Review of January Goals

Okay, so you may have guessed by my lack of posting that I kind of bailed on the Do Life Challenge. The challenge was actually really cool (photo scavenger hunt? awesome), but I just didn't seem to have time.  I decided that I had to let it go.  That being said, I didn't forget completely about my monthly goals and am due for a check-in:

Write down 5 quantifiable goals for yourself, realistically achievable in one month.

     (i)   Lose 6 pounds by Feb 1. (My baseline number is as of Jan 1.)

I gained and lost these 6 pounds so many times over the month. I would have a great week and drop a couple, followed by a rotten week where I gained a pound (or more).  As of this morning (2/1) I was down 7!  I haven't seen these numbers in 6+ years. :)
  

     (ii)  Engage in some activity/exercise at least 5 days/week with at least 4 days involving running.

I did really good on this one overall. One week I only ran 3 times but did the bike as cross training and did some strength training to hit the 5 days. And last week I ran 4 days but did NOTHING else.  I decided that was pretty decent.  Going to continue to work on this goal though.  I think 5 days/week with 4 running is a really good balance.  3 or 4 days gives me good maintenance, but 5 is what I need to push further.

 

     (iii) Log at least 2 speed sessions and 2 strength sessions this month.

Hmmm... I think I did this.  I executed a planned speed/interval session but only one (it was tough, but fun!).  I also ramped up the speed, turning Sunday's run into a bit of a tempo run, so I'm going to count that.  I haven't really planned out and executed formal strength sessions, but I have been adding stuff here and there quite frequently (push ups, etc).  I think I need more planning and follow-through here.

     (iv) No snacking after 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Ehhhh... not great, not terrible. :) Something to work on.

     (v)  Enjoy pop (soda) no more than 4 days/week.

I actually did pretty well at this and kept it to 4 days/week. Unfortunately, some of those days I drank a LOT.  I am back to weeding it out of my life completely.  So tough unfortunately.  :( 

All in all, I'm happy with where I landed January at.  It was a crazy-busy month and always a challenging one for me for personal reasons, so any forward movement is great in my book.  February is shaping up to be just as busy, but I do hope to set (and meet) some ambitious goals!

(That's a "I'm happy with my goals" face)

Oh, and I did 20 push ups in a row last night, followed by 2 more shorter sets (total of 45).  I was pretty pleased with this, especially since they are "real" from the toes push ups (not that there is any shame in from the knee). Thought I'd be hurting today but not too bad! :)