Goals 1, 2, 3

I've been thinking a lot about my goals lately. I have enjoyed some time doing whatever I want, but it's time for a new goal. I always do better when I am training for something.

Goal #1
My main goal is to improve at TKD. I enjoy it more than any other workouts (except lifting), and I want to do well at the tournaments this year. The first one isn't until March, but I want to be in much better shape by then. I'm trying to work on the areas that need the most improvement and have also started working on my break. I've got a plan, and I'm going to push myself.

Goal #2
Am I completely crazy? Lately, I've been considering something I wasn't sure I would ever do again. I've decided to do another marathon. It seems a little insane. I haven't been running a lot, and I haven't done anything over four miles. But, I found a marathon I really want to do. It's a year away - plenty of time to build a base and train.

The thing is, I have never trained properly for a distance run. Knowing what I know now, I'm kind of amazed I even completed my first marathon. I like the idea of training properly and seeing what I am capable of. I'll be interested to see how it compares to my first one. My daughter asked me what my goal was for the marathon. She was asking about speed/time, but I told her my goals are different. I want to train for it the right way and finish the race. I also want to continue running when it's over. The last one was so emotionally crushing that I stopped running for a long time. A short run within two weeks of completing my marathon would be a major success.

I jumped into the last marathon without thinking about it beforehand. This time, I gave it a lot of consideration. It's a major time commitment that affects more than just me, so I discussed it with my family. The kids support me 100%. They're excited about it and have been asking a lot of questions. Andy thinks I'm crazy and reminded me about my last race experience. He was concerned it would be the same as last time. I was considering the same race as last time when I first brought it up, and he didn't think it was a good idea. He was much more supportive when I told him about the one I found. It has a longer cut-off time and is in one of our favorite areas of Maine. He's officially on board and very supportive. I'm so glad because I really couldn't do it without his support.

Goal #3
This one is a short-term goal. My fabulously awesome friend, Tracy, is starting a new six-week boot camp, and I think I need to sign up. I've been struggling with getting up early and getting in a workout. I've been struggling with cardio. This would be a perfect jump start to marathon training. I'm nervous because I've been getting really dizzy whenever I start to exercise, but I'm going to go and see what I can do. Her training style would be beneficial to both goal 1 & 2. I start on Wednesday. Fingers crossed that it goes well.

I Am So Lucky

I am so lucky. My ankle is healing quickly. Certain movements still make it twinge, but it's holding up well. I've been testing it. Coming back from an injury always makes me nervous. With the run, it was the first few steps that worried me. Once I'd run a little, I relaxed and really enjoyed it.

On Monday I decided to try hiking. We did a short, easy hike that was new to us. Family hikes are one of my absolute favorite things. We had so much fun. The kids have been finding new places to practice TKD, and the wide trail and a gigantic boulder were perfect. The Artist practiced Do San on the big rock, and the Bean practiced her bo staff pattern with a long stick.

It was a nice, easy hike. The weather was perfect. It was two miles out and back. My ankle held up until we were on our way down. It didn't give out, but it ached. I had to go slow and focus on stepping lightly. It hurt for a little while after we were done, but it didn't swell any more and felt better after about an hour. I was worried it would hurt the next morning, but it was fine.

Did I mention how lucky I am?

Yesterday, I didn't feel great, so I rested. My legs were a little sore from the hike, but it was not too bad. I didn't miss many workouts, but on the days when I couldn't walk at all, I was convinced that I was losing strength. The mind is always the biggest obstacle.

This morning, Moon Dog and I went for our usual walk. I also got in a strength workout. It was unnerving. I haven't lifted anything heavy since I hurt myself. I dropped the weight down a little bit, and I did a shorter workout. The first rep was terrifying. After my ankle held, I had an awesome workout.

Thursday's Workout

Squats  135#  6 reps x 2
Push-ups level 3  15 reps x 2
Won Hyo x 4

Plie squats  135#  6 reps  x 2
Push-ups level 2  15 reps x 2
Won Hyo x 4  (*felt a twinge in my ankle and decided to shorten my workout)

Dead lifts  115#  5 reps x 2
Modified one-arm push-ups level 1  8 reps/side x 2
Chon Gi, Dan Gun, Do San, & Won Hyo  x 2


I've set a new goal. It's simple but will also take consistent effort to achieve it. Perfect for my super busy life. The big, final goal is to be able to do a full one-armed push-up on the floor (both sides). I am breaking this into smaller goals. The first is to be able to do a full rep on level one*. I plan to achieve this by doing daily reps (as far down as I can go). After I achieve that, I will move on to level 2, level 3, and finally the floor.

