Fifteen in 2015

When in comes to my fitness, I like to set goals.

They keep you in check, they keep you working hard towards an end point and honestly, this is how my mind works to keep me motivated. With the marathon being over, my mind is already thinking "what is next."

Do I want to run another marathon? Do I want to run a half marathon this Spring? We're three weeks away from 2015 and I'm already starting to look ahead at my running calendar. I've put much thinking into it and I know what I want to accomplish next year.

So what I created for myself is Fifteen in 2015 -- in 2015 I will run 15 races throughout the entire calendar year. I will run at least one race each month, and obviously multiple in some months to make up the extra three.

Fifteen in 2015 has some guidelines I have created for myself:

• The race distance must be a 5k, 8k, 10k, 10-miler, half marathon or marathon; also allowed is a Sprint Triathlon.
• Races may be an IRun4 Virtual Race or a certified road race (example: your local 5k race in town.)
• The runs must be outside. 
• At least half of the races (7) must be a race I have never ran before.
• This is not mandatory but I have a goal for at least half of the races (7) I bring someone with me who I have either:
  1. never ran a race with before
  2. someone who is a new runner/never completed a race before
  3. OR a fellow runner friend who I have ran with before but it has been a while

I am SOOOO excited for this challenge and I am of course looking for race suggestions. Do you have any? Want to run one of my 15 races with me -- please let me know! Don't be shy! I'd be happy to share my training schedule programs and give as much advise as possible.

 Up next....saving money to pay for all of these races and making my running calendar for the year.

Elf On The Shelf

This whole Elf on the shelf thing is amazing. I love the idea of being able to keep your kids in check during the holiday season because your elf is watching. Granted I do not have kids (I don't think Gatsby will understand) but I can't wait to do Elf on the Shelf with my kids because Pinterest has soooo many fun ideas. The Elf peeing, the Elf in the cookie jar, the Elf watching TV. How hard can it be?! It seems fun!

But despite my enthusiasm now, I'm sure I'm going to be hating it while I'm doing it. Why do I say this? Because my Facebook is filled with bitching mothers and it's only day 4. They post:

"The moment of panic when you wake up and realize you never moved the elf and have to run around to find a place before the kids follow you down the stairs...Happy Wednesday!"

"This stupid Elf....it's only day three and I'm ready to pack him back up again. Why did I decide to do this?"

And possibly my favorite, "The boys want to know why Elvis the Elf is in the same location this morning as yesterday...umm....because he got drunk last night? Anyone have an advice on how to dance around that one?!"

Ok, maybe I don't want to do the Elf of the Shelf with my kiddies....

Motivation Monday VIIII

Happy Happy Monday! I'm back with a little motivation Monday! Did you miss me?

It's a special Monday today because it's the first of the month. Can you believe it is December 1st?!? Where in the world has time gone?! We're officially 24 days away from Christmas and like many of you, I still have plenty of shopping to do -- although I'm half way done from Black Friday which is a win in my book! (AND I bought NOTHING for myself which is beyond tough being a shopaholic!)

With the "holiday" season, I feel like we always let ourselves go health wise, even though we always say "I really have to watch what I'm eating." This December I set some goals for myself now that marathon training is over. I want to:

1. Complete a 30-day ab challenge I found on Pinterest 
2. Workout at least 5 days a week - mainly refocusing on my strength training and cutting back on cardio
3. Planning out my lunch meals for the entire month -- it makes life so much easier!

What are your December goals? Does setting goals help you? Looking for a tough workout for in home or at the gym? I did this workout this morning and it sure was a good one! I'm looking forward to seeing if I can beat it next week! I'd love to hear how you do!