Goodbye March, You (Almost) Failed

What a crappy month.  I hope I am finally out of this funk.

I didn’t really set up new goals for March, I basically wanted to continue with February goals.  I did have a goal of losing 2KG this month but I wrecked that myself so I can’t give blame to anything or anyone else.  Way to go, self.

I also wanted to have 26 no alcohol days – as I mentioned before I don’t think alcohol adds any value to a runner’s diet and, for me, adult beverages are a waste of calories.  I do not have a problem with alcohol.  I do like a drink now and again (I really enjoyed my Gin & Tonic’s with Kate and Ron).   This month I drank more than I set out to, but that kind of goes along with the theme of not really taking care of eating properly and logging food.

I haven’t been going to the gym because of my back.  Still looking for training solutions that don’t irritate it.

I ran one race this month and I am happy with the result given the fact that I ran the same (almost) distance two weeks prior and it was awful.  I checked out a new (to me) gym, but I haven’t been there yet for a free lesson.

One bit of GREAT news this month is that I was chosen to be a Rock’n’Blogger again this year!  I have the luxury of having to figure out which US race I’m going to run now, since Liverpool was already a given and it took my friend Babette all of 2 seconds to talk me into doing Dublin again!

Babette and I this past summer at Kijkduin, training together for Berlin

 

School remains a stressor – hopefully I’ll be a much more pleasant person and blogger after it’s finished!  At least my project was approved, now I just have to create a presentation, go to two more lessons and then cram for exams (if I do them).

 

April Goals
(not so) secretly smash the Quarter Marathon in Rotterdam with the help of my lovely pacer (see badass in pink top above)
— if that doesn’t work, simply run well and feel good about the result

Take my health and my weight seriously by logging my food at least 25 of the 30 days of April
— do not stress eat and throw all care to the wind
— find other ways to deal with stress than with food
— plan ahead for situations like Easter and/or eating out

Movement
— start swimming lessons (won’t be hard, they start on the 11th officially)
— figure out a plan STAT for running, gym, or home workouts since Runiversity is ending soon

Home
— continue tidying up in small ways throughout the week to make things less of a chore
— very specifically, clean out cupboards in kitchen this month, and remove/sell all (most) Starbucks mugs

Mental Health
— plan out how to tackle school and studying once and for all and then stick with the plan
— on that note, make a decision by the 10th of April if I will take exams or not
— pursue the sports psychologist option

Again I’d like to take care that I drink enough water and limit intake of alcohol.

 

To truly change and evolve, it really takes time, effort, determination and discipline. I am still figuring it all out.  I feel like I have so much more to do in my life, and at the same time I feel like I’m running out of time.  I know I’m not “old”, but I’m not young either  I just have to keep moving forward, take risks, face fear and evolve.

 

I’m starting April with a clean slate.  Forget about what I didn’t do.  Enough feeling bad already!  This month was an overall D if I were to grade it.  My race in Nijmegen and my Rock’n’Blog gig are the things that saved it from a Big Fat F.

How was your March?  Are you proud of what you accomplished? Tell me something positive!  Are you running any Rock’n’Roll Races? Have you thought about new goals for April?  

 

I’m linking up this month Angie and Carmy this month for the monthly recap!  I’m also linking up with Marcia, Patty and Erika for Tuesdays On the Run Monthly Progress Report (yes I know it’s not Tuesday!)

Comments

  1. Coco says:

    I hope March ended better. It was a pretty good month for me, but April could be crazy!

    1. Renée says:

      at least it’s ending better, yes! so that’s something! I’m glad you had a good month, hold on tight for April!

  2. Quix says:

    I’m constantly battling the booze thing too. I definitely don’t drink everyday (or even close to it), but I enjoy having some beverages with my husband and/or friends like twice a week to relax and unwind. When I try to take that away I act like a brat. I think FOR ME I’d rather accept that (and just try not to go crazy) and try to shore up OTHER parts of my diet to make way for those being my splurges. Then again, I know plenty of people who are happy having zero drinks a week but have to have chocolate every day. *shrug* I think we all have our vices, it’s just not overdoing them… or maybe it’s me justifying not having the oomph to be perfect, or whatevs.

    Anyhoo, congrats on the Rock and Roll Blogger thing and good luck choosing a US race. :) San Antonio was flat and fun and remains my half marathon PR, and was my first marathon. Though… I’m sure you could probably find something in a more fun town and prettier course. ;)

    1. Renée says:

      Oh I totally get it. There is literally nothing i feel like I HAVE to have or that I HAVE to give up completely but I also know my limits. Making choices though is hard. Some weeks I’d rather have cake and other weeks I’m like nah give me a couple of good, cold beers. But I learned a long time ago not to cut something out completely because, like you, I just act like a brat. Or worse. After x amount of days without I buy whatever it is and I shove it down my gullet like there’s no tomorrow. So. Moderation, right?

      I wouldn’t mind San Antonio. I was there once in 1986 hahahaha! I loved it. Nice to know it’s flat too. I’ll have to check when it is :)

  3. Congrats on Rock n Blog! Can’t wait to hear which US race you choose.

    Sorry it was a tough month overall. You’ve got some great goals for April. Here’s to a better month ahead!

    1. Renée says:

      Thanks Michelle! I am fairly certain which one I’ll go for, I just have to keep checking the flights…

      I think April will definitely be better!

  4. Marcia says:

    Oh RnR Dublin how I’d love to go back! Cannot wait to hear all about Liverpool. My food logging has fallen by the wayside and I haven’t been on the scale in a couple of weeks. But my pants are fitting better so there’t that. Cheers to a better April!

    1. Renée says:

      Cheers to better fitting pants!! and roll on April!

  5. Alinda says:

    Dude! Go easy on yourself! From my perspective you are “harstikke goed bezig!” as the Dutch say! I am in awe of what goals you do manage to stick to. No one is perfect 100% of the time. So unless your name is noone…
    I understand the need to set goals but if you aim for the stars and only get the moon that’s still pretty darn good in my book.
    Today I was going to run 20k as a final dress rehearsal for Rotterdam but kid #2 got sick so now I’m hanging out with him, looking forward to the pizza and ice cream I wasn’t planning on having…
    You are awesome. Enjoy it!

  6. Darlene says:

    I used to set goals – every week, every month and every race. No more.

    I would like to go to the gym – no goal though.

    I finished a half in March – not fast but I finished!!

    Run VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. Vicki says:

    I hope April goes better for you!

Comments are closed.