February did not turn out as expected. I was extremely happy to kick off the month injury free – the foot pain I experienced in December and January was finally gone! I was really excited to increase my mileage again, and thought my goals were challenging yet attainable. Transitioning to a new/old project took more time than expected, and unfortunately the work/life balance took a hit (especially in the fitness department). Today I am going to recap my February goals and share my March goals.
1. Run/Walk/Elliptical 75 miles
I ended the month with a total of 49.57 miles…I think my lowest monthly output in a year (edit: just checked…not so…feeling better now). While I was about 25 miles short for the month, I think I ended the month well with 15.5 and 19.3 miles respectively.
2. Strength Train 2x/week
This took a hit as well, I averaged 1 strength training session a week.
3. Yoga/Barre 3x/week
In February I upped my yoga/barre goal based on how well I did in January, but I ended up attending 1-2x/week
4. Plank 2x/day
Very inconsistent, but very happy that I was able to plank for 1:45.
5. Swim 1x/week
Non-existent (again)
1. Run/Walk/Elliptical 75 miles
I think March will be the month I hit 75 miles again! I like how I ended February…my mileage has been trending up.
2. Strength Train 2x/week
My sessions have been scheduled – no excuses.
3. Yoga/Barre 2x/week
I bumped this goal back to a reasonable 2 classes/week. I think that is a good baseline.
4. Plank 2x/day
One of my 2015 goals is to hold a plank for 2:00. I am so close…15 seconds away. I know this will help me reach it.
5. Exercise at least 30 minutes/day
I swapped swimming out with exercising at least 30 minutes/day. In December I had a great time participating in Julie’s Turkey to Bubbly Challenge, I thought this would be a good way to keep me moving. I still hope to get some pool time, especially since I signed up for the Quantico Tri last week.
How did you do this month?
How do you “sneak” in exercise when you are busy?
Debbie @ Deb Runs
March 4, 2015The great thing about my job is that I can sneak in a plank, some lunges, or another exercise in between clients, or if a client is running late.
Here’s hoping spring hits soon and we can take all of our runs outside again!
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March 8, 2015That is a good idea. I could try to make an effort to sneak in some squats/lunges in my cube (pretty good size and hidden) every few hours or so. Looking forward to more outdoor running!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC
March 4, 2015I will swim with you!!!
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March 8, 2015Thanks Courtney!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
March 4, 2015I was thinking about you today and how busy your week was last week. Mine is that way this week and I skipped my run today, so I have no idea how to fit workouts in to a busy schedule. Normally I just treat running like showering and brushing my teeth – it’s just part of my routine. However, tonight I left work so late that my routine was totally thrown off! >:( I hope to get back on track tomorrow!
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March 8, 2015Ughh – hope it eased up for you towards the end of the week. I really wish I was a morning weekday runner (I am also a bit scared running when its dark out in the city). I am hoping my routine normalizes soon.
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com
March 4, 2015Great job on your monthly goals! I have been wanting to take one of those Barre classes but cannot find any in my area. I would like to swim as well but not being a member of any gym doesn’t help.
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March 8, 2015Thanks Lacey! Hope you find a barre class, or perhaps drop in on a studio if you are out of town. I am lucky DC residents have free access to public pools.
Salt
March 4, 2015I did pretty well in Feb considering what we had to work with weather-wise.
Often at work I sneak in a little fitness by doing stairs. My office is on the second floor and when my fitness tracker buzzes me I’ll do a lap or two. Works well to get the blood pumping!
You had a good month meeting your goals and I like your plan for March. I should try goal setting in such an organized way! 🙂
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March 8, 2015Glad to hear your February went well. That is a great idea about the stairs…now I just have to find them in the building haha 😛
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
March 4, 2015February was a difficult month for so many of us, especially with how cold, snowy, and icy it has been. Don’t be too hard on yourself for not meeting your goals, especially since I know that work has been crazy for you. March is your month, I just know it!
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March 8, 2015Thanks Kathryn (and for listening during the 5K). I hope my routine returns to normal in March (or at least better than February).
