Goals for 2018

I've always been a goal person. The more manageable and specific, the better. This year, I sprang for some Powersheets. I heard many good things about them and even had a small discount code so I jumped on board. I loved the pre-work even though I didn't get through all of it until nearly the middle of January. The pre-work phase was incredibly worthwhile so I'm glad I stuck with it. It helped me discover my word of the year - thrive.  

In an effort to keep myself accountable, here are some of my 2018 goals...

#1 - Continue my health journey through both exercise and meal planning.

I started making a conscious effort to focus on my health in late October last year. Our townhouse has a finished basement room that was perfect for at-home workouts. I knew I needed to really make my health a priority after Chris and I had signed up for a couple of races and I could barely manage the training runs. I decided to start small with the 21 Day Fix program. I already had the DVDs and portion containers. I made steady progress and managed a clean week just after Thanksgiving. That week was a turning point for me because I really focused on the meal planning aspect of healthy living. I completed another round of 21 Day Fix during the holidays and moved forward with 80 Day Obsession in mid-January. I will finish Phase 1 of that program tomorrow. I feel great. I'm really looking forward to winter going away so I can get back out there for some runs.

#2 - Read 40 books (and the Bible from cover to cover).

I love to read. Now that I have to drive everywhere, I am also really loving audiobooks. This year, I am participating in Mia's Read the Rainbow Challenge and Erin's Book Challenge 8.0 from January-April. For Erin's Challenge, I used only books that were on my shelves at home. After packing them up and moving them up and down stairs, I figure I owe it to myself to read them. Additionally, I've committed to reading the Bible from cover to cover by completing a small portion every day. I have made that commitment before, but gotten side tracked in the Spring. I am determined to make it a reality this year.

#3 - Have at least two date nights a month.

Chris and I started this tradition a couple of years ago. It is nice to have something to look forward to each month. We each pick one date night a month. It always turns out to be so much fun.

#4 - Complete the outstanding photo books and/or scrapbooks.

Again, I lugged all the scrapbook stuff with me to Ohio so I better make use of it and start crafting! In all honesty, my only excuse in the past was not having the space so it's now or never. Plus, I really enjoy making them.

#5 - Build New and Strengthen Old Friendships.

Moving to a new place at any point is a difficult thing to do. I left behind some really solid friendships in New York. I am determined to continue to build memories and foster those relationships. At the same time, there is a whole new landscape full of friendly faces to discover here. And, I'm be remiss to discount all those friends in cities near and far. I really want to make a conscious effort to be a good friend as I navigate this transitional time in my life.

#6 - Stay involved in networking and volunteering opportunities.

If there is anything I learned from my year of unemployment, it is the power of networking and volunteering. I made a vow to myself that I would continue those practices when I started a new job so I don't want to loose sight of that commitment to myself. Plus, I really like volunteering and connecting with people in the process.

What are you focusing on in 2018?

Andrea :)

Our March Date Nights

March was full of excitement all month long.  We enjoyed all the fun activities on our calendar - especially the date nights!  Chris took us on a indoor tennis adventure at Madison Square Garden while I found a hipster movie theater/restaurant in Williamsburg.

We watched two tennis matches - one more light-hearted and fun than the other.  Take a wild guess who was serious about winning. Those Williams ladies bring it - always!  The night started with some crazy shots and maneuvers from Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka.  We cheered for Monfils - definitely the crowd favorite for his playful nature!

At one point during the men's match, Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki joined them for a bit of mixed doubles action.  Serena was even wired for sound - super fun! Eventually, the ladies took the court for their match.  Serena dominated, but Caroline gave her a run for her money the first game.  We really enjoyed the mixture of fun and intensity throughout the night.  Definitely recommend checking out some elite tennis if you ever have the chance!

I wanted to find something a bit different for our date night.  It's always fun to mix it up a bit, right?  I came across a number of fun options in the trendy Williamsburg area of Brooklyn.  I decided that NiteHawk Cinemas would be the best bet for us.  The movie theater boasts a decent selection of dinner options as well as typical movie watching sweets and treats.

We ordered dinner that we really enjoyed while watching Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.  We had a great experience and definitely want to try the popcorn next time we visit!  And we also were really surprised by how much we enjoyed the movie.  A good mix of comedy and seriousness.  

Have you been on any unique dates recently?

