Race Schedule and Results

Thursday, January 31, 2013

My January Goal


I'm not a big resolution maker.  I know myself enough and won't stick with them.  It's just kind of how it is.  And really, I try to live every day with a healthy life in mind so resolutions dealing with health and fitness are kind of dumb.  Yes, I could be nicer to people, or more patient, etc, but I think that I should always be working on it, not just starting January 1st each year!

So when the end of the year rolled around and everyone was making their resolutions for 2013, I thought about my year ahead.  What a year it'll be!  I decided to just take it one month at a time and make a goal.  Just one goal that I could stick with. So for January, I set out with the goal of doing something active every day.  Sounds easy enough, right?  But, keep in mind that I'm now 22 weeks pregnant and let's face it, there are days when sitting my big butt on the couch and watching the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (don't judge) just sounds better.  I'm happy with my results... I had probably one of the most active months that I've had in a long time.

This past month, my bike trainer and I became friends again.  We're not BFF's or anything yet, but we're getting there.  Relationships take time.  I did have to move from my bike shorts to my hubby's a larger pair (and I found that I LOVE LOVE LOVE bib shorts when I'm pregnant... not waist band digging into my big bump as I ride).  I'm still on my tri bike, but I'm not riding aero.  The belly is too big.  And I don't have my magnet on my back wheel - I figure why frustrate myself with my pace.  I take breaks to stretch, give my whooha a rest and to stay hydrated.  This month I hit the bike trainer 12 days for an average of just over 1 hour each time.  My longest ride was only 1:20, but I'm good with that.

Running has become more of a struggle.  I'm getting bigger.  My belly is growing and things are just uncomfortable when I run.  Last week I had a huge breakdown.  Tom and I had gone for a 5 mile run and about 15 minutes into it I had to pee (super common).  Luckily we were on the greenway and right at the 1.5 mile point there is a sports complex with potties.  I stopped, did my business and thanked the front desk person who replied with "enjoy your walk".  Ugh... really?  The first 15 minutes had been a struggle for me as it was, but I was running and I didn't want to turn to walking.  I left the building, walked towards Tom and proceeded to sob.  I wasn't a walker.  I was a runner.  I wanted to run.  But that day, running was H.A.R.D.  As I calmed myself and said that I would try again, I got a searing pain in my left butt cheek that left me in tears again.  Was this the end of my running?  I proceeded to walk for an hour and call it a day.  I was defeated.  But, three days later I gave it another go and although it was slower than ever, I made it through a 45 minute run.  At this point, I haven't resorted for a run/walk program yet (except for maybe up a hill or two when I feel my heart rate spike), but I think it's coming soon.  I'm happy to just be trucking along!  I did buy a pregnancy belt to hold up the baby and it's helped my round ligament pain a lot.  I'm going to give it a lot of work this weekend hopefully when I'm in Ohio and on the treadmill (it's supposed to be a high of like 22 and this momma doesn't have enough warm weather running clothes that fit so the treadmill it is).  I digress... I ended up running 9 times this month (with a possible 10th today) and my longest run was 7.2 miles.

And the rest of the time I've been walking, which honestly wears me out more than anything around here.  It's hilly.  I've talked about that before.  When we run, we tend to hit the greenway so that it's somewhat flatter, but when I walk, I embrace the hills.  I'm usually huffing and puffing by the time I'm done.  It's a great workout and if need be, I'm going to incorporate it more as the pregnancy progresses.  It definitely isn't a little stroll in the park.  I walked 12 days this month and my longest was for over 1:20!  Tom usually comes with me (as does Charlie) and he and I have the absolute best conversations - be it about our little girl, our past, our present, our future, work, racing, training, etc.  I love those times with him so much.

So overall, I did a darn good job in January.  You can see I even doubled up some days if you could up how many workouts I did. :)  Now if only my weight wouldn't keep piling on... oye ve... that's for another post in itself.  I'm healthy.  I'm pregnant.  I get it. No need to remind me of that!!!

