I hope you’re doing well! We’re in the final quarter of 2020, which we can all say was no ordinary year. I thought September moved entirely too quickly for me, and with the leaves changing so soon I’m begging my favorite season of fall to slow down!
It’s been a LONG time since I’ve done one of those posts but I’m looking forward to sharing my fitness goals for October! Moving forward, I’ll be sharing my goals for the new month while assessing how well I did the previous month. It’s a great accountability tool!
I’m linking up with Tuesday Topics with Zenaida and Kim and Runners’ Roundup with Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Laura Norris Running, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs!
October Fitness Goals
I’m a huge fan of using a new month as a new opportunity to reset, and I’ve always looked to the past as a way to reflect, learn, and grow. Over the past few months, my running hasn’t gone as well as I’d hoped. Since having Baby E in January, I’ve of course had to manage expectations, and I’ve used my postpartum time as an opportunity to build strength. I’ve kept my mileage low through the super hot summer but hoped to ramp things up this fall. Unfortunately, in September my right foot started to give me trouble, and I’m pulling back to prevent injury. Yet I’ve still decided to set October goals to help keep track of my forward progress!
- Get fitted for new running shoes and inserts. This was something that I planned to do in September but talked myself out of it due to classic Janelle overthinking. I bought my last pair of running shoes (Brooks Ghost 12) at the end of March, and even then, they felt “off”. Plus, the very expensive, custom orthotics I bought are nearly 2 years old so now I’m thinking I need to start from scratch.
- Run/walk/hike at least 50 miles. In September, I only fared a little over 40 miles between all 3 forms of fitness, and I know that I can do better in October. While I would love to run farther than 3 miles at a time, I have to be very careful. I was supposed to run 10 miles for the City Fit Girls Harvest Virtual Race but I will most likely slide down to the 5K. Better safe than sorry.
- Complete the Many Happy Miles October Challenge. Over the last couple of months, as part of Bibrave, I’ve had a subscription to Many Happy Miles under Another Mother Runner. It’s been pretty cool so far – they have training plans each month and offer exclusive discounts, workshops, and live workouts throughout the week. The October Challenge is focused on streamlining your “get-out-the-door” routine. I definitely have struggled with getting out there and managing my fitness time, so I will implement the following routines at least 7 times this month:
- Set an alarm for my runs/walks. Just this past week I skipped 2 evening workouts that I intended to complete…an alarm would have helped!
- Use music to get ready for my workouts. I’m hoping this will also help with my motivation. I’m a huge fan of listening to music during a workout but I’ve never thought to use it to “pre-game”, lol! I’m sure I will use one of my many Tunes Tuesday Spotify playlists!
What fitness goals do you have for this month? How did you do with your workouts in September?
Love your goals for October, especially the Many Happy Miles Challenge (the name alone makes me smile). Music is key for me when it comes to any type of workout so I hope it helps you with the challenge too!
Thanks, Kim! I’m glad to be sharing my goals on the blog again!
Like Kim, I love the sound of the Happy Miles Challenge (both the name and the actual challenge!) You’ve done so well to “return” to running since you’ve had Baby E, and I just know you’re going to go from strength to strength. Keep listening to your body and enjoying the process!
Thank you so much, Shathiso!! I appreciate the encouragement!
It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed music while working out. My dear (old) Shuffle died last year, right before the MCM, so I’ve been trying to substitute the hubby’s iPod instead. Then COVID hit, and the races stopped happening. Now, being sidelined, I’m biking sans music, and I actually don’t mind the “silence.” Good luck with your goals…your mileage looks very attainable!!
Thank you, Kim! I enjoy music while working out but this morning was the first time I used music to pump myself up before a run – and it was really effective! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been sidelined but your biking mileage has been fantastic!
It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed music while working out. My dear (old) Shuffle died last year, right before the MCM, so I’ve been trying to substitute the hubby’s iPod instead. Then COVID hit, and the races stopped happening. Now, being sidelined, I’m biking sans music, and I actually don’t mind the “silence.” Good luck with your goals…your mileage looks very attainable!!
Ah, what a brilliant idea to streamline your “get-out-the-door” routine!
I love the idea of listening to music BEFORE you get out the door. I personally don’t listen to music during a run, but I can see how that would work for someone who does. It really gets you in the right mood.
Excellent October goals, Janelle! Hope it all goes well!
I tried it out the other day before a run and it really made a difference! It actually took me by surprise!
Good to see you here! You have some great goals for October. I love the idea of the Many Happy Miles Challenge. How fun about the new shoes! You know I love to hear about new shoes. 🙂
Thanks a lot, Zenaida! And it’s great to catch up with you too! 🙂
It’s so nice to see your blog again! Looks like you have some great goals for getting back into running again. I can’t wait to see how you do!
Thanks, Wendy! I’m still here lol…hoping to increase my frequency of posts while working on that elusive work/life balance! 😉
Janelle, you really are a very disciplined person (who is also respectful to her body) so I know you’ve got this — and you’ll also listen to your body. Which I think is an awesome thing.
I hope you find the right shoes & orthotics & finally get some relief from your feet!
Thanks a lot Judy, I really appreciate that! I REALLY need to get those new shoes/insoles stat!
Great goal setting. I used to run with music all the time but then I got out of the habit. Now I listen to podcasts – Ali on the Run, Another Mother Runner, etc.
I don’t post monthly goals myself.
In my head, it’s to either walk or run every day. To run 3-4x a week. Run at least 10 miles each weekend. Explore a new hiking destination each week. And if possible run 1000 miles for the year.
Most importantly, stay healthy. Balance staying safe and seeing my friends and family.
You have some great goals with a lot of good variety. I wish I could get into podcasts – I always get bored LOL but I haven’t tried listening on the run in a long time!