Andrea :)

Our February Date Nights

One of our goals as a couple this year is to have at least two dedicated date nights each month. Despite my frequent work travel and an exciting birthday celebration, we managed to fit two fun dates into February!  I decided we should kick off the month by tapping into our Bank of America Museums on Us program to gain free entry into The Museum of the Moving Image located just a short bus ride from our apartment.  Chris planned a fun night out to see the legendary Hall & Oates perform at Madison Square Garden.

The Museum of the Moving Image provides a full range of stationary and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to better understand, enjoy, and appreciate the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media.  It was SUCH a fun day.  We began our trek through the museum at an alternating exhibit area focused on cats of the internet.  Got in a few good laughs before continuing to the main area featuring an array of costumes and make-up artistry exhibits.  I enjoyed checking out the Mrs. Doubtfire memorabilia.  There were also several intriguing areas filled with old toys and marketing campaign materials as well as a brief history of animation.

We moved on to the interactive floor and let our inner kid come out to play.  There were high tech flip book movies to watch, short animated films to create, and even an opportunity to voice over a variety of movie scenes.  We did it all!  I wish I had recorded our voice overs.  I promise I sounded spot on like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.  Chris tried a scene from Coming to America with an equally fun outcome!  Definitely a fun day of acting silly and learning all about the art of film making!

Later in the month, we ventured out to Madison Square Garden for a night of smooth grooves with Hall & Oates.  The opener wasn't my favorite, but when the main act finally arrived front and center things really began to heat up!  They played most of Chris' favorite songs and even I knew several of the hits!  We had fun people watching in our area of the arena, too.  It was a fun night that was much needed after I'd spent nearly a week away on work trips.  Hall & Oates certainly know how to work the crowd and put on a show. 

   

What fun date nights have you had recently?

Andrea :)

Our January Date Nights

One of our goals as a couple this year is to have at least two dedicated date nights each month. We had no problem accomplishing that feat in January!  One fabulous date night we'd had on our books for months - the phenomenal Broadway performance of Hamilton!  A couple others were tied to Christmas gifts - a trek to Brooklyn for a visit at the New York Transit Museum (recap coming this week!) and a night at the theater to check out Misery.  And we saw an absurd amount of movies on my mission to watch the Oscar nominees. However, we did manage to find two additional nights to work in our special monthly dates for January.

I selected another show, but in a much smaller and more intimate setting.  The play was an adapted version of Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie...and we really enjoyed it!  A simple one-act two-man show, but a very moving story that left a deep impression much like the book did for me so many years ago.  We were on the front row of a roughly 60 person theater in the Village, but the experience was a welcome change.

Chris decided we would spend some time with the King in Brooklyn on the date night he selected.  Which King you might ask?  King James.  And what a spectacular show he put on with his teammates at the Barclay Center that evening.  We enjoyed Nathan's hot dogs and saw multiple dunks from our nosebleed seats.  Most importantly, we had a fun time together!

Did you enjoy any fun dates in January?

Andrea :)

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year, friends!!  We had a relaxing night of watching movies and some Netflix before we flipped over to watch the ball drop at midnight!  We also managed to run up to the rooftop and catch the fireworks just after midnight - so fun!!  Today, I'm excited to start another year by announcing my 2016 goals!

1 - Read (and listen) to the Bible!  I will get this accomplished in 2016.  It has been on my goal list for FAR too long.  Additionally, I'd like for us to get involved in a Couple's Bible Study.

*I made it to 2 Kings, but that is a far cry from completion. We did find a wonderful Bible Study group that we joined in March. Unfortunately, the group was forced to dissolve in November when half the group relocated. 

2 - Complete all outstanding scrapbooks either by hand or online.  I have SO much scrapbook stuff.  It is imperative that I tackle this project!

*I didn't get nearly as far as I would have liked on this one, but I did manage to create Shutterfly books for both my NYC Marathon adventures. 

3 - Clean out the apartment!  If we haven't used it for a year, we probably won't miss it!  Especially in the clothing department!

*This simply did not happen.

4 - Read (or listen) to 40 books this year!  I plan to complete the ABC Reads Challenge that Mia and I are hosting this year!  We would LOVE to have you join us!  Completing that challenge will put me at 26 books - one beginning with each letter of the alphabet.  I also plan to keep up with the three book clubs that I enjoyed last year.  Ideally, a number of the books will overlap - I'm excited to get started!