Jennifer @ The Final Forty
March 4, 2015It sounds like you’re doing really well, and I love the idea that each month gives us an opportunity to evaluate our goals and the progress we’re making, and determine what we should focus on. February has been REALLY hard with this nasty weather, that’s for sure!
Run Jenny Run
March 8, 2015Very true – I like how the month brings reflection, and a renewed sense of motivation/focus. Hope marathon training is going well. Congrats on the red belt!
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading
March 4, 2015Jennifer, I think we all take a hit with our fitness, at some point; unfortunately, we still have other things to get done – ha! I have been known to call in sick to work a time or two to get a good workout in when things were crazy, but it’s tough to do that most of the time. It sounds like you are being very realistic about your goals, and I think that’s the most important thing! I’ll be cheering you on!!
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March 8, 2015I love that idea! I do have alot of sick leave built up 😛 Thanks for the reminder, and its still early in the year. Will be rooting for you as well!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running
March 4, 2015I try to add walking lunges and squats into my daily life when I’m trying to just squeeze in some random workouts or exercise. It looks like you had a good month!
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March 8, 2015That is a great idea, Ali. Luckily my cube is tucked away in the corner, I should set alarms to do some.
Sharon
March 4, 2015It was a decent month for me. I pretty much kept up with my training schedule. I like to squeeze in some planks or pushups while I watch tv. Hubby thinks it’s funny when I march in place to get some extra steps on my fitbit. :p
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March 8, 2015I forget about adding exercises during tv time – easy thing to do!
Sher @ Broken From Fire
March 4, 2015I really like how you already scheduled the strength training sessions. I think I need to start doing this with how I approach my fitness activities. I mentally schedule them in, but have been slacking on some days. I read somewhere once that when we actually put something into our calendars it sort of solidifies it and helps hold us accountable for accomplishing that task/activity. As for planking, I just learned about this the other day and have been wanting to try it! I think it will help me out with walking and attempting to run, but might actually help with some of the chronic back pain I have. Either way, it sounds like a fun challenge 🙂
Run Jenny Run
March 8, 2015Sher – good luck with planking! You will be surprised how quickly you will progress (I was only able to 30 seconds 3 months ago). I like that technique about scheduling onto my calendar, I have not been that great as of late.
Jess
March 4, 2015Those sound like great goals! Hopefully work stuff settles down soon for you, that can always be tough during those transition points.
February was kind of all over the map, so March I’m just hoping that my hip is 100% for my upcoming race! Keeping it simple since we’re moving on 3/23.
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March 8, 2015Crossing my fingers for you and hoping the move goes smoothly. Loved the picture you posted – hope you are close to the beach (ahhh you and Kristina will have sunny pics).
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils
March 5, 2015Good that your foot pain is gone. I like the #5 goal for March because it gives more flexibility. Here’s to a great March!
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March 8, 2015Thanks Jenn! I am thinking March will definitely end better than February.
Sherry
March 5, 2015I like how you do monthly goals. I’ve been pretty good and stuck to my half marathon plan and workouts. I try to always take stairs or do short app workouts to sneak in exercise.
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March 8, 2015Thanks Sherry. I should add stair workouts during tv commercials!
Stephanie
March 5, 2015The weather has really made it difficult to get anything done. February was much better than January for me, but like you said, I know March will be better! Not sure if you would consider this “sneaking” in a workout, but I find it easier going straight after work. I pass my gym on the way home so I have no excuses.
Run Jenny Run
March 8, 2015That is a good idea. Sometimes I do have my bag packed, but so tired to go. Maybe I should change at work, even when I am tired.
Bradley
March 5, 2015I’m impressed with the goals you’ve set for yourself – planning is halfway through the battle, right? I’ve been a bit lazy in terms of setting such specific goals, but have signed myself up for a bunch of races this year (2 more in March), which kind of forces commitment to training. I still get to Pilates once a week, and I’m trying to train twice a week – but a crazy work week has kiboshed my schedule! Hopefully next week will be better…
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March 8, 2015Hopefully crazy work weeks die down for the both of us! Great job on getting to Pilates 1x/week.