Sunday, January 12, 2020

I Do Have a Few Goals for 2020

I really dislike sharing my goals. Putting it out there in the universe makes it seem so real, doesn't it? While I agree that telling people about my goals for myself helps me stay accountable, it also makes failure to achieve those goals that much more painful.

I learned that lesson with my first marathon in 2011. I signed up to run for charity, I posted it on Facebook, and I told everyone my plans. I even broke the cardinal rule of running a first marathon, which is to not set a goal finish time. The goal I should have set for myself, to cross that finish line, did happen, but not at all how I planned. In reality, I fell apart at mile 18 and ended up walking much of the rest of the race. It took me a long time to accept what happened at that race. 

I know a lot of you share your goals--some even give themselves grades on their progress towards achieving them. That's not me and for now, I'm going to keep this year's goals close to the vest. I'll keep you posted as I go.



Weekly Rundown 
Monday: CrossFit
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: Run 5 miles
Thursday: Strength train, CrossFit
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Treadmill run 4.5 miles, Yoga with Adriene
Sunday: Run 6.25 miles

Running
Although we've had a really sunny, mild winter so far, every once in a while, winter reminds us that yes, it's winter and we're in Chicago. Wednesday was one of those days. While the sun was shining brightly, the temperature was 20F and the windchill of -1F. I bundled up and headed out to the bike path. It was cold. But as always, I'm so glad I went. Sunshine in the winter is always a gift.


Saturday's run was on the treadmill. We had some crazy weather--you name it, wind, rain, ice, and snow--and I was stuck inside. After doing a little warm-up around the backyard with Cocoa, I ran an easy 4.5 miles on the treadmill. For distraction, I watched a Billy Yang documentary about the Western States 100. Talk about perspective! I was struggling with a 45 minute treadmill run and these folks are running 100 miles in the mountains.  The weather improved on Sunday and I was able to get outside for a 6-ish mile run. There was a lot of ice and a little bit of snow, and I mostly stuck to the roads for this run. I was also happy to skip all of my run/walk intervals, although there was some walking on a few icy patches.

CrossFit
For Monday' class, the WOD started with bench presses. We partnered up and gradually increased the weight to 80-90% of our max. The MetCon was an EMOM of box jumps, double unders (I did singles), and pullups (I did banded). I was SO excited to complete all my box jumps. It has been a very long time since I've done a box jump--RA problems-- and I did 50 total. 


Wednesday's bootcamp brought out the boo-birds--it was a circuit of gradually increasing calories on the assault bike, devil's presses, and loaded carries (I carried a 25# plate overhead). I won't deny that the assault bike sucks the life out of me. But it's all about pacing and as a runner, that's something I know a little bit about.

Strength Training
I'm wrapping up my strength cycle and GOAL ALERT: I am preparing to challenge my one rep max next week on the bench press, front squat, and deadlift. This week, Sammy Jo had me do 3 rep back squats alternating with strict presses. It's been really exciting for me to see the progress I've made during this strength cycle. She told me that I exceeded her goals for me. I'm just happy to be stronger and I feel it when I run. 


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I got some really good news this week! I was selected as an ambassador for the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA)! I am honored to be chosen. I am not sure about all the details yet, but I am looking forward to being part of the organization. The first race is coming up on February 16--I already signed up through my running club--and it's going to be a fun one. Held in conjunction with the Chicago Auto Show, the Honda Miles Per Hour Run is a one hour event during which runners see how many miles they can run. The race will be held indoors on a 2.4 mile track AROUND the Auto Show. Participants will be given free entrance to the Chicago Auto Show after the race. Doesn't this sound like fun?



How was your week? How do you feel about sharing your goals? Any good news? Doesn't that race sound like fun? Is anyone going to join me? 

I'm linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Rundown.


52 comments :

  1. Sharing goals? I don't care if I share them or not. I think people care about their own goals, not mine and that's fine. I don't often share the particulars of my workouts either, because they're mine and and not meant for anyone to follow or compare to. Congrats on the CARA gig! Sounds like a fun race!

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    1. I don't know if I agree with that--I do think that sharing goals helps keep us accountable. I like to see what other folks are doing.

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  2. That race does sound like fun!! I would join you immediately if I was anywhere close to Chicago! Will you go and see the Auto Show yourself or will you give the ticket to someone else?
    I didn't know about your first marathon disaster. My first marathon was just as bad. Fortunately, social media wasn't much of a thing in 2003, so the embarassment was limited to friends/family in real life. That was bad enough! Have a good week!

