It's Labor Day, and that means it's autumn. Yes, I know that fall does not technically begin for another few weeks, but basically, this is it. May as well embrace it!
And I do! I love fall--the leaves, the fashion, the crisp air. Fall weather is actually my favorite for running! It was last October that I became a runner and ran my first 5k to prove it. Then, I caught the bug and continued running through winter, before my love affair with running began to stall.
I haven't been running as much as I'd have liked this summer. I found the heat too daunting to even venture out into. I did, however, log some miles on the treadmill, participate in a 5k run through Yankee Stadium, and enjoy a 5k Fun Run.
This weekend, I aimed to return to my former mileage by taking on 5 miles, motivated by the Labor Day 5 & 10 Virtual Race, hosted by MommyRunFast.com.
I didn't wear the bib, but I did put on some Reebok gear, lace up my shoes, set my Garmin for 5 miles, put on my Run for Fun headband, and hit the road.
It was my first time running through the streets of the city. Well, the first time I was intentionally running through them, rather than just rushing to make the train. Let me tell you: it was just as annoying as I thought it would be. I enjoy the open road, the fresh air, and seeing the sky when I run. These things do not happen on the sidewalks of New York. Instead, I weave through throngs of people and stop for traffic. Annoying.
Soon, I did reach my true destination: Central Park.
Running around the water was my absolute favorite. What a beautiful scene! About halfway through my run I admit, I stopped to just enjoy the sun, water, ducks for a moment. I had to! So gorgeous; I didn't want to speed by.
Not that I was speeding. I would run quickly and take some walking recoveries. The hills, the hot sun, the people milling about... it was a nice run but not my best for time. But that's okay; at least I did it!
I was red and sweaty after, but felt great! It'd been a while since I had a serious run. I look forward to more!
With this run, began my autumn. I want to start off the month on the right foot (ha, foot...), so a run began it. There are some big changes coming to my workouts, so I'll have to rework some of that this month.
My Goals for September are to...
How was your Labor Day weekend? How did you stay active?
What are your goals for September, for the fall?
I haven't been running as much as I'd have liked this summer. I found the heat too daunting to even venture out into. I did, however, log some miles on the treadmill, participate in a 5k run through Yankee Stadium, and enjoy a 5k Fun Run.
This weekend, I aimed to return to my former mileage by taking on 5 miles, motivated by the Labor Day 5 & 10 Virtual Race, hosted by MommyRunFast.com.
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| Check it out |
I didn't wear the bib, but I did put on some Reebok gear, lace up my shoes, set my Garmin for 5 miles, put on my Run for Fun headband, and hit the road.
It was my first time running through the streets of the city. Well, the first time I was intentionally running through them, rather than just rushing to make the train. Let me tell you: it was just as annoying as I thought it would be. I enjoy the open road, the fresh air, and seeing the sky when I run. These things do not happen on the sidewalks of New York. Instead, I weave through throngs of people and stop for traffic. Annoying.
Soon, I did reach my true destination: Central Park.
This part of the run was lovely, and so I enjoyed my miles spent roaming the paths. Fortunately, my Garmin would track my distance so I had no set path to follow. If I'm being honest, I often chose the ones that looked less hilly. Central park has HILLS! Wow. It was definitely a struggle, having not run outside too often lately. My legs weren't having it, but I plowed on.
Running around the water was my absolute favorite. What a beautiful scene! About halfway through my run I admit, I stopped to just enjoy the sun, water, ducks for a moment. I had to! So gorgeous; I didn