So, almost one week into 2013 and I finally made it out for a walk this morning. Definitely not starting off the year or my fitness goals with a bang. Though the walk did feel good. It was very cold, much colder than you’d expect for the California desert. Alan and I walked 3.5 miles with Penny and Buddy, after a much slower 1.2 mile walk with the pack. I was happy just to be out, and hope that I’ll be back to running in a couple days.
This is Penny’s “why aren’t we running?” posture.
Pretty and COLD this morning!
So, I’ve hinted at a few of my fitness goals in my last few posts, and talked about a few things that are getting me motivated, including my Polar heart rate monitor, my EatSmart Body Fat Scale, and my Runmeter GPS Stopwatch App. Now to finally put it all together into sensible, achievable goals and intentions for 2013.
Fitness Goal #1
My number one goal for this year is to get back into fighting shape, so to speak. No, I’m not going to be a boxer. Just a figurative term for training seriously for a race, probably a half marathon. Last year I ran two half marathons, and maybe a couple of 5ks, but aside from putting in some mileage, I didn’t really train. In fact, it has been several years since I’ve done any kind of training to make me run faster. So, using my motivator #1, my Polar hrm as my guide and my Runmeter App as my planner and log, I will:
- Pick a race that I want to train for (possibly La Jolla Half Marathon).
- Create a training plan that will include both endurance, speed, and stamina
- Share the plan here.
- Follow the plan
- Log my workouts and share here
- Complete the race
- Do it again
I’m excited that I have Alan on board to train with me some of the time. His training is different, of course, because he trains for triathlon, but we can do our running intervals and distance together. This is huge for my motivation because back when I was running marathons and training hard Alan and I always trained together. We’ve done countless long runs together, though he usually would run his own race at marathons (except special ones like my first and, of course, Paris). We’ve also done many an early interval workout, in the dark usually, at the high school track.
Fitness Goal #2
I want to continue my yoga journey (I like the way that sounds). I was pretty consistent in 2012, with only a lapse or two here and there, until cross country season, then the holidays. Of course the problem with that is that those things encompass about 25% of the year. I’m going to keep my intentions pretty simple. Twice a week minimum, at least once at the studio. Giving yoga rules doesn’t feel right, but I need to have a plan so that I can stick to it.
Fitness Goal #3
Oh, the Gym. In spite of my career, I have a love/hate relationship with working out at the gym. I love the results, I even love working out hard. It’s just that getting there is impossible challenging. So much to interfere (like that running, yoga, job, cooking, blogging, life thing). Because of that, my scheduled gym times tend to be at a time of day when my energy is at a low ebb, and it is very easy to be dissuaded. I am again going to recruit my husband, who also needs wants to get back to the gym, as my workout partner. Nothing like a workout buddy to keep you on track and in line. The plan calls for twice a week workouts, with the emphasis on upper body (my classes really don’t count for upper body workouts because I don’t use heavy enough weights. Squats and lunges, though, are squats and lunges, so therefore they count).
And Finally
When I first received my EatHealthy Body Fat Scale and tried it out, I was somewhat shocked with the result. Yes, it was the holidays, but I honestly didn’t think that I had been overeating. In fact, since my gluten-free experiment, when I basically cut out my favorite treats like vegan cookies and ice cream sandwiches, I have not started eating them again. I don’t eat junk food, rarely eat sweets, so yes, I was surprised that the scale showed about five more pounds than I expected. Then, after a week of careful eating, not to mention the nausea and fasting from my sick days, I weighed in this morning still several pounds over my pre-holiday weight.
This time, instead of panicking, I pulled out my old scale, an older model Tanita body fat scale, and weighed myself. Um, back to where I want to be (well, close)! Which explains why I didn’t notice a difference in they way my clothes feel. Now, as to what scale is correct…I think I need a third opinion. I know which one I’m rooting for.
What’s Not Here
You may wonder why getting back to cycling is not on my goals list. Well, it kinda/sorta is. I’d like to ride my bike more, but it is not a huge priority for me right now. I’d like to occasionally go out for a ride, but I don’t feel an urge to train to ride another century. At least not right now. As the year progresses, who can tell? I will put a note on my calendar to check back on this post from time to time, just to remind myself of where I planned to go at the beginning of the year. To help me be where I want to be at the end of the year.
Do you make resolutions, goals, or intentions for the upcoming year? If you do, would like like to share?
Oh! I love the first one. I always say I want to be “strong” but that is an even BETTER way to put it–fighting shape. Sounds so intense; LOVE IT!!! xoxo
Kacie @ Savvy Sassy Me recently posted..Banana Almond Split Smoothie
Thanks. That’s how I think of it. It motivates me.
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Good luck on achieving your goals! While I absolutely love yoga, I find that it gets put on the back burner far too often when my schedule gets crazy. I’ve found that even a few sun salutations a day helps. Nothing fancy but I feel better.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..5 By the 5th Virtual Race Recap
So true about yoga. Running is easy for me because I get it done first thing in the morning. Yoga happens later, so it’s easy for life to interfere.
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
good luck with your goals! i want to get more into yoga too!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..The Final Push
Thank you. I find the benefits of yoga extend way beyond the physical.
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
I like setting fitness goals to keep me motivated. Good luck!
AmyC recently posted..TrainingTruths: Fun Challenges
I’m hoping it will do the same for me
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Im kinda goalfree this year….which makes me totally available to CHEER YOU ON
xo
Miz recently posted..Our bookstore workout.
Awesome! I can use all the applause I can get!
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Great goals for sure! You should join in our instagram challenge around 2013 goals!
Kat recently posted..Are you ready for #goalgetter2013?!
Good idea. I’ll check it out!
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Great goals! I can relate to number 3, can’t stand getting to the gym, I’m fine and happy when my foot is in the door. Cheer’s a 2013!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Looking Back and Looking Forward… The Art of Transition
Thanks. I can find so many excuses NOT to go!
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Great goals — sounds like you’re setting yourself up for success. Good luck!
Felice @ The Happy Runner recently posted..2012 by the numbers.
I certainly hope so. Now if I can just get healthy enough to go after them!
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Good luck with your goals!
Yoga has been on my list for quite some time…….I do plan on going back to my practice…I know I will.
Kierston recently posted..Little Things Monday #4: Finding Happiness in the Little Things!
I love yoga. I feel so fit when I do it regularly, plus it has so many mental benefits.
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Debbie, I’m cheering for you. Getting into training again sounds difficult and rewarding. There’s a lot here – which means I get to read up on all the things you get to do!
Kate recently posted..Get those goals
Thanks, Kate. I’m looking forward to reading about your marathon training too. You know I’ll have advice (whether you ask or not!
).
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
Love your goals. I have some things that I want to focus on this year – get back into running and run another half, focus on yoga and get back into surfing shape. They all kind of work together which is a good thing
Cheers to a happy and healthy 2013!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..2013: Things that will stay the same
Hmm, with the exception of the surfing thing it sounds like our goals are similar. I’m sure that you will achieve all that you set your mind to. Happy new year.
Debbie recently posted..Finally! 2013 Fitness Goals
i hear ya with the “fighting shape” i felt my best while training for my first half, but then I slacked off after I finished. So easy to do!! your goals are amazing and I’m sure you will rock them all!
fizzgig recently posted..New Year, New Goals!!…