I know that I am notorious for making goals and not sticking to them so I have decided to set my sights a little bit lower and build from there. Therefore, I only have one goal for the month of November. I plan on posting small weekly goals as well but they will be easier for me to stay accountable for if they are limited to a week. Every Sunday I want to recap the prior weeks’ goals and discuss how my November goal is going.

Although I only plan on following through with 1 main monthly goal, I have a lot of things planned to get me back into the groove of running and training. As you probably can tell, I have been busy with work and transitioning to a new job & because of that, running/fitness has gone by the wayside.

I need to get back to it! To do this, I have brainstormed 5 ways to motivate and persuade me (or you!) to re-spark a fitness routine.

5 Ways to Re-spark Your Fitness Routine

1. Sign up for something fun!
Ideas: A relay with friends, mud run, theme 5k, dance class, color run, dog run, etc.
How I’m going to follow through: I actually just went crazy and signed up for THREE fun races!!

A Thanksgiving Day 5 miler near my parent’s house. I love turkey trots and need to figure what festive outfit I can wear!

New York City Ekiden relay in Central Park with BLC, Megan and another one of my Sweat Pink Sisters, Kasandra!! I’m so excited to run another relay with BLC & Megan…& this one doesn’t include sleeping in a freezing cold van so that makes it even better!! Love relays!!

Hot Chocolate 10k! I’ve read a lot about this race but mainly the one in San Diego. It sounds fun & different so I’m excited!

2. Enroll a friend, spouse or family member.
How I’m going to follow through: Obviously I will be running the relay with BLC and friends plus I have a run date to plan with Angela

3. Expand your fitness world.
Ideas: Try something new!! MMA, Crossfit, Zumba, spin, Pure Barre, hot yoga – anything that you haven’t done before but are intrigued by. You never know, you might find something you love!!
How I’m going to follow through: BLC actually just bought me an awesome deal for 20 classes for $20. I have checked out the classes offered and most of them will be new for me! I’ll be sure to give you some reviews!

4. Create a realistic plan along with mini goals to reach your ultimate goal.
Idea: To keep yourself motivated, figure out your ultimate goal and then smaller, progressive goals that will help you reach that ultimate goal. That bigger goal won’t seem as overwhelming when you concentrate on each smaller goal, one at a time. Also, be sure to be realistic! I always have lofty goals and then I am super disappointed when I don’t reach them. You can always upgrade your goal!
How I’m going to follow through: Coming soon.

5. Reward yourself!
Idea: After sticking to your plan for a month, treat yourself to new running tights, manicure, massage, etc.
How I’m going to follow through: After meeting my November goal, I am going to get myself a new piece of winter running gear (I’m thinking running gloves but we shall see!).

I’ve got my eye on these!

And now for my one and only November goal:

RUN AT LEAST 3X A WEEK

Not a lofty goal in the least but with the past few weeks of no running at all, it will be progress. I will update you next Sunday

How do you motivate yourself?

Is anyone else really excited that summer is almost over? No? Just me?

I feel like all I have been doing this summer is running around, vacationing (not a bad thing, I know), being really hot & dehydrated on my runs and sweating wherever I go. I have also neglected my training like whoa. Something about running in the 100 degree 80% humidity hasn’t appealed to me. Go figure.

Yuck. (yes – I always feel better after the run but getting out there has been tough)

Also, with all the vacationing, I have become gluttonous. Like, all health out the window because I’m on “vacation”. Indulging a little = no biggie but eating like crap for 3 months is not okay.

But on the bright side, fall is upon us!

Guess what’s on the other side of that double rainbow?!

FALL!!

Fall means:

Starbucks Pumpkin Lattes

Jeans & a long sleeved shirt

Playing with my new little niece, Kira

Reach the Beach Relay with my new best running friends!

Halloween

Cool breezed runs at the track

Hot oatmeal every morning

FOOTBALL!!

Colorful leaves (I’ve missed the changing leaves for the past 5 years while I was living in San Diego so I am even more excited this year)

All my fall tv shows coming back on

Tailgating

I could probably go on forever. I love the fall. I even found this on Pinterest & vow to do it all before Christmas…

(from my Pinterest board – follow me!)

But besides all of the fun stuff, I do have some September goals (although I kinda bombed out on my August goals…oopsy).

September Goals:

1. Stop being lazy & RUN! I know the cooler weather will help with this one.

2. Start cross training (BLC & I got a living social deal to NYSC so I really want to consistently take some classes & weight train)

3. Get back into my healthy eating routine. (more veggies, less takeout/processed food, more water, maybe a juice a day?)

4. Plank a day! (last month this was one of my goals – I probably managed 10/31 days. Impressive, I know)

5. Try to do 30 minutes of yoga at least once a week.

6. Complete the fall checklist above!

I know, I know – I’m the worst at goals but hopefully this month my excitement for fall will help me to accomplish at least a few of them

BTW – BLC & I are finally heading back to the east coast after our awesome trip to visit family in SoCal. It was great to see everyone but we are excited to get home after 10 long days…& of course, see our little Freckle monster!

I’ve missed her sooo much!!

