I would have to say that March was kind of an interesting month for me. I struggled with my running for most of the month, and was frustrated each time the cold weather would come back. But we made it to April, which will hopefully bring some (ongoing) spring weather!
You can read my January check-in here and February check-in here.
Summary of March:
This month I started adding back in some harder workouts after a few months of only easy runs. I guess I started “training” for a 10k I have in April but I’m not following any sort of plan, just structuring my workouts to include 10k pace. I was reminded to focus on recovery after pushing a little too hard one week, and then felt like I was in a running slump for a few weeks. I’m sure the two were connected, but after reassessing a bit I felt like I was back on track.
I was able to blog a bit more this month- sometimes 4-5 days a week! I think I just got into a routine of drafting my posts on the weekends and then keeping up with my reading, commenting, and replying to comments after work.
I got to see my friends in Boston for a baby shower.
And Easter came and went, which meant the return of coffee!
I also really enjoyed linking up with the Coaches’ Corner in March, with Suz, Lora, Debbie, and Rachel!
A few other posts from this month:
Race Pace Effort Adjustable Workout
Scheduling Weekly Workouts without a Training Plan
FITNESS GOALS FOR MARCH:
- Continue to work on staying strong and healthy I’ve continued to do my core work and strength training, and focused on arranging my workout schedule to allow for this.
- Run/Walk 2016 miles This month I ran 120 miles and walked 90 miles. I’m at 552 total miles for the year. (I track my walking using my Vivofit but subtract a mile each day for what I consider just getting around the house.)
- Work towards a BQ No marathons are scheduled for anytime soon. I’m working on building a solid base right now.
- Work towards sub 1:40 half I’m still starting to think about training for a half, but haven’t decided on one yet.
- Do at least 10 push-ups 3 days per week Most weeks this month I did 3-4 days of push-ups. I’m really trying to focus on form...they never get any easier:)
OTHER GOALS FOR MARCH:
- Improve posture I switched out my chair at work and I think that has helped a little.
- Move more I think overall I am very slowly making improvements with this- it’s all about the little changes you make and start incorporating into your habits each day!
- Focus on saving money Could have done better this month, too many trips to Target…
- Get back in the habit of weekly meal prep I did meal prep all weekends expect the one that I was away at a baby shower. So I just planned all quick/easy meals for that week and sent Rob to the grocery store with a list while I was gone- same as last month when I was away for a weekend.
- Make time to unplug I think as I have gotten on more of a consistent blogging schedule I have been able to finish up early enough in the evening to unplug for a bit. I also try to make time to unplug on the weekends.
Overall I think I turned a corner at the end of March, and hope that I continue to see improvements in my running through April!
How did you do with your goals in March?
What are you looking forward to in April?
I have to watch my target trips too! I have gotten much better about it but need to keep it up….I am all for unplugging at night! and spring weather is so not here this weekend, supposed to get really cold again. ugh
I’m in Arkansas this weekend and it’s 30 degrees this morning. I thought it was supposed to be warmer in the south!! My body just can’t keep up with all the temp changes.
Gahh target gets me EVERY time. It’s impossible to be thrifty there, I’m convinced. How are you doing now that coffee is back? I’m curious after a month+ away. Thanks for the posture reminder – I remember seeing that as your initial goal and I need constant reminders to do this too. Have a great weekend, Lisa!
I am loving being back to coffee but I have definitely been a little more aware of keeping it to just one cup a day. And I really savor that one cup:) However, yesterday I traveled all day and woke up super early so I had a few extra cups to get me through the day.
We loved having you! Please continue to link up! I have given up coffee before, but since I didn’t drink decaf it didn’t make much of a difference in that since. But I do notice when I don’t have it. And it just makes me sad, more than anything!
Yea, my morning cup of coffee definitely makes me happy. I think I got used to not having it but I still really missed it.
Target is such an easy place to overspend! Ryan’s office just moved within 5 minutes of Target (not a ton of Targets out here) and I have him go now because otherwise I buy more than we need.
You’ve been so consistent in working towards your goals, especially strength and push ups! Hope you have a great weekend, Lisa!
Thats smart to have Ryan do the target trip! Whenever possible I make Rob come with me because he makes sure we don’t get extra stuff. Hope you have a great weekend as well!
Love that pic of your two mugs. 🙂 Such a pretty face! I mean, even if you weren’t pretty, your personality is great so there’s always that too. I can’t believe it’s already April! Watch your back out there this morning!
Aw, you’re too sweet. And I am glad to have made it through April 1st without falling for any jokes! I hope you made it through ok as well!
I get my bulk groceries at Target, so I’ve been so many times, I don’t go overboard when I’m there. If I need something in a non-grocery aisle, I can find it without other stuff jumping into my cart.
That’s good! Somehow when I am there I just find other stuff that I all of a sudden “need”.
Yay coffee! That first sip must have been magical, haha!
What a great month for you! I haven’t set monthly goals in a very long time but you’re making me think I should get back to it. I remember it being really motivating! I’m going to do it for April!
That’s great!! Especially with having decided on a training plan I am sure it will help you to stay motivated this month!
I want to get back to weekly meal prep, but after the first weekend in April it’s just event after event and I used to do it on Sundays! I think you’ve done a great job with your goals – slow and steady progress wins the race in the end.
It’s so hard to meal prep when there are things going on over the weekend! I am away 3 weekends this month so I am sure I will miss quite a bit of meal prepping.
i’ve realized i hate meal prep…so much work! maybe its the meal prep i’ve been doing for this detox but sheesh is so much work and i hate doing it. hats off to you for keeping up with that!!!
Meal prep can definitely be frustrating! It’s alot of work but I always realize how helpful it is on the weeks that I don’t do it.
You’ve been killing it with the goals!!!
I have that same mug – with the Land everything. 🙂
Isn’t that mug so cute? I got it for my bridal shower a few years ago and it’s one of my favorites.
My goals all went into the toilet this month as my injuries really took hold. Ugh. Why now? I adjusted my training but the goal for April is still the same…cross the finish line at Big Sur! That’s all I care about at the moment. If it were any other race, I’d pull back. Maybe.
I know you will finish Big Sur (with a smile on your face!) and then you will get a well-deserved break!!
Yay for the return of coffee! Just as you go back to it I’m off of it since getting sick, no desire yet, maybe Sunday 🙂 This month has been crazy weather wise and it looks like it continues as Sunday is supposed to be cold again!
This weather is driving me crazy. Yesterday it was 65 for my run and I was sweating in shorts and today I am in Arkansas and the real feel this morning is 27. I thought it was supposed to be warmer in the south!! I hope you can get back to enjoying coffee soon:)
It sounds like you had an awesome month, girl! Way to go on achieving all of those goals!
Thank you!:)
I am super impressed with your meal planning!
Thanks!
Wow, I am amazed at those who can go under 1:40 for a half marathon. It was always a struggle for me to do sub 2 hours.
My first half marathon goal was 2 hours, and then it took me 5 years to get to 1:45. Now I’m hoping to break 1:40 but not sure how long it will take to happen!
Nice job with your goals this month! I think April will be a great month for you. Hopefully the Spring weather stays, but let’s not rush summer. I’ll be completely shocked if it’s full on summer when I move back.
I would like spring to stick around for a bit! This week its gonna be in the 20s at night. I am so over wearing lots of layers for my morning runs!
Wow! 552 miles for that year that is impressive. And I thought I was doing good w 308. I better step up my game. But it is hard to do higher mileage when you don’t have a race coming up in the near future. I don’t have anything until a half in November.
It definitely is tough to run high mileage without a goal race. I also count some of my walking miles, so that helps alot to get my numbers up!
Lots of miles running and walking, well done! It sounds like you had a lovely March. It’s hard to believe Easter was just a few weeks ago! I’ve also been working to move more and finding that the FitBit has motivated me to park my car much farther away from my apartment!
Thats awesome that you have been parking farther away! I have definitely be trying to be more active during the day, but its tough!
Great job on run/walking the year! You’re rocking your monthly goals! And then some. 🙂 BQ is on my list too this year.
Thanks! I hope we both get those BQs:)
I never realized how much work it is to improve your posture! And at the same time, how much of a difference it makes for your core!
You are doing great with your goals! Best of wishes on BQ!!
Thanks! Yes, posture is really tough to improve but so important.