February Recap + March Goals

Wow, how is it practically mid-March already? Hopefully this means the worst of winter is behind us (although we do have a big storm coming this week) and the weather will be getting warmer (but not too warm before Boston!)  Here's how the last few weeks have gone for me.

Boston Training Update

February started out well, and then the second half of the month turned into a big fat bust.  My first two weeks were right on track - I hit 38 miles and then 40 miles respectively - and then last two weeks were pretty non-existent.  First I caught a cold (first full week on a new job, too!) and then the second week I had some terrible, terrible fatigue issues, which despite my best stubborn efforts, I just could not run through. I think I might have logged like 15 miles between the two weeks! Thankfully I was able to get back on track last week, and was able to complete all my runs, including a 18 mile long run, for a total of 44 miles.   The miles were slow, but I was happy to at least be able to get out there and run. I'm bummed about missing two weeks of training, but it is what it is, and I am going to just move forward to make the best of the next 6 weeks left of training!

One of the nights I was actually able to get outside and run!

February Goals Recap

Ehh - these did not go so great between being sick and starting the job, but at least it was a good measuring stick of what I can reasonably hope to accomplish in a month, right?

Make sure to get in one quality workout a week.  800 repeats, hill repeats, tempo runs - I hate all the hard workouts. But if you want to run faster, you gotta run faster right? My plan has these written in, so I just gotta stick with them, and not make excuses for myself.
C - I got in two weeks worth of speed workouts before I got sick, and then I could hardly run at all. Since I couldn't really help being sick, I don't want to be too harsh on myself. I will have to pick it up now that I am feeling better!

Start strength training.  I had some restrictions on this one post-op from the doctor, but I expect to be cleared on my 3 week checkout on Monday.  Once that is over with, no more excuses.  I gotta fit it in, starting with twice a week.
F - First I used the new job as an excuse, and then I got sick, so yes, no strength training for me.

Swim once a week.  Again, this is pending clearance from doctor on Monday, but I don't expect this one to be an issue, either.  Swimming is my weakest sport in triathlon, and if I don't keep up with it over the winter, I may drown next tri season.

F- - Hah, not only did I not swim, but I'm not even a member of a gym! I am in a bit of a new transition with the new job, and potentially moving this summer - but I do need to figure out a short term solution.

Drop 2-3 lbs.  I don't have a ton of weight to lose, but I would feel better (and likely run better!) if I get closer to my race weight.  Time to start chipping away at it.

D - I at least lost a lb, so it's better than nothing, but here's to better efforts next month

March Goals

Keeping an eye on the prize - Boston!

 

March is peak mileage time for Boston - and even more critical for me more than ever, since I lost so much time in February.  With that in mind, I really want to focus on putting my best foot forward the next few weeks and put myself in the best possible position to succeed in Boston, and not try to overload myself with too much "new" cross training until after the heavy miles calm down.

Make sure to get in one quality workout a week.  I may have to adjust the workouts in my plan since I missed a decent chunk, but I do want to make sure to try and pick up the speed - without putting myself into major fatigue again.

Make better food choices.  I don't want to get too caught up in the scale and end up depleting myself, but I do want to focus on make the right choices to fuel my runs better.  Less wine, more veggies!

Take some time for myself. I have a lot on my plate this month between marathon training, a new job, some exciting partnerships ahead (more on that coming soon!) house shopping, and lots of family obligations.  But if I don't carve out some time for myself to relax, I will fall apart at the seams.

Find a place to swim.  Right now I am in between gyms, but I need to find at least a place to swim, since it will be months until I get back into the open water again.

How is your year going so far? I'm a bit off topic for this week, but I'm linking up with the lovely ladies on Tuesdays on The Run