*I knocked this one out of the park. It took me literally the entire year, but I completed the ABC Reads Challenge. According to Goodreads, I managed to read a total of 45 books this year. Yay!  

5 - Maintain at least two dedicated date nights per month with Christopher!  Our plan is that we will each plan at least one date night per month!

*Chris and I easily completed this goal. We had a great time, too! :)

6 - Act on what's best for ME!  I spent a majority of this past year reflecting on my interests and searching for my passion.  This year - whether with work, in regard to health & fitness, or with my free time - I want to take action toward a better life for me.

*I'm going to give myself a high five on this one. I made some really tough decisions about halfway through the year, but I know in my heart they were right for me. The future is bright. 

What are your goals for 2016?

Andrea :)

*Edits made on January 1, 2017.

Health & Fitness in December

For the month of December, I took a break from all running.  I won a FitBit through a drawing at work so I decided to start it on December 1 and track my steps for the entire month.  I didn't do anything outside my regular activities (ie going to work, social events, etc.) for this month so these numbers are a true baseline for me.  And I was stunned at the end of the first week when I hadn't managed to hit the daily goal of 10,000 steps one single time. 

Dec 1 - 5,793 steps

Dec 2 - 6,442 steps

Dec 3 - 5,181 steps

Dec 4 - 9,349 steps

Dec 5 - 2,823 steps

Dec 6 - 7,379 steps

Dec 7 - 8,195 steps

I managed a pretty good streak to start the next seven days and managed to get fairly close to my goal on each of the other days.  A simple one or two mile walk work have easily pushed me over my goal on each of those days.

*Dec 8 - 12,198 steps!!!!*

*Dec 9 - 11,543 steps!!!!*

*Dec 10 - 10,354 steps!!!!*

Dec 11 - 7,136 steps

Dec 12 - 8,407 steps

Dec 13 - 7,911 steps

Dec 14 - 7,923 steps

Then, a cold/sore throat struck and I was even more sedentary than usual.  Ugh!!  I rarely feel crummy, but when I do it is no fun at all.

Dec 15 - 5,593 steps

Dec 16 - 5,949 steps

Dec 17 - 5,201 steps

Dec 18 - 6,153 steps

Dec 19 - 3,728 steps

Dec 20 - 7,711 steps

Dec 21 - 3,523 steps

I flew to Kentucky on the 21st where I spent most of my time in a car for several days straight and hit my lowest numbers of steps for the whole month.  I sure did enjoy all that time with my family though!!

Dec 22 - 3,665 steps

Dec 23 - 3,770 steps

Dec 24 - 3,164 steps

Dec 25 - 1,887 steps

Dec 26 - 3,014 steps

Dec 27 - 3,761 steps

I made a bit of a surge the last few days of December even managing to hit my goal one last time before another holiday was upon me.

Dec 28 - 8,877 steps

Dec 29 - 5,981 steps

*Dec 30 - 10,713 steps!!!!*

Dec 31 - 5,466 steps

Overall, I learned from this month that it is crucial to my health and fitness that I make a concerted effort each day to exercise in some form.  Maybe one day it is a run and others it is a walk.  Or perhaps I decide to spend time going through a workout video.  Whatever way I choose to do it, I learned from tracking my steps with the FitBit this month that it is extremely important to be much more active than I anticipated!

How was your December??

Andrea :)

2015 Goals - Final Review

1 - Read through the Bible! 

Well...I didn't complete this one, but it will be going on my list again next year.  And I have a new game plan - audible.  I still want to physically pass my eyes over the words as well though.  After some discussion with friends, I think it might really help me stay on track to both hear and read it simultaneously.  I've already downloaded it so I'm ready to FINALLY conquer this one in 2016!

2 - Focus on my health and nutrition.  

Overall, I did pretty well on this one.  Though we've spent far more time in December at restaurants and holiday parties, on a regular basis we rarely eat out these days.  We will continue to try to focus on portion control and healthy options going into the new year.  I haven't done much running since the marathon and my short run at the end of November, but I did begin tracking steps with my Fit Bit on December 1 - definitely an eye-opener!

 3 - Enjoy life as newlyweds.

