Really Big & Slightly Scary Running Goals

Another whirlwind of a weekend has come and gone and this one was spent in New Braunfels, visiting my brother and sister-in-law! We had a BLAST and loved our time there. I even took an extra day off of work (yesterday) so we could leisurely return home, which was definitely the right call.

With another Tuesday upon us comes another Tuesdays on the Run and this one is all about race goals - big, scary, hairy race goals.

To be honest, I hadn't given much thought to race goals prior to this summer. Earlier in the year, I began to experience something that concerned me and after speaking with my physician, it was determined that I have a complication that arose during childbirth. I haven't shared about this here because I haven't been quite sure how to go about doing so and let's just say that what I've experienced has left me with a heart full of gratitude that I can even run at all. My running goal prior to this summer? Just. Keep. Running.

Throughout this "journey", so to speak, I met an amazing physical therapist who taught me a wealth of knowledge and gave me hope when I needed it the most. Maybe...just maybe I wasn't completely done in for just yet!

With the conclusion of physical therapy came the eye opening wonders of Orangetheory. I love this form of cross training because it's doable for me, even with a weight restriction. I can work on strength as well as cardio at the same time which is perfect for me! I can also see and feel the benefits of Orangetheory and now I'm totally 100% hooked.

Now, my goal of "just keep running" has turned into "maybe I can run a little faster"..."or farther"...?

So, where do I go from here? Well, I thought I'd never be at a place where I'd be able to reach or beat my current half marathon PR from 2015. My goal that year was to break 2 hours in the half and with the help of a pacer, I did just that.

Is a sub-2 hour half marathon doable for me again? I can't say exactly, but I'm starting to feel strong and more powerful, just like I did back in 2015. Breaking my half marathon PR IS a huge and scary goal for me, so we shall see what the future has to hold.

Another HUGE lofty goal for me is to hit a 4:30 full marathon time. My current PR is 4:44, but my knee can say otherwise at times, so I'm not sure how many more full marathons I have in me. Again, we will see what the future has to hold here!

Is "just keep running" a big, lofty, scary goal? Sure it is. Each of us are fighting our own battles, and if putting one foot in front of the other is the biggest goal that can be set right now, then I'm all about that. I might never reach a PR status again, but if running is something I can continue to do for years to come, I'll be happy enough with that!

Do you have a running goal that scares or intimidates you?

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty. 

Fitness Friday - 8/3

It's August, y'all. August. There's only 144 days until Christmas. Say what?!

Speaking of Christmas, I cannot wait for cooler weather, that's for sure! The heat was partially a contributing factor to my lack of outdoor runs this week, but that's ok. I still managed three Orangetheory workouts and they were good ones that left me with sore muscles the following day (or days)! Let's see how this week went for me....

Currently Training For:

• Dopey Challenge 2018 - Walt Disney World
• Rock n Roll New Orleans Half Marathon 2018 - New Orleans, LA 
• Contraband Days 5 Miler 
• 4 on the 4th
• Rock n Roll San Antonino Half 

Saturday - Orangetheory Trinity - Endurance, Strength, Power
Sunday - Rest Day
Monday - Unplanned Rest Day
Tuesday - Orangetheory Endurance Day
Wednesday - Rest Day
Thursday - Orangetheory Endurance Day
Friday - Travel Day

Last week was kind of a crazy one around here, so that meant I had the chance to go to Orangetheory on a Saturday! This workout was what they called the Orangetheory Trinity (a combination of endurance, strength, and power) which encompassed a 14 minute row. Yes, you read that correctly....14 minutes...on the rower. Ouch.

 

I mean, I love the rower, but 14 minutes...yikes!

This meme that I found online said it perfectly. For all my Bachelor and Bachelorette fans out there, you'll understand this one!

On Monday night, we celebrated my mom's birthday, which meant no run or workout for me. I thought I might have a chance to squeeze one in, but it didn't happen. Oh well!

My next trip to Orangetheory took place on Tuesday afternoon and this time, it was all about endurance. With a combination of the mini bands on the weight floor and a run to row (running on the treadmill and rowing on the rower combo), this was one of the toughest workouts I've done at Orangetheory to date. My legs are seriously still sore.


On Wednesday, I couldn't move...so I didn't. Well, I might have gone to work but I didn't do anything extra apart from that!

Thursday was another Orangetheory workout. This was also another endurance workout, but it consisted of a 2000 meter benchmark row. The goal was to hit 2000 meters between 6-10 minutes and I finished in 7:30. I was trying to be one of the first off the rower and I ended up being the third off. Not too shabby for only doing this about 6 weeks!

We also did another run to row (running on the treadmill and rowing on the rower combo) yesterday, which I loved!


In all, these workouts this week were amazing and definitely left me feeling it later!

Other exciting things that took place this weekend were some good eats!

A local restaurant that makes fabulous pizza decided to make their pizza even more fabulous by offering a cauliflower crust. Y'all. This was so good. Seriously. Even my husband who hates cauliflower loved it! WIN! 

I also discovered a new favorite salad from Greenhouse! It was called the Chinatown and it was delicious! I can't wait to have it again!

In other randomness, Poshmark has become my new BFF! These two Lilly pieces were purchased for our cruise and they arrived this week! Much to my surprise, both items fit perfectly! I cannot wait to wear them!!

We are headed back to Texas this weekend to spend time with my brother for his birthday! We are also going to take Brayden to Sea World in San Antonio and are so looking forward to spending the weekend with family! I might evenf try to squeeze in an Orangetheory workout while I'm there!


Have any weekend plans? Hope you have a great one!!