Using Racing To Stay Motivated This Fall
I’m working on putting together my fall racing schedule in an attempt to take it up a notch. I want to see if I can do a few running races and at least one bike races before it snows. From there I’ll be hard pressed to go riding but I might be able to run, assuming I like running in the really cold.
Here are a few races I’m looking at. The ones in bold I’m certain about and have already signed up for.
- Susan G. Komen Race For Cure 5k — September 25th or 26th, 2010
- Pumpkin Pie 25 / 62 / 100 Ride — October 3rd, 2010
- Mackinac Island Great Turtle Run ~10k — October 23rd, 2010
- Hot Chocolate 15k / 5k — November 6th, 2010
- Turkey Trot 8k — November 25th, 2010
- Rudolph Ramble 8k — December 12th, 2010
I’m still uncertain about the races in the late winter and spring but I want to plan at least one thing each month to remain accountable this fall, winter, and spring.
If you look at my weight-loss timeline you’ll notice a historic trend where I completely fall apart in the fall and usually gain back some or all of the weight I’d lost. That will not happen this time, I will not gain my weight back … this much I can assure you. I am going to do everything within my power to put some kind of structure in place to continue my motivation and inspiration.
What better way to motivate than to check off four things from my goal list … a 5k, 10k, 15k, and 100 mile race?
Running Progress
I didn’t get much running in earlier this week due to weather and work but I did get out twice yesterday, yep two times. Once early in the morning before work by myself:
and once after work with my wife:
Both were great runs and felt like my form and breathing were getting a lot better.
The morning run was a straight run without any stopping … just me listening to some music and doing whatever my body was capable of. The evening run was a training run as a part of our couch to 10k program (c210k) which is why it called for walking at the beginning, middle, and end of the run.
I have to admit at the end of the second run I was dragging quite considerably. I was starting to feel pain in my knees, ankles, and shins. Nothing major and to be freaked about, more like the general stress from pushing ones body to the edge.
I’m very excited for the races in the coming months and look forward to meeting up with fellow runners and maybe some other bloggers as well. Are any other Chicago area bloggers planning on running any of these races? Perhaps we can schedule a small meet-up?
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I’ve been doing much the same thing lately – trying to schedule at least semi-regular races to help keep me motivated and training, especially going into the winter. I just did my first 1/2 marathon last month, at the end of this month I’ll be doing a 10k, another 1/2 marathon at the end of October, and then the Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 marathon in Las Vegas in December.
.-= Brandon´s last blog ..The “What About Bob” Guide to Health & Fitness =-.
Nice running! I’m using the same idea to stay motivated. It’s working on the exercise front but not on the food front. Maintaining though so not all bad.
Remember the 40 races in 1 year I was thinking of doing? It’s ON! I won a contest so using that money to fund my madness. My year starts on my birthday..Dec.23.
You should definitely sign up for the Hot Chocolate 5K. Krista and I are both planning to run it. I also have a couple non-blogger friends planning to run as well, and I think Krista does too. I’m planning to sign up next Wednesday (the ever important payday).
DOOOOOOO IIIIIIT!!!!
.-= Stina @ Girl Can´s last blog ..195 Eating Animal-less =-.
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K, so I never add comments on stuff like this. But I was so relieved to see your long time struggle. Not because it was hard for you- I wish it were easier for us all- but because I think a LOT of people (like me) struggle with weight loss. Moreover sticking to a weightloss program, FALLING OFF THE WAGON, and starting up again. It’s that never die mentality that will help me shed the stubborn weight from my two children. Thanks for sharing so much. And pray that none of us will ever be decieved by plateaus and set-backs! You are doing great. And you can tell all your hard work is paying off. Keep up the great job and hope that I can too!
Thanks for the kind words, I’m glad my postings have helped you and others with our struggle to lose weight and get healthy. It’s ok to fall just make sure you don’t give up!