Tag Archives: goal

2013 Running Goal

I’m not a hard-core runner, but I do run and I enjoy it.  I thought it’d be cool to give myself a mileage goal to achieve by the end of the year. So here goes, my 2013 running goal is:

500mi goal image 2

That breaks down to about 10 miles a week, give or take. I’m pretty sure to some this is an easy feat, but to others it’s not. This is a milestone, and I plan to reach it by the end of the 2013. Who’s coming with me?!

Who’s in?!  I’ll post updates here and there on where I’m at with mileage, and just about my running progress in general.

To keep track and stay on-point, I’ve downloaded a couple apps on my phone. I received recommendations from friends and other folks online but I couldn’t decide which one to go with, so I’m starting with two and we’ll see how they work out.  Both apps are free and available for both Android and iPhones. In addition both apps can be used to track and map mileage, set, track and achieve fitness goals and to connect with  friends via the applications with sharing capabilities to social network sites like Facebook and Twitter. So, the apps I got are

Both are very similar and so far there are things I like and dislike about each of them. In my Running Goal Updates you’ll also hear I’m liking/disliking the apps.

Need motivation? A while back I had a blog post with a bunch of running quotes. You can find them HERE.
And my favorite running quote is:

RunningCheaperthanthearapy, Quote, image

Must be Loco

I was easily convinced by a gym buddy to sign up for a mud run called The Toro Loco Challenge.  At first I said no, and when asked again 30 seconds later I said yes. lol.

This will be my first mud run, my first physical challenge, my first competitive type thingy…just got a whole bunch of firsts going on.  So here’s the jist.

This event has two courses

The Raging Bull for Advance Challengers, and The Leisurely Longhorn for Families and Dogs.  Guess which one I’m signed up?!  Oh yes,  The Raging Bull, and I’m not an advanced challenger. I have no idea what I’ve gotten myself into.  I’m getting just a tad bit nervous

I must say two things before I go on.

  • Push Yourself. No one will do it for you.
  • Your mind will take you there.
It’s taken me a while to adopt these philosophies, but I love them, and I believe them to be true. They motivate and inspire me.  Just wanted to share with you….now back to the Toro Loco Challenge!

This event is being held in Eloy, AZ just about an hour south of Phoenix, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. As listed on their website, some of the proceeds go to the Humane Society and quite a few other charities on site that help animals in one way or another including Greyhound Rescue, Ruff Life Rescue, Arms of Angels, and others.
Here’s the course

Alrighty folks. This is in just a few days. I can’t wait to recap it for you.  

Race for the Cure 5K

This morning was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a non-competitive 5K run.  My personal goal was to finish between 30-40 minutes. We ended up crossing the finish line right at 35 minutes. I know I could have finished sooner. There were so many people and families, that first 1/2 mile was more like getting out of peoples’ way (nicely) and just moving with the flow of the large group (moving very slowly).  All all in it was a good run.

Here is Natalie and I  just as we finished and were breaking for water and trying to get signal on our phones.    I think I found my a new event/expo buddy.  I love free stuff! (who doesn’t?) But Natalie was just as excited as I was to finish the race so we can get a swag bag and fill it up with all the sponsored items.

We both got our fix of freebies. Items included fruit, protein bars, flavored water, pens, magnets, a cool fuschia scarf or bandana (not sure..but it’s cool) some yogurt, Jamba Juice, band-aids, etc.  It was fun! Natalie was a great running partner too. We actually have never ran together, but I think we’ll do it again.

All smiles after we filled our bag with schwag.  

I just need to nurse my knee now. I have that oh-so common knee pain, around my patella area. One of the therapists at the gym said I need to strengthen the muscles around my knee. He recommended leg extensions, lunges and squats. I usually feel the knee pain when I do longer runs or when I run on pavement. Today I felt it right as I hit the the 2.5 mile mark. That last 1/2 mile was pretty painful.  Still debating whether or not I’m going to the gym tomorrow. I’ll see how the day goes.  The next race is in 3 weeks, another 5K, then a 10K in 4 weeks. I really need to take care and strengthen my knee. I’ll keep ya posted on if the recommended exercises work.

4 and a half months to go

I’m beginning to get more and more excited about running. I have four and a half months to continue preparing my mind and body for the Half Marathon. That in and of itself is pretty exciting. I’ve never been athletic, or into sports or anything like that. I do go to the gym but I’m not a fanatic. When I first started working out it was because I wanted to lose a few pounds, but over the last two years or so my perspective has changed and I want to feel good & live better. A healthier and more balanced life. Perspective changes everything.

I thought I’d tell you about my progress in general and just kind of let you know where I’m at. I go to the gym a few times a week, I do cardio and strength training, and when I wake up early enough to catch the 6am Tues/Thurs Pilates, I do.  Where I would like to be is running 4-5 times a week, adding about a mile every 10 days . I want to be consistent with Pilates and to continue strength training. Aaaaaaand, I want to continue to implement better eating habits and trying new foods/dishes. I’m writing this things down because I read it good to say your goals out loud or write them down.  That’s all folks.

I want to be a Runner

Benefits of running:

  • It’s great for your health!
  • improves mood
  • lowers stress levels
  • helps to maintain weight, or help with weight-loss
  • you get the euphoric feeling referred to as runners high
  • slows down the aging process
  • improves coordination
I want to be a runner!
A friend recommended a book for effortless, injury free running. It’s called, Chi Running, by Danny Dreyer.  
                                       
I’m on chapter one. This book is about learning proper running technique using mental focus and relaxation. It’s pretty interesting.  I’ll keep you posted on how I’m using the book and incorporating the technique in my regular workout routines. I’m looking forward to sharing my progress with you.