A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.— Steven Wright
My conscience is usually pretty clear, and it’s clear that my memory isn’t always great — except when it is. Mostly I chose this quote because it made me laugh. I get what he meant, but it’s my blog and I’m spinning it my way. Conscience clear!
Getting in scheduled runs
I did very well until the end of the month, but that was due to hiking. I’m A-OK with that.
Grade Earned: A+
Recording my runs
I have veered off course here again . . . seriously, I need to start using my planner again because it helps me to keep focused. It’s a broken record, folks! But hey, I did finally got a haircut, LOL!
Grade Earned: C
Dynamic Warmup
The warmups are short, so they get done, but I’m still being a bit loosey goosey with those post run stretches — doing them a bit more often, though. It gets harder and harder as it gets colder and colder.
Grade Earned: A-
Foam Rolling
There were a few days I just forgot about foam rolling my calves in the morning. I blame it on Menopause brain. I wrote this part before I chose my quote!
Grade Earned: A-
Nutrition
It was hit or miss. Sometimes good, sometimes not great, sometimes not horrible. I am usually good for lunch, but by the time dinner arrives I just want it to arrive, LOL! I know that it’s important, though, so I’ve been trying to make more of an effort. I’ve been semi-successful with it.
Grade Earned: B+ (for trying)
Cross Training
Yoga, ST, lots of walking recently, hiking. Gotta get out in nature before it becomes harder.
Grade Earned: A+
October 2021 gets . . .
. . . an A. I kept us busy with visits to three different state parks this months — one new to me, one new to me because I don’t remember it from childhood trips (back to that quote!), and the other tried and true but a new trail for us. Of course a couple of trips to mom; one multi-day, one just for the day. I’d already been going twice a month this past year, but sleeping there is challenging. I might get a break in Winter, or not. Overall I kept busy, tried to eat mostly healthy, and did some of the things I love.
October Goals:
- Run 3 x week. Y. Most weeks I exceeded this goal. Short runs (sometimes just 1 mile) made it doable.
- ST 3 x week. Y. I did quite well with strength training, too. Except the last week, but that’s okay I was still very active.
- Get back to a different course that’s been on hold for a while. N. I’ll be bringing this one back in November, I hope!
- At least one hike. Y. October was hiking month with many hikes.
- At least one real rest day a week. Y. I definitely don’t think I got as much rest as I needed many weeks. I tried, though. I definitely did my best to make rest a priority.
- Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. Weight is definitely still higher than it should be — I just need to cook more!
Which leads me to November Goals:
- Run 3 x week. 3 x week is usually doable, although sometimes even that can be hard. Hence the low mileage!
- ST 3 x week. It’s a good goal to work towards, and most of the time it happens. Just not always.
- Get back to a different course that’s been on hold for a while. At least finish up the reading & videos. Small steps.
- At least one hike. I should get in a couple of short hikes this week on the way to visit mom. Go me!
- At least one real rest day a week. I know many people hate the dreaded rest day. Not me. Many of my rest days aren’t so restful, either. I’m shooting for one rest day a week. The Nor’Easter last month enforced that and my body enjoyed a day in pjs.
- Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Seem to be maintaining at a higher weight. Some things are out of my control, but others aren’t. I really struggle with energy at this time of year.
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Well done, Judy, especially with the running and strength training goals!
Those post-run stretches do get a lot harder when it gets cold.
Is there a way you could do your stretches indoors? Maybe come in, do some stretches and then shower? That way, you’re not likely to forget it.
I need to remember that quote!
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Oh, I do often do them inside. The only problem is I so often seem to be in a rush, I have a tendency to skip them. Not really a big deal, it’s not like I’m logging a lot of miles.
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Love that you did all that exploring this month! With winter bearing down on us, it’s important to get our share of nature!
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I love that we got to explore a lot this month too! Definitely important to stock up now cause Winter’s coming!
Although last year we had a snow storm the day before Halloween (and the previous few days had been unseasonably warm). I remember because of FB & Lola.
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Ha ha! That quote is golden! I think it was last winter (?) when I started incorporating 10 flights of stairs as part of my warmup. Sometimes those stairs (which I usually embrace) do feel a little “forced,” but my body appreciates the pre-run ritual. My post-run stretching is not always on-point, though. It happens, but sometimes I cut the stretching session(s) short due to time constraints.
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My pre run stretching is really brief. I want to walk, but there just never seems to be enough time.
And yes, I’m much more likely to skip the post run stretches — although I almost always do some Yoga later in the day & that helps, too.
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As usual a good month meeting most of your goals.
I am enjoying hiking on my Sunday rest day since boating is over. With spikes I was able to continue through the winter. Hope the same for this year.
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I know there are lots of people who use spikes. For me personally I wouldn’t want to it on my own, and I’m pretty sure both Bandit & my husband would balk. You enjoy it!
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I do prefer hiking with others but it’s hard people people at the same level. So either stay home or go alone. Winter is a long season. My hubby would balk too.
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Ha ha… love your quote.
Sounds like you had a pretty great month, especially considering the challenging situation with your mom. I like how your goals are varied and sensible, unlike some people who go crazy over one thing for a month… oh wait, that’s me 🙂
Hope your November is a good month as well!
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I’ve had other times when I’ve done big goals. Right now I just have enough on my plate (for me) that I know it’s not a good idea.
Everyone is different though — that’s what makes the world interesting!
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I like your goals, more or less the same of mine with some little differences: run every other day, stretching instead of ST (I cannot do it) every other day, one uphill run every 15 days, healthy food.
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They sound like great goals! May you stay injury free so you can run your races.
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Great job on October! It sounds like even though it was busy, you managed to keep your goals top priority. I know as the days get shorter here, I let my nutrition slide so I’m hoping that a meal delivery service helps me with that. I will always agree with a rest day a week!
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A meal delivery service sounds great! I’ve thought about it. I mostly struggle with energy in Winter. I don’t want to move after it gets dark! And it get dark so early!
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As usual, amazing job with your goals. Even with so much going on, you’ve been able to hit so many goals month after month.
I normally indulge a little too much over the holidays but I still keep up my workouts so it all evens out, lol.
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Being Jewish (for me, anyway) helps a lot with the holiday stuff. 🙂
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Looks like another strong month for you! I’m also trying to get outside now before it gets too cold. Good luck with your November goals!
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Thanks, Lisa! Winter is definitely coming but at least it hasn’t snowed yet. 😊
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Great job with your October goals!
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Thank you!
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