March in Review

As March comes to a close, I am once again grateful for the very mild winter we have had in Ohio this year.  It makes for pleasant running conditions!

March 2012 stats
73.1-- running miles
0-- bike miles
0-- pool workout
27-- core fitness workouts
73.1-- total miles
151.8-- weight as of March 31, 2012 (an increase of .4 but I certainly can't complain about that since I added sweets and chips back into my diet)

Current 2012 stats
258.3-- running miles
6-- bike miles
1-- pool workout
56-- core fitness workouts
264.3-- total miles
151.4-- current weight

2012 "to do list" March check-in
2012 Running Goals
1. My number one running goal is to run a sub-1:50 half marathon
-I am considering attempting my sub-1:50 at my April or May half marathon
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 haven't really thought too much about this one lately
2012 Mini Running Challenges
1. Run 100 miles per month
-73.1 miles run in March- I fell short again this month but a nagging hamstring and foot influenced my decision to take additional rest days and I'm happy to report that both the hamstring and foot are feeling better.
2. Run a half marathon each month
-Rock CF Rivers 1/2 Marathon (1:53:15)
2012 Non-Running Mini Challenges
1. Increase the amount of cross-training/strength training I do on a monthly basis
-27 core workouts done in March
2. Focus on choosing and cooking healthier foods
-15 well-balanced meals prepared in March
3. Drink more water
-I further increased my water intake for March so I am moving in the right direction here
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.
-I looked at the swim lesson information again and am trying to figure out when I can take lessons.

March was a decent month with lots of amazing running weather!  I am excited to see how April goes since I have finally created a plan to work towards that sub 1:50 1/2 marathon goal!  Next stop for the 1/2 marathon in all 50 states is Louisville, Kentucky at the end of the month!  I'm definitely looking forward to another trip with Deb and Nikki!  Should we take our Derby hats?  LOL!

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