So I blinked and July was over. Not that I’m complaining because this summer seems to be going by quickly! Overall I think I did good on my July goals. I like to set monthly goals because I feel like they keep me more accountable, especially during marathon training.
Since it’s the start of August so that means it’s time for some new monthly goals – Let’s discuss!
First, let’s take a look at my goals from July:
Meal Prep
Grade B+. Definitely room for improvement, but I feel like I’m on the right track. I got back into the habit of my green smoothies and beet juice drinks. Last week I made really good (if I do say so myself) buffalo chicken and I used it to top my salads for lunch. This is something that I know I need to keep doing to make it routine/easy for me.
Do some “Summer Cleaning”
Grade: A+. I have a few bags of items to drop off these week. I think I did a good job of donating/selling items that I no longer use, want or wear anymore.
Balance life and marathon training
Grade: B+. I’m getting there. I did go out with a friend for Happy Hour earlier in the month. I also saw a movie and volunteered at an event. It was nice to do things other than work, train, blog and sleep!
Here are my goals for August:
Complete my long runs for marathon training
In August I have four long runs and no cutback weeks. Each long run will be between 12-18 miles. I’m just really hoping (fingers crossed) that my body can handle it and not freak out on me (I’m talking to you knees)!
I mean okay Ryan if you say so…I’ll just keep moving forward during those long runs!
Continue with my PT exercises
The PT exercises are a great compliment to my new stretching routine. I’ve been doing then at least once, and sometimes twice a day. All of the moves take about 15 minutes to complete, so it’s definitely not something that takes a lot of time out of my day. My hope is that these exercises will continue to strengthen my hips, quads, etc.
#Truth!
Enjoy my Staycation
I have some vacation time to use up at work so I’m taking off the last week in August. I have no vacation plans, so it will be a staycation. Of course I’ll still be training during this time, and will probably complete a few errands, but I really want to make sure I enjoy this time off. This means enjoying a book, some alcohol (hello pina colada) and maybe a beach day.
Do you set monthly goals? If so, do you have any goals for August?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Susie from Suzlyfe, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
I don’t really set monthly goals. Every so often I will join a monthly challenge which then becomes a goal by default. I probably should try to set a t least one…like foam roll every day!
I tend to join monthly challenges on Garmin and Strava just because they are so easy to enter, lol
Good luck with those long runs!! I just got some arm PT for my broken elbow!
Oh no, a broken elbow?! I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope the PT works well for you.
I haven’t been setting monthly goals this year. I’m taking things one week at a time. But, I do need to decide if a Half Metric Century bike ride is going on the August calendar …
That would be awesome if you decide to do the Half Century Bike Ride!
I can’t believe it’s August already! No doubt you’ll continue to crush your goals – enjoy your staycation 🙂
Thanks so much Annmarie!
I hope you do enjoy your time off this month. Listen to your body and you will crush this month’s long training runs
Thanks Deborah. I’m really hoping for a good month of training.
Great job with your goals. I’ve set a few august goals. Some easy and some lofty.
Thanks Anna! I love the goals that you set for yourself for August!
Sounds like you are doing very well with your goals… have a wonderful August!
thanks so much Elle!
Setting monthly goals is such a good idea! It’s a great way to stay on track and be accountable. A staycation and long runs sounds like a fun month to me!
For me it really helps me with my larger yearly goals – helps keep me accountable!
Keep on those PT exercises, they are the key! I know how annoying they can be though.
Thanks so much Jen!
Good luck with the long runs coming up! It sounds like the PT exercises are really helping. And have fun with the staycation 🙂 I did that towards the beginning of July and it really was a nice break.
Thank you! I know I’ll get through the long runs, I’m just a little nervous for some reason!
I rarely set monthly goals. I love to see everyone’s framework for it and it seems to help a lot of people. I find monthly goals, at this phase of my life, to cause more stress than they provide motivation. Not my season.
I like to set monthly goals because they help me achieve my larger goals for the year.
Peak running month ahead! You got this! That staycation will definitely help. August is going to be fab!
I don’t know why I’m freaking out about the long runs this month since I’ve done this before, lol!
I need to brainstorm a plan for August….I haven’t thought much of my monthly goals because my “reality” is a bit varied this year LOL Good luck wit all those log runs!
You’ve been doing such an awesome job with your exercises and long walks!
Hopefully all your PT exercises will work as prehab to keep you in great shape with those long runs this month!
Thanks Debbie – that’s the plan! (fingers crossed)
I’m going back to school as a teacher this month so I will also be hopping on that Meal Prep train with you! Love the goals–I don’t set them monthly, but I think it’s a great habit.
Meal prep is so important and makes life so much easier!
Ooh a staycation sounds amazing!!
I’m really looking forward to it!
These are some great goals!
I fluctuate on setting goals. Sometimes, with my schedule, it’s hard to really follow through, so it ends up with me getting down on myself of Arno good reason. Once school starts, my routine will be back and I can start looking at nailing down some goals for the month to come.
I definitely agree. It’s definitely easier to follow through on goals some months. Other months it’s like “wait, what goals did I set for myself?” LOL
Totally agree about the month of July going by so quick! It sounds like your July was successful and productive – you totally deserve that Staycation!
Thanks Jen! I’m really looking forward to some time off!
I’ve been slacking on the goal front. There’s just something about summer that makes me just want to fly by the seat of my pants and call it good enough! 🙂
I see no problem with that at all! You’re supposed to relax a little in the summer 🙂
My biggest goal for August is not to overdo it, but also not to give in to wanting to do nothing. The travel will help with that!
Oh yeah, travel will no doubt help with that. I hope you have a great August!
I love that you set monthly goals like this. I really should start doing this. Enjoy your staycation!
Thanks so much Lindsay!
Great goals! And you had a kick-ass July, too! I feel like our training is super similar these days.
We’re definitely similar with our training this year!
I hope you have an absolutely wonderful staycation at the end of the month. Since we’re now at the height of Chicago training, I have no doubt that you’ll successfully do a lot of relaxing that week. 🙂
You are so right about that. The plan is to get all my workouts done in the morning and then relax for the rest of the day for the entire week!
SOunds like great goals for August! I tend to think about monthly goals, but never get around to writing them down. My goal for August is to follow my half plan as closely as possible. Good luck with your long runs.
Thanks Toni! Sounds like you have a great goal for August!