January Recap

Total run mileage: 100.77. I just wanted to get to 100, and since I skipped so many runs or shortened so many long ones I'm stoked I at least hit that goal. It definitely could have been higher, but I'll take it for what it is, considering how insane January was! 

Highest weekly run mileage: 28.82. Not stellar, but again, I'l take it for what it is! 

# Runs: 17. 

# Rest days: 11.  

# Cross-training workouts: 5. Four weeks of yoga (once a week) and one day cycling. Not great, but a lot better than I used to be! I'll get there. 

# Races: "Just" two this month, both half marathons:

     - Citrus Heritage Half (2:00 pacer / 2:00)

     - Inaugural Phoenix Women's Half Marathon (2:07:43)

Favorite run: The first long run of the month - January 2. I killed 12 miles at race pace (8:30) and talked and laughed and had a great day. And I got finished that run with a big smile on my face and the realization that I could do it and that maybe there's a PR for me at Surf City. This was the day I realized I could. Bring it on, Huntington Beach! 

Hardest Run: There were actually a couple of tough runs this month. I credit it to just how freaking busy this month was and the fat that there was a LOT of treadmill time. I've definitely struggled this month and for as much as I've gotten used to treadmill time, it certainly doesn't make it much easier! Soo boooooo to that! Looking forward to some later sunshine so I can get some evening runs in in daylight without worrying about nighttime safety. 

Current need: To get over this "flu-like" whatever that's been plaguing me. I woke up yesterday (Tuesday) with a migraine about 1 am, didn't go to work because of a significant lack of sleep and that eventually turned into feeling chills, body aches, and other issues. After Doug got home from football practice, we went to urgent care... sooo... you can see where that leads. Hoping I can shake it off enough for a decent enough run at Surf City on Sunday. :( 

Current favorite: Not gonna lie, yoga has been rocking my socks (or bare feet) off lately. I'm enjoying a cool, mellow hour every Wednesday and am at the point that I very much already look forward to it when I wake up each Wednesday morning. I am far from flexible, but I can feel myself already loosening up just a bit and getting a good stretch on. Now if I could only commit to doing this by myself another day each week, I'd be good to go. 

Current goal: It's February 3 and it's PR week, baby. Surf City is on Sunday and while I am stoked and pumped and all kinds of ready, the race nerves have also set in and I am also (not so) secretly terrified. My badass Ironman girl Jacky is pacing me and I know she's got this on lock for me. I just hope I have it on lock for myself. 

Month Goals: Being that it was the first month of the year, I didn't set any specific January goals, but wanted to get a good start on my 2016 goals overall. Accountability time, friends! 

1. Run 1,100 miles. 
100.77 miles down, 999.23 to go! If I can keep up 100 mile months this year consistently, I'll be done WAY before December 30 like I was in 2015! 
2. Marathon PR
Marathon #1 for the year comes at the end of February (Phoenix). January is just working towards that! 

3. Complete a triathlon.
I'm still toying with this idea. I know I can do it if I give myself the time and commitment to training in something other than running shoes. We shall see! 
4. Finish off my credit card debt.
Knocking off more, a little at a time. No major progress this month, but with a good size tax return coming my way in less than 21 days, I am fairly certain this will become a good reality in February! Booyah! 

5. Journal
I journaled twice this month, much less than I had hoped but you know, life gets in the way sometimes. I need to find a time each week, set it or schedule it, and commit to making it a reality. New month, new chance to start over and get to work! 

6. Strength & Cross Train
I made it to yoga every Wednesday this month - while that's only four days (plus one random day of cycling), that's a significant increase from what I've done prior. I look forward to Wednesdays and am excited to make this a pattern! 

7. Volunteer More
Already eye-balling races I want to volunteer at. More next month, hopefully, when I set this into action! 

8. Speak Up
This is by far one of the hardest goals for me this year. Nothing exciting to report, but am looking forward to the personal challenge. 

January was insanely busy and really, February is going to be no exception, but I am looking forward to making progress to all eight goals continuously. Here's to the start of the year because having 11  months to go means I still have a shot! 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

January Recap

January itself was not an exciting month, really - it's when my training kicked into high gear, I took my longest runs in stride (and achieved more than I thought I would!), and got back in the groove of work after a great week at home for the holidays. So, without much else to say about a fairly lackluster month.... the recap!

• Total run mileage: 78.16 miles (highest ever!)
• Highest weekly run mileage: 24.51 miles
•  # runs: 14
•  # rest days: 14
• Favorite run: I feel like I'm cheating because my favorite run and hardest run are the same - the half marathon this past weekend! Favorite run because it will totally stick out in my mind as the moment that I said, "Ok, I can do this!" And that's probably one of the greatest feelings ever; I'd like to live that forever. Yes please. Race report is linked below. :)
• Hardest run: See above! It definitely tested my mental abilities - I didn't ever really think "I can't do this," but it definitely pushed me and made me work for it. 
•  Current reads: Born to Run – started this a few weeks ago, and jumped right in. Have slacked lately, but what a read! I recommend checking it out!
• Current obsession: Essie Shine of the Times polish! I bought this at home after Christmas, and somehow in my venture back to Georgia, it disappeared and I was rather devastated. I wanted to replace it all last month, but I just got it again (thank you pay day!). It’s beautiful – I’m currently wearing it over a dark, chocolate brown as the base and used the glitter as a purposefully-messy French mani. LOVE.
• Current drink: Water. Always water – I’ve slacked this week with my water consumption, but trying to get back in the strong habit of my 3+ liters a day! Workin’ on it!
• Current song: Still my inspiration song, "My Body" by Young the Giant. Beat and music is perfect, but the words are even perfect. Check out the song and lyrics if you haven't already.
• Current need: A little extra sleep here and there would always be nice!
• Current triumph: Finishing my first half marathon this past Sunday! A great way to start the year and a great way to end January, just enough to encourage me for the rest of the year! Check out my race report if you haven't already.
• Current goal: I get to register for my next half, and will probably do that tomorrow – I’m looking at the Zooma Women’s Half Marathon on April 22. It’s only about an hour from me (aka. perfect) and I’m excited about the opportunity to do an all-women’s race.
• Current indulgence: I had ice cream for the first time in what felt like forever tonight - actually, it was ice cream for dinner. Moose Tracks. A fabulous choice and I'm super duper happy with it!
• Current excitement: Signing up for half #2, February's excitement (conference my students are hosting, a 10K here in Athens, bestie's bachelorette party in Phoenix!).
• Upcoming races: the Taste of Athens 10K on February 18, and kicking off aforementioned bachelorette weekend with a 5K in Arizona (new run state #1 for the year!). Stoked for both! And looking forward to registering for more! Yep, I'm hooked.

February is bound to be busy, but great. In just a week and a half, the conference that my students put on will be here - I can hardly believe it. I feel like we were just starting the planning for it last week. I'm excited to see their work come to life, and to welcome 200+ students and advisors from all around Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina to UGA for the day. Yay! The weekend after is the Taste 10K, and I'm considering checking out the actual Taste of Athens event that Sunday. And the weekend after, the last weekend, is the Phoenix bachelorette party! Happy times ahead!

Happy February - can you believe it's here?!