I'll give us a high-five for this one!  We had a great year - lots of fun and exciting adventures.  It is still hard to believe we passed the one-year mark already!  Time really flew this year! If you are interested in checking out our newlywed adventures, look no further - Month One, Month Two, Month Three, Month Four, Month Five, Month Six, Month Seven, Month Eight, Month Nine, Month Ten, Month Eleven, and Month Twelve.

4 - Do more things for me.

I still have a way to go on making this a constant priority, but I have gotten much better.  I still have a number of things I want to do, but I'm slowly marking them off my list.  One of the things I am most excited about in the new year is the ABC Reads Challenge that Mia and I will be hosting for all the book lovers out there!!  And, of course, the ever-elusive improv classes are still on my list.  As are the mounting pile of scrapbooks that simply MUST be completed soon!!

5 - Redesign this blog. 

I sort of lost my interest in this one toward the end of the year, but I did manage to update my blogger profile photo!  I guess that's progress on some level.  I need to do a bit more searching and determining if I was to refocus the content before I firmly decide on making a switch with name or design.  I'll just leave it at that for now.

6 - Find my passion.    

My hope is that all the soul-searching and struggling that I did throughout this past year will find meaning as I further explore the paths toward my new passions in the coming year!  It certainly hasn't been an easy road, but I'm hopeful I'll look back on it down the line and realize its value.

 Did you manage to complete all your 2015 goals?

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in November

This month started strong with the running of my second NYC Marathon, but then it held some much needed rest!  I needed it desperately after the marathon.  However, I didn't want all of the efforts to get in running shape to disappear after the big race so I made the choice to sign up for a short 4-miler at the end of November.

I started back at the beginning the week before the 4-mile God's Love We Deliver run with one solitary mile.  I ran the entire mile...and it felt good.  Two days later, I ran a couple solid miles.  Still felt good.  Another two days, I gave it my all for three miles.  A bit more difficult for me to not take any breaks, but I did it.  I was ready!  My plan worked well because I ran for the entire time during the 4-mile race...finishing with my best time all year - 11:52 per mile!

Nov 16 - 1 mile run on treadmill

Nov 18 - 2 mile run on treadmill

Nov 20 - 3 mile run on treadmill

I gave myself another break for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I know I've got to get back to it for December.  I began tracking my daily steps with my new FitBit starting on December 1 so it will be interesting to see how I do with step counts all month!  I don't have any races on the books for the next couple of months so it will be more important than ever that I make time for the gym!

What are you favorite winter workouts?

 
Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in October

In September, I didn't manage to prioritize my fitness goals properly so I promised myself I would do better in October.  I am happy to report - I met that goal!

Not only did I complete a half marathon, but I also hit all my training runs.  I did modify when needed, but I was thrilled to be able to mark each and every one off my calendar!

As you are reading this, I am running my second NYC Marathon!  I shared my goals with you on Friday.  Most importantly, no matter what happens out there on those 26.2 miles I plan to be smiling at the finish line!  Thankfully, we are set to have beautiful weather!  I look forward to sharing my journey with you soon!!

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in September

Honestly, this past month has been a major struggle on the marathon training end.  The month began with a long weekend visit as we hosted my out-of-town parents.  Straying from my routine for those five days wasn't so bad.  I could have recovered from that small deviance easily.  However, the day after my parents left, Chris and I boarded a plane for our west coast adventure.  We did manage a couple of days of significant hiking and walking the steep terrain of California, but I didn't run once during our 10 day journey.

September 1 - 4 mile run

September 3 - 5 mile run

September 10 - 2 mile run; 6 mile bike

September 22 - 4 mile run

September 24 - 7 mile run 

September 26 - 16 mile bike

September 29 - 5 mile run

So...you can imagine my trepidation when I returned on September 21 with only a handful of short runs under my belt for the whole month.  I expected to be in real trouble.  And maybe I am, but I also think the rest gave my legs a much needed break.  I felt strong in those first two runs after the trip.  I am working hard to attempt to return to a reasonable level of endurance in the long runs.  My true test will come next weekend when I try my hand...or rather legs...at the Brooklyn Rock-n-Roll Half I'm signed up to run.  It is sure to give me an indication of how this marathon will pan out since I'm just under a month away now!

Here's hoping for a quality October in the training department!

Andrea :)

2015 Goals - 9 Month Check-Up

1 - Read through the Bible!

My hope was to have this one completed by now, but I got stuck.  In the same spot where I've been stuck before...unfortunately.  I plan to press on though.  I still want to finish this by the end of the year, but for now I am just taking it day by day.

