Happy Wednesday! I’m so happy that today is the first day of November. I always feel like you get a fresh start at the beginning of a new month. I also decided to kick off the month with a giveaway on Instagram – check it out here!
October was NOT an average month for me. It was definitely an emotional roller coaster between feeling prepared for Chicago, having an awful race, trying to get over that awful race and then planning next steps for my running and racing schedule. It as a turbulent month so I’m hoping for a pretty uneventful November!
First, let’s take a look at my goals from October:
PR at the Chicago Marathon
Yeah…so let’s just not discuss this one. If you don’t know, you can check out my race recap for all the details.
Grade: F
Stay healthy between the Chicago Marathon and NYC Marathon
Well technically I achieved this even though I am not running the NYC Marathon, LOL.
Grade: A
Start Holiday shopping
I actually started my shopping two weeks ago! I’ve only purchased 2 or 3 things so far, but at least I started holiday shopping and that’s what is most important.
Grade: A
Here are my goals for November:
Continue meal prepping all month
I FINALLY got back to meal prepping this past Sunday and it’s made this week so much more enjoyable. I don’t have to constantly worry about my meals when I come home or go to work. I forgot how much easier it is when you have all your meals ready to go at a moment’s notice. I’m also trying to drop at least 5 pounds before Thanksgiving and I think this will help. I always gain weight during marathon training – ugh!
Aim for 10,000 steps daily
Just because I’m not officially training for a race doesn’t mean my fitness should suffer. I may not be logging tons of miles, but I plan on hitting my 10,000 steps goal daily in November. Keeping a nice base level of mileage and taking classes at the gym should help with this goal.
Pick my next marathon
Yup, you read that correctly. After saying numerous times that I would not be running a marathon next year…I have decided to run a marathon next year, lol. Basically I feel like I can still get that marathon PR so I’m going to attempt the distance at least one more time in 2018. I’m leaning toward a spring marathon so that I can train in the winter to avoid dealing with heat and humidity.
Do you set monthly goals? If so, do you have any goals for November?
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama 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!
These are great goals for November! Thats awesome that you are ready to sign up for another full. I have only done one spring marathon, but it ended up being a super hot day. I trained through the winter of snow, ice, and freezing temps and was then greeted with an 85 degree April day! I guess you cant win…
OMG – 85 degrees in April?! I think I would have cried!! 🙁
Yes I love the feel of a new month as well. Nov and Dec are always a little challenging and I hope to do a better job sticking to my goals through the holidays.
I think Nov and Dec are probably two of the most challenging months of the year – there’s just so much to do in such little time!
Another marathon 😉 Some how, I am not surprised LOL I’m excited to follow you through the training and sheer you on to another finish line 😉
LOL I know, I know! I was actually looking forward to not doing another marathon next year but I feel like I have to give it one more shot.
I am impressed with how quickly you’ve bounced back! I love your sense of humor. Looking forward to seeing what you have planned next.
I gave myself a week to “get over it”, but I think i’m only like 90% there, lol. I figured let me try the marathon at least one more time and see what happens.
I knew you’d want to run another one in 2018. That’s how we roll, us crazy marathoners. 😉 You’re gonna crush it!!!!
LoL, yup you were right!
Soooo I haven’t done any goal setting in a while…time to get back at it this month!
I feel like I need goals, especially during the holidays! IF not, I’ll end up face down in a pie lol
I’m impressed you’ve started holiday shopping! I really need to get on that. And congrats on deciding to run another marathon 🙂 I look forward to hearing which one you pick.
Thanks! I do most of my holiday shopping online just to make it easier, lol
I reallyyyy need to get back into meal prepping! I don’t really do monthly goals (or at least, I haven’t lately), but I need to start that up again!
Meal prepping is such a life saver. I know that I just to stop being lazy and just do it because it’s super helpful.
I’m with you on the 10k steps! We got this!
Yes! I loved that I saw that you had the same goal as well for November – Day 1 complete!
I can’t believe you’ve already started Christmas shopping! I need to get going so I’m not in a scramble in December.
I think it’s great that you’re going after another marathon – looking forward to seeing which one you pick!
Thanks so much Michelle! So far the Shamrock Marathon is looking good.
I don’t really worry too much about my steps. If it’s a normal day & I walk the dogs, I get almost halfway there right there. Add in running . . . it’s the days I don’t run & can’t walk the dogs, but seriously, add in a run and I’m often at 15 or 20k for the day so I figure it balances out and it’s more about just moving every day.
Stay healthy after a big race isn’t always easy so congrats!
Same here – on the days that I don’t run I will have to get creative about getting my steps – but I like a challenge!
Meal prepping for a whole month sounds like a good idea, and from experience, it’s so beneficial and convenient. Really hoping you stick with that good habit. Also, aiming for 10,000!– rooting for you!
The Fitness Bro
It will definitely help me stay on track with my weight loss goals. Day 1 of 10,000 steps went well!
I’m sorry that you didn’t reach your goal in your marathon (it took me five marathons before I had it figured out). What impresses me most though is that you have started your holiday shopping. I’ll be doing that in early December!
I’m not a huge fan of crowds, especially when it comes to holiday shopping. I end up doing about 90% of my shopping online so I’m always on the look out for deals which helps me buy a little bit at a time and start holiday shopping early!
Those are all great goals. I’m beginning this month with a week of going sweets-free…had too much on Halloween! I feel better already. 🙂
That’s a great goal! I think I should add that one to my list 🙂
I don’t generally set monthly goals, but I’ve been feeling lately that I should. I think the best goal to have met for October was not getting injured between your two scheduled marathons. I can’t wait to see you nail the next one!
Thanks Linda! I agree, I’m happy that I’m still healthy and bale to run. Around this time last year I injured my foot, so I definitely didn’t want a repeat of that!
Meal prepping always makes such a huge difference in my life… and then I stop. Laziness that only costs me later on! I love setting monthly goals and a big goal this month is to start eating better. I feel fitter because of the running, but so unhealthy because of the eating.
Same! I’m going to commit to not being lazy this month and just do it because it’s so helpful
Yes to it being a new month and time to reset! I need to get my meal planning in order…I have off on every Friday this month, so I need to take advantage and get some food prepped so I don’t have to deal with it later! I look forward to hearing what spring marathon you choose!
Definitely! It always feels like a great fresh start 🙂 That’s awesome that you have Fridays off this month – you just reminded me that I need to use up some more vacation time lol.