Final February Challenge Check In and A March Challenge

Today marked the 30th day of my February challenge.  So how did it go?
I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
I did not eat ONE SINGLE sweet for 30 days
I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
I did not eat ONE SINGLE chip for 30 days
I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
I did a core fitness workout EVERY SINGLE DAY for 30 days

In the end I am very pleased with my successful challenge.  An added bonus to sticking to my February challenge was losing 5.4 pounds.  I definitely can't argue that!


So what does March have in store for me?  Well, I'm going to take a shot at this challenge!

Who wants to join me this month?


Keep running, you're simply the best, and you isnpire me!!

30 Day Challenge Check-In

If you have been following along you know that back in January I decided to leap into a challenge starting February 1 and ending on March 1 (because there are only 29 days in February this year and I wanted it to be a full 30 days).  Today is the one week mark so I thought I would check-in with my success so far.

I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.
As of February 8, 2012 I have eaten 0 sweets.  When I was making my daughter orange rolls on Sunday morning I almost ate the icing that ended up on my fingers but I caught myself and immediately washed my hands so the tempation was gone.

I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.
As of February 8, 2012 I have eaten 0 potato chips.  Monday at dinner I was a bit challenged because I always eat chips when I have a sandwich for dinner.  I am happy to say that I chose a banana and almonds instead.

I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.
As of February 8, 2012 I have completed my core fitness workout every single day.  I have also continued with my running so I am quite pleased with my success in fitting in the additional workout.  I am looking forward to increasing the number of set and/or repetitions very soon.

I have really enjoyed the challenges so far.  I also like following along with others who have decided to join me in this challenge.  Take some time to visit their blogs, see how they are doing with the challenges, and show them some love.

Deb- my best friend who seriously needs to start a blog!!
Dave
Jenn
Amanda
Anna

If there are others that are participating in the challenge and I have left you out, please let me know so I can add your name and link to your blog.

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

January in Review

My very early, peaceful, and enjoyable 3 mile run in spring-like temperatures on January 31, 2012 brought my January training to a close.  Although it might be more accurate to say those 3 miles brought my January running to a close since I am not technically training for a specific event at the moment but at any rate I give you my final numbers!

January 2012 stats
100.1-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1--  pool workout
106.1-- total miles
156.8--  weight as of January 31, 2012

Current 2012 stats
100.1-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
106.1-- total miles
156.8-- current weight

2012 "to do list" January check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-No work has been done on this.  I need to decide when I want to attempt my sub 1:50 and then follow a training plan to help me do so.
2. Secondary to the goal of a sub-1:50, I would like to attempt to run another marathon PR (sub-4:10:11) with a stretch goal of running a sub-4:00:00
-I have had a few thoughts in regards to when I want to run another marathon.  I am thinking October...no other thoughts about this right now.
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-100.1 miles run in January
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Rock N' Roll Arizona 1/2 Marathon on January 15, 2012 (1:57:43)
2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-2 cross-training/strength workouts done in January...baby steps
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-14 well-balanced meals prepared in January
3. Drink more water
-This remains a struggle for me.  I am not happy with my water intake for January so I need to make a conscious effort to step it up.
4. I promised a certain someone that if they ran a marathon with me I would learn to swim so I intend to make good on that promise this year.
-Aside from looking at the swim lesson schedules a few times in January I haven't made any further progress on this challenge but I intend to.

I am very pleased with my January.  Now I am looking ahead to February and I am very excited to start my February challenge tomorrow.  There's still time to join me in my quest--simply click here to find out the details!

Keep running, you're simply the best, and you inspire me!!

Who's Ready to Leap Into a Challenge?

Considering this year is a leap year I thought it would be fun to create a 30 day challenge for myself and anyone else who would like to join me.

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Now I am fully aware that there are only 29 days in February this year so my plan is to finish the challenge on day 30 even though it will be March 1.

Starting on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 I will start the following 30 day challenges

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I challenge myself to not eat any sweets for 30 days.  Some of my staff has decided to participate in this part of the challenge with me but they have asked for an exemption on Valentine's Day considering there are 29 days in February this year.  I granted them their exemption because they are willing to give it a try and I would say 28 days of no sweets is a good start.  I however will not be granting myself the exemption.

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I challenge myself to not eat any potato chips for 30 days.

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I challenge myself to complete a 30 day fitness program in addition to my February running.  I haven't confirmed which 30 day fitness challenge I am going to go with as of yet.  I am looking into Jillian Michael's 30 day shred and a few other things.  I will make the decision prior to Feburary 1 so that I will have everything I need to complete the challenge.

They say it takes 21 days to create a habit, just imagine what 30 days could do!  I plan to do post on my progress with these challenges so stay tuned!

Okay, so who's with me?  Who wants to leap into a challenge with both feet?