First, let’s take a look at my goals from July:
Conquer the Stair Climber Machine (20 minutes)
Grade: F
It just didn’t happen this month, but I will make this an unofficial goal for August.
Have a blast at RnR Chicago
Grade: A+++
RnR Chicago was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. The whole weekend was filled with miles, smiles and new friends. I loved every minute of it.
Get back into a workout routine
Grade A
I’m finally back into a groove and loving it!
Blog consistently
Grade A
I had 12 blog posts (including this one) in July which averages out to 3 posts a week and I’m happy with that!
Use collagen products daily
Grade A
I’ve been using Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen everyday and loving it so far. I also notice that if I use it in my afternoon cup of tea, I don’t need an afternoon snack because the collagen has so much protein.
Here are my goals for August!
Start a training plan for Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia
I wrote out my 7 week training plan yesterday so I’m feeling better about this. My training will consist of a mix of running, strength training and spinning. I’m thinking of adding more spinning because that really helped me with my endurance in the past. I’m also toying with the idea of running the 5k, 10k and half marathon that weekend, but I probably won’t make a final decision on that until the beginning of September.
Take 2-3 spinning classes per week
As mentioned above, I’m going to try incorporating more spinning classes into my weekly workout routine. since I’m only running 3 days a week, this should not be too hard to do. Back when I got my half marathon PR, I was teaching spinning twice a week and taking my favorite instructor’s class once a week. I noticed that my stamina was amazing during that time, so I’m hoping to recreate the magic.
Enjoy my vacation time!
I’m taking off from work the last week of August and I cannot wait. I feel like I really need this break, especially since work is going to be insane in August. As of right now I don’t have any travel plans, so it may just end of being a staycation, but that’s okay with me. I really want a week off to do absolutely nothing.
Do you set monthly goals? I love doing these posts every month because it helps to hold me accountable, especially with my yearly goals. Sometimes it’s easy to get a little lazy with all of the day-to-day responsibilities that we have, but I always try to make my health a top priority
Did you have a good July? If you set monthly goals, what are your goals for August?
I’m linking up with Marcia from Marcia’s Healthy Slice, Erika from MCM Mama Runs and Patty from My No-Guilt Life for Tuesdays on the Run.
I’m also linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
Last but not least, I’m linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, Marc from Train With Marc and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Jennifer @ Fit Nana says
I don’t set monthly goals and I can’t really come up with a good reason why. I guess I just have things I want to do and I try to make sure I do them? I don’t know – does that even make sense?
I wouldn’t worry so much about that missed stair stepper in July. You totally had WAY more on your plate that was far more important! I’m glad you’re feeling more like yourself and you’re ready to get back into a routine! I think you guys who do multiple races over a weekend are crazy. Haha! How can you even plan to do that much? Maybe I could, too, but I’ve never even considered it!
And YES to spinning! I would love to be able to fit a spin class in (my favorite instructor teaches Wednesday mornings and Wednesday is a run day so I don’t think I should double up) because it’s so good for muscular endurance! AND, it’s also good prep for hilly runs, too!
kookyrunner says
You are always doing so much that I don’t think you need to set monthly goals!
You could totally do multiple races over a weekend. The key is to run the first race of the weekend for fun so that you arent burnt out for the longer race.
I’m looking forward to adding more spinning into my life. Years ago (when I wasn’t running as much), I did a lot of spinning and zumba classes. My stamina was so much better. Funny because you would think running would make it better, lol.
Chocolaterunsjudy says
I can’t begin to tell you how badly we needed our vacation! I hope you enjoy yours, whether it’s staycation or going somewhere. We’ll have a shorter vacation at the end of August for me race, but not sure how well I’ll be walking around after that so there are no big plans.
That’s really interesting about not needing to snack in the afternoon with the collagen.
kookyrunner says
Totally! I feel like I’m slowly approaching burnout so I need some rest and relaxation. I’ve done 3 racecations this year, which are always fun, but not exactly relaxing lol.
I usually need an after lunch/pre-workout snack around 3 or 4pm but I notice that when I drink tea with the collagen around that time, I no longer need a snack.
Chocolaterunsjudy says
No, can’t say as my racecation was relaxing but it was fun. But it was also my first vacation in a reeeeally long time.
This week is my peak week & it’s kind of tough, but it’s all downhill from here!
Lesley says
I can’t wait for my vacation. I’m going to be completely checked out too. I’m not going to check email or anything. I doubt I’d have good reception on my phone too. I’m bringing it for pictures and nothing else.
kookyrunner says
That’s a really good idea. It’s been years since I completely checked out from everything (email, TV, etc), but that’s easy to do on a cruise ship. I need to see if I can do that when I’m not on a ship.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
I so hear you on the need for a vacation! Mine will probably a staycation with some day trips – as long as I get a break from work I don’t care!
You’ve got some good goals for August – the extra spinning sounds like a great idea!
kookyrunner says
Exactly! I just need a break from work!
Cari says
I do monthly goals. Still working on August’s though as I analyze July.
I feel you on the need for down time — sometimes staycations are way more restorative
kookyrunner says
I agree with you. Staycations can be greats since you don’t really have to travel!
Chaitali says
A staycation sounds like a great thing to look forward to in August! And increasing the spin classes sounds like a great goal.
kookyrunner says
Thanks! I’m looking forward to both this month!