2 - Focus on my health and nutrition.  

I am still on track here.  We are rarely eating out these days which has helped significantly on the nutrition part.  Trying some fun, new meals every so often as well!  And this little thing called marathon training has been keeping me accountable with my runs.  I'm signed up for a half-marathon in mid-October so that should give me an pretty good idea of where I'll stand with the marathon a couple of weeks later.  It has been anything but easy for me this time around, but I am hanging in there!

 3 - Enjoy life as newlyweds.

We just returned from our first anniversary trip...where we had a blast exploring SO many parts of California!!  Those recaps are coming soon, but it's safe to say we are still loving the newlywed life!!  I can't believe we will have officially been married for over ONE year by this time next month!  Unreal!  If you are interested in checking out more of our newlywed adventures, look no further - Month One, Month Two, Month Three, Month Four, Month Five, Month Six, Month Seven, Month Eight, Month Nine, and Month Ten.

4 - Do more things for me.

Focusing on me has been a priority for the past few months.  Fortunately, I have rekindled my love for reading and as a result, I have stretched myself as a writer.  I have lots of irons in the fire right now, but am continuing to find ways to improve upon me.  Improv classes and finishing my scrapbooks are still high on my list, but haven't been realized yet!  Here's to hoping fall/winter will keep me in the city/at the apartment more than the summer months have managed to do.

5 - Redesign this blog. 

I finally have some thoughts here.  I am continuing to explore, but I'm leaning toward making this one a bit of a Christmas present to myself.  I'll keep the wheels turning for now.

6 - Find my passion.    

I *think* I have found my (new) passion.  To be honest, it's always been there...tucked away deep down, but I managed to become quite proficient at stifling it.  I am moving in a direction toward it now.  When I get a little closer, I'll share more with you!

How are your 2015 goals coming along?

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in August

I'm one month into marathon training.  It's going well.  It started off rough though.  Really rough.  But after a month, I'm good.  Well...as good as I could have hoped at this point! Surprisingly, I stuck with my schedule of running (sometimes in more of a walk/run pattern) four days a week.  It was great in the beginning.  I felt like it really helped me to get back into the swing of things.  However, as the month progressed and my body got used to running those short(er) runs during the week, it started to feel a little repetitive to run back-to-back on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Given that and a number of other reasons, I decided to make a switch for September.  I am going to cut back to three runs per week.  As the mileage increases both during the week and on the weekend long run, I want to ensure I give myself a proper amount of time to recover between runs.  We'll also be gone for a portion of the month and I know it won't be realistic to keep up with all the runs then so I am attempting to keep things somewhat attainable.

My only other update to the schedule is the addition of a half marathon the second weekend in October.  Originally, that was scheduled to be my final long run (20 miles), but after further reflection I think a timed race at that point will be more beneficial for me.  Mostly, I feel it will give me a realistic idea on my pace for the marathon itself.  Either way, I am looking forward to the challenge/test!

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in July

July was a bit of a rest month for me.  Mostly due to our crammed travel schedule having us away nearly half the month on various trips.  I did stick with the daily challenge for everyday this month except my birthday weekend!) and managed a few low intensity workouts mid-month.  This daily challenge was by far the most difficult one I have completed.  I felt the burn often!

Tomorrow, I will be posting my training plan for the NYC Marathon so running will be back to top priority in August and the coming months.  I am looking forward to getting it back on the schedule so that must mean the July break was a good thing for me...at least mentally.

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in June

Since my workout strategy for May was a success, I decided to complete a similar total body challenge each day in June.  The challenge this month was more intense, but I felt much stronger as each day passed.  Toward the end of the month, my brother and his family came to visit and I was gone on a work trip, but I managed to work in a handful of two-a-days in order to fully complete the challenge.  Here's what the rest of June looked like for me...

June 1-6

Mon - Rest
Tues - Rest
Wed - 5 mile run
Thurs - Rest
Fri -5 mile run

Sat - Rest

June 7-13

Sun - Rest
Mon -12 mile stationary bike
Tues - 3.1 mile run

Wed - Yoga

Thurs - 3.1 mile run

Fri - Rest

Sat - Oakley New York Mini 10k - I SET A PR!!

