Happy Friday! It’s already time to set goals for another month. October was a great, but crazy month. I ran my 4th marathon and completed Hell Week at Orangetheory Fitness. I feel like I’m finally catching my breath!
Since it’s the start of a new month it’s time to list my monthly goals for November. I love setting monthly goals to keep myself accountable throughout the year.
First, let’s take a look at my goals from October:
Enjoy the Chicago Marathon
Grade: B+
I’m giving myself a B+ for this one because although it was much better than my 2017 Chicago Marathon race, I still really struggled in the second half of the race. But I will say that overall I definitely enjoyed the race way more this time – I took in all the energy from the crowds, especially Pilsen!
Survive Orangetheory Fitness Hell Week
Grade:A+
I’m so happy to say that I survived Orangetheory Fitnes Hell Week! I did my 5 required classes to obtain my shirt. OTF classes are always hard but the ones for Hell Week were downright brutal! It was definitely a nice challenge.
Do typical “Fall” activities
Grade: C
Eh, I kind of dropped the ball on this one, but it wasn’t for lack of trying! I planned on going apple picking but when I called the place 2 weeks ago they said they were no longer doing apple picking on the weekends, just during the week. I thought this was so odd, but I wasn’t going to take off work just to go there so that was out. I did drink a pumpkin spice latte last week, so does that count? I also purchased a few tiny pumpkins to decorate the stairs outside my house so I’m giving myself credit for that, lol
Here are my goals for November!
Get my nutrition back on track
I mentioned in last week’s runfessions post that my nutrition is definitely not where it needs to be at the moment. November is the month that I get things under control again. It’s going to be hard with the holidays coming up, but it’s always important to remember that Thanksgiving is one day, not a month, lol.
Start planning my 2020 race calendar
I haven’t officially signed up for any races but I have a few races in mind that I’d like to do in 2020. This month I’ll start mapping out a few options as I’d like to do a half marathon in at least 3 new states next year – I feel like I need to show the Midwest and West Coast some love next year.
Start holiday shopping
I know, I know. I cringed even typing that but since it’s November it’s time to start thinking about holiday shopping. Luckily I still have a few vacation days left to use up before the end of the year so I’ll probably use one or two of those days to get some shopping done. I hate holiday shopping on the weekends because it’s just SO crowded. At least it’s a little easier to maneuver through the stores and parking lots during a weekday.
That’s it for this month – wish me luck!
If you set monthly goals, what are your goals for November?
I’m linking up for Fridays with Fairytales and Fitness from Fairytales and Fitness.
Marcia says
You had a busy month! I don’t even wanna think about holiday shopping yet. Can’t we get through Thanksgiving?? Although I understand there are 6 less shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. Whatever. My older daughter is very good about picking stuff out for herself. Haha!
kookyrunner says
I love that your daughter is good about picking out items for herself! Buying gifts for my family is so hard because no one every gives me any ideas, lol.
Catrina says
Well done on the Marathon and the OTF Hell Week! Nutrition is an evergreen on my life – I track it weekly and set 90 day goals on that one. You will do well on nutrition in November, the marathon is over now and you can focus more on eating well. All the best!
kookyrunner says
Ohh I like the tracking 90 day goals idea – I think I will try that to make it a little more manageable!
Darlene says
I’m nervous about my first marathon. I will try not to be disappointed with the outcome. I want to just finish.
Congrats on OT hell week. After a marathon tat must have been tough.
I don’t set goals. So I guess I go with the flow. Just stay active and healthy.
kookyrunner says
It’s totally normal to be nervous but try not to worry too much, you got this Darlene! Just run at a comfortable pace and take in all of crowd support and energy.
Kimberly Hatting says
You had a busy & very active month (even with some marathon recovery time). I’m proud of you… your marathon was tough, but it did not break you. And, you’re looking back on it with happy thoughts, so that’s a win!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Kim! I’m glad that I am able to look back on Chicago and actually smile. I’m still disappointed but I know that finish times aren’t everything.
Coco says
A PSL definitely counts as a fall activity. 😉 Odd on that apple place. I miss going to the orchard on my way home from visiting my son at college. We did almost the same He’ll Week workouts- they are fun in that twisted way!
kookyrunner says
The Hell week workouts were fun! I don’t have any races around the time of Hell Week next year, I may try to do all 8 classes!