Teresa says
That stair climber is a beast! The longest I’ve ever managed to stay on it is 30 minutes and I thought I would DIE! 2-3 spin classes per week would be the hard one for me …you’re a spinning beast!
kookyrunner says
It really is a beast and I hate it, lol!
Marcia says
I noticed the same with the collagen. I have the endurance drink every afternoon and it satisfies me. Love it! Suddenly it no longer seems too soon to think about fall racing. It’s really sneaking up on us!
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome that you also notice the same thing about the collagen. I’m so thankful to be taking part in this campaign because I really do love these collagen products!
Zenaida says
A vacation to stay home is what I love doing! Happy to read that you had so much fun in Chicago. Good luck in Philadelphia! I love that the course is flat.
kookyrunner says
Yes the course if flat which makes me super happy, lol
Kimberly Hatting says
I have only been to one spinning class, and it was okay. I really need to try it again…but I’m so busy doing my stairs and HIIT (lately), that I’m not sure I want to squeeze in anything else. UGH…too many options LOL
Wasn’t Chicago just the greatest??? 😉
kookyrunner says
I’ve been to some fabulous and not so great spin classes – it all depends on the instructor and the music.
I love that you do HIIT so often!
I’m still smiling about Chicago, and hope to see you in Philly!!
MCM Mama Runs says
I was just talking on Facebook about wanting a staycation. I really need a week to just do things on our house…
Good job on most of your goals!
kookyrunner says
It’s amazing how many little things can accumulate in the house. I’ll probably do some house projects while I’m home during my staycation.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
Great job with your goals in July! It looks like Chicago was so much fun. I bet all those spinning classes really help with running. Hope you have a great August!
kookyrunner says
Yes, Chicago was definitely the highlight of July for me. Hoping that I can hit my spinning goal this month!
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says
you crushed your goals this month! I am really looking forward to my vacations as well. Have a great month
kookyrunner says
Thanks friend! Vacation cannot come soon enough…Just 26 more days, not that I’m counting down or anything, lol
Annmarie says
What a fun July! I want to get back into spinning too….been focusing a lot more on running and rowing but I do miss spinning! Hope you really get to relax and enjoy your vacation 🙂
kookyrunner says
I would love to get into rowing more, I just have to find the time. I know it’s an overall awesome workout!
Debbie says
Great job on achieving your goals! Especially Chicago. It must have been fun to meet up with #allthebloggers!
July was a rough one for me. The heat had been especially nasty this summer.
Have a great time on your vacation!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Debbie! Chicago was definitely the highlight of July for me 🙂
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
RNR Chicago looked like SO MUCH FUN!! I might have to do that one next year :). We need to plan a meet up for Philly!
kookyrunner says
Yes! We’re trying to see if we can plan another epic blogger meet up in 2019.
I can’t wait to see you in Philly!
vicki says
Sounds like you’ve got some great goals! I think I’ve got to try a spin class … maybe it will help me too.
kookyrunner says
Definitely try a spinning class if you can!
Hannah says
Sounds like you had a great month overall! I hope you get a really relaxing vacation week.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Hannah!
Darlene says
I see a lot of As so that is a great month in my book.
I don’t set goals. Just try to stay healthy and active.
I have short race-cation (just the weekend) to Montreal and then a big trip to France – can’t wait!
kookyrunner says
So exciting about your big trip to France!
Rachel says
I’m so glad you had fun in Chi town! I’m still bummed I missed it but that’s okay. Next time!
kookyrunner says
We missed you 🙁 I hope you can make it to the next one!
Sandy says
Congrats on an awesome July! I love that photo with you and all the bloggers in Chicago! I had an OK July but plan to make August GREAT since I’m finally training for a race!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Sandy! I also plan to make August great Good luck to both of us!
Laurie says
Good luck at Philly! I have run this race many times – even before it was an RnR – and loved it! Can’t wait to read your race report. I feel your pain with the stair machine. If it is a choice between running and doing stairs…well, that’s not even a choice.
kookyrunner says
I just love the city and I also love that the course is flat, lol
The Accidental Marathoner says
July was such a great month for you! I d on’t usually make goals (though I should). I just placed my order for the Great Lakes Collagen the other day. I can’t wait to start using it daily!
kookyrunner says
Let me know what you think of the Great Lakes Collagen!
Lex @ Flecks of Lex says
From this post, I see we have two things in common: We both use Great Lakes Gelatin, and neither of us has conquered the stair climber lol I am so intimidated by that machine! Hopefully we can both conquer her in August!
kookyrunner says
LOL yes let’s try to conquer that thing in August!!
Karen says
Great job this month!! I definitely want to run RnR Philly one day!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Karen! I hope you get to run RnR Philly one day, it’s a great race.
Marc Pelerin says
Nice goals for Philly! All 3, huh?!
I think mixing spinning with the running will definitely help with your preparation.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Marc! Really hoping that the spinning helps with my overall endurance too.
Angela Cardamone @marathonsandmotivation.com says
I loved reading this and seeing the pictures! That is so fun, all my favorite bloggers right here in these photos 🙂
kookyrunner says
Awwe thanks Angela! Hopefully you can join our next epic blogger meet up!
Esther says
All the blogger fun had me wishing I was there! Next time!!
I didn’t make any goals for July. I kind of took a break from specific goals June and July as I knew it was going to be really crazy!
I love that we have some similar August goals!
Hope you survive your month and get to enjoy your vacation!!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Esther! I’m really looking forward to my staycation at the end of the month.