June 14-20

Sun - Rest
Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - Rest

Wed - 10 mile stationary bike

Thurs - Rest

Fri - Rest

Sat - 7 mile walk all over NYC

June 21-27

Sun - Rest
Mon - Rest

Tues - Rest

Wed - Work Travel

Thurs - Work Travel

Fri - Work Travel

Sat - Rest

June 28-30

Sun - Rest
Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - 10 mile stationary bike

Going into July, I feel ready to get back on the running train.  And I have a new daily challenge to keep me on my toes as well.  We do have quite a bit of traveling going on though so I am just going to do my best to make the most of this month! 

Andrea :)

2015 Goals - 6 Month Check-Up

1 - Read through the Bible!

This one is in progress.  Full force!  I started in Genesis just after Memorial Day.  I am not quite through the law section that accounts for the first few books, but I am on an aggressive 90 day plan.  My hope is to have this one completed by Labor Day.  I am trying to read a little in the morning, during my lunch break at work, and then a bit more in the evening.  So far, so good!

2 - Focus on my health and nutrition.  

I have been doing remarkably well on this one.  I have certainly made this a major focus and it is starting to show.  I ran my fastest ever 10k last month.  I feel better generally.  And I'm not giving up!

 3 - Enjoy life as newlyweds.

We are certainly succeeding on this one!  A long weekend trip is just around the corner for us and we are staring to nail down plans for our anniversary trip to California this fall.  We've started watching some Netflix series that we had been wanting to see for quite some time.  And cooking at home together a lot!  I can't believe we are already over two-thirds of the way through our first married year...time is flying!  If you are interested in checking out more of our newlywed adventures, look no further - Month One, Month Two, Month Three, Month Four, Month Five, Month Six, Month Seven, and Month Eight.

4 - Do more things for me.

I am still reading like crazy...and loving it!  I even started a real life book club earlier this year! And I continue to narrow down the options for improv classes...but it's looking like that might not happen until the fall with all our travel plans this summer.  I am also working on mentally preparing for the NYC Marathon again.  It will certainly be a challenge, but I'm going to give it my best shot!  My goal this summer is to finish up some of the lingering scrapbooks on my "to make" list.

5 - Redesign this blog. 

I haven't made any progress here.  I am wrapping up my #MarriedMaitlands wedding posts though and have been considering making the change once those are done in the next couple of months.  Been having some thoughts about changing the name as well.

6 - Find my passion.    

Somehow, I feel like I am getting closer here.  Maybe it's all the reading.  And writing I've been doing here.  Both have really got me thinking.  I'm hopeful this will continue to become more and more apparent each day!

How are your 2015 goals coming along?

Andrea :)

*Find my 3 month check-up here.

Health & Fitness in May

In May, I decided to challenge myself with two quick ab centered workouts each day.  I had been struggling with my running and thought maybe this would help as much as anything else I'd tried.  I'm happy to report that I completed every single one of the ab and squat challenges in May.  And it did make a significant difference with I started running again toward the middle of the month.

May 1-3

Fri - 6 mile stationary bike

Sat - 5 mile stationary bike

Sun - Yoga

May 4-10

Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - Rest

Wed -6 mile stationary bike

Thurs -Rest

Fri - Cardio Fix Workout

Sat - Rest

Sun - 10 mile stationary bike

May 11-17

Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - Rest

Wed - Rest

Thurs - yoga

Fri - Rest

Sat - Dirty 30 Workout

Sun - 8 mile stationary bike

May 18-24

Mon - 1 mile run

Tues - Rest

Wed - 1.5 mile run

Thurs - Rest

Fri - 2 mile run

Sat - Rest

Sun - Rest

May 25-31

Mon - 3 mile run

Tues - Rest

Wed - Rest

Thurs - 3 mile run

Fri - Out of Town

Sat - Out of Town

Sun - Out of Town

I didn't record my meals as closely as I had in previous months, but I took my lunch to work almost everyday.  This has been helpful in not only being able to control portion sizes, but also in providing myself with healthy options.  We also have not eaten out much this month choosing instead to try new, healthy recipes at home.

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in April

April started off strong as I ramped up to my half marathon mid-month.  I trailed off a bit after that, but I am planning to challenge myself throughout May with daily ab and squat workouts.  I also signed up for a 10k in mid-June so I want to work on improving my stamina and speed for that race.  Here's a look back at April...

