I started my new year kind of eh.
My hubby worked, and kids and I didn’t do anything special. Since I had just run on New Year’s Eve for the first time in almost 2 weeks, I was sore and decided to skip a day to give my body time to heal. Instead of running, I decided to do 5 sets of 20 of Clean & Press with my Ultimate Sandbag!
Rest days and cross-training with sandbag
I need to take my running “rest” days more seriously and do more cross-training.
I seriously love my sandbag too. It will be a big part of my cross training this year! I may have to set some small goals of adding one new exercise with it each month!
As far as my goals, I forgot to include that I want to run 800 miles this year. That’s a lot of more than last year since I just started, but I think it’s completely doable for me.
Especially with so many half marathons this year (just kidding).
Keeping Track
I’m keeping track of everything in several different places, so I can always see what I’m doing, and it’s in my face at all times. I have one of those write on/wipe off calendar boards in my bathroom that I change every month. I have in parenthesis what I’m supposed to be doing that day, and then I erase it and put what I actually did.
I love having it right there, so I know what I will be doing the next day!
I am also using the Believe Training Journal this year!
So far, I really like it! I think it will help me to go back at the end of the month and really see what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve really been slacking on.
I’m keeping up with my miles on Daily Mile again this year as well.
I love that it syncs with my Garmin!
Single word as a theme for the upcoming year
Jumping to a bit of a different topic…
Browsing throught internet I found an article about a single word that would be on your mind in everything you do.
Idea is explained in that article: “A few years ago I heard about the idea of choosing a word as a theme for the upcoming year instead of a long list of New Year’s resolutions. The word should encompass many other goals and areas of life, but allow more focus by having the single word at the forefront of your mind.”
I’m actually planning on using the same word as was used in that article. So this will be the year of Joy.
I absolutely love this idea of having a one-word “theme” for the year!
You may see this word popping up from time to time in my blog posts.
Monthly goals
This year, I have decided to set some concrete goals for myself.
I usually just generalize my goals (like I’ll work out more, and I’ll blog more) and then I don’t hold myself accountable, and I end up slacking.
In the back of my mind I still catch myself saying “I probably won’t accomplish most of these anyway,” but maybe, just maybe, if I actually write them down and post them here for all to see, I might actually surprise myself! 🙂
I’m going to try to keep up monthly with what goals I have accomplished and what I need to work on.
2018 Goals
1 – Run 2 half-marathons in 2018
When choosing a race, you can pick either a specific distance, trail runs, or a mix of distances!
I chose a specific distance because I don’t want to hurt myself. I do have a goal of 2 half per year, but like I said… I don’t want to hurt myself, and I’m not sure what the hot summer months will hold for me.
I’m hoping to do a few more virtual halfs as well. That way I can do it whenever I am able, and they are usually cheaper lol.
2 – Run at least 3 times a week.
Whether it’s a mile or 10, I need to run.
3- Continue to become faster with my 5K time and my every day running.
I tend to go at a 14 min/mile, and I don’t think that is acceptable to me.
I need to work on my stamina and become faster. I think speed will also come with weight loss.
4 – Workout with my Sandbag at least 3 times a week.
Cross training is essential, but boring to me. I actually like to use my sandbag, but I need to do it more often!
5 – Do a #plankaday. Every day.
This one I will have to make it a weekly goal as well.
6 – Lose 5lb a month.
Yes, this is a bit of a reach, but you never know! 🙂
7 – Eat at least one more veggie every day.
8 – Eat at least one more piece of fruit every day.
I love fruit, so this one should be easy.
9 – Limit sweet tea to one time a week.
I haven’t had a soda since September, but sweet tea has been my weakness.
I will eventually say no to all sweet tea, but I think once a week is attainable for me right now! 🙂
10 – Go to bed earlier.
This is a hard one for me since I have two kids, and after they go to bed, I finally get my “me” time. I end up staying awake until 1 and 2 doing dishes, finishing laundry, or finally being able to just sit in front of the computer and zone out.
These are my 10 goals for 2018!