Mileage is the Name of the Game

I entered a 100-Mile Challenge in January and shortly thereafter saw another challenge of 1,000 miles for the year.  So, I hopped on those trains and left the station.  The first quarter is "down" and I am feeling pleased with my progress.  Yes, I said QUARTER!  Here are the numbers:

January - 112.43
February - 114.62
March - 122.58

For a year-to-date total, this adds up to be 349.63 miles for three months.  I am very realistic and at times feel pessimistic; in saying this, that I do know things will come up and change your well-planned schedule.  It could be weather [and yes, if it's bad enough I don't even want to get out and go to the gym], illness, injury, company, special events and sometimes you just don't "feel like" doing anything and need some extra rest.  Don't give up!  Do what you can and it will all pan out for the good.

Yes, I've felt good this quarter and, yes, I've been injured and struggled to get back "up" again.  But I haven't quit!  Regardless of how hard things can get, how discouraged I get with my progress or ability or how much I want to quit, I now have a base to work on and history to prove that I can do this!  No, Sireee, Bob...I will NOT quit!! 

This week I began a month of personal training for the first time ever.  I'm doing it with two other ladies [to keep the cost down].  These ladies have been doing this for about 3 years.  I feel like such a sissy as I have so much to work on and learn and get up to "speed".  Some weight exercises, core and balance exercises and all-around ab workouts have been good.  I'm learning machines I've not known how to use as well as new exercises using free weights, balls, kettleballs and other equipment.  Regardless of how awful I am at this time, pushing on is the game in this arena.  Thanks, Pam, for good routines!  And, your patience with me!  I will be stronger at the end of the month and looking forward to new and exciting things at the Y. 

I'll share this but am not ready to be accountable to it yet.  I do a spin class once a week...I know, I know...many of you, and probably most, do several classes a week but I love to run and that's where all my effort basically goes.  Anyway, the first part of the year when I started spin, I had a real hard time.  My endurance was awful!!  And, standing up was almost impossible and I wanted to quit big-time due to discouragement.  I hung in there and after talking with Pam she asked if I ran before class and I said yes; she suggested running 1-2 miles or none and see if I could do the class better.  So I dropped my mileage and after a few more classes I was able to stand and do the class as instructed.  Soon I started my running before class again but very easy.  Doing a couple of miles didn't seem to bother me.  Well...to make a long story short...NOT...I stayed with it.  Now, I run 2 miles before class and 2 afterward, working on endurance and mileage in spin class.  This week, I ran my usual 2 miles before class at a decent pace, did class [achieving 21.6 miles], and ran another 2 miles afterward at a very good pace.  I felt really good throughout and strong.  Back to the first sentence of this paragraph.  If things keep going well and I get a little confidence, I'd like to do my first duathlon this year.  I think I can do this and that it is an achievable goal.  We'll see..........

So for now, I'm "banking" as many miles as I can, to meet my monthly and yearly goal.  Actually, I had no idea that I could do 100 miles a month and it's been three months down.  This builds my confidence and assurance that it can be done.  I am eager to get out and add more miles. 

Whatever you are doing, do it with all you have.  Do NOT compare yourself with others or it will be easy to get discouraged, quit or put yourself down.  There is only one YOU...be the best YOU can be.

Until next time get out and

Run 4 It