April 1-5

Wed - OFF

Thurs -1 mile run; 4 mile elliptical (my knees were hurting badly...thinking a shoe change is in order)

Fri - OFF

Sat - 2 mile walk; 8 mile run (still had some knee pain on inclines with additional shin issues...set to change out shoes next week)

Sun - EASTER!!

Healthy Meals: started packing lunch to help keep portions consistent

April 6-12

Mon -Bootcamp

Tues - 6 miles on elliptical

Wed -Yoga

Thurs - Cardio Fix Workout

Fri - OFF

Sat - 8 mile run outside - best I have felt in a LONG time

Sun - OFF

Healthy Meals: continued packing lunches...mostly using leftovers

April 13-19
Mon - Bootcamp
Tues -OFF
Wed -OFF
Thurs -Cardio Fix Workout
Fri - Celebrated Five Years!
Sat -12 mile stationary bike
Sun -More Half Marathon - recap HERE!!
Healthy Meals: continued with the packed leftovers for lunch

April 20-26
Mon -Yoga
Tues - Deep Tissue Massage
Wed - Rest
Thurs - OFF - traveling for work
Fri - OFF - traveling for work
Sat - Wedding Fun in Albany 
Sun - OFF 
Healthy Meals:  Ate lots of veggies this week!

April 27-30
Mon - Bootcamp
Tues - OFF
Wed - OFF
Thurs - OFF
Healthy Meals: Didn't do so well on meals this week...need to reload on fruit and veggies at the grocery this weekend!

The last couple of weeks, I really took some time to relax and rest.  I know I have to get back after it in May though. Finally, the weather is cooperating, and I have lots of great plans for a successful month ahead!

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in March

Happy Easter!!!  

Hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating the resurrection of our Lord!!

Picking up where I left off in February, here goes my health and fitness breakdown for March.  Overall, I made some progress, but still have a long way to go!  Determined to get there though!

March 1-8

Sun - did not run as intended (snowstorm delayed us getting back from Albany)

Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - 4 mile run (limited walking)

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 4 mile run (best I've felt so far in this journey)

Fri - OFF

Sat/Sun - did not run as intended (delayed flight back from Pitt)

Healthy Meals: worked on smaller portions particularly at dinner

Taken from Manhattan's east side after running across Queensboro Bridge...

March 9-15

Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - 4 mile run (a small amount of walking)

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 2 mile run, 4 mile elliptical, 6 mile bike (needed a break from running on the treadmill...this crazy March weather has been killing me!!)

Fri - OFF

Sat/Sun - 8 mile run (outside...finally!!!)

Healthy Meals: salad for lunch three times this week

March 16-22

Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - 3.5 mile run (back on the treadmill)

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 6 mile run

Fri - OFF

Sat/Sun - Gone to Dallas for Tarra and Evan's wedding

Healthy Meals: salad for lunch three times this week plus healthy (veggies, nuts) snacks

Taken on my run in Central Park...

March 23-31

Mon - Bootcamp was cancelled :(

Tues - 4 mile run OUTSIDE!!

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 2 mile walk and 8 mile bike

Fri - OFF

Sat/Sun - 12 mile run (including some walking...in Central Park)

Mon/Tues - out of town for work

Healthy Meals: conscious effort to portion out both lunch and dinner

Here's to an exciting April...including my half marathon mid-month!!

Andrea :)

2015 Goals - 3 Month Check-Up

Setting goals at the beginning of each year has become natural to me.  Tracking my progress on those goals as the months come and go seems to be another task all by itself.  Since we are almost three full months into this new year (how did that happen so quickly, right?), I figured it was a perfect time to check in on myself. 

1 - Read through the Bible!

I started this one in January.  I intended to use the app on my phone, but I had trouble getting it to work pretty consistently for about a week.  And I gave up.  I am determined on this one though.  I want to start over in April.  An Easter resolution, perhaps?  I know I can do it, I just have to stick with it!

2 - Focus on my health and nutrition.  

I signed up for a mid-April half marathon so I have been training for it pretty hard the past couple of months.  It has been an uphill battle, but I am trucking along.  I did implement monthly health and fitness posts to help keep me accountable as well.  You can check out the first one here.

3 - Enjoy life as newlyweds.  

