August Goals

Yesterday I was thinking about the goals I want to work on this month. I need to make sure I keep my goals simple and S.M.A.R.T. I will say that lately I have been doing much better with 30-day challenges. This morning as I completed Week Five, Day Three of the Couch to 5k I realize I have not repeated one day of the training plan. Even though this is my third attempt (second time I will complete the plan), I see this as progress both mentally and physically.

Here are the things I plan to work on this month:

1. #PlankADay
2. Run 3x a week -- If all goes well, I will complete my Couch to 5k plan by the end of the month.
3. Strength train 2x a week -- I need to have a plan.
4. Pray and meditate at least 15 minutes each day
5. Finish all of the books in "currently reading" on my bookshelf on Good Reads.
6. Work on my writing at least 15 minutes each day - I have a dozen or so unfinished poems to keep me busy.
7. Nutrition - I will try one new recipe a week.
8. Practice my swimming 2x a week - I need to find another swim class.

Running in the Rain

I was sooo looking forward to Week Five, Day Three today. I was up at 5:15 am and ready to go. Then I noticed the sound of raindrops against my bedroom windows. I contemplated running anyhow but it was coming down pretty hard. A light drizzle is one thing. I did not want to get drenched! Plus, I have this overwhelming fear that I am going to slip and fall while running in the rain.
Hopefully, the rain will hold off and it won’t be that humid later on this evening. If it does, I plan to run outside. If not, I will be hopping on the treadmill.

Personal Best: 30- Day Plank Challenge

Yay! Today I did it! I met my goal of hold a plank for two minutes:

I'm so excited! This just goes to show what happens when I stay consistent and persistent when working on a goal.

Couch to 5k: Week Five, Day Two

I had an okay workout this morning. I really wasn't feeling it but I made it through: Run 6 mins., Walk 1 min., Run 4 mins., Walk 1 min., Run 6 mins. It looked simple enough but those 1-minute break go by so fast! I actually could have done another interval or two so my endurance is definitely improving. What I really need to work on is my self-consciousness about running. I still think I'm too fat to run but I'm doing it anyhow:

I am not sure what is going on with my self confidence. I feel the same way about my swimming. In the meantime, I'll keep working at it.

Sandy Springs Lightning 5k - September 21

As the scriptures say, Man plans his way, God directs his steps.

Well, I will not be participating in this 5k due to a conflict. I recently signed up to volunteer at an Interfaith Power Over Prejudice Summit at my church. I thought the summit would be the same day as the statewide summit in October. Anyhow, I was going to look for another 5k in September but I decided to just keep training for the one in October.

I'll be done with the Couch to 5k in a couple weeks. I will give myself some goals to work on during September to help me stay focus. The last time I completed the Couch to 5k and the Firefly 5k I did not continue to run. I want to keep up the running this time so I will be in great shape to cross off the Peachtree Road Race from my fitness bucket list.

Personal Best

Day 27. This 30-day Plank Challenge has become more challenging as the month is coming to an end. I originally thought I was going to be able to surpassed my 2-minute goal, now I am beginning to wonder if I will accomplish it. No matter what happens, I am proud of myself for the discipline I've shown to work toward my goal each day. I've decided to extend it another 30 days.

Couch to 5K: Week Five, Day 1

I'm starting to think I do better with running every two days rather than trying to run every other day. I think I may maintain this routine until I finish this program. I tried using my Nike Plus App this morning. I am not sure if it is calibrated correctly. I really think the distance is shorter and my pace is slower: