It sort of seems like December has been a whole month of reflecting and planning for the year ahead. However, I don’t want the actual month to go unnoticed! I posted my Year in Review last week, but I did want to take a moment to reflect on this month before jumping into 2018.
December Runfessions and Month in Review
Running
December was overall decent month of running. I did struggle for a couple weeks, first with just feeling tired and then there was a lack of motivation. But I bounced back and had a great long run.
There are still a few days left to the month, but I’m looking at finishing it off with close to 100 miles, if I get in a few more runs. This will put me at just over 600 miles for the year. Not where I wanted to be, but still a decent number considering how little I ran in the spring and summer.
There were no races this month, although there were two I almost signed up for at the last minute. Looking back I’m glad I sat them out. It allowed me to be more flexible with my runs the rest of the month.
Strength Training
I started Phase 4 this month and am trying to lift heavier weights. It’s still going well but I am really trying to make sure I use correct form especially with the heavier weight. I even post pictures on Instagram sometimes for feedback!
I feel like I have learned so much from following these plans for 6 months now. I even prescribed some of my favorites for Rob to incorporate into his training.
Cross Training
I’ve been sticking to the bike for cross training and that’s working well enough for me. I ended my gym membership because we are getting a treadmill, but it still has not arrived. Even so, I don’t think I would have used the gym even if I still had the membership. I’m actually thinking once we have it I may use it for walking on non-running days that are just to cold to be outside.
Other Stuff
I feel like I got into a rhythm with blogging this month. I go through periods where I struggle to find things to write about, but this month felt like a good mix of topics.
A few posts from this month:
Running Workout Roundup for the Off-Season
5 Ways to Sneak in Workouts During the Busy Holliday Season
Goals for 2018
Year of Running 2017
5 Ways for Runners to Handle Winter Weather
Work was pretty busy but luckily we have a nice break for now. Although I am bracing myself for January when my calendar is already completely full!
It was also a fun month of getting to spend time with family. We hadn’t seen our niece since April!
December Runfessions
And now, it’s time for the final round of runfessions for 2017.
1. Still not fueling for long runs
I shared last month that I have been slacking on fueling for long runs. I am still struggling with this. I just want to get out the door in the morning and don’t eat more than maybe a 1/2 of a banana and a Honey Stinger Waffle. I haven’t been bringing water, so even if I have a gel with my I don’t want to take it because I don’t have water. I was pretty tired by the end of my 12 miler last week!
2. Cold all the time
This isn’t really specific to running, but all month I have just been freezing all the time. My office is really cold (at least my corner of it is) and I have had to use my space heater almost every day. I’ve even had to sleep with socks on sometimes (which I don’t like) because my feet are freezing. My hands are always really cold too. I’m not sure what my problem is. I actually feel better when I am running even if it is cold outside, I guess because I am moving and wearing lots of layers.
3. Running same routes all the time
I’ve gotten into the habit of running the same routes week after week. I am ok with this, although they do get boring. In the early mornings I stay close to home because I don’t have to think about it and it seems safer. For long runs I go to a nearby lake where I can just run loops and not have to worry about ice as much if it had snowed and I don’t have to cross any streets once I get there.
4. 4 consecutive days of running
I broke my own rule this week and ran 4 days in a row. I also skipped out on some strength training. Oh well, it’s the holidays and I was traveling. I’ll get back to my usual routine next week.
5. Stalking treadmill delivery
We ordered our treadmill on December 3rd and are still waiting for it to be delivered. There was an initial delay because they ran out of the 2017 model and we had to wait for the 2018 one. That was fine because we are getting the updated model for the price of the old one. It “shipped” to somewhere in Maryland and now it’s just “in transit”. Hopefully we will be contacted soon for them to schedule the delivery. I was really hoping we could get it this week while we are off from work.
And that’s that. This will be my last post for 2017, so I will see you next year! Happy New Year to all!
How did you do with your goals in December?
What do you have to runfess this month?
Is January already looking like a busy month for you?
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Weekly Recap from Maine
The Guilty Pleasures of Running
Catching Up: Workouts, Injury Updates, and Life
MIMM: A Relaxing Weekend
I hate wearing socks to bed too, but the other night I kept them on all night as well. I think it is just cold everywhere right now. Unfortunately it is not suppose to warm up any time soon. You will put that treadmill to great use. Especially the way the weather has been lately. I am sure January will be a busy month for me with everyone’s New Years Resolutions. But come February, it’ll die back down…haha.
