There is that training piece of the 2014 challenge... An early winter cold (17 days and counting) has been draining my energy on that front. Some accomplishments to report, just less than I hoped.
Early January Progress:
- Replaced my fitbit. Apparently they don't like going through the wash cycle. Twice.
- Purchased the 5K Runner app.
- Walked to Matthews Beach twice last weekend.
- Taking more stairs than elevator rides.
- Signed up for the St Patrick's Day Dash on March 16th. 10 weeks to train for it.
Struggling a little on how much to reveal and report on this front. Reporting just progress and not struggles only tells half the story. You can't appreciate the light without some knowledge of the darkness. No whining allowed!
Viewing this set of posts as a weekly or monthly status report. Mileage, flights of stairs, accomplishment and work in progress. And throw in some reflections at key milestones.
My 2014 Goals:
Declaration of Fitness for 2014. Here is the snapshot of where I want to go.
- BMI in a Normal Range - under 25. Current status is in the Obese range.
- Weight loss of 50+ pounds. Amount necessary to get me into the Normal range.
- Controling my diabetes and blood pressure.
- Leave the 200s behind forever (briefly found that last year).
- Walk up to my Husky tickets on the 300 level without being winded.
- Run a 5K (3.1 miles)
- Run a 10K (6.2 miles)
- Walk/Run a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles)
- Take many hikes including Mt Pilchuck.
- Strengthen my core.
- Plank for 5+ minutes.
- Log over 500 miles this year.
- Strength training.
- Dance more.
- Play more.
- Find the athlete in me.
Short-term January Goals:
- Join IMA at the UW and cancel my gym membership that is not in any of my neighborhoods .
- Setup and start lunch time walks with colleagues.
- Training weeks 1 & 2 on the 5K regime.
- Get new running shoes.
I'm pretty excited to start the Couch to 5K program. It's an 8 week program and the St Pattys Day Dash is in 10 weeks. The app will talk over your music to coach on the intervals and steadily works up your running time and distance. It should get my body conditioned to running at a measured pace. Each weeks builds on the next. The regulated pace should keep me from pushing too hard, too fast to succeed.
A mind shift is needed as well. I've never been an athlete. Perpetually the last person picked for any team. And running is something I've been scared of. But as an adult I've learned I can finish a hike. I'm good about keeping my pace manageable for me. From weight training, I've discovered that I'm strong and keep good form. Love the feeling of getting stronger each time I lace up my shoes.
So why have running goals? I just want to see if I can do it by following a manageable pace. Trainers have had me interval training before and at a certain point breaking into a run feels natural and necessary. Plus it'll be a great way to train my heart and lungs for altitude.
Motivation for this week
(Image from http://www.fitsugar.com/photo-gallery/21391516/Source-Pinterest/)
This is the thought I need to hold near to me at this time. My competition is only myself from the day prior. The rest doesn't matter. It's a journey and the first steps are to lace up. Oh and medicate with a good cold medicine before heading out the door.
Best of luck to all this week. Good health and think good thoughts!