Becoming Clear on who I am: November 2021

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

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As you become more clear about who you are, you’ll be better able to decide what’s best for you — the first time around — Oprah Winfrey

I love the above quote. Being clear on who you are, what your values are, what feels right for your body — it’s a journey, to be sure, an ever changing journey. It’s worth it, though, because that kind of clarity often brings peace of mind.

Getting in scheduled runs
I did pretty well. Spoiler alert: most weeks were only 3 x week. I knew that I might have to take a week off due to jury duty (and no available treadmill), but it didn’t happen. I managed to get through an entire month of potential jury duty and not be selected. It’s a Thanksgiving miracle that I am deeply grateful for!

Grade Earned:  A-

Dynamic Warmup
The dynamic warmups are mostly getting done, although I must runfess I’m sorely tempted to skip them on short recovery runs. Post run stretches are usually happening — except maybe a few particularly nasty days weather-wise.

Grade Earned: A

Foam Rolling
Foam rolling is rolling along. Sorry, couldn’t resist. Usually it’s just calves and feet, unless I feel the need somewhere else. About once a week I try to do a full body rolling routine.

Grade Earned: A

Nutrition
It was a stressful busy month. There were times I was busy enough that I didn’t have a lot of time to eat during the day, and by the evening I just didn’t want to make anything. I did notice, though, that when I can eat what I want (Mr. Judy out of town), things actually tend to be more healthy. Not sure what to do about that!

I seemed to find my sweet spot between healthy and indulgence this month, and I dropped a few much needed pounds. I feel better and my clothes fit better. Winter is never an easy time, but for now, I’m happy at how November played out on the nutrition front.

Grade Earned: A

Frog Squats. A great Yoga Asana for runners — it’s not static, either.

Cross Training
Lots of Yoga, ST, hiking. Strength training kind of took a hit but I tried.

Grade Earned: A-

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Still lots of hiking in November. I think that’ll be going away in December.

November 2021  gets  . . . 
. . . an A. Hiking has definitely wound down, although I did visit a couple of new places when visiting my mom (along with a couple of visits to Olana). Running was less times per week but mostly trying to slowly inch up mileage — and I do mean slowly and inch, LOL!

Let me be clear, though, this time of year is the time I always struggle with my mood. The short days tend to leave me more tired and irritable in the best of times. I keep trying to figure out a way to get through the short Winter days and feel at least somewhat energized and happier — it’s slow going, though. Pun intended.

November Goals:

  • Run 3 x week. Y. I thought I’d changed it to four times, but I guess I was smart & knew it could be difficult this month. Grateful I didn’t have to take a week off.
  • ST 3 x week. Y/N.  ST was kind of hit or miss this month. One week none, one week only two times, but I’m still trying.
  • Get back to a different course that’s been on hold for a while. N. I’ll be bringing this one back in December! 
  • At least one hike. Y. Not as many hikes as October, but I explored several new places.
  • At least one real rest day a week. Y. I think I did slightly better on the rest days than I did in October.
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Y. Weight is still higher than I’d like, but I’m happy that there’s been a little bit of downward momentum.

Which leads me to December 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. I have one visit to mom that will require several nights there (that I know of so far). I’m usually quite busy when I’m there getting stuff done for her. When I just go for the day my fitness doesn’t take as big a hit. I think this will be doable most weeks.
  • Continue to work on a new Spring challenge. Yup, gotta start this far in advance! Stay tuned.
  • At least one real rest day a week. Often my rest days aren’t very restful. I’m either catching up on stuff or going to my mom. I continue to make it a priority.
  • Continue to try to eat intuitively — unless the weight starts to creep up. Can I keep up my downward momentum with Mr. Judy home for the foreseeable future?

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Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner

This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.

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34 thoughts on “Becoming Clear on who I am: November 2021”

  1. Well done on a strong November, Judy! November is a difficult month but you did very well.

    Eating healthily when other family members aren’t keen on broccoli & Co. can be quite challenging. But you kept the downward momentum going! I’m sure you will succeed in December, too.

    Is there a gym/shower in the place where your mum lives? (I’m guessing she’s in an assisted living facility). It would be great if you could just take an hour out of your day to do a little strength training or yoga. It might leave you feeling more energized while you’re there.

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    1. Thanks, Catrina. I actually bring a travel yoga mat, blocks, & a ball for rolling with me when I go. I still do my morning yoga. I can’t usually do anything in the evening, unfortunately, I’ve tried & my mom usually interrupts me (even though I ask her not to).

      She is actually in independent living — that means she has her own apartment, but she eats one meal in the dining room. Yes, they do have a small fitness room but not sure visitors are allowed to use it anymore — we aren’t allowed in the dining room, for instance, which means I also have to make & bring all my meals with me.

      Not to mention I’m sleeping on the couch (at least trying to). It is a large couch though — big enough for 4 people to sit on!

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      1. You’re making the best of the situation, Judy!
        My goodness, sleeping on the couch and bringing your food sounds like you have to deal with some logistical challenges when you visit.
        Hope all continues to go well! 🤗

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  2. All this darkness is tough is be active and cheerful. I make sure that I have something planned for every night of the week. A walk or a run or dinner out or shopping. whatever. I feel more energetic and positive. Less like a hermit. It’s a long winter to hunker down inside.

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      1. I’m definitely not a night person. I get up early and I prefer mornings

        But at night, it’s the only time I can see other people. It helps me get through this dark dreary winter and not get depressed. Tonight, I’m meeting a friend to run through the lights in the park. Last night, I volunteered, etc.

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  4. Congratulations on another great month! You had so much going on in November but still managed to hit your goals.

    I like the cold weather but dislike that it gets dark so early in the day. I don’t really like to be out at night anyway but when it’s pitch black at 5:30, that’s rough! I usually try to keep myself busy at night by cooking dinner and doing tasks around the house.

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  5. Congrats on a great November despite you don’t like this part of the year.
    Maybe I am strange but fall is my favorite season and I like the short days even if I am not a night person.
    Good luck on the December goals.

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  6. Way to keep moving this month! The short days definitely throw me for a loop so I try to light up my workout room with Christmas lights to cheer me up a bit! Your December goals look great!

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  7. Congrats on a great month, Judy! This is a tough time of year with all the darkness and cold (which is why I’m such a summer gal), but we’re only three weeks out from the Solstice! Once I get past that bench mark, somehow, the dark and cold are a bit more bearable because I know we’re headed back towards more sunny days 😉

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  9. For some reason I sometimes have trouble commenting on your posts- only mention it in case I ever end up with a duplicate comment!
    It sounds like you had a great month- I love your happy smile in the frog squats photo! I hear you on the shorter days. I grew up in the midwest, and it’s hard! Florida summers are hideous, but around this time of year I remember why I live here.
    Good luck with your December goals!

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    1. Same thing with TX. We’re looking for something that’s a bit more moderate in general!

      WP can be so strange sometimes. I have blogs I can only comment on on my tablet, not the desktop for instance — and visa versa! Duplicate comments aren’t a big deal. I just delete them.

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  10. I’m glad you are in such a good place, mentally and physically. I’ve shared on my blog my struggles with both this year. I know that 2022 is going to be a challenge as well–I’m hoping that I can weather that storm. As long as I can keep this body in motion, I’ll be ok.

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    1. It’s been a tough year for me, too, for very different reasons — and it’s unlikely to get any better next year, in fact most likely worse. But I do my best to find those silver linings where I can!

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  14. Sounds like you did a great job with your goals this month! It’s tough with so many extra things going on this time of year. I know I always start to feel extra stressed around October and it doesn’t get better until January.

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