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    1. I'll probably wander around the AutoShow after my race. We'll see. I wish you were here to go with me!

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  3. Well I did share with a limited audience that I've signed up for my first full marathon. Mostly I hoped to garner advice from those who've done this already, but yeah I feel like maybe I challenged the universe somehow.

    And I'm so, so glad I didn't sign up for the marathon in April. There's a volcano erupting here about 100k south of me and the ash fall has reached Manila. So no running for me.

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  4. Oh that race sounds really fun and congratulations on getting the CARA thing. Love your sunny pictures. I had sunrise, rain, sun, rain on my run today but didn't take many photos.

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  5. Congrats on your new ambassadorship -- it sounds like it's made just for you!

    I like to share goals, but then again, sometimes I don't share them. I agree that it's putting it out there in the universe -- but that's a good thing. A goal is something you work towards, and it's ok if you don't reach it. That's the whole non-attachment thing. If you don't set goals, though, you don't grow.

    Our winter has been relatively mild too, although it looks like some typical frigid January weather will arrive in a couple of weeks -- and maybe a snowstorm next weekend. Oy! Just when we finally had free paths to run!

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    1. My paths have been clear up until today! Hoping it will all melt again--I think we're supposed to warm up this week.

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  6. I read somewhere that sharing your goals helps to keep you accountable, but I'm with you. I just don't need that kind of pressure.

    Yesterday the temperatures here in PA hit the 70s and the 60s today. I love this mild (so far) winter!

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    1. I'm glad to read that you get it! I've got my goals--I'll share them as things approach. Last year I really got burned on my plans. Keeping it close to the vest.

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  7. Yeah, I'm a selective sharer. Sometimes it's good to put it out there, and sometimes it's not helpful to the training process. Congrats on CARA and your race sounds fun. A lot of training programs are based on time rather than distance so I love the idea of a time based race. How do they enforce the hour? Is it chip timed or is it a staggered start? Enquiring minds want to know!

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    1. I have no idea how the race will be run but you know I'll let you know!

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  8. I can totally understand what you mean about sharing goals. Ultimately I decide to share mine every year to not only hold myself accountable, but it's also nice to get encouragement from the community to help accomplish those goals too.

    Congrats on being selected as a CARA ambassador!

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    1. That's the dilemma! I like the community we have here! Everyone is so supportive.

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  9. I hear you about the first marathon- mine was similar and I ended up in the hospital with dehydration at mile 20. Such a disappointment. And it cost a pretty penny too, as I was just out of school and didn't have great medical insurance or money saved. Ugh. needless to say, my parents did not think I should try another one, but I did and now I'm hooked. 33 marathons later :)

    Congrats on the CARA role, that sounds like a very big deal!

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    1. While I'm not glad you ended up in the hospital, misery loves company and I'm glad I'm not the only one who crashed and burned at her first marathon. Good to know that we both redeemed ourselves.

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  10. I'm actually about to write up my goals post, but I totally support your decision not to share yours! I really stressed myself out with my goal for the Marine Corps Marathon this fall. The race didn't go as planned, and I'm currently training for another marathon — sharing far fewer updates and not even setting a time goal. Sometimes it's nice to just enjoy your successes! And congrats on the CARA ambassadorship!

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    1. You hit the nail on the head why I'm going to keep my goals close to the vest! I'll let them out as the year progresses. I had such a disappointing year in 2019--I don't want to go back there. Fingers crossed things go well for all of us this year!

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  11. Well that sounds like a really fun ambassadorship! Congrats! I am always so impressed with all of your CF photos. You can really move a lot of weight around!

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  12. That auto show race does sound fun, simply for the fact that it's kind of a non-traditional race. Congrats on all the CF success! Our weather was totally whacked last week...total roller coaster with the record high temps and the extreme cold and precipitation. Not sure why I choose to live here LOL

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    1. In spite of the crappy weather we must endure as Midwesterners, I said this today to my boys: I wouldn't live anywhere else. I'm here for the people and the culture. I spent the day in the city with my boys and it just reaffirmed why I live here. Because it sure ain't for the weather!

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  13. Congrats on your new ambassadorship! That race does sound fun, especially since it's on a longer indoor track. I can't wait to see pictures because I can't quite visualize it.

    I used to share my goals on my blog each January and then grade them in late December, but I haven't done that for several years. The risk of injury and derailing my goals is greater these days and that would just depress me...

