Monthly Archives: May 2013
35 “streak” and a 13 goals check-up
I never make a big deal out of my birthday, but there’s something about turning 35 in a few weeks that makes me want to do something different with working out. It’s a gift to myself that’s mostly free.
Every day in June I want to do 35 of something everyday. Or 3.5 of something. Or 35 seconds of something. Or 3 minutes and 50 seconds of something.
You get the point.
Whether it’s running 3.5 miles, doing 35 jumping jacks or doing 35 squats, I’m ready to celebrate my birthday doing 35 of something every day in June.
As I look ahead, it’s also time to look behind and do a check-up on my 13 goals for 2013:
1. 5k PR – official or unofficial
It’s possible that I got slower in May (as well as April). My once or twice a month approach to speedwork is not a good approach to hit this goal.
2. Run at least 2 races I’ve never done before
Still halfway there.
3. Run a 5k – official or unofficial – with my friend Brandon
Summer is coming. His excuses will run out soon.
4. 50 consecutive push-ups
I have no doubt I will do this, but I didn’t focus on maxing out again this month. Just consistency with weights.
5. Ride at least 200 miles
I biked another 22 miles this month, probably less than I was hoping for, but still consistent. I’m at 58 for the year, so I definitely need to step it up. I’m moving to a more bike-friendly neighborhood in two weeks, so I’m ready.
6. Weigh in at less than 180
It’s tough to call it progress, but I did lose 0.4 this month. Before I sabotaged myself for a few days, I had lost 3. It’s an endless cycle and I think anyone who has lost weight knows what this is like. Maybe going for 3.5 pounds in June would be a good goal.
7. Do a plank at least once a week
Right on target.
8. Run a race without a watch
Kinda sorta done. No need to draw it out again
9. Run with my sister Heather
Done!
10. Do an exercise at least once per month that I haven’t done the rest of the year
Chair dips. My arms loved them. Maybe.
11. Eat at least one salad per week
So I didn’t exactly go out and triple my efforts like I said last month, but this is going well. In fact with my new job I’m ready to bring a salad nearly every day.
12. Limit myself to one soft drink a month
If a caffeine and calorie free drink doesn’t count, then I got myself back to even after slipping up for a day in April. My point with this goal was to eliminate empty calories, so I’ll say I’m back on track.
13. Run ON the beach
It’s coming …
No. 1,013
I didn’t fall off a cliff. I didn’t stop running. My computer didn’t get stolen.
I’ve just been following one simple blogging rule I have — if I don’t have anything to say, I don’t write. Not that I really have much to say right now, but I have enough thoughts for a bullet-point post combining life and running thoughts.
- Having “Nothing to train for” remains liberating. I’m looking to see what will fit in my schedule this summer and I know a few things will pop up, but I’m continuing to enjoy not having a major race to think about for a few months.
- I’ve had 4 consistent months of running miles in the low 80s and two months of biking with miles in the low 20s. It’s a nice base to set heading into summer and should make training for the Richmond Half in the fall completely different. I’m not ruling something else popping up, but that’s where my mind is right now.
- I have a new full-time job. I actually had planned to start today, but my allergies have been so bad this week that I decided to hold off until tomorrow. I ended up taking a 2-hour nap this morning.
- Speaking of jobs, I appreciate all the support in these past two months. I didn’t freak out about it, which led to me enjoying more family time and soaking in the small moments with my son. I think my new position will allow me the opportunity to continue to put family first.
Hanging out with my son by the flooded James River earlier this month.
- I’m moving. Again. Just a mile down the road, but to a house that has much more room and will make it much easier with our new addition in September.
- I realized after my last post that I failed to mentioned that we’re having another boy. This whole thing with just boys started nearly 8 years ago when we first got Duke.
Footprints.
It’s not a widely kept secret, but it’s also not something that I broadcast every day outside of people who don’t really know me. It’s gotten only a few mentions on Twitter, but …
… yes, that’s a footprint that will be a part of my life sometime in September.
Off roading
It’s not much, but for the past month I’ve run on nearby trails once a week. It’s been quite refreshing to see something besides roads and cars.
I don’t know if this will translate into a trail race sometime soon or exploring more trails this summer, but for now it’s something I’m going to keep doing …
Nothing to train for
Take a break. I dare you. I double dog dare you.
After the Blue Ridge Half, I had brief thoughts of signing up for another race right away. Then I thought about changing my fall plans.
Then I realized that I need to run just to run. 4 miles. 6 miles. 2 miles. On a trail. Just whatever I feel like at whatever pace I feel like.
I have two races on my 2013 calendar right now. The first is 6 months from now.
That will change, I’m 99.9% sure of that. I’m not in a rush, though, to sign up for a race and go for a goal.
It’s a nice free state to be in. It’s something that can change overnight if I want to.
Like I said, try it sometime …
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