#MarchGoal

Halfway through March already. Spring is nearly here. Of course "spring" in Arizona means 90°F days are coming fast. It was 95 on Thursday.

Halfway through March also means we are halfway done with the #MarchGoal challenge. Did you participate? How is it going for you?

For me, my initial goal was to run/log 30 miles for the month. I got off to a good start with a half marathon on March 2. Bringing my total up to just over 15 miles. I'd say I have some work to do! Another goal I have, but never really "technically" declared it a goal, was to eat healthy every single day. So far, I've done great. Aside from 3 days when we had company, I even did well on those days. I have been doing a combo of push ups, crunches, lunges or squats each day and as always a plank everyday. 

Checking out some 'goodies' at the finish line of the Phoenix Marathon

A good handful of people have joined this challenge. Some through twitter, some through facebook and some just have mentioned it to me. 

There are no hard rules to this challenge. Pretty cool, huh? So why not join in. There is still half a month to go. Plenty of time to start making a difference NOW.

13.1 Miles farther in life

After running my first ever half marathon in January, I must have been sick in the head to run another less than 6 weeks later. Ok, maybe not sick in the head, but addicted right?

Refueling post race with Nuun. Is this a post race face or what?!

While trying to sign up for the race and finding out it was already capped, a friend offered her bib to me as she had last minute plans change. Sweet! Now, I really had to get my butt in gear and get ready for this race. I think I had it in my head that I was already in "half marathon shape" from the previous one and didn't do much training this time. Oops! I did some, but not as much as I should have. 

The Phoenix Marathon series is pretty new and young, and it was a smaller race. Smaller than the PF Chang's Rock 'n Roll Marathon that travels all over the place.  A more local race and smaller capacity, this one was fun. Starting super early at 6:30am meant a 3:30am wake up. The beautiful thing about running in late February/early March in Phoenix: the weather is approaching the upper 70s and morning low temperatures are in the upper 40s/low 50s. Could this not be more perfect?! No snow on the ground here. Sorry Colorado people. 

Check out those temps this morning. 50s and 60s for race time.

I started off running with a friend from college. We both had about the same time goal in mind, and we actually finished very close to those goals!

The atmosphere for this race was great. Everyone was friendly, so many volunteers and people cheering and bonus, the lines to the port-a-potties were fairly short!

According to my GPS runner app, I finished at 2:35 which would put me the same time as my PF Chang's half. Not too shabby as I was expecting somewhere around 2:45 for my poor training. Hold the watch! Just checked the official results page (yep, I refreshed and waited) and I finished at 2:32! Holy smokes! PR for me while not training very well ?! Alright, I'll take it. However, my knees are sore now, but I do actually feel good.

I wore my green sparkle Bic Bands headband. Super awesome headband! It does not move at all.

From a training run, not the race.

My pink Pro Compression Socks, which helped my legs feel great. Still feeling great after the run.

Again, from a training run, not the race. 

My Brooks running shoes, GTS 12's. Haven't let me down so far.

Fueled up with Nuun before and after. Fav flavors including but not limited to: Tri-Berry, Grapefruit Orange, Blueberry Pomegranate, Citrus, Lemon Lime, Grape. I'm limiting myself to how many I drink today, don't worry :)

So, what's next? Not sure. No more half's on the schedule as of now. Looking for a few 5k fun runs up ahead with a pretty snazzy lady. And I'll keep working out, running and eating better.

Anyone see my #MarchGoal post? What is your goal? How will you get there?

Month of Numbers & A Challenge

As done in previous months, I've tried to keep up with a fitness challenge. The other day while out running, this one came to me. 

How about a Numbers Challenge? Being the science geek I am, I know that March is the month of "Pi". In math, the number Pi (pie) is 3.14 (with many other numbers following that decimal, but rounded at .14). So on March 14 (3/14) it is known as Pi Day. In honor of this month being a big math/science number month, my challenge is to set a number goal to achieve. A set number of miles you want to run, bike, walk. A number of pounds you'd like to drop. A number of pushups, situps, lunges, squats you'd like to do each day or week. 

