January 2014 Recap

Stream in my front yard after one of the many snow storms we've had in January

How in heaven's name did it get to be the end of January? Seriously. I can't believe we are heading into February tomorrow. I thought it might be fun to wrap up the month and see how things went.

• I read 19 books. Not bad for one month. :) You can see which ones here.

• I ran 12 miles this month - 4 of them on the treadmill! 

• Lost 2.4 pounds. Way less than my goal this month, putting me 5.6 pounds behind schedule. Doh! It's ok. I'll readjust my goals to accommodate. A slight set back, nothing more.

• Started half marathon training for The Love Run on March 30th in Philly. Am pretty excited about this and for training!

• Started RunSmart online yoga sessions. I'm on week 2 workout 3. Hoping it helps with flexibility and core strength.

• Finally got back to spin class! Looking forward to having that as part of my workouts.

• Sadly, Higgy was diagnosed with cancer this month. He's doing really well considering. At this point, we're just loving on him and spoiling him rotten!

I love his cute pink nose!

•  We've started looking at our budget and finding ways of cutting back a bit. Hubby already found us $40! Come Monday, after a discussion with the cable company, we may be saving about $100 more. Fingers crossed!

• Both hubby and I were sick this month. Ugh. He had the flu and I had a cold. We were a lot of fun for two weeks. LOL!

• I had jury duty for 4 days...and didn't even sit on a jury! In my county, you are responsible to be there a full week. They let us go Thursday. Phew. Glad I don't have to do that again for at least 3 years!

How did your 2014 start? Read any good books? Start training for a big race? Are your New Year's resolutions still going strong?
 
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February 2013 Goals Round Up

Do I have to do this recap? February was an awful, awful month for me. I'm seeing a bunch of people saying the same thing, so I have to say I appreciate knowing I'm not the only one. I do not wish others to have bad months, but knowing that for some reason February 2013 wasn't great for more than me makes me feel better.

Here were the goals written out:

This month I'd at least like to:
* lose 4 pounds
* take beginner spin class

But I'm really hoping to:
* lose 5 pounds
* take 1 spin class a week

And I'd be thrilled if:
* lose 6 pounds
* take 1 spin class a week
* take piyo class

Run 36 miles
Actual: 20 miles

Of those three categories, I made one of those happen - take beginner spin class. I did try to make "take 1 spin class a week" happen, but the second I went to was canceled because the instructor didn't show up. Then I didn't go.

This month is all on me. I know I messed up I know I didn't do what I should have. I know I let the mental aspect of all this win the upper hand. I know I allowed my mind to win out over my goals. I own it. I accept it. I'm not happy about it, but I know I can't blame anyone but myself.

But, not to make this post a complete downer, here are some positives this month:

* Spend the weekend with my good friend celebrating her birthday in Milwaukee
* Hit my goal of running 5 miles under 60 minutes!
* Pooka may have gone paralyzed, but he's doing so much better! He can walk again! I think the walking outweighs the paralysis.

So, it's now March and I need to turn this ship around. I need to make March better than February. And I think I can do it. I have my favorite 5k this month - Kelly St. Pat's 5k in Baltimore. Then we're heading to Virginia Beach for the Shamrock 8k and Half Marathon. I don't see PRs in my future, but I see a good time. And honestly, that's really what is important.

How did February work out for you? Are you happy to see March come?
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First Spin Class

This is not my gym. My gym is not this cool looking.

Last month I wanted to take the beginner spin class at the Y. I'd never taken a spin class before and I have heard it is a good workout in and of itself, but also good at strengthening the legs for running. Since I had no idea what I was doing I chose to attend the intro class just to see what it was all about.

I'm not sure how beginner it was (remember, first class), but we only spend about 5-10 minutes making sure everyone had their bikes set up for their height. Then it was into it. The instructor had us go through various resistance and sit/stand combinations at the change of each song. I liked that. Especially since I knew every song but one. I had a nice feel for how long we would be doing any segment.

I'll be honest. I wasn't sure whether I would like this. Well, really I didn't know if I could do this so I was a bit scared. But, I felt like I kept up well with everyone and did all the "running" the instructor had us do. I don't know if I always had the resistance exactly how he would want it as the knob didn't have any numbers or anything to know when it was set high or low. But, I actually really liked it. I felt strong. I felt in-shape. I felt like I could do this...again.

So, I came back from the class and checked out the schedule to see when I can take another class. I have access to two gyms so I had lots of options. I think I am going to take the Sunday at 11:00 a.m. class. I know I'm going to hurting today (sorry work!) so tonight doesn't sound like a good option. Thursday I have to run. Friday I'll go to the gym, but with my long run on Saturday, I don't want to get myself all sore for that. So, Sunday it is! I might even go back next Tuesday. :) How cool is that?

Have you taken a spinning class? Do you like them? Do you feel they are useful in training?
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