According to my calendar, it’s April. I don’t know how this happened…do you?
Time continues to fly, and we are now in the second quarter of 2017. With the start of a new month, I’d like to look back on the running and fitness goals I set for March and share how I plan to tackle April. I’ve been doing these goal recaps on the blog for the past few months and it really helps with accountability…I highly recommend it!
I’m joining Ange and Carmy for the Monthly Goals Linkup!
I’m also linking up with Susie, Debbie, Lora, and Rachel for the Running Coaches Corner and Annmarie, Nicole, and Jen for Wild Workout Wednesday!
[bctt tweet=”What are your running goals for April? #runchat ” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
March Running Goal Recap
March was an extremely busy month. I had a long weekend in New Orleans for vacation and a long conference in Kansas City. Thankfully, I was able to get in some great runs in both cities! I also had 2 half marathons (one in DC) and a 50-floor stair climb! And on top of that, I had one of the busiest months at work that I’ve had in a while. So how did I do on the goals that I set for March?
- Run 2 solid half marathons. A+. I’m extremely pleased that the Rock ‘N Roll DC and the Love Run were a success! While RNR DC was tough due to the cold weather, I think I held my own, especially with all the
evilrolling hills! And I’m still amazed by how well I raced the Love Run! I couldn’t be happier! - Plank 10 minutes per week. F. I scheduled time on my phone and my calendar at work to plank but it rarely happened. And when I did plank, it was usually during yoga class and I didn’t track the time. I definitely need to do more core work, but I have to find a more realistic way to get it done.
- Prepare 10 healthy meals and snacks in March. C. I knew this would be a challenge with so much travel, but I did make a few tasty dinners featuring pork chops and tilapia. I have also continued my commitment to stay away from Twizzlers and other addictive sweets and brought my lunch to work probably 90% of the time. At my dietitian appointment, I learned that I gained a few pounds between January and March, so I know I need to rein it in.
April Running Goals
So how do I plan to make things better in April? I want to carry my momentum from March (I ran about 79 miles) and clean up my bad habits. Less takeout, less alcohol, more strength training. Here are my specific goals outlined below:
- Foam roll after every run. I have been VERY lazy about foam rolling, and I’m worried that if I don’t make it a routine, I could expose myself to a future injury. Coach Laura always recommends me to foam roll post-run, but I’ve been slacking!
- Plank 5 minutes per week. Last month I tried 10 minutes a week, but 5 minutes is much more realistic. I’ll use my Passion Planner to track my planking times so that I stay more accountable!
- Meal prep and plan 3 dinners per week. I know, I know…this is always a problem for me. But I’m going to keep trying to make this work. I’ll be home much more frequently during the month of April, so I’ll have plenty of time to get my cooking in order. I actually enjoy cooking but do much better with a plan! Wish me luck!
How did you do in March? What is one of your goals for April?
You had a fantastic running month! I’ve no doubt you will continue it. As for meal planning and planking… I’m with you…
Thanks, Susie! But at least you make some awesome recipes!
Meal prepping and cooking 3 days a week sounds do able I think you got this! Giving up twizzlers LOL
Thanks, Deborah! The Twizzlers though…I used to eat an entire family-sized bag in like 2 days. Such a problem!
Meal planning is such a problem for me too! I hate to cook…I’ve tried several different things- link ups, blogging about it, meal plans, etc. And I just can’t get into it. I have no idea how to stick with it because usually I’ll be really good for a few weeks and then I’ll eat out a lot and fall right back into old bad habits.
This has really been the hardest thing for me to stick with it! A lot of it for me is just laziness…I’m trying to find the joy in doing it so that it won’t feel like such a chore! Fingers crossed!
wow, go you! I really need to step up my foam rolling. I also need to rein in the snacking. I’m pretty good about cooking at home (combination of freezer meals, weekend prep, and I’ve been experimenting with the home delivery kits).
No races for April? Looks like March was a great month for you.
Less carryout is a great goal, for so many reasons!
Wow. You did have a busy month and you had a great racing month.
I like the 5 minute per week goal. Less daunting than a plank a day.
You don’t look like you gained any weight!
Well done on those races! You are most definitely deserving of an A+. I am glad you reduced the planking goal – I think 5 min is more doable! You can always build up on that time for the following month. Good luck this month!
I need to get better about foam rolling, too!
I’ve done more carry out since moving to Boulder, but once or twice a month. The apartment is in a super convenient location, but since I’m moving to my new address, things won’t be as tempting. There will still be days where I don’t want to cook though.
Great running month!! I need to get better with my foam rolling too.
Great job with your goals, especially your half a marathons. I set mini goals in March as well but have yet to accomplish them, it’s okay. I really need to plank and foam roll more too! You’ve inspired me to set some for April as I wasn’t going to – thanks 🙂
I love setting goals! Meal prep is ALWAYS a problem for me too!
Congrats on your two strong half marathons in March!
Love your April goals. I definitely need to meal prep more as well.
My husband LOVES pork chops! You might have to share that recipe. 🙂 I, too, need to get better about foam rolling. I rarely do it!
Good luck with your April goals! I have definitely been slacking on my planks. I am trying to figure out my goals for spring and I am wondering if I should add that to the list again!
Oh Janelle, you can totally spank the plank! I do mine every morning (while my chai is heating), and then I do some more before bedtime 😉 It’s such a routine for me (well, it’s been going on for a couple years) that I feel extreme guilt for skipping it if i”m traveling and out of my usual routine. YOU got this!!!
You had such a successful month in March! I need to get better about foam rolling also – I try to get at least my calves every day, but it’s hard to be consistent about it. Setting daily reminders on my phone has helped with that goal!
March was crazy busy for me as well and I am not really sure how it’s already April!!! I also need to cut back on the alcohol…..wine is just so yummy though 😛
Meal prepping makes soooo much difference, and lately I haven’t even had time. 🙁 I’m sincerely hoping this weekend is my last trip to work on my parents’ house.
I don’t plank every day . . . I just do it when it’s included with whatever DVD I’m working out to. And Iron Strength is evil, throwing it in at the end after lunges, burpees, & mountain climbers — oh my!
I totally agree! I don’t know what happened to March.
Let me know if you find a way to stay accountable with planks…I need inspiration too!
I’ve also been very lazy about foam rolling…need to start doing it again!