We are certainly succeeding on this one!  We have one vacation set for July already and plans for a super fun anniversary trip this fall, but even the simple things like watching TV and meal planning prove to be fun when we are in it together.  We are nearly halfway through our first married year...and so far it is going great!  I have been chronicling each month on the blog.  If you are interested, you can check out Month One, Month Two, Month Three, and Month Four.

4 - Do more things for me.  

I'm getting better at this one as the year progresses.  I have been reading like crazy...and loving it!  I am keeping my eye on improv classes...just waiting for the dates to line up with my schedule a little better.  And I signed up for a couple races already.  I'm also crafting a plan for conquering the scrapbooks on my "to make" list as well.

5 - Redesign this blog. 

I haven't made any progress here.  Giving it some thought though.  I have some ideas, but I want to really know what I want before I make a change.

6 - Find my passion.    

My passion still eludes me...mostly.  I see glimpses of it from time to time.  Short glimpses.  I'm working to nail this down...but it has NOT been easy for me.

How are you doing with your 2015 goals??

Andrea :)

Health & Fitness in February

Goal #2

Focus on my health and nutrition.  I'm no spring chicken anymore.  Consequently, what I put into my body matters...a lot.  I am determined to work on creating more balanced meals.  And, of course, exercising on a consistent basis.  My plan is to use this blog to keep me in check.  I want to recap each month with my progress in this area.

I skipped January because to be honest I was gone for half the month working Pro Bowl and Super Bowl.  That time never proves conducive to anything else besides working.  I did do a bit of exercising with workout videos prior to my departure in mid-January, but nothing noteworthy.

To begin February, I signed up for a spring half-marathon.  Along with signing up for it, I put together a training plan that would begin February 3 upon my return from Arizona.

I had not run at all since my last NYRR race in November so I knew that getting back into the swing of things was going to be a challenge.  I started off with short distances using a run/walk method.  Overall, I tried to eat smaller portions and began incorporating spinach salads for lunch a couple times a week.  I didn't do a very good job with documenting food choices each week though.  I'll work on improving my record keeping going forward.

February 2-8

Mon - Traveling back from Arizona

Tues - 3 miles (run/walk method)

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 2 miles (run/walk method)

Fri - OFF

Sat - too sore to run (supposed to run 3 miles)

Sun - 4 miles (run/walk method)

The first week was rough!  I was extremely sore.  And I began to seriously hate the treadmill.  I was dreading week two...

February 9-15

Mon - Bootcamp

Tues - 3 miles (run/walk method)

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 1 mile run/walk + bike for 30 min (supposed to run 3 miles)

Fri - OFF

Sat - did not run

Sun - did not run

I was hurting.  Getting back into running...via the treadmill in the dead of winter...was not going so well.  I was beginning to wonder if I had made a huge mistake signing up for the half marathon.  And to rub salt in the wound even more I had to decide whether or not to pay the entry fee for the NYC Marathon by the end of this week.  I was really not wanting to sign up.  I was doubting if I could do it, but after a pep talk from Chris I decided this was mind over matter...and he reminded me that I had already done all the qualifying work last year, too.  I was in.

February 16-22

Mon - Bootcamp was cancelled so OFF

Tues - 3 miles (run/walk method)

Wed - OFF

Thurs - 3 miles (run/walk method)

Fri - OFF

Sat/Sun - 6 miles (run 1 mile, elliptical machine for 40 minutes, run 1.5 miles)

Week three went better.  I made a decision to adjust my running plan to accommodate for the horrid treadmill.  I removed one run from the week - essentially giving me one extra rest day.  I started to feel the difference in the runs, too.  I was gaining momentum and being able to run for longer stretches at a time.  Still taking a few walk breaks, but working hard to maintain the runs even if my pace was a bit slower for those longer runs.

February 23-28

Monday - Bootcamp

Tuesday - 4 miles (very limited walking)

Wednesday - OFF

Thursday - 3 miles (supposed to be 5 miles, but upset stomach got in the way)

Friday - OFF

Saturday - Traveling

The last week of February started off strong.  Bootcamp was a killer, but in the best possible way.  And my Tuesday run felt great!  I ran nearly the entire time.  Unfortunately some stomach issues thwarted my plans on Thursday, but I didn't entirely give up.  I also made a decision to incorporate daily abdominal workouts into my March schedule.  Excited about that as well as the long run I'm planning to bust out today!

Do you use a workout or running schedule?  

Have any tips?

Andrea :)