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?

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