Monday, February 3, 2014

January in Review

January was an interesting month. The first part was full of anticipation and excitement leading up to Hawai'i, and then as soon as the race was over it was filled with uncertainty and emptiness. I have a clean slate which on one hand is kind of refreshing, but on the other hand it's overwhelming with the countless questions circling on how to fill it. Looking back on the last several years I can see that when my body went through the most positive changes it was when the focus was off of running and more on 'cross training' and proper eating--- this will replace running as my # 1 priority.


Total Mileage:  58 miles- surprisingly a couple more than December. Since racing was winding down, running hasn't been at the top of my list.

Highest Mileage week: 22- my week in Hawaii was actually my highest mileage week. I never thought being on vacation would make me run MORE, but I wanted to take full advantage of all the sights around me.

Races Planned / Completed: 1/1

Cue Europe's "The final countdown"....
50th and Final State- Hawaii- Recap HERE




New to Me: (Because you should always be trying something new) 

  • Tried out (and loved) our new fitness class offered at work, RIPPED

If it weren't for Hawaii, I may not have any "new to me" items for January 
  • First (and probably last for awhile) flying round trip first class 

  • Bike ride down a volcano / mountain 

  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUPing) - can't wait to try this again 
  • Luau 




Accomplishments for January 
  • Obviously the big one is completing the 50 state quest!!
    1. Finished 2nd in our trivia league (up from 4th) and made it to city finals. 
    2. Found a new class that I can stick with on a weekly basis 
    Current Book:  I planned on doing so much reading on the all day plane ride, but instead we got free tablets to watch movies- January was a book free month.

    Current Excitements/ Obsessions:
    • Ragnar Relay in Phoenix 
    • Saving $$ now that I won't be traveling as much 
    Current Songs

    I know its been around for a few months but I'm obsessed with Say Something by Great Big World + Christina Aguilera 

    Current Treat
    Hot chocolate! Every night I have a hot chocolate while snuggling on the couch- perfection. If you're looking for a fun way to add some flavor you can chop up left over candy canes for hints of peppermint OR add some fireball for a cinnamon twist. 

    Current Goal (s):  

    Main focus is to do what I need to get my body back on track before summer (Mid May- June) :
    • Lose 10-15 lbs
    • Although I'm still going to run- my focus is switching to more weights / sculpting
    • Aside from my hot chocolate treat- cleaning out my diet--- looking into going gluten free 
    • At least run 1 race a month
    January Major takeaway:  It's important to have multiple goals so when one is accomplished you can move on to the next. Being goal-less for me is like not having any direction, definitely not a feeling I like or wish to repeat. I've been working on multiple smaller goals that I want to accomplish in the next handful of months vs. trying to create another lofty long term goal that I've been working at for the past 3 years. 


    How was your January?

    6 comments:

    1. You certainly had a big month...and I can see how now you are left feeling a little lost! It sounds like you are right back on track though!! Great job again on your amazing accomplishment Lisa!!!

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    2. Going goal-less is terrifying for me. Thankfully, L and I found our goal of running all the 1/2 marathons in Colorado. 1.5 years in and I'm still nowhere close on that one. Still get to run, but obv save all that money on the travel. This year, I'm trying to cut back to only 2 races a month, and none over $60.

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    3. I can't imagine what he feels like to be done with all 50. Very excited for you to figure out what's next.

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    4. What an awesome month and start into a new year! I can only imagine how you feel after accomplishing your big goal. I have a similar issue after running a marathon, I always feel so lost. I hope you will find a good and fun challenge that works best for you soon!

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    5. love your upcoming plan! I'm attempting this racing weight and strength thing while running...so it should be interesting. what a great month and start to the year. Hopefully the rest of it is just as fabulous!

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    6. As always, you're amazing. I bet it is sort of a relief to not have to travel *as much*. Still love looking at all your Hawaii photos and all of the cool things you experienced. I've heard of Ripped, but we don't have it at our gym...is it similar to Pump?

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