What is your favorite thing about Fall?!

Yesterday was my second mile trial. My first mile trial was two weeks ago to start off my Reach the Beach training.

Last week I ran my mile in 8:33.

Yesterday I ran my mile in 7:40. (!!)

Now that I gave it away, see ya guys later. Or maybe you’ll read the rest of this post, anyway…pwetty pwease

So as you know, I’m in Southern California this week so we couldn’t run at our normal track so we did the next best thing…

I found another track! Woot woot! I love the track!

We ended up finding a track at the Claremont Colleges (Pomona to be specific) & it was blue.

It was empty but glorious.

Why am I obsessed? (w BLC & the track, of course)

It also didn’t hurt that there were mountains in the distance. Really beautiful.

But back to my mile…

I ran a warmup mile @ 11:30.

Then I started my mile…

First 400m in 2:01

Second 400m in 2:01

Third 400m in 2:05 (fell off a bit..but just wait…)

Fourth and final 400m in 1:32! Bam! Way to finish it off, right?! I know, I know – I’m super fast.

I was pretty pumped if you couldn’t tell. Then I ran a cool down mile in about 11:00 minutes.

So that’s a 50 second improvement in 2 weeks. I’ll take it.

Back to reality – I woke up this morning & had an eye doctor appointment. I had been having some trouble with seeing while I was driving at night so I wanted to get it checked out & order some new contacts…

Turns out I had two left contacts in for the past 2 months. I is smart.

After my embarrassing eye doctor appointment, I met up with a friend from law school & hit up the only vegan restaurant in all of the Inland Empire (just kidding, I have no idea if that is true or not).

I got an organic kale salad with apples, avocado & tahini dressing. It was delicious! I’m gonna have to recreate that sucker soon.

Then I got a delicious iced coffee from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf,

Hazelnut Latte – hit the spot.

Once I got back to my MIL’s house, I was full of caffeinated energy so I changed into running clothes & headed out for a run.

Probably not my best idea ever.

I ended up running past a cemetery (which is actually a good thing because I’m pretty sure my second leg during the relay is next to a cemetery…at night. Eek.).

When I passed by the mortuary, I noticed the temperature screen & realized why this run was a bit more difficult than usual (I just thought it was because my legs were tired from my speedy mile).

97 degrees. Dang. & it was pretty sunny.

Warning: graphic proof of the heat below

Yea…that is sweat. Sick.

I was red-faced, dehydrated & sweaty so of course I grabbed a chocolate Zico. I don’t really loooove coconut water but I loooove chocolate coconut water!

Finally, after I had cooled down a bit, I stretched and admired my nail work.

I’ve recently been obsessed with the accent nail. That is the extent of my style. Yup.

Now I’m watching Bridesmaids for the tenth time with my MIL/doing laundry. Glamorous life I lead.

Guess what today is?!  At least for the next hour or so…

Pavement runner’s Playlist Thursday!  The theme for this Thursday is songs that have never been deleted from your playlist!  I love this week’s theme because it definitely made me think about my all time favorite songs to workout to – the ones that always pump me up.  It was actually pretty easy.

Thanks for the inspiration, PR!

Check out my previous playlists: I Heart House, Summer Songs, Pop Music & Brooklyn’s Finest.
If you want to find some other fun playlists, go check out pavement runner’s Playlist Thursday Catalogue!

So here are the guidelines: (taken from pavement runner‘s page)

Something Old: These will be songs that are at least 5 years old. I know that isn’t too long to be considered old, but music turnover happens quickly.
Something Current: These will be songs that have been released within the past year. I know, but you have to give me some leeway here.
Something to Consider: These will be songs that are not typically heard on the radio and may be by artists you’ve never heard of or considered running to. This is the wild card category, can be old or current.

Something Old

Artist: The Used
Title: Take It Away
Side Note: I used to be really into punk/screaming music while I was in college.  There is definitely still a time and a place for screaming music.  I love this CD so much and this song is so fast paced that it is perfect for running.  I used to only workout to this CD on repeat my sophomore year of college & this song has made an appearance on every playlist since.
Quotable: ”Life’s greatest questions have always been: Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?…”

Something Current

Artist: Avicii
Title: Levels
Side Note: I just said recently & I stand by it – this song will always pump me up, no matter what I am doing.  I just love it.  Not the Flo Rida version.  Not the remix. The original Avicii version.  Absolutely amazing for speed work…& walking around NYC…& random solo dance parties in your apartment…just me?
Quotable: ”Ohh Ohh sometimes, I get a good feeling, yea.”

Something to Consider

Artist: Bloc Party
Title: Helicopter
Side Note:  Bloc Party is another one of my favorite bands.  Most of their songs are catchy & upbeat which just makes me happy.  I also loved that this song was on Guitar Hero (BTW I was sick at Guitar Hero.  Just an FYI).
Quotable: ”Running on, Bravado.”

What song do you have on your playlist that will never, ever leave?

YTD: 257/600 miles for 2012

So for the past two weeks, BLC & I have been training at the track around the corner from our apartment for Reach The Beach: NJ.

I have been loving it. I haven’t run on a track since high school & I’m so glad we finally headed over there!

