January 2017: Did I pass?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

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I may have been slacking (somewhat) on recording my fitness this month — I used to do a monthly review in my journal. But I’ve never before done it online. I must say, after working on this post, I’m glad that I did (and hope that it becomes a regular Tuesdays on the Run topic).

Getting in scheduled runs
When it comes to doing what’s on my plan, I tend to be a little anal. I will switch days around, I will break my own rule that I don’t run more than a couple of days in a row, I might even get in fewer runs but tack on more miles — but it gets done. Unless in doing so I end up sick or injured.

With a couple of day trips to my parents this month and jury duty and hosting brunch . . . there were challenges. Everyone has challenges though. I’m giving myself an A+.

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Must fill in the journal!

Recording my runs
Well, yes and no. I’ve gotten better at working on my Weekly Wrap every day. My Garmin hasn’t failed me so except for a few treadmill runs, all the information is there.

But my running journal? Its taunting me.

I’m giving myself a B.

Dynamic Warmup
Most of the time, yes. But sometimes . . . yes, sometimes I do skip it. Like it’s really going to kill me to do an extra 5-10 minutes. Why does it seem like the dynamic warmup is always the first thing to go?

I’m giving myself an A-.

Foam Rolling
I’m pretty religious about my foam rolling. Seriously, once you get in the habit, it actually feels good. I think I skipped it one night because I didn’t get it done post run, and I was just exhausted.

I’m giving myself an A-.

Respecting my body
One of the problems of me & a plan — I have a tendency to follow it to a “T”. I’ve gotten better about it, taking an extra rest days when I feel overtired or had several sleepless nights.

But I’ve also had a few days when I’ve been pretty tired, with 5 miles on the plan, and no reason I couldn’t switch it for the following day’s 3 miles. I go out with the idea that I can stop after 3 miles . . . yet I don’t.

Smart or foolish? Only time will tell. I’m giving myself a B.

Nutrition
This is the lowest weight I’ve been in January in a long time, although it’s still a few pounds away from what I’d really like to weigh. Will I ever get to a weight that I just want to hang out at . . . forever?

Maintaining your weight isn’t about keeping it exactly the same. You will go up and down; that’s natural, and I know that. In general, I have about 4 pounds I’d like to lose (depending on the week). Which I know sounds like nothing, but when you’re vertically challenged like me . . .

Anyway, I struggled with being really rungry last week. I did my best to eat pretty healthy, focus on healthy foods, but I ate more than normal and there were more BLTs (bites, licks, and tastes) than normal and yes, that showed up on the scale.

And that’s okay. That’s maintaining. But it’s not okay forever. I’m happy to report I’ve had a much better week this week (so far).

I’m giving myself a B.

Support
I couldn’t tell you the last time I had a massage — I know I’ve needed one for a long, long time, but things just always seemed to get in the way. And I had every intention of getting to the chiropractor in January, too. My last appointment was before Panama City Beach.

I’m giving myself a big, fat F. This needs to change.

Cross Training
I’d like to get in more strength training, I really would. My body looks less fluffy when it has more muscles. Of course, everybody’s body looks less fluffy when they have more muscles. I don’t put on muscle easily. I did get in at least 2 solid strength training sessions every week. Some shorter, some longer.

Plus you may have noticed, if you read my Weekly Wrap,  that I’ve added Pilates back in? I’m trying for at least a couple of days a week. Barre seems to be all the rage right now, and I do enjoy Barre-type workouts, but for now, I’m going back to Pilates. I have several 10 Minute Solution Pilates DVDs, so I try for at least a couple of times a week.

I’m also hopping on my stationary bike pretty regularly now.  5 minutes here, 10 there . . .  it adds up. I’d love to get back to the pool, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

I’m giving myself a solid A.

January 2017 gets  . . . 
. . . somewhere between an A- and a B-, I think. It’s been a solid month with some challenges, but there’s room for improvement too.

Goals for February:

  • Get back to the damn journal already!
  • Make a chiropractor appointment
  • Make a massage appointment
  • Keep up the cross training
  • Keep up the healthy eating, with a side of indulgence occasionally
  • Invest in a few more nutrition books for my birthday
  • Listen carefully to my body and be flexible with workouts

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Tuesdays on the Run

33 thoughts on “January 2017: Did I pass?”

  1. sounds like you had a very solid month to me ? And those appointments ? Just pick up the phone this morning and make the calls. I feel so much better when I do. I have been very faithful to my January bootcamp in my quest to continue to lose belly fat. Three more weeks then I will measure myself. The month was crazy (when isn’t a month crazy ?) but the next 3 to 4 weeks will be normal. Not too much traveling. Not too many visits. I am currently feeling really good and at a really good weight, hoping to shed another pound or 2 in Feb.

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    1. I really find it much easier to look stuff up in my written journal. I’m usually so good at it, not sure what the writer’s block is about.

      Actually, some of it is just tracking down stuff, getting it started in the right place, silly stuff. . . and I have been busy, too.

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  5. Same as Wendy. My blog is my running journal (no time).

    Good thing we rate ourselves on different things. I don’t intend to do dynamic and foam rolling nor do I cross train (except for tennis) so it’s not a fail. I can’t be anal about my runs. I do what I can such as yesterday – I wanted to do 4 but my friend wanted to walk in the mall & I need to get some groceries – 3 was all I could fit. I am busy on Thursday and Friday and most of the weekend – so runs will happen or not. Not gonna stress about missing runs.

    We all have different priorities – I would never spend money on a massage or chiropractor but my hair and nails are a must.

    I would give you an A.

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      1. I don’t give away As. I think you are way more dedicated and hard-working that I am and I gave myself a B+.

        That co-pay equals a race entry for me.

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      3. I’m not against it. I’d just rather spend my limited funds elsewhere. If it were free, I’d go. Now the massage is different. I do get the free post race ones.

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  6. I’m impressed with the A for foam rolling. Because that sucker hurts— if you aren’t doing it regularly. GO YOU! A journal might be something I could use as well. I like writing things down and feeling accomplished when I mark it off. Hmmm… point to think on!

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  7. Solid month Judy! I’m hot and cold on the journal. This month is the first one in a long time that I was really good about keeping it. For once I’m tracking shoe mileage. I love foam rolling but I still haven’t gotten tough enough to withstand the pain of my Rumble Roller.

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    1. I really enjoy having my journal as a resource; I find it far easier than looking things up on the blog. But like Darlene & Wendy said –I’ve been busier than normal lately. But I really want to get back to it!

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  8. That looks pretty soiid! I’m like you – at my lowest January weight (ever?) in several years! I’ve been trying to maintain and maybe even keep losing the extra pounds to get to goal, and thankfully that’s been easier than in past years. Keep up the good work!

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  11. Looks like you had a great month! I need to get more consistent with my cross training work. I’m good about doing yoga, but not much else. I hope February is a great month for ya too!

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  12. Congrats on a great month! I’m doing better with foam rolling but I still think I need to do it every single day instead of just after I go for a run.

    I love the Believe Training Journal…I definitely can be more “real” on paper than on the blog and I tend to put in much more detail. Hopefully you’ll start up now that it’s a new month!

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