So for February - I'm going to keep up this goal (because you know, after doing something for 21 days, it becomes a habit and I like this habit), but I'm going to set a new goal.  Tom and I are going to go out to eat once a week.  We tend to grab a lot of convenience food when we are out and about and I'm limiting that for the next 28 days.  This should help our budget, and help me get the food I need.

How was your January?  Did you hit your goals or resolutions?

16 comments:

Kacie Darden said...

I like this one month at a time thing! Well done girl!

Big Daddy Diesel said...

I gave up resolutions and started making yearly mission statements for myself, I like it alot better

Yep, it is freezing here again, will be in the 20's for a week or so, typical Feb in Ohio, The weather has been weird, we got 5 inches of snow, then it went into the 60's for 2 days, melted everyhing, now it is freezing again.

If you start getting a little bored on the trainer, if you dont have them already, Sufferfest videos are my new favorite goto workouts on the trainer, love the race footage, the new ones have TdF footage. And you get to drop the likes of Lance and Cantador.

adena said...

Oh you're killing me. You are being active everyday while pregnant and I'm struggling? Ok rockstar (that I love so much), I'm on for February. I'm going to do something active every day. Carole keeps me busy 5-6 days a week but there is no reason I can't go for a walk, do yoga on my off days. Thanks for the inspiration and always having my back. Can not wait to meet you in person!!

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Way to keep up the fitness! I have to admit, I am now picturing you at 40 weeks wearing bib shorts on your trainer. It's gonna be awesome!

Kristin Deaton said...

You are one impressive mamma to be! Great way to break the goals down. I'm super impressed with you keeping going when it's so easy to just stay stationary. Well it is for me and I'm not even pregnant!!! Kudos to you Colleen!!! Have fun in Ohio

Heather-O said...

Alright, Kevin and Jennie posted their family bump picture....where is yours?!?!?!?!?

Keep up the great work and if you have time in Ohio we would love to do dinner!!!!

Carolina John said...

Wow still knocking down 5 milers? that's impressive! Enjoy the trainer time. It's boring but so much safer.

Unknown said...

Pregnancy running is humbling for sure. My running wasn't great before and this just makes me feel like I have gone backwards. The RLP is a just that a pain. I need to look into a belt if I am going to keep running. I am already planning my return.

Unknown said...

you are doing great!!! Remember this time is just about staying active!! Its tough when you are an athlete but remember your body is changing and listen to it! :)

Steve said...

Good job on January Colleen. Being preggo has go to be hard.

I think I am usually pretty active. I had some goals to walk Hope every day, and I fail, but doing okay'ish. I think I am typically active "most" days, but I haven't been keeping track really.

Have a good evening. :)

Matthew Smith said...

You look great, Colleen! That baby bump is just awesome, and all that working out you've been doing is really amazing! I don't have a clue what it's like to be frustrated because of a little human living inside of you, but it's great that you've got such a great guy that can keep you encouraged and motivated. You guys are the best!

Kim said...

Um friend, i want to see an updated col preggos picture! Keep on doing what makes you feel good. I miss you friend.

TriMOEngr said...

I remember how exhausting being pg is (even if it has been nine years) and I'm super impressed. I walked a fair bit with my 2nd pg. Great way to tackle goals - one by one and little by little.

Anonymous said...

Great job with staying active! I empathize with wanting to keep running. It's getting so hard, and now I've been getting lower ab cramps. I'll have to try a belt too if you think it helps. Keep up the good attitude!

MissFancyPants said...

You are my inspiration!! I just embarked on 2nd tri and hoping I get that surge of energy again! Great job.

Anne-Marie said...

I'm like you -- I've never been a fan of New Years Resolutions. I like the idea of monthly goals, seems so much more manageable!

It's great you are staying active while pregnant... just enjoy the exercise and don't worry about speed/distance etc... just do what feels right to YOU! :)