*When I worked with a trainer, she had me do push-ups on various levels using the bar that holds up the back of the bench. My bench at home has three levels. Level one is the highest setting - the easiest one to do push-ups on. Level three is almost floor level. It's still one of my absolute favorite exercises. My favorite thing to do is max. reps at each level 1, 2, 3, 2, 1. Nothing feels the way my arms do after that.

This workout was one of the last tests for my ankle. I'm feeling a lot more confident. TKD will be the last test, but I think it will be okay. I'm going to be really careful about any twisting motions, but it should be fine. I'm so excited to get back to regular training. I need that daily dose of endorphins. I'm ready to get my strength back.

Sore Legs and Baby Steps

I've spent the weekend trying to recover from theatre camp. It is amazing how exhausting it can be to spend 16 hours on your feet. My legs are really sore and just heavy and tired.

But, the show must go on. I spent a couple hours teaching choreography to actors today. I love doing choreography, but I have to admit, I was dragging by the end. This came after a run/walk at 5:30am and a walk with the Moon Dog. I'm just exhausted. Add to that an hour of pool time with the kiddos, which trust me, is a workout. I'm done.

I'm trying really hard to stay positive. When I'm tired and sore, I get cranky. I forget how much I have to be grateful for. I'm really trying to acknowledge my feelings and the reasons behind them, and I am trying to stay positive and appreciate all the good in my life. It definitely outweighs the not-so-good.

This week should be a little less hectic. It's followed by several extremely hectic weeks, but I'm not going to think about that, yet. One week at a time. One day at a time. Baby steps.

Catching Up

It's been quite a while since I posted. Life has been busy. Mostly fun stuff. Dairy Days and the end of the school year. I haven't had a lot of time to write, but I have been getting regular exercise. I'm trying to make it a priority and started planning my workouts a week in advance. This is how I work best. I like having a plan and knowing what is coming, but I also keep it flexible in case something comes up.

My legs took a long time to recover from the half. I didn't rest after it was over. I took one day off and then hiked 5 miles. I followed that with weights and a ton of walking. I ran 5 miles on Sunday.

The run felt good. It was much cooler than it had been during the half, and I actually ran most of it. My goal was to take less walking breaks, and I was surprised at how much further I could go. I definitely want to continue running and try to work on consistency, so this run was important. I did not want to take a lot of time off from running after the race. That's my usual m.o., and it leads to a very long break from running. I didn't want that to happen this time, and I told myself that I could only take a week off from running - not a day longer. I'm really working on setting small, attainable goals.

On Monday I went on a school trip with my kids to the Shelburne Museum. We did a crazy amount of walking. Tuesday was the first day of summer TKD. I have to admit that I struggled during class. My day had been really hectic, and my legs were really tired and sore. We were working on rolls, which is something that makes me really uncomfortable. It was a difficult class.

Wednesday was scheduled from the moment I got up until the time I went to bed. It was an exhausting day, and I had no time to exercise. I felt fine about taking a day off. I ate healthfully, and my legs definitely appreciated it.

Yesterday was the best. The Artist wanted me to train him. I gave him a few exercises and let him choose the rest. We worked on good form, and he lifted some 3 pound weights. He also threw in some TKD practice. It was a lot of fun, and it motivated me to lift. I went a little heavier and did pairs of exercises. I hit all of the major muscle groups. It was a great full-body workout, and I am feeling it today.

This morning started with a walk with the Moon Dog and the Artist. It was a nice, cool morning, and the Artist picked some wildflowers. It was a perfect start to the day. He wants to work out with me again, so I am hoping to get in a TKD HIIT workout today.

Next S.M.A.R.T. goal - blog more

Daily Goals Met

The weather today is gorgeous and spring-like. I had to go for a run. I squeezed it in after dropping the kids off at school. I got in almost 3 miles and felt great when it was over.

It didn't start out well. My shins and calves were burning, and my muscles felt tired and heavy. But, I had a new audio book on my iPod, and the weather was too perfect. I kept going. Eventually, my muscles loosened up, and the second half of my run felt great.

I'm doing well with my daily goals. I meditated this morning. I got in a run. I'm hoping to fit in some TKD practice later. I've got a little time to write, and I'm on track with my eating. I love the days when I can meet all my goals.

Night time is when I struggle with overeating. I'm tired and can finally relax. I always want something sweet. This time of year is difficult because Cadbury mini eggs are my nemesis. I can't stop eating them. Tonight I am focused on not overeating. I'm going to find a healthier way to handle my sweet cravings. Good thing strawberries are on sale. Sweet, healthy, and delicious!