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    1. I hope you get that injury under control. Doesn't it feel like we're so fragile?

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  14. Congrats on your CARA ambassadorship!

    I literally just wrote a goals post. What I share is always pretty "big picture" and not very detail oriented. I've found in the past that I find that useful for me. I tend to keep other goals a bit more private.

    ~MCM Mama

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    1. I like the big picture kind of goals--that's definitely more my speed. I'm just afraid to set anything since I was burned so bad by RA last year.

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  15. COngrats on the new ambassadorship! Sounds like a lot of fun. If you want to find inspiration, watch any Billy Yang film. I watch one and I'm ready to sign up for the hardest and longest race ever just because he makes it look good.

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  16. I don't always share goals, and the ones I do I've generally been working at for a bit before I share publicly. I guess that makes me a cautious goal setter, but I'm also a chronic under-sharer in general, so I try to force myself to put at least some of my goals out there.

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    1. I've always been a put-it-out there kind of person, but after being a big DNF/DNS person last year (health issues), I'm taking a more cautious approach!

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  17. This year I decided not to share my goals. I used to be so open about them and it would be so frustrating when things got in the way, and I felt like I had to explain myself. (but really, Im sure no one cared...) This year I set some big goals but I'm keeping them to myself.

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    1. I feel the same way and it's nice to know I'm not the only one. You will know if I achieve my goals...

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  18. Congrats on CARA! And the first event sounds interesting. I guess I’d have to do some math to figure out my goal for an event like that. 3 laps might be too ambitious. I’m not great at setting goals, let alone sharing them.

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    1. I've been doing the math, lol! I don't think I could do 3 laps in an hour. That's 7.5 miles! 8m/m. That might induce vomiting again...

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  19. I fell so that was my week. Taking some time to heal and recover. Congrats on your ambassadorship!!! I have heard about that race and it does sound like a fun race. I have shared my goals in a prior post. Once I start running again, I will also start working toward those goals.

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  20. Ha! I ran my first marathon in 2011. I feel slightly awkward about sharing my goals online. I haven't finished posting my goals for this year in a post. I have a few random ones. (One goal is to blog more!) Congratulations on your new ambassadorship! Sounds like good fun!

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  21. Congrats on the ambassadorship!

    I hear you on the sharing of goals. I feel at this point in our running "careers," the accountability is part of our psyche, so posting goals on the blog isn't really as important. That being said, I do find sharing things on INstagram like I'm going to run 20 miles does give me a push to get it done. Also, I share plans, like I'm going to do this that or the other race. Mostly because I want friends to join me. :-)

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    1. I think you captured my feelings much more eloquently than I did!

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  22. Congratulations on being chosen as an ambassador! Sounds like it will be fun. I'm mixed on the whole goals thing. I do like to post it on the blog for accountability and also so that I remember! But I had the experience of sharing about trying for my first full marathon and being swept at mile 20, and that wasn't fun to explain after sharing so much about it. With my 2nd attempt at a full, I kept it quiet until after the race!

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  23. Congratulations on your ambassadorship! It sounds like it will be such a great fit for you!

    I don't mind sharing my goals, or at least parts of them. It helps keep me accountable, and lord knows I need it.

    Love that giant box jump, girl! You're rocking your crossfit!

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    1. I was really pleased with the box jumps! My knees are feeling much better than they did a few months ago!

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  24. Your lesson from your first marathon is what I needed to read at this exact point! Have been debating setting a time goal for my first marathon but after reading this, I've now decided I'm not going to do that. My goal will be to finish, that's achievement enough. You know I'm a big goal sharer (LOL) but I know it's not for everyone. But crossing all fingers and toes that you crush them!

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    1. I was a big goal sharer--but after that experience, I learned a valuable lesson!

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  25. Sometimes I share my new goals for the new year but I didn't this year! and congrats on becoming an ambassador, that's so exciting!!

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  26. I hope that by replying on Wednesday, you've already smashed the strength goal you had in mind or you are about to smash it!!

    I share goals usually, but I'm not a consistent goal setter. Hmmm. Maybe that's part of my "problem"? Anyway, I don't feel like putting things out there at the moment because of how pear-shaped everything went last year. I'm just laying low, trying to figure things out, get a hold on my depression and maybe even on how menopause is going and see if I can just feel better this year. "Better" is all relative, but I'd rather feel better than smash any goals.

    Congrats on becoming a CARA Ambassador!!

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    1. That strength goal will hopefully be crushed on Saturday. So you'll have to stay tuned!

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