Wendy says
What a great month! Even though you didn’t hit your marathon goal, you saw Marcia and me! That has to count for something…
Love that you killed your OTF Hell Week and earned the shirt! <3 I've got some great kale salad recipes if your interested…
kookyrunner says
Yes! Seeing both you and Marcia at mile 13 was amazing and gave me an extra boost! 🙂
Chris Tiley says
I love the idea of completing an event in every state. Really motivating to see the map start to fill up.
kookyrunner says
I love coloring in new states on the map!
Renée says
you did great Kim! even with your “fall activities” – hey it’s not your fault that they only do apple picking during the week now! I think you did a lot anyway – congrats too on completing Hell Week!!
I was reading your post eating a cookie. I do want to get my nutrition back on track. Even when on track my weekends are a little bit more “free”. It’s that 80/20 thing, you know? Having said that I cooked 3 times last week and had leftovers for lunches. I’ve also just been to the supermarket to get the ingredients for another recipe I want to try. And cookies. It’s a balance.
I would love to think about races for next year, but something in me says I’ll just be disappointed… I need to kick that voice to the curb! My only idea right now is the 1/4 Marathon in Rotterdam in April (should be more than possible) and the Chicago marathon – which I need to sign up for soon to get my guaranteed spot. Ron says he still wants to do Helsinki – they were so kind as to comp this years race since we missed in August from Hernia Hell.
kookyrunner says
I saw that you did some meal prepping last week – you inspired me to get back on track with that!
I love that you are signing up for the 2020 Chicago Marathon. I think thats a pretty big are to have on the docket for next year!
Liz Dexter says
A good month in October for you!
I got started on doing 10,000 steps every day (OK, I ran out of time this week but have got it on average still, which is my Plan B aim) and having 5 or more fruit and veg groups a day and logging both of these. Now I need to work on sleep and keep my reading up.
Happy November!
kookyrunner says
I think those are great goals. I need to set smaller goals when it comes to my nutrition or else I get overwhelmed.
Laurie says
It’s tough to enjoy the second half of a marathon. Cold beer waiting for you at the end is a good incentive! 🙂 Good luck with your holiday shopping. I still have a lot to do too!
kookyrunner says
I actually had a shot class of beer while out on the course which was fun, lol
Chocolaterunsjudy says
It’s so hard to pick a race in CA — so many to choose one!
Apple picking only during the week is definitely very odd. I guess they’re figuring that only young children (like pre school age) do it? I dunno, I remember apple picking when I was a lot older!
You really did well in Chicago. I know it wasn’t what you were hoping for, but really, you did great!
kookyrunner says
Agreed! There are so many great cities in California, and great races!
The “no apple picking during the week” thing was just so odd to me. It sucks because I really wanted to do it this year, of well!
Farrah says
I’m glad you enjoyed most of the Chicago Marathon, and great job on surviving Hell Week! It definitely sounds brutal! Best of luck to you on your goals for this month! I need to work on getting my nutrition back on track as well!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Farrah!
meranda@fairytalesandfitness says
I’m glad you enjoyed the Chicago Marathon this year. I am surprised you hadn’t done a race in Maryland yet. If you are looking for suggestions I highly recommend the Baltimore Running Festival. They have both a marathon and half marathon and it is fabulous! There are post run activities along the Harbor!
I got three holiday gifts already….lol I mostly do shopping from my couch because I hate to go out!
Thanks for linking up!
kookyrunner says
I really would love to do the Baltimore Running Festival but it’s the same weekend as the Detroit Half Marathon next year. I’ll probably do Baltimore in 2021!
You’re ahead of the game for the holidays this year!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
You had a October! It was so good to hang out with you in Chicago 🙂 And big congrats on surviving Hell Week!
I’m looking forward to seeing which races you pick for 2020. I’m working on my race plan too. So many races…so little time!
kookyrunner says
I agree – there are so many races that I want to do, but I need to be strategic in how I plan things out for the year!
Jenn says
We didn’t do so well with typical fall activities either. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get out to a pumpkin patch, but there’s always next year. We made up for it on Halloween.
Way to go on Hell Week!
kookyrunner says
Your Halloween activities looked like so much fun!
Marc Pelerin says
OTF plus a marathon in one month?! Your legs must be pretty shot! Have a great holiday season!
kookyrunner says
Yeah my legs were waving the white flag at me over the weekend, lol.
Sandra D Laflamme says
I am definitely ready to start planning 2020 races. That is weird that they are only apple picking during the week. We didn’t go this year. Congrats on getting through Orange Theory Hell Week!
kookyrunner says
‘m already so excited for all the races I want to do in 2020!