As the first week in January comes to a close, I am happy with the way things have started out training-wise. I promised myself I would start training harder and eating healthier and I have done just that. I've been feeling really good on my runs and I've been getting a litter faster!
I've come up with a list of goals for the coming year. I know I've talked about things I want to do, but I didn't have a set list of things I want to accomplish. I feel that if I put them all out there publicly, I'll be more motivated in obtaining them. So here goes.
- Run a sub 30min 5k (I've done it once, but it wasn't a chip timed official race)
- Run a sub 60min 10k
- Run a 15k - I've never actually completed this distance in a race.
- Run a 2:20 half marathon
- Run a FULL marathon! (I don't have any time goal in mind - yet!)
- I joined a Facebook page 1000 miles in 2013 . Obviously, the goal is to run 1000 miles this year.
- Also joined the 13x13in13Challenge - Run 13 half marathons in the year 2013.
That's what I have so far. I feel that all of the forms of social media really help keep me accountable for achieving these goals. Besides Facebook, Instagram is awesome at it because there are so many people posting about their runs and workouts. And they are all so encouraging and supportive! And I'm starting to find other bloggers, and reading their stories. And I've also just recently started using twitter as well (yes I know I'm late).
So I started this year off with a 3.1 mile run on New Years day. I'll have to admit I did go out the night before, so I was a bit dehydrated and didn't get sufficient sleep. But I got myself out the door. It wound up being hotter than I had expected - 75 degrees. I love the warmth of Florida, but not when I'm running. I guess we can't have it both ways. My legs felt a bit heavy, and I didn't want to complete the run. But I made it through. Average pace: 10:35.
Later that day I worked on abs and arms a bit, because I'm trying to get stronger. And I did a plank. As I've mentioned instagram before, I was motivated by others to try to do one plank per day.
The day after I went for a nice long run with Anna. We ran in starkey park where we got to see a few deer. The plan was to run 9 miles, which I should have done the weekend prior. I wound up doing 9.3 - I figured why not just run a 15k?
Unfortunately later than night my cat, Pez, passed away. I was, and still am, pretty distraught so the next day was workout free. And I stuffed my face with pizza and breadsticks.
Today I woke up and decided to run. I was still feeling pretty down, but I've been feeling happier and more energetic since I've been running more. I knew it would release some tension, so I got out there. Towards the end of the run I noticed that I was almost going to run the 5k in under 30. I kicked up the speed, but I went slightly over. My time was 30:13, average pace: 9:45. I was happy with that time. And I'd really like to run a 5k soon to see how I do. I came home and did my plank.
I then went on to work, and hit up the gym later to work on my legs. I really want to strengthen them to try to prevent injury and to just be a better runner overall.
As the week closes my total milage is 15.5 miles. Only 984.5 to go!