Whatever your number goal is, try your hardest to stick to it.

My goal: to run 30 miles for the month of March.

Right now, I'm doing the plankaday challenge. Holding a plank for as long as I can, 1-2 mintues on average, each day. I try to make push ups and lunges a daily routine as well. Every little bit helps!

If you want to participate in this challenge, tag me on Twitter (@charmoon) with your goal and how you're doing. Let's use the hashtag #MarchGoal. If you are on Facebook, write on my wall with your "March Goal" or simply comment on this blog post. Let's be active this month!!

13.1 Miles. No big deal

While many people were enjoying their morning coffee, reading up on the news, perhaps going out for breakfast or brunch...I ran 13.1 miles. No big deal. I was done by 10:30am and on with the rest of my day. Which, consisted of ice, stretching and resting.

I ran my first Half Marathon on Jan 20th 2013 at the PF Chang's Rock 'n Roll Marathon. It was a girls weekend get together that had been planned since June 2012. A group of us decided we would run it together, though we all ran different times and distances, all because one of the ladies had a birthday. What a great group of ladies I am now friends with (those didn't already know). It was a great time getting to know each other, training, talking about how we were doing and to accomplish a goal I had always wanted to do. Next on the list? More half marathons and someday a full. Here is the weekend at a glance. Oh yeah, the results. Spoiler: 13.1 miles in 2:35 min. PR for me! Avg 11min/mile. Not bad! I only walked 2.5 total miles and did great. Goal: get the time down to 2:30 and keep going down from there. 2:20 and someday 2:00.

At the Rock 'n Roll Expo, downtown Phoenix.

At the expo. Only 26.2 miles to go!

Carbing it up the night before with some fellow weather nerd ladies.

Best Gal Pal Jessica :) and fellow Weather nerd!

At the start, waiting for that gun to go off.

At the start line. New best buddy Emma!

A quick shot as we head east. Around mile 2. 

TOAST! To the finish!

Hydrating with Nuun :) I love.

A bowl of protein goodness: Choc protein goo, PB, coconut cookie dough crumble & cinnamon flatout bowl. All from Stuftmama's recipes. Yum!

Just crossed the finish and was handed a medal and asked to take my picture. Atleast I'm smiling!

And after chugging some water. 

Gal Pal ladies from work & Jackson. We are ready to rock!

The whole group of ladies that ran (minus 1). Some ran the full, some ran the half marathon and some ran the half relay. We all accomplished goals and kicked butt!

 What a great weekend. Happy Birthday to Miss Leslie. She ran her first ever full Marathon and kicked some serious butt! What's next on the list?

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{Have been MIA from blog world, oops! Life has gotten in the way and blogging has gone to the back burner. Hopefully I can find some time to get back into things.}

Remember that Juneathon stuff?

Try hard to remember back to June.
Lots of running, biking, working out. 100+ degree days. Crazy me running outside. Remember? Well the fun doesn't end there. There is a challenge for January!

Janathon

Why not start the year off with being active? You know I'm down for this! As before, I will probably not be blogging every single day. But I'll post the highlights and weekly updates. It does help that I'm running the P.F. Changs Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon this month. Woot, woot! My first ever half marathon. Actually, my first ever race longer than a 10k. I'm excited!

Anyone else want to join in the Run-Fun that is Janathon? 

You know you want to join the fun!

I use RunKeeper as an app on my phone for tracking my workouts/runs. I also double check that with Google maps and make sure to note the time I start. I've been known to have GPS tracking issues and a random 52 mile run is logged for me. Ambitious but not correct!

Anyone have any cool apps they use? GPS wrist watch recommendations? I need one, just don't have the cash for one.

Happy Active-ness Month!

October Challenge: Check-up

Even though it's only 5 days into this October Challenge, wanted to stop by and check in. Anyone still with me?

As we get closer to the Holidays and craziness that is the end of the year, taking time for ourselves can be tough. I know I'm learning all about this being a new mom. Can I still say I'm a new mom if my little guy is now 1 year old? Where did the time go? He's so much fun, we love it!

