritize more strength training into my weekly schedule.  I will keep you updated on my progress and check-in soon.