Summer Goals

Today: 7.5 miles (with 2-minute speed intervals for 50 minutes); 10 minutes of planks and oblique twists; stretching

Last summer was not a great one for me as a runner and athlete. My weight had gotten scarily low over the school year, but I continued to run - I would slog out around 3 or 4 miles a day, totally burnt out and tired, but unable to stop. I still can’t even pinpoint why the compulsion to keep running without resting or taking time off to get healthy occurred in the first place. I guess I just fancied myself “a runner” and didn’t want to “lose” that part of my identity. Stupid, right?

Anyway, reality check came when I got a really severe case of tendinitis, and wound up on crutches and in physiotherapy - and I was barely running 30 miles per week! Around the same time, I started meeting with a really smart nutritionist and counselor, and I gained around 15 much-needed pounds. I resumed running in September, and immediately started kicking serious ass. I also didn’t want to limit myself as an athlete, so I started strength training and Ashtanga yoga to add variety and try to build my core and upper body strength.

It’s been almost a year now - hard to believe - and my running is better than ever. I’m at around 40-45 miles a week, and still doing the yoga and weights (and enjoying both!). To celebrate an awesome, healthy summer of running, I wanted to set a few goals for myself to reach for in the months to come. I suggest you all do the same!

1. Gain another 5-10 pounds: This time, I don’t *need* to gain the weight. My life isn’t depending on it, nor is my ability to run a mean 10 miles. But I’m still thin, and  I think my running and my strength training would benefit from more meat on my bones. I also have a metabolism comparable to a V8 engine (if those exist..some sort of fast engine is what I mean), and I’m very active - thus, this is a challenge, and you’ll probably read me whine about it over the coming weeks.

2. Run a half: Not necessarily in a formal race setting - I was signed up for a half-marathon, but had to drop out because my partner’s mom has surgery that weekend. Still, I just want to say that I can kick 13.1 miles in the ass. Right now, my distance PR is 11 miles (in 1:30) and I know I can do more. Just want to take it slow and steady.

3. Try three new things: I mean sports or active pursuits. The running, yoga, and weights are great, but I still want to mix it up and have some variety in my life. I think this is important for many reasons, but basically because it’s fun and it prevents runners burnout and injury. Spinning, kick boxing, martial arts, Pilates and rock climbing are all candidates for new activities that seem challenging and enjoyable.

4. More outdoor runs: I admit, I grew up with a treadmill in my basement, so I’m a bit of a gym whore. I do try to run half my miles outside, and I love it - but I find something reassuring about the safety of the red, glowing treadmill digits and the air conditioning of the gym. Plus, it’s totally convenient to hit the gym before work, shower, grab a coffee, and go…I vow to take advantage of nice days and get outside more this summer!

5. Try more new foods: I tend to be a creature of habit with my eating, and veganism can make that even easier, because I can’t just grab any new thing at the store. However, much as I enjoy my avocado, Happy Planet juice, and smoked tofu, I want to mix it up more. First of all, to prevent food boredom and get enough calories, and second because I want to be flexible about my eating and never, ever be restrictive in my attitude.

Ok - I think Five is sufficient. These are mine - what about you?