Races and Plans and Goals...Oh My!

Hiya, kids!

As you probably know, I was a big fan of 2012. Big. Huge. :-)

Let's see....Color Run, Diva Dash, Race for the Cure, Warrior Dash, Turkey Trot and....hmm... I feel like I'm forgetting something....

Oh yeah...a HALF MARATHON. (Like y'all didn't know that already..lol.)

I would have loved to have done a ton more races, but apparently they cost money.

Yeah, weird, right? Who knew? Sometimes the practical (mom) side takes over and won't let me register for more.

I know of a lot of people that are doing a lovely 13 in 2013 challenge, and I have almost joined them a bazillion times. Basically you commit to running 13 registered races in 2013. This would be so cool. If you want to join in on their fun, here is a link:

 http://blog.runtastic.com/en/blogs-and-reviews/13-2013-jill-conyers-mom-psychologist-fitness-enthusiast-runs-13-races-2013/

Now that I've visited the page again, I'm starting to lean toward joining in again. Lol. Can you see the devil and angel sitting on my shoulders arguing? I'm already registered for 3 and have sort of committed to 3 more. So that is 6 already. Hmmm....

And we're going to change the subject...

I started a new job in September. While I love my new job and I definitely think it has improved the quality of life for myself and my daughter, it has kept me super busy working 50-60 hour weeks. Luckily I can work from home for some of it, so that is awesome. I've been told my load will be lightened in January, so keep your fingers crossed.

The point of me talking about my job is....you know when you get super busy and you have to cut some things out because you don't have time to do it all?

Guess what I've cut out? I don't even want to type it.

My daily workout.

*GASP*

Yep. I'm that girl. I have still been doing my #plankaday and running sporadically, but the girl whose day wasn't complete until she finished her workout has used the "too busy" excuse more times than I can count in the past couple months. This is part of the reason my half marathon training didn't go as planned.

The funny thing is, in retrospect, I probably would have been a lot more productive if I took a break and went for a run or did a video, then went back to work. I've just been so overwhelmed trying to prove myself at my new job that I was focusing more on that than my restoration. And my new job involves a lot of driving in a car and much more sitting in front of a computer than I've been used to. Put all that together and I'm sad to report that I've gained about 10 lbs since I started it. Boo!!!

Thankfully, I now have the hang of my new job and have gained the respect and trust of my new employers and coworkers, so while I don't plan to be a slacker by any means, I am going to stay between 40-50 hours a week. Any more than that is crazy talk.

Luckily, my new job doesn't require me to be on call on the weekends like my old one (YAY!), so I'm definitely going to try to set up something more organized for Saturdays & Sundays to be certain I get a run in. I've got a couple half marathons planned this year and need to train my butt off. I plan to have a chat with my mom and some friends.

This is an idea I've borrowed from Mindy Artze (watch her awesome Vlog here: http://mindysfitnessjourney.blogspot.com/2012/12/s-just-got-real-my-2012-story.html).

It's so easy to let single parent guilt win. I cannot use this excuse, too.

Despite these setbacks, I am entering 2013 with a great attitude. I am aware of my issues and I have plans to keep me motivated and on track.

My friend Nichole asked me quite awhile ago if I'd like to be a Beachbody coach. Most of you have probably heard of the Beachbody programs like Insanity or P90X. They also have a variety of other products. Videos are great when you aren't able to find a sitter and can't leave the house for a run.

I've been mulling over being a BB coach for about a year. Since I have so much free time now (bahahahaha), I've decided to go for it. I definitely am inspired by this new endeavor. My new Les Mills Combat video and Shakeology will be coming in the mail soon. I seriously cannot wait!!! This video is a mixture of martial arts and that just happens to be my favorite sort of work out. Apparently you are supposed to see very noticeable results in 60 days of doing it consistently. I plan to post before & after pics at the end of that time & we can all decide if it was worth it. I'm telling you all this for accountability. Won't I look like an ass if my before & after pics look the same? Lol. Knowing you will be expecting to see changes will keep me going. :)

While I welcome any interest in the Beachbody program and definitely believe you see results with it, I don't plan to be super annoying salesperson lady. I will definitely post about my workouts and impressions, and may even ask if anyone has any questions or wants more info about it. I do not plan to pressure anyone into doing this, but as I said, I will welcome the interest. :)

Another motivating/inspiring plan I have in the works is in the form of a mini-vacation. How does that motivate, you ask?

Some of you may have heard of a little thing called Fitbloggin. If not, here is a link: (http://fitbloggin.com/)

This is a blogger conference and this year it is in Portland, Oregon in June. It's full of fun bloggery info and super workouts and fantastic healthy food. Oh, and according to all the pics that were posted on Twitter and Instagram during the 2012 conference, there is some sweet SWAG and much fun had.

And who will be there???!!!

Well, lots of super cool people will be there.

Including Meeeeeeeeee!!!!! Yay!

As long as Southwest doesn't go out of business before then. Don't laugh. It's happened to me before.

I've booked my flight. I've reserved a room.

I also have 3 fantastic roommates lined up. Here are links to their blogs:

Larisa http://www.zerototwentysixpointtwo.blogspot.com/
Melissa http://melissarunningit.com/
Carrie http://familyfitnessfood.com/

This is going to be a fantastic experience!!!! And what could be more motivating than a trip to hang & work out with fitness fiends from around the country?

EXACTLY.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again.