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I'm one to speak about crazy schedules, working rotating hours myself, but finding time to do something for yourself is key to keep the sanity around here. Can I get an Amen?! So even just 10-15 minutes a day is HUGE people, huge. I for one cherish a shower like nobody's business!

This challenge was designed made up to do just that. Just taking a few minutes a day to do something for your body will help. And who knows, might even kick-start even better choices and more time to do other fun good-for-your-body activities. 

Day 5: so the 10+1 a day challenge is on Day 5. SO you should be at 14 reps today. Ideas: Squats, Lunges, Crunches, Jumping Jacks, Push ups...or all of the above! Or any combo. It's just a starter and an idea really. Have fun with it. And hopefully by October 31st you can do 40 reps of at least one move. WOW!

Source: Uploaded by user via FitFluential on Pinterest

My progress: I've been mixing it up with Squats and Lunges. I need to keep up the push-ups as I've forgot about those.

On another note, I'm pretty proud of how I've come to eat so well. I have always considered myself to be a pretty healthy eater but since having a baby, and really in the last 9-10 months I've gotten really healthy with my eating. I basically, unknowingly, follow a Paleo/Vegetarian diet I'd say 85% of the time. Now there aren't any underlying reasons why I'm strict about these diet approaches, because I'm not, the food choices and varieties just appeal to me and are easy to eat. I'm not picky and am always up for trying new and different foods. And our meals at home that I make aren't super "weird" either. We still have meatloaf, spaghetii, tuna noodle casserole, hamburgers/turkey burgers, to name a few. I find my breakfast, lunch and some dinner choices are just more healthy. With my work schedule there are a number of days each week that we don't get to eat dinner together, and other meals, so making my own quick, easy to pack meals are..well...easy for me.

Another Instagram photo: New FitFluential tank top from ViewSport. Working out :)

Not sure any of that made sense? But oh well. I can tell things are working, so whatever I'm doing is working. I feel good. 

Motivation to everyone. Keep up the good work! Happy Weekend friends :)

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Flashback Friday: From nearly 2 years ago, we carved Pumpkins and had some Pumpkin beer. Halloween wasn't cold here, still 90 degrees.

October Challenge: Who's in?

Over the summer I've done a couple Fitness Challenges and challenged myself to do others. I'm on track with eating healthy and have done well (for myself) in losing all of the pregnancy weight and then some after having my son a year ago. Wow, a year. Anyway, now I'm training for a half marathon in January. So excited! I think that being active and keeping a regular fitness routine of some sort is important in every day life. Whether you're training for a marathon, a 3 mile race, a friend's wedding, the holidays, a family get together or you just want to become more active; you have to fully commit and stay on track.

The idea behind these challenges for me have been to keep me accountable. If I have something I "have to do" or am "supposed to do" then I am more likely to do that activity. 

Source: fitsugar.com via Mary on Pinterest

So why not create another challenge? If you'd like to participate, leave a comment here, or on my facebook or tweet me your progress every day. It's like a journal entry to keep you accountable. I will do the same.

Source: 2012lastfatyear.blogspot.ca via Samantha on Pinterest

October Challenge: 10 + 1 every day

I thought about previous challenges and how they were geared towards doing a workout/run every day of at least 30 minutes. I still like that idea but want to change it up a bit. How about some core strength movements? Don't forget about cardio, that is still important.

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Samantha on Pinterest

10 + 1 every day: Choose either push-ups or lunges, or alternate. On the first day (Oct 1) do 10. The next day, do 11. On the 3rd day (Oct 3) do 12. Each day adding one more, and by Oct 31st you will have 40 push-ups or lunges to do. 

I have faith that you can do this! So, who's with me?

Source: google.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Just keep running

Let's be honest, I haven't been running as much as I should be. Not that I'm afraid to run, oh no. I just haven't had time. Sometimes when my schedule really flip-flops, finding the time to run is tough. Especially when you have to pay close attention to the time of day you run. Insert 110+° degree days here. "Run in the early morning" you say. Ok. 4am. It's already still 91° degrees. So I have to choose wisely and run mostly inside until I really get used to running outside. 

However, I have and still keep up with my strength/core training. I keep my routine of push ups, crunches, lunges, squats and planks each day. My eating habits are still very good and if you know me, you know I've drank more than a gallon of water each day. Yep, I think I'm part amphibian.

So, nothing to report for Augustathon Day 5 or 6 sadly. While I did do core work, I won't bother posting that. Looking for a run tonight though! Odd hours, means a run after 10:30pm. Should only be 105° degrees. Yay!

Total Augustathon: 7.8 miles

Here are a few instagram photos to keep you entertained. Today is my Friday (yay) so I'm sure more photos will be coming. I went and had some printed, finally right?! So I need to work on a photo album. I am so bad about this.

Morning sunrise. Beautiful clouds. 

Jackson searching for some goodies in my purse.

Just sitting here watching airplanes go by

Augustathon Day 4:


Type: Elliptical
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 3.2 miles 
Cals: 410


Total Augustathon: 7.8 miles


Had a great workout this morning while Jackson napped after I did a great set of crunches. My legs feel awesome! So ready to kick this training into full gear. 


Running outside has been tough, so I'm alternating and going slow with running outside. I need to start running outside at a different time of the day, preferably when the sun goes down. If I can maintain about 2 miles a day for a week or so then I think I can start bumping up the distance. Slow goes it, but it goes. I like that.


Jackson and I went to watch some airplanes the other morning at the airport. (cue the music to that Gary Allen song...) I thought it might be fun (for him) to see some airplanes up close. He was interested for a short bit, but I think the noise was weird for him not knowing where it was coming from. We stayed for a while before it got hot (8am).

Getting less interested and more interested in a nap. "Mom, where can I lay down?"

Got to throw in a picture of my Joshy. Oh how I love this man :) Hard to believe 7 years ago we climbed our first mountain together (my first, not his).

Augustathon here we go!

Augustathon Day 2:


Type: Strength
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 0.5 miles
Cals: no idea


Total Augustathon: 3.1 miles


Augustathon Day 3:


Type: Running
Time: 22 minutes (est)
Distance: 1.5 miles (est)
Cals: no idea


Total Augustathon: 4.6 miles

{Source}

I wish I was running on the beach...ahh. Nope, just in the desert. 


My run on Friday was estimated because I looked down after 6 minutes at my GPS (my phone) and it froze. So I know I ran for longer than 6 minutes, because looking at the clock when I left and when I came back it had been about 20 minutes or so. And judging my the distance I ran on Wednesday I ran just a bit shorter. So estimating, but still ran.


Have to alternate running outside since it is so warm. Still trying to adjust to running out in this heat. I'm getting there slowly. Slow but sure. I'm determined to get better and run farther.

Challenge: Accepted Part 2

Remember Juneathon? Do you MISS Juneathon? If your answer was yes, then come with me! 

My fancy pink compression socks from ProCompression which are amazing to help with circulation!

I was challenged/asked to start another challenge by a friend for this month. 

Augustathon?! 

Why not?! A month long challenge to keep yourself accountable and keep yourself motivated to exercise or workout each day. Whether it is a 10 mile run to start your day, or 15 push ups before bed, anything will do, so long as you are being active. Watching TV while flexing your ab muscles doesn't count, sorry.

My awesome post-run "red face". It was 100+ degrees outside!

I like to set my own standard of 30 minutes each day (minimum). I will do my best to blog about each day, though it may be a week re-cap. My schedule & family life is a bit busy so blogging isn't a top priority, sorry! I'm on a computer all day at work so when I get home I enjoy not staring at a screen any longer unless I need to (bills). 


Want to join in? All you have to do is BE ACTIVE! You can comment on my posts for what you've done or blog about what you've done. If you need to write it down, then do it. Setting goals is fun, it makes you work hard toward that goal and it is something to look forward to. It isn't fun when you start thinking you HAVE to workout and you aren't getting anything out of it. Set a goal that is reasonable. Like 30 minutes a day, or 10 push ups or crunches or lunges or jumping jacks or a walk around the block. Then increase it slowly. 

Maybe your goal is to do 50 push ups a week. Or 2 sets of lunges each day. Or to run 5 miles a week. Or to walk 5 miles a week. Set some sort of goal for yourself. In June I set a goal of running/biking 100 miles by the end of June. That's not a bad goal. I was close, I got to just over 60 miles. So maybe a stretch. SO this time, my goal is to get past 60 miles by the end of August. Pretty reasonable.


So here we go:


Augustathon Day 1:


Type: Running
Time: 30 minutes
Distance: 2.6 miles
Cals: 350


Total Augustathon: 2.6 miles


Hope you don't get bored! Thanks for reading along.

Challenge: Done

Juneathon is complete! I'm so excited I found this challenge and was able to keep up to it. Though I didn't blog about it everyday (you're welcome) as I'm sure some of you are tired of hearing about it. But I'm glad I participated. While I didn't complete the 100 mile challenge I set for myself, I at least made a great progress towards adding some mileage and working out. High five for that!


Day 30: 


Type: Running
Duration: 18 minutes
Distance: 1.01
Calories: 128
Juneathon total: 52.47 miles


However, according to the website that I log all of my workouts on, it says I have gone 60.3 miles total. The total here I've been adding manually, so I'm going to go with the 60. Sounds better too right?!


This was a great late night run. I'm talking 10:45pm, 100 F degrees outside, running through the sprinklers. So fun!


So what's next? Well I'll continue to workout and I'm hoping to do a few races this fall/winter. Crossing my fingers I can be in shape for the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in January. I started training for it last year but I was pregnant. 

The Floor is Comfortable To Sleep On (Day 24-29)

Daily progress on the Juneathon challenge. If you want to know more about the challenge, check out the Juneathon page.

Day 24:

Type: Run

Duration: 17 min

Distance: 1.14

Calories: 150 cals

Juneathon total: 51.72 miles

Day 25: 

Type: Strength

Duration: 25 min

Distance: 0.00

Calories: 100

Juneathon total: 50.58 miles

45 push ups

30 lunges

80 crunches :)

2x45 sec planks

Day 26:

Type: Strength

Duration: 30 min

Distance: 0.00
Calories: 100
Juneathon total: 50.58 miles

45 push ups

50 lunges

80 crunches

2x45 sec planks


Day off. We went to the doc for Jackson's regular appointment. Not much else :)

Day 27:

Type: Walk (at the park)
Duration: 35 min
Distance: 1.2 miles

Calories: 200

Juneathon total: 51.78 miles


GREAT morning walk at the park with my little guy. Watched the ducks!

Day 28:

Type: Strength
Duration: 15 min

Distance: 0.25 miles

Calories: 100

Juneathon total: 50.63 miles


Day 29: 


Type: Running
Duration: 11 minutes
Distance: 0.83
Calories: 100
Juneathon total: 51.46 miles


If that isn't enough of a recap I don't know what is. Gosh, I got bad about posting. Only one day left and you better believe I'll be hitting it hard. This whole month has been a great challenge and what a way to get me back into being active. I'm going to secretly continue the challenge, though not beating myself up if I don't get out there every day. Hey, it's the desert and running outside is pretty brutal when the temperature doesn't even go below 90 F degrees in a day!

I hope you all have enjoyed, or not hated me, for these posts. They will be stopping :)


Go out and be active this weekend!

Yep, this is way more comfortable than that hard-uncomfortable-looking pillow over there. At least I got my doggy with me. (This was post- 9 month check up with 1 shot. Poor guy)

Turkey Burger & 50 Miles (day 22 & 23)

Daily progress on the Juneathon challenge. If you want to know more about the challenge, check out the Juneathon page.


Day 22:


Type: Run (outside!!)
Duration: 12 min
Distance: 0.92 miles
Calories: 112
Juneathon total: 49.36 miles


Day 23: 


Type: Run (outside!!)
Duration: 17 min
Distance: 1.22 miles
Calories: 120
Juneathon total: 50.58 miles


Slowly getting there, at least I've reached the 50 mile mark! 


Running outside is pretty difficult. For me especially since I work inside an office all day so I'm not exactly used to being outside in this heat so much, but I'm trying. 

