Looking for my next challenge...

.... or race.


I haven't been doing any "training", persay, since the sprint triathlon on August 15th. Swimming has taken a back seat with no laps accomplished thus far in the month of September. Yesterday, I realized that I only ran once last week - bringing this months miles up to a whopping 7.6.

Yes, for reals.


On the flip side, it's been nice to take time to get back into a routine with work, sleep, and just getting my rear to the gym on a regular basis. I have gotten in a handful of two-fers and more strength training than prior to school starting. I have been able to get to BODYPUMP class at least once a week, a yoga class, and some pilates.

I think the routine of working during the day has helped, immensely.

However, I am a person that feels like I can stay on top of my game if I have something to reach for; an event or race, or a challenge for that matter. I have been racking my brain the past couple of days, trying to figure out what it is I want to do. When October rolls around, I would love to be training for something or another and change things up a bit!

Here's some of the things coming up that I am thinking about:

• 9/18/10 - West Fargo 5K - this would be a last minute decision, and just for fun, if I am around this weekend.
• 10/9/10 - Fargo Mini Marathon 5K - This weekend I have company, but might be able to squeeze this run in while everyone is still fast asleep. :)
• 10/10/10 - Running Diva Mom's 10K Virtual Race
• 11/25/10 - 5K Turkey Trot - I haven't done this one in a few years because the race starts midmorning and my mom hosts Thanksgiving dinner - so I feel bad not helping out that morning...
• 12/4/10 - Jingle Bell 5K (Arthritis Foundation) - J and I have done this for the past couple of years. And even though it's dang cold out, we keep coming back for more. This year we are thinking about wearing costumes related to the holidays - so if you have any wonderful ideas, please share!

Also, I have seen a blogger or two mention the possibility of a challenge that they are putting together that I might be interested in participating in. And, I am thinking about either putting a virtual race in order for my 30th birthday...

What do you have coming up? Are you doing an personal challenges? Anybody willing to give me any ideas of how to change it up a bit and challenge myself?!

Swimming, 3 Changes Challenge, & 5K Virtual Race for the Cure

Swimming Related:
Thanks to all those that commented and left suggestions on my post from yesterday regarding Swim Team and goggles.


As far as Swim Team goes, I had about 18 votes suggesting I stick with it and only a few suggesting I take a break. I think my heart is was leaning towards "stick with it" but my cheap ars was having a hard time justifying the $40. A friend reminded me that I can look at it as $20 since we are getting $20 back from our gym membership as part of our health care plan for visiting the gym 12 times in a month. I am still worried a bit with my skin, but I am going to look into some different lotions and/or soap... Are there any swimmers out there that deal with skin irritation and have a remedy that helps?

For the goggles, there were a few people who suggested the Aqua Sphere Kaiman Lady goggles and I am going to get myself a pair and try them! I am hoping they will work out great for me!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!


3 Changes Challenge:

Amanda over at RunToTheFinish has put together the 3 Changes Challenge! The idea is to pick 3 changes to better myself and work on them for 30 days, starting yesterday. If your interested in joining, let Amanda know and go to the post I linked above and add yourself to the Google Document spreadsheet.

Here are my 3 Changes:

1. Decrease Soda/Increase Water - I have been really struggling to cut out soda and it is definitely something I need to do. I do drink diet soda, so that leaves me with the high calorie, high fructose corn syrup soda that leaves me feeling blech. I drink a decent amount of water, but I noticed when I increased it last week, it affected my workouts and overall feelings throughout the day.
2. 15-20 minutes of core work 4-5 times/week - I am getting better with this, but it's time to buckle down and pay more attention to the areas that can benefit my running, cycling, and swimming if in tip-top shape.
3. Say "NO" to treats at work - This includes bars, rolls, cake, ice cream, etc. For those of you who work in a school, particularly an elementary school filled with mostly women, you know what kind of treats come through the lounge and team lunches. I swear we have some sort of treat at our lunch table 4 out of 5 days, at least. It's actually gross if I really think about it.

5K Virtual Race for the Cure:

Tall Mom on the Run is putting together a 5K Virtual Race for the Cure and I look forward to participating in this! It's just $5 for a 5K on 5/5! I have donated to her fundraising page and look forward to participating in May! If you want to join in on the fun and need more information - check out her post HERE! It's for a great cause!

Happy Hump Day, y'all!

This, that, and everything in between

Halloween Weekend:
How many of you dressed up for Halloween? I did. Actually a group of us dressed up and it was a lot of fun. We ended up at a smaller bar, with more of an older crowd. We were in the mood for something more low key and less slutty costumes. It was pretty relaxing, but fun at the same time. However, the next day, I woke with some sort of flu. No, it wasn't the bottle flu. I am home sick from work today and that rarely ever happens. I was running a temp, puking, very very very weak, no appetite, and very tired. It took everything in me this morning to run to school and type up my sub notes. I hope to be back tomorrow because lying around all day isn't my kind of thing.

Month in Review: October
I can't believe that the month is already over. And to think there are only 7 months left of school! Wow, time flies when you're having fun. Let's take a look at the digits for the month and compare them to September.

Swim - 8,700M ................ 8,500M in September
Bike - 77.80 miles .......... 56.93 miles in September
Run - 12.74 miles .......... 10.45 miles in September

Well, the numbers are still low, but their higher then they were in September. And the best thing is... I am back at running, slowly but surely! I am happy!


My November Challenge:
After reading Caitlin's post on getting back on track, I knew I needed to do the same. After talking with a friend, we decided to create a challenge of our own. We will earn points for certain workouts/activities, and then points will be deducted for eating out, drinking soda/coffee, and alcohol. The person with the most points at the end of the month will make the other person dinner. This should help with getting back on track with eating right, cutting back on ordering my lattes (doesn't include making coffee at home), and spending less money!


POTM:
Pile on the Miles Challenge. This has been put together by Caitlin and Bobbi. The goal for this is to increase activity and not put on all those extra pounds that can happen so easily this time of year. Both walking and running miles will count, which works wonderfully for me since I am slowly getting back into running. I think it will even motivate me to run/walk more! I know I won't log nearly as many miles as a lot of the other participates, but I think it will be fun to join in. Plus, I keep track of those things anyway! I can't wait to get over this flu and start tracking my miles! Hopefully I will be able to participate in the Turkey Trot this thanksgiving!


What does the month of November look like for you?