Miss Windy and I started off our day yesterday by going for a long walkies. On days where she doesn't run with me, I make sure to get her out for several long walks throughout the day. Siberian Huskies = high energy. High energy = destruction if bored. Plus, it's kind of not fair. Not getting her out and about would be like locking up a toddler in a small room with nothing in it. She deserves to have adventure and to be able to stretch her legs. Once my school year starts, I'll be using a dog walker service to make sure she gets her outdoors time when I'm not home.
Now I've never claimed to be a food blogger (and I never will), but I am a food expert (I love food so much -- that makes me an expert). Kodiak Cakes waffles and pancakes SO GOOD. I like to top my K-Cakes with non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt (TJ's is my fave), and some fruit.
I plopped down and nom'd on this while stalking y'all. My Monday morning was pretty low-key, but inspiring.:)
*le sigh* Please believe me: I didn't put that pillow there. Almost six weeks of being her human, and she surprises me every single day with something kind of cool.
The rest of the day was spent toward some laundry, some school work, and some relaxing.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I've been feeling *really* overwhelmed when it comes to my training. I can't help but compare myself to...well...myself prior to this injury. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. How I woke up every morning and conquered the world. I've gotten better at waking up and getting right to what I need to do -- lace up and move out, and that seemed like a long road. Going to spin or other classes hasn't happened yet, but I'm working on that. I have to remember that this is a process everyone goes through when coming back, or even beginning a new fitness routine. I used to remind my clients when I was a personal trainer that no one woke up one day and could do all of this. It takes time.
Soooooooo, to combat the overwhelming feelers, I made some goals! I've broken them up, for very obvious reasons:
Small goals (a.k.a. Things I can control NOW)
Drinking roughly 150-175 ounces of water a day. This is my usual, and has been for many years. This is one small, daily goal that I can pat myself on the back for reaching when I hop into bed at night.
Puffy eyes are in season (allergy season, that is). Just sayin'.
Side note: Yes, I'm wearing a hoodie during summer.
Nutrition -- Something I can definitely control, and can even experiment with at the moment! Allowing myself to try out new snacks and foods during a glorified off-season training cycle will help me gauge some ebbs and flows with energy throughout the day.
Remaining hopeful --(and speaking of nutrition, heh) -- Knowing that I can get there again is so lovely. It most definitely won't be this year, but I can always look ahead to next year. My imagination is going bananas with so many race ideas.
REALLY TRY to not procrastinate -- In the grand spirit of not overwhelming myself, staying on top of things (feeling complete) and not taking advantage of time is probably the best gift I can give myself.
Big goals (being realistic here!)
I am pretty realistic when it comes to racing goals. I'm not particularly into lofty or outrageous themes when it comes to my training. For what is rest of this year (I cannot believe it's July -- seriously), I am focusing on distance only. I am not out to get a PR in any distance race. If it happens, no matter how unlikely the odds are, then good for me! But I'm not adding the stress of hitting specific tempo paces or heart rate zones.
We're hitting up Madison in three months to run the Haunted Hustle Half Marathon. That gives me plenty of time to build up my mileage and get to the starting line HEALTHY.
On top of the Haunted Hustle Half Marathon in October, I've added on one more half to my racing schedule: We're going to Memphis in December for the St. Jude Half Marathon!
So those are some things I'm dong presently. I've always thought that it was pretty important to document big ideas and thoughts, fears and loves, etc. I hope this didn't bore you too much.:P
Linking up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia!
What are your BIG GOALS for the rest of this year?! A race? Healthy goals? A fun event?
Runners: What is your "magic number" when it comes to running days?
Random: FAVORITE FRUIT?
-Banaaaanaaaaas!
