Thank you Santa!

This year I asked for a new iPad. Along with the new iPad I also got the Commit 30 digital planner. I have really enjoyed reviewing my goals, creating my vision board and working toward better organization. Ultimately went digital because I need to have everything neat and in order.

I do not receive any sponsorships or endorsements for either company. 

Virtual races - to run or not to run

I have signed up again this year to participate in the runDisney virtual run series. Overall I am not a huge fan of virtual races but I am a sucker for all things Disney. After my ALIF surgery I used the runDisney virtual races to get back into moving. Now I earn them to remind myself how far I have come. These will also be my only runDisney events until October 2020. The pocketbook can only handle one trip to the WDW a year.

I have no idea what to do about the Across the Bay virtual race. This is my FAVORITE race and has become a huge part of the healing process. I had set my running goal based on this race so now I don't know what to do. The medal is great but earning it won't be the same.

What do you think?

Truly disappointed

This week I found out that my favorite 10k was going to be virtual this year.

2019 Across the Bay 10K Virtual Run

** Due to mandatory maintenance on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the 2019 Across the Bay 10K will be a Virtual Run.**

I was going to focus my training on improving my time on this race. Not sure what I'm going to do.

Took a long break

I have done very little over the last 2 months. After Princess weekend I stopped doing everything related to my health and fitness. I set my goals but quickly starting making excuses and poor choices. Work, school, children, husband and construction have been by go to excuses. 

April 23rd I went dress shopping for my daughter's graduation. We were able to find a few options for dresses but I know that I feel better in them if I lost 10 pounds. Now I have something on my calendar to keep me motivated. 

I pulled up my goals from my last post and took some time to reflect. Looks like it's time for some new goals.

May goals

1. Purchase a new gallon water jug. Tomorrow my jug will arrive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H56HMB1/ref=twister_B07MW3182N

2. Decrease my calorie intake to 1200 by logging into My Fitness Pal daily.

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/

3. Weekly attend 3 session of aquatic exercise. 

My son has taken on the job of holding me accountable with the new goals. Let's kiss these old goals good-bye and start fresh tomorrow.

***I have been logging my daily calories and attending class since April 23rd

April goals

1. Weekly meal planning
2. Weekly breakfast meal prep

March goals

1. Log all food and drink into my fitness pal
2. Decrease soda intake - currently drinking up to 120 fluid ounces of Diet Dr. Pepper a day
3. Increase water intake
4. Eat something for breakfast every day - important since I'm now taking morning medications

What's next?

Now that the runDisney Princess Half weekend is over it is time adjust my S.M.A.R.T. goal. 

I have not picked a runDisney race to train for yet. Right now I'm going to focus on the Across the Bay 10k that will take place in November. While working towards my running goals I also need to incorporate strength training, stretching and diet modification. 

S.M.A.R.T. goal.

S. - Specific - Decrease my running pace

M. - Measurable (Motivating) - I want to decreased my time from 17:43 min/mile to 16:00 min/mile
A. – Achievable (Ambitious) - Decreasing my time by 1:43 seems ambitious
R. - Realistic - Going to add strength training and stretching into my training
T. – Time based - November for the Across the Bay 10k

Strength training and stretching

The local pool is offering some classes that I am interested in taking. The classes do not start until April but I'm hoping that I can attend a few classes before then. Since we are still in the middle on construction the home gym has been taken over but I'm hoping to squeak out a spot to start using my Beach Body subscription as well. 

Stretch and Strength LOW INTENSITY - This warm-water, low-impact class will build strength, balance and flexibility as it works your entire body. In our state-of-the-art warm-water pool you will stretch and strengthen your body using various water fitness equipment and body weight exercises designed to increase your core stability, gain a better range of motion and improve your overall strength.

Barre and Balance LOW INTENSITY - This ballet-inspired class is held in the warm water and teaches participants to perform rhythmic movements that sculpt, lengthen and tone. Ballet-based moves are synced with pool-power exercises that improve range of motion, muscular symmetry and balance. No ballet/dance background required.

Diet modification

Let me start by saying I hate cooking but I love food. Also I have taken college level courses on nutrition but still get overwhelmed. There are areas that I need to improve on so that is were I'll start. Again all of this would be easier if my kitchen wasn't currently stripped to the studs. 

March goals

1. Log all food and drink into my fitness pal
2. Decrease soda intake - currently drinking up to 120 fluid ounces of Diet Dr. Pepper a day
3. Increase water intake
4. Eat something for breakfast every day - important since I'm now taking morning medications

April goals

1. Weekly meal planning
2. Weekly breakfast meal prep

Races

January - 
February - runDisney Princess 5k and 10k

March - 

April - 

May - 

June - runDisney Marvel virtual 5k

July - runDisney Marvel virtual 5k
August - runDisney Marvel virtual 5k
September - 
October - 
November - Across the Bay 10k
December - Jingle Bell Run 5k

2019 Princess Weekend - 5k

We had a super early wake up call for the 5k. I was grouchy and had a low tolerance for people. My back was hurting and it was causing me to be anxious about finishing the 10k. I wanted this race to be over. After the race I was grateful for black shorts.

We moved very slow.

I wanted to conserve energy for the 10k but the slow pace was killing me. My friends back was really bothering her. At times she leaned on my daughter and me just to take a few steps. Thank goodness my daughter was there with her big smile and support.

She literally sang Disney songs, LOUDLY, throughout the entire 5k.

I had to remind myself regularly that I was there to support a friend and get her over the finish line. Tomorrow I was asking someone to go at my pace to get me across.

We continued to move forward one step at a time when I noticed that there were medics on bicycles behind us. Talking with them I realized that we were the back of the pack. They let us know that as long as we keep moving we will cross the finish line.

That's when Disney magic happened. There was another group of ladies that had someone struggling. We started talking about simple things but it was enough distraction that everyone kept moving forward. There were golf carts biting at our ankles but we didn't care. Now this group of ladies who had just met created an amazing support system. 

We rounded the corner with the finish line in sight. It was decided that everyone should link arms and cross together. We couldn't have done it without each other.

Looking back I wish I would have relaxed and enjoyed the moment. I'm proud of everyone that was able to get up, put on their running shoes and do their best. 

Congratulations!

We did spend a little time in Animal Kingdom before heading back. 

Tomorrow is my big race!

Making a plan - 2019!

The princess run is only 48 days away!

So everyone is doing this new year, new you, blah, blah, blah. 

I need to shift focus back to me. Things have been crazy after the kitchen fire and I was using it an excuse not to do any training. Time for change and no more excuses.

My S.M.A.R.T. goal has not changed but there are a few things that need to be modified.

S. - Specific - I will complete the runDisney Princess 10k in 2019

M. - Measurable (Motivating) - I want to prove to myself that I can - Cross the finish line

A. – Achievable (Ambitious) - This year I need to have a qualifying time for better corral placement - had a finish time of 1:42 for 10k

R. - Realistic - With training this is a realistic goal

T. – Time based - race will take place in 274 days - takes place in 48 days

After getting the professional video clips from Across the Bay 10k I realized that my running form had room for improvement. For a Christmas present I hired a running coach through Pax PT Running. I'm so glad that I did this. She has been helping me create weekly work-out schedules. I'm held accountable.

Races

June - The Incredibles virtual 5k

July - The Incredibles  virtual 5k

August - The Incredibles  virtual 5k

September - Great Inflatable Race

October - Jefferson Patterson Park Museum 5k

November - Across the Bay 10k

December - Jingle Bell Run 5k - I was signed up for this race. I totally missed it. It wasn't until friends posted their photos that I remembered it was race day.

January - 

February - Princess 5k and 10k

I also decided to challenge myself to completing 2,019 miles in 2019. This year I plan on counting all of my steps. 

My daughter gave me so light reading for Christmas. I have taken lots of mental notes to get myself ready. Suitcases have been brought upstairs. The final pieces to my costumes have been ordered. 

 

One last thing! I am trying to increase my water intake prior to Princess. This gallon jug should be able to help. 

Jefferson Patterson Park Museum 5K

I have some mixed feelings about this race. 

The calf pain drama continues. I am learning to listen to my body and seek professional advice when needed. On Thursday I had an appointment with the orthopedist to get to the bottom of this pain. X-rays showed nothing of significance. The finally diagnosis is bi-lateral calf strains. Doctors orders...rest (ugh), ice the calves 3 times a day, compression socks during the day, and ibuprofen. He did say that I could walk at a leisurely pace.

There was a part of me that thought about skipping the race. It was a cold, dreary morning and I was disappointed with being sidelined. After reminding myself of how far I have come we were ready to go. 

Since I was going to have a leisurely race experience Kathryn went on head of me. Goal-just to cross the finish line and enjoy the park. Threw on The Extra Mile Podcast so I could hear Jeff Galloway cheering me on. As fellow racers started to pass me my competitive nature kicked in. On those flat stretches I had to remind myself not to run. I didn't want to finish last and paid the price for it. 

Cardiac Hill

After the race we were super hungry. Celebratory breakfast at Bob Evans. Everyone looked at me funny because of my fashion statement. I see nothing wrong with my Sparkle Skirt, compression sleeves and flip flops. 

The remainder of Saturday was spent resting with ice packs strapped to my legs. 

Looking forward to the Across the Bay 10k in November!

New goals!

 

During the Dark Side Half-Marathon I may not have achieved my goals but it will not stop me.

 

Now it is time for me to put on my big girl panties and set new goals. I plan to focus on my fitness/health goals here.

 

Here we go!

 



S. - Specific - I will complete the runDisney Princess 10k in 2019
M. - Measurable (Motivating) - I want to prove to myself that I can
A. – Achievable (Ambitious) - This year I need to have a qualifying time for better corral placement
R. - Realistic - With training this is a realistic goal
T. – Time based - The race will take place 274 days from today



Upcoming races

June - The Incredibles virtual 5k
July - The Incredibles  virtual 5k
August - The Incredibles  virtual 5k
September - George Washington Patriot Run 10k (?)
October - SMAWL Rescue 5k Fun Run and Trail Walk 2018 (?)
November - Across the Bay 10k, Project Echo Turkey Trot 5k (?)
December - Jingle Bell Run 5k
January
February - Princess 5k and 10k

W.o.W - Within one Week

Re-start the Easy 5k with Jeff Galloway lolo app.