Will Study for Food

There’s nothing like the feeling of finishing finals and classes. To say I felt relieved and free was an understatement. Along with relaxing, reading for my own leisure, watching reruns of Degrassi and Food Network shows, catching up with best friends, and eating good food, I also used my three weeks off to challenge myself in fitness. I wanted to set some goals for myself in running, and trying out new activities. Since I had some time on my hands, I wanted to compile my fitness activity in a “colorful” calendar and visually see how I did in meeting my goals:

*The little person in the green circle stands for ZUMBA class *

Week 1 was all about getting back into a consistent schedule of running, and running at my own time without having to worry about going anywhere like school. I also was able to make it to the gym to do lift some weights/resistance training on most days, so I either ran to or from the gym with an extra mile or two thrown in. I went to my first ZUMBA class and really enjoyed it. I also completed my longest run to date (8.42 mi in 90 min.) which I’m proud of, but since a half is in my near future, I’m trying to build the endurance for 10 mi, 12 mi, and eventually the 13.1.

Week 2 was not a good running week (due to the rain and cold, gloomy weather), but I stayed active. I went to a ZUMBA class almost every day of the week to see which instructors I liked the best, stayed up with my weights regimen, and even squeezed in some Tennis. Even though I was disappointed that I couldn’t reach my mileage goal for the week, I didn’t underscore my activity level. I was moving and having fun, and that’s important even when exercising !

Week 3 was a very good week for running, seeing as I was able to run 30 miles total (my goal was originally 35, but I was glad to get to 30—especially since I had an unscheduled OFF day and outdoor run/treadmill mix day)! I had some metatarsal/ball-of- foot soreness earlier in the week (up until about Tues.?), but once I went out for a morning run on Wednesday, the soreness was gone! I thought I would have to take an OFF day to give my foot a break, but I guess the soreness just went away on its own. I wasn’t planning on an OFF day on Friday, but after stalling my morning run due to other errands that needed to get done that day, I wasn’t up for it (the cold temperatures and taped episodes of Dance Moms are to blame!). I wasn’t able to ZUMBA or do a lot of weights except on Monday, but that was fine by me since the monotonous 5 mi runs were enough for me. I did do part of my running on the treadmill on Saturday, but that 1 mi seriously felt like more…treadmills are incredibly boring to me, so I guess that’s why…

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I think I’ll go easier on the running for the first full week of Jan. since I have some left hip soreness (and since my schedule is going to be shifting to make room for classes/studying). It would be nice to hit 30 miles for the week again, but practically speaking, I’d be ecstatic to make it between 20-25 miles, and even make it to a weekday ZUMBA class or two .

My monthly fitness goals are to:

• Continue running consistently 20-25 miles a week, 30-35 if possible.
• Make it to at least ONE weekday ZUMBA class, and both weekend classes.
• Give myself a break/OFF day if I am finding a particular work-out boring (in other words, don’t feel compelled to do a workout if body and/or mind just isn’t feelin’ it).
• Try a new class (U-JAM, Yoga, Pilates).

I also registered for two races (Feb./March) and have my half lined up for June. My goal is to run a race for each month this year (so minimum of 12), possibly more if I have enough $$ and time. We’ll see how that goes!

What are your fitness goals for January?

Do you have any races lined up?