1) Run at least three half marathons, with the eventual goal of a sub-2 hour half. Surprisingly, this seems to be my easiest goal! I shocked myself by finishing the Caesar Rodney Half Marathon-2009 in 1:59:24. I did not expect that, given the hills, but I’ll take it. Now I’m aiming for a sub-9 minute pace. I have the Pacer’s Running Festival Half in May (and I still don’t know what I’m doing about the Marine Corps Historic Half ). I’m still planning to do the Philadelphia Distance Run in the fall with a friend.
2) Run races in at least three new states (but I’m aiming for 5).
Still looking good here. Delaware is DONE. Maine is back on, just a different race – the Lobster Festival 10k. I’ve also signed up for an Earth Day 5K in Florida next weekend. I’m also stalking the Wisconsin Lighthouse Run page to sign up for that one. The cool thing is that I’ll do the Florida one and the Wisconsin one with my dad. As I mentioned above, I also am likely to hit Pennsylvania this fall when I run with my friend. So 5 is definitely looking good at this point.
3) Workout five times a week. This one got a bit out of whack this month. Between tapering for and recovering from the half marathon, I missed a fair number of runs. I also missed a few classes due to illness and conflicts. Hopefully April will be better. My informal goal of hitting 20 miles a week didn’t go so well this month either.
4) Stop stressing about my weight and start lifting weights. This has been kind of “eh”. I’ve managed strength workouts fairly regularly, but I had to take a mental step back. I was trying to increase the number of minutes I did each night and I found myself just not doing it some nights because I was not sure I had more than five minutes. I changed my goal to doing whatever I had time for and found that most nights I do at least 5 minutes and often more. Funny how mindset makes a difference. As far as stressing about my weight, I’ve given up not stressing. All of my spring and summer clothes are tight. I’m carrying the same 5 pounds I’ve been trying to lose since last spring and I just need it gone. It makes a huge difference in how my clothes fit and how I feel about myself. I’m trying to eat more vegetables and fruit and less processed stuff, plus I’m going to be including speed workouts a little more often. Last month I set a goal of fueling myself better. I’m doing a bit better, but a long ways from great. When we get back from Florida, I’m going to write down everything I eat for a few days, just to figure out where my “weak” areas are and start working on improving them.
5) Run at least 8-10 races this year.
2 down, 6-8 to go. I signed up tonight for the Army 10 miler. I wasn’t going to run it, but I’m feeling the need to see how much faster I can run it than I did in 2007.
looks like you’re well on your way to achieving your goals! Great month of march too! Enjoy Florida 🙂
You’re kicking butt! Good luck on a great April.
Looks like a pretty good list to me, especially will all that illness in there. All the upcoming races look fantastic!
You are doing great! Your future race list has what looks like lots of fun runs! I'm glad your guys were happy & worn out when they got home. Hopefully, you got to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing evening.
Hey Mama! I just realized I’ve been neglecting you!! Somehow you got lost in the world of blogs. Looks like things are going well with you and your running. Nice job on breaking 2 hours in the half marathon. Keep up the great work, and I’ll keep up with your blog!
You are doing great on your goals.I’m struggling with an extra 5 lbs also. I totally hear you on that one. I’ve tried not worrying about it, but for the same reasons (tight clothes) I just can’t let it go…
Busy race schedule! I damn near died when I realized exactly what pace a sub-2 HM entails. At least I have until the PDR to get a lot faster.
These goals are good as far as they go but I am a bit disappointed to see you have no beer-related goals.Buzzed doesn’t just happen, sister! You have to work at it!Good job on the running goals. But let’s try to make April a bit less … provincial, shall we?(I’m talkin beer goals.)
You’ve definitely been doing great– I don’t know why I’m having such a block right now about scheduling races, but seeing all you’ve accomplished and have set makes me want to just sign up for some already!
How smart you are to keep your goals front & center. I can tell you are on a mission! 5 pounds makes a huge difference. I totally understand. And it's so frustrating b/c it's 5 measly pounds. But they take the most work, apparently, to lose. You can do it, though, if you make it a priority, which it sounds like you are going to do AFTER Florida. No sense bothering with it before/ during vacation. Hope you have a great trip!
Making great progress there. Btw, I’m having the same problem with strength training. Just know you’re not alone. 🙂
Dang girl you’re buzzing along with those goals. Man I hope we can meet up for that 10k! It will be killer!
Great job! You are right on track and even ahead of your goals. Be proud… so many people drop their goals by April.