This weather has been really unbelievable- I definitely agree I will put the treadmill to good use this year!
There’s a reason I love summer so much. I can tolerate the cold, but it’s just been over-the-top (bottom?) freezing this week. I’ve worn socks to bed, too…and that’s even with a heated blanket.
Typically I don’t mind the winter too much (although I start complaining around the middle of February). But this year has been bad and its only the end of December. I feel like its going to be a long winter!
You’re finishing the year strong, and in my book that is what counts! What a great way to bounce back!
Thanks! It’s been quite a year.
You really did end the year on a high note and really bounced back with you running. Nice job on all the progress you’ve made in strength training as well. Happy New Year!
Thank you! And Happy New Year to you too!
I am also in a bit of a “running route” when I run around the same area all the time. I’m going to try to change that soon because I’m getting so bored lol.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2018
I do get bored but there is something nice about not having to think at all about where Im running. It makes me think I won’t mind the treadmill too much!
I’m cold most of the time anyway, and I work in an old building. I may have to bring in a space heater because there’s some weird climate control thing in the building. If it’s above 50 degrees outside, our heaters don’t blow hot air. It’s freezing in the building, but that doesn’t matter.
Ugh thats the worst. My corner has a window and Im pretty sure that cold air comes out of the vents. We have a thermometer back there and its often right around 62 degrees. Thank goodness for space heaters.
I’m cold all the time too! Most of the time I don’t really warm up even when I’m running…or I make the mistake of overdressing and getting way too hot….there’s no happy medium!
I can’t wait to see the treadmill you ordered!
It is so tough to figure out exactly how to dress for running outside in the winter!
That is great about the treadmill! I mean that you are getting a new one for the old price. Hopefully you get it soon.
We were pretty excited to find that out! Although it did mean more of a delay. At this point i wish it were here because I am so over this cold/snowy weather!
You had a strong end to 2017! The treadmill will be so exciting to get, especially when the weather is so bad that even driving to the gym would be out of the question.
My hands and feet get so cold in winter also! I’ve switched completely to mittens if it’s below freezing because if my hands get too cold during a run, they will be that way for the rest of the day. I read recently that women just tend to have poorer circulation to their hands and feet, especially during exercise, because of our hormones or something.
I definitely think I have poor circulation, and its always my hands and feet that are really cold!
Every time you run, it makes me happy. SO HAPPY.
Happy New Year!
Aww thank you. And happy new year to you as well!
It is a such a good thing that your year is ending well. You’ve come a long way this year! I need to get in a routine of weight lifting again. That will be on my 2018 plan!
I’ve really slacked off with strength training this week between traveling and then getting sick. But next week will be a chance to start over!
With all the cold weather, you’ll put the treadmill to good use!
I think so too!
600 miles is an amazing number!! Way to run it!
I’m going fall short of my running goal for the year, but I’ve decided I’m ok with it. I tried my best and just go lazy, but whatever.
Good luck with all your 2018 goals!! and I hope your treadmill gets there soon!
I didnt have a mileage goal for this year but I have always run more than 600. However, I need to keep in mind that I had to take quite a bit of time off of running this year. It’s just a number, anyway.
Thank you!
With this weather that new mill cannot come soon enough! Maybe it got hung up with all the holiday shipments. Happy New Year and thanks for linking!
Yea that’s what we are thinking may have happened. I’ve never wished for a treadmill as much as I have this week!
Congrats on finishing the year strong! I hope your treadmill comes in soon – what type did you get? I’ve been thinking about buying one for the house for those low-motivation winter days.
I also hate feeling cold all the time…same situation in my office, and it’s so frustrating! Sadly it’s not going to warm up any time soon!
We got a Nordic track! I forget the exact model but I’ll share more when it comes. I think I will use it alot if this weather continues!
If you feel cold all of the time (despite an extra layer and upping the room temp a little)?it may be worth checking if you are a little anemic. I tend to be slightly anemic all of the time so when I notice when I feel cold all of the time it helps to increase my iron intake either with a little red meat or with an iron supplement. Another cause for feeling cold can also be dehydration. Drinking more water is probably something we all could do.
Those are both really good ideas! I have been told before that I have low iron so I need to pay attention to that. I already eat alot of read meat so maybe I need to look into a supplement. And yes to drinking more water! Always a good idea.