Not too shabby progress since the end of May. Mileage keeps going up each week. I really enjoy mixing up my workouts. Running, Elliptical, Biking. And I always do crunches, push ups and lunges each day, even though I don't always log it/talk about it. I always try to make time for those and am finding ways to squeeze them in, even during making dinner! I'll do lunges in the kitchen while waiting for water to boil, or something else that's cool.

Another healthy thing, here's what we had for dinner last night. Food & exercise in one post!

Homemade Turkey Chipotle Burgers

2 lbs ground turkey

about 10 saltine crackers, smashed up good

3 chipotle peppers, diced w/adobo sauce

about 1 teaspoon garlic salt

about 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

3 green onions, diced

Mix all ingredients in a bowl & grill. I used our George Foreman grill inside. Perfect! Took about 5-8 min each side. I left the seeds in the chipotle peppers and found it had a slight spice/flavor to it but by no means was it spicy. Topped my burger with Chipotle Mayo and spinach. Light, healthy, easy dinner. The 2 lbs came out to 6 patties.

I've never made turkey burgers before so this was an on-the-fly recipe. Turned out great! Love that chipotle flavor!

Enjoy your weekend!

I drink like a fish (Day 21)

Daily progress on the Juneathon challenge. If you want to know more about the challenge, check out the Juneathon page.


Day 21:


Type: Bike Ride
Duration: 30 min
Distance: 6.7 miles
Calories: 140 (that sounds a bit off)
Juneathon total: 48.44 miles


Only 52 miles to go and 9 days left!

Post workout pose. 

Don't judge my post-workout attire. It was a great workout. Yes, we write love notes on our bathroom mirror to each other. My sparkle head band is from Bic Bands. They rock and don't slip on your hair or hurt your head. I'm thinking I need a few more. 

Dinner loaded with carbs for a good workout. 

I'm a spaghetii LOVER. And yes, this may not TECHNICALLY be spaghetii with bow tie pasta, but it's the same thing. Pasta, sauce, homemade turkey meatballs and homemade garlic-parm bread. Carbs anyone??


I finished with a tall glass of Strawberry Lemonade Nuun. And of course 2 liters of water. I'm a fish honestly. 


Speaking of how much water you should drink, funny you should ask.

Go here to use the Hydration Calculator

Daily Hydration Calculator Results (My quiz results)

A person who is my weight
and is exercising for average 45 minutes ,
is not pregnant,
is not breastfeeding,
does not live at a high altitude,
lives in a dry climate,
when the weather is very hot or very cold, (**Um, Arizona is VERY HOT!)
and is not sick with fever or diarrhea should have:

129 ounces of water today, or 3.9 liters.

Ok, so that is a rough estimate of how much water you should drink each day based on some questions about your daily life. According to this I should drink about 4 liters of water a day. That is roughly 4 nalgene's full of water. I'm right on track, as I usually drink about 4-6 a day. I've always thought of myself as drinking WAY too much water, but it can't hurt you. Unless of course you drink WAY too much, but I'm not close to that. Moderation. Stay hydrated! Have I mentioned it is the desert out here?!

Happy Weekend everyone!

102F is running weather! (Day 20)

Daily progress on the Juneathon challenge. If you want to know more about the challenge, check out the Juneathon page.


Day 20:


Type: Running
Duration: 25 min
Distance: 2.3 miles
Calories: 275
Juneathon total: 41.74 miles


It was only 102F degrees out last night when I worked out, perfect! Ugh, or not. Slowly but surely I'll get used to it...or just have to go slow until October when it cools down, cool down to below 98F!


Only 10 days left, and 60 miles to go? Not sure I can do that, but I'll give it my best shot.

Workout (Day 19)

Daily progress on the Juneathon challenge. If you want to know more about the challenge, check out the Juneathon page.


Day 18:


Type: Running
Duration: 27 min
Distance: 2.56 miles
Calories: 305
Juneathon total: 39.44 miles


Great workout tonight running! Finished off with some Nuun after the workout. Love this stuff!

Overview of my progress. June has quite a bit of variety which I like and just over 40 miles. Hmm...my calculations may be off a bit.