Fitness Friday 1: Running Goals for 2015

So for my first "Fitness Friday" I would like to talk about my first fitness love RUNNING. I love to try new fitness activities and I often get really into other activities like Crossfit and TRX but running is my first love and I think it always will be. 

So if you read my New Years Resolution blog post, you know that one of my fitness goals is to run 3 races in 2015 and I have already signed up for the 10k on Ottawa Race weekend in May but I still have to complete 2 other races. I am thinking I want to do a 5k before Ottawa Race Weekend (maybe March or April) and then a 1/2 marathon in the Fall but I am not positive yet. I will have to see how my training is going by that time. 

Aside from my resolution to run 3 races, I have also started a "#100DaysOfMiles Challenge" that I found on Facebook. The rules are quite simple and I listed them below (I just copied and pasted from the Facebook page so I am not taking credit for coming up with this challenge. If you would like to officially enter this challenge, you can join on Facebook):

Join the #100DaysOfMiles Challenge! We'll be running at least ONE mile for 100 days in 2015, starting January 1st. This is not a running streak ... You have to run 100 days until the end of 2015. 

4 SIMPLE RULES FOR THIS CHALLENGE:

#1 NEVER GO 3 DAYS WITHOUT RUNNING
#2 RUN AT LEAST 3 DAYS A WEEK
#3 NEVER MISS A MONDAY
#4 NEVER GIVE UP!

I started this challenge on Monday January 5,2015 and so far I am doing good. I ran Monday so I kept that part of the challenge...My first run was just a slow run at the gym on the treadmill. I usually only run outside and I definitely prefer running outside rather than on a treadmill but it was -30C outside so the treadmill would have to do. I just did a short 20 minute run with a 1 minute warm-up and 1 minute cool-down so only 18 minutes of running at a speed of 5.3 and an incline of 1. I was paying more attention to the time because I had to get back quickly to feed my son so I am not sure how far I ran but I know that it was at least the 1 mile minimum. I am going to try and increase the speed and length of time/distance as the days go on but my mantra right now is "progress not perfection".

My 2nd run of the week was on Tuesday right before my 1st anti-gravity yoga class (I will discuss this class in more detail in a future post). I intended to get the gym early and do a good run beforehand, but as usual, I was running late so I just did a quick 12 minute run. It was a slow run (between 5.3-6.0 on the treadmill) but I managed to do the 1 mile minimum and get to my yoga class just in time. 

My third run of the week will be later today. Hopefully, it will be a bit longer of a run. I am aiming for at least 25 minutes on the treadmill because Ottawa is still in a deep freeze right now.

I used to run with a running group a couple of years ago and they created a running program for me which I followed, so it was easy to keep track of my runs. However, I am now looking for a way to keep track of my runs by myself. It seems like there are several apps and online running logs out there so I am asking any of the other runners, "What are the best apps or online logs for keeping track of my runs???"...cheap or free would be nice too.

I hope all of you have kept your fitness resolutions so far. For those of you that are struggling with keeping your fitness resolutions, here are my TIPS:

1. Schedule your workouts - I find it the easiest to schedule your workouts for a certain day and time and STICK TO IT. This way you can schedule someone to babysit if needed and you know if something comes up for that time, you are already busy. My husband and I schedule our workouts at different times so the other person is available to watch our son. Having a schedule also helps me right now because I am breastfeeding so I am able to schedule his feedings around my workouts.
2. Don't make modifications to schedules or programs - If you start out following a certain schedule or program try to refrain from modifying it. For example, in the Running challenge above, it states to run at least 3x week. It is a bad idea to only run 2x one week and tell yourself you will run 4x next week to "make up for it". This rarely happens. Most of the time you will not run the extra time. Plus programs are designed a certain way for a reason and if you want to get the best results, it is best to stick to the program as strictly as possible.
3. Get a Workout Buddy - I find that this helps tremendously. My husband and I used to find it so much easier to workout when we were both working out together. It is way easier to motivate yourself if you have a workout buddy for a couple reasons. First of all, you have someone else to be accountable to. They will know if you are slacking off...# 2, my competitive nature shines through when I am working out with someone else. I don't want them to get in more reps, or a better time etc...and #3 it is more enjoyable to have someone to chat with...However, be careful who you choose to workout with. If you are working out with someone, it is easy to get distracted and a little too chatty!!!
4. Have smaller goals and small rewards - one of my small goals aside from my "Run 3 races" resolution for 2015 is the "100DaysofMiles Challenge". So on Monday my goal was to complete my run for that day in order to keep with the "Never miss a Monday" stipulation of the challenge. If I reach my small goals, I may reward myself with a small treat or something. I don't necessarily reward myself for reaching every small goal but if it was a particular busy or tough day and I still managed to reach that goal, then I would reward myself. 
5. Make your fitness goals a PRIORITY - stop making excuses. Everyone is busy so it is easy to fall into "I am a busy mom" routine. I was guilty of this too when my son was first born but there are lots of really good moms who make time for their fitness goals because they make it a priority. If it is important, you will make the time, if it is not, you will make an excuse. Simple as that. I really don't mean to sound too harsh but its true. There are so many people that say they don't have time to workout but they find the time to watch 5 hours of TV or play countless hours of online games like Candy Crush. If you want to reach your goals and keep those resolutions "Don't WISH for it, WORK for it"!!!

Part of the reason I love running so much is that it can be done anywhere, anytime. For anyone who is looking for a little extra help with their running goals in 2015 and is interested in coaching please check out Iron North Fitness. I used to run with Jenna who is one of the coaches at Iron North Fitness. She has ran countless marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and she is one of the best runners I know. She is sure to help you reach your goals! Iron North Fitness has programs for beginners to advanced runners and also offer other programs such as strength training and yoga.

Here is some Friday inspiration:

So for all the other runners out there, let me know what apps or online tracking logs you use to keep track of your runs and what races you think I should do this year. Again, my resolution was to do 3 races but if things are going good, I will definitely sign up for more.

Happy Friday!!!