Since I love it so much & now think everyone should find a track to run on – I thought I would give you my top 10 reasons why I love the track!

10 Reasons Why I Love the Track

1. You can run on them at night & feel safe because there are lights!!

BLC & I ran an easy 3 miler at 8pm on Monday at the track. It was perfect because the track was perfectly lit so there was no chance of tripping (which I am really good at) or getting mugged. Important things.

2. Water Fountains. I love not having to bring or buy water during a relatively shorter run or speed work, especially in the summer. Amazing.

3. People watching. I don’t know if this occurs at all tracks but at the track we frequent (for a whole two weeks) there are a lot of interesting people to look at. & I get to look at them over and over again because I get to pass them numerous times. Yesterday there were guys break dancing in the corner & a children’s soccer practice. Pure entertainment.

4. Better for your legs because the track is rubber and gives a bit more than concrete or asphalt. With BLC’s shin splint issues, this is super important.

My legs love you, Mr. Track.

5. You can run with others who run at different speeds than you & not totally lose them. So if you want to do intervals but your run-friend wants to run easy, you can both head to the track together & do your own thing & still be able to leave together. Easy peasy.

6. Speed work is much easier. Yesterday BLC & I did some speed work at the track. I ended up sprinting 1 lap, recovery jog for 2 laps & repeated 3 times. I love speed work & this was so much easier than having to keep looking down at my Garmin over and over again.

7. Passing people. Road kill. I definitely get passed plenty but it’s still kinda fun to pass people on your sprints on the track. Even better if you can lap them

8. Takes me back to high school track. I only ran track for two years & pretty much sucked but still. The track makes me feel a little nostalgic. Kinda. Sorta.

9. I am one of those people who absolutely loves having a tangible distance to run. I will constantly be saying, “Sprint to that post.” or “Slow down till the end of the bridge.” in my head while I’m running. When I’m at the track, I can accurately figure out how much further I need to sprint or recover. I also love knowing when I’m exactly half way done my run or when I only have 1 lap left. But that may just be me.

10. No pot holes or stop lights – and if you do fall – its a little softer than asphalt. I love not having to worry about falling or having to stop at every light.

& that’s why I love the track! I recommend if you’ve never been!

Do you run on a track? If so, what do you love about it?

Well, hello again. Since this is supposed to be a running blog (I have been SLACK-ING on the running front), this is a post about running!

Now, I know I have told you that I will be running the RTB:NJ relay on October 12-13 but it has just been decided that BLC will be running with me, as well!! Woooo hoooo!

So now we will be training together for the next 9 weeks (eek!).

We just got our legs (BLC will be running 16.1 total miles & I will be running 18.23 total miles) so I figured it is about time to start really thinking about our training plan & training schedule. I have yet to create our official training schedule but I do have a nifty training plan to lay out for you fine folks.

Here ya go! (super exciting, I know)

TRAINING PLAN FOR RTB:NJ

- Build base for first 4 weeks (slowly increase mileage each week, running about 3-4 times per week)

- Learn what pace we can comfortably run the total miles so that we can pace ourselves on our first 2 legs. Don’t wanna have dead legs for our last leg!

- Have one tempo paced run per week; one long, slow endurance run; and 2 easy runs per week.

- Add Hill Sprints or Strides at the end of easy runs toward week 3 (I’ve got a few hills in my first leg & BLC has some hills on his second leg)

- Practice fueling & re-fueling to really figure out what works best for us.

- At week 5, add a two a day on Wednesday (with at least 8 hours between runs to stimulate relay conditions) so that it doesn’t interfere with our long run.

So that’s the plan! I will definitely post our training schedule once I have completed it.

Anyone ever run a relay & have some training tips for us?!

I was not even planning on running today.

I wore my old running shoes.

I brought my new Runner’s World to read on the stationary bike.

But I decided to run a mile before I got on the bike…on the treadmill (ps I hate the treadmill).

It should NOT have been a great run.

But…it was. It was one of those runs that made me feel amazing & appreciate all of those bad runs.

Like geeked out, cheesy smile the entire run. I was that crazy chick running smiling from ear to ear for her ENTIRE run. Not even joking.

Perhaps, my great run was due to my ninja attire…

Or my amazing playlist –> thank you very much Alesso – Calling, Carly Rae – Call Me Maybe (yep, not old yet…still amazing), Swedish House Mafia – Save the World Tonight, Benny Benassi – Cinema, Robyn – Dancing on my own & Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.

I do not know what happened…but all the stars aligned. & not only did I feel great the whole time, I barely sweat, my face didn’t flush…& I ran faster than I ever have in my life.

Um…I ran a 10k in sub-9 minute miles. Unheard.of. What?! 6.2 in 54:00. Omigosh. (Sorry, still in awe of how freaking fast I am)

This is my “I just ran the best run in my life-the fastest in my life-I wanna go run again right nooooowww” face!

Sorry for the cheesy post but omg.runners.high.so.excited.so.so.so.excited.

Now I’m compressing…

& eating lots of grapes…

& thinking about my next AMAZING run

Did something happen to you today that made you smile?!