Time to Get Serious

I really fell off the blogging bandwagon after Boston, didn't I? Life kind of got in the way... here's a quick update, and a promise of doing better!

I got back from Boston and realized that I had two weeks to find out where I was living.  You see, back at Christmas I had moved home with my parents because I had lost my job and wasn't really sure what my next step was.  I'd been looking for work and interviewing across the country for four months, but hadn't found anything.  When I moved home, I got a "for now" job, but continued looking.  I finally was able to start working again for my favorite hometown running store, and went full time in May, but that still won't really be enough to strike out on my own again - at least not right now.

So I found myself needing a roommate situation and fast!  Luckily, a friend and former co-worker had mentioned that I could move in with her if I needed to, so we talked about it, and I was able to move the week before my parents closed on their house.  Oh yeah, that's why I was having to move.  They, in their retirement, were finally downsizing, and moving to SOUTH CAROLINA!!  I'm very excited for them and their new adventure, but it was rough there for a minute dealing with all that chaos.

So I've been in my new place for almost a month, and it's a great location for getting to work.  I haven't had a chance to venture out in my neighborhood for a run, but we've got some great running options near work, and a coworker and I have been out on a couple short runs after work.  But I've lost my regular workout routine.  

And there's where the title of this post comes in - it's time to get serious about working out again.  Part of it is that I don't have anything major to train for.  I am running the BAA 10K in June and the Peachtree Road Race (10K) in July, but my big race (half-marathon) isn't until Space Coast, which is the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  I've talked about doing a Half Ironman this year, but haven't pulled the trigger on signing up, so I don't have the pressure to train for that just yet.  What I need to do is just get in a regular routine of running and doing some sort of strength training.  And finding a plan that fits with my not so regular work schedule.  I'd love to join the gym again, but it doesn't really fit into the budget at this time, so it's a matter of finding ways to workout that I can do at home.  I'm hoping to get back to it, and would love your help getting there!

How do you fit workouts into your schedule?  What sort of strength training routine do you do and is it something that can be done at home?

Getting to know you

So, I've seen a few Liebster posts going around, and while no one has nominated me, I thought I might answer a few of the questions I've seen to help you learn a little more about me... and encourage you to share some about yourselves!

1. Why did you begin running?
I started running at the end of 2010, after I had knee surgery for a "torn meniscus" that wasn't actually torn (or had healed by the time they cut me open).  The first thing my PT said to me in that first appointment after surgery (yes, we didn't do PT before surgery... that's another story for another day) was "no running." And it was ON! I got the itch at that very moment and made her clear me for running before I was released from pt. Three months later I ran my first 5K, then on to a 10K that summer, and my first half in October, and the rest (as they say) is history!

2. What's your #1 bucket list race?
To earn a spot at Boston. Having run it through the magical experience of Twitter this year was amazing, but I want to earn that spot, and I'm still working on that goal of qualifying by my 40th birthday.

3. How many races are on your 2014 calendar - which is the one you are most looking forward to?
Current calendar (already registered) includes: BAA 10K in June, Peachtree Road Race (10K) in July, and Space Coast Half Marathon in November.
Considering adding the Anderson Half Ironman Tri in October, a full marathon with my BRF to help him train for Goofy, and a fun girls' weekend getaway.
I'm most looking forward to any chance I get to connect with all my fun running buds!

4. What are your fitness goals for the next 12 months and how will you achieve them?
At the Chicago Marathon expo, I did a body composition analysis.  According to that, I need to convert some serious fat to muscle, so that is my big plan. I've started doing Barre3 workouts (as you know), but need to get more dedicated to doing it. The biggest piece of the puzzle is really eating healthy on a more regular basis.

5. When is your favorite time to workout?
Whenever I can get it in, but I prefer not early morning.

6. What fitness gadget is on your wish list?
This: 

(as much as I hate the treadmill, I think I would make an exception in this case!)

7.  List your top 3 running songs
Are You Gonna Be My Girl   -Jet
Catch My Breath    -Kelly Clarkson
Take Back the Night     -JT

8. What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Definitely has to be running the Boston Marathon - which is my current marathon distance PR!


So, what do you think?  Answer your favorite questions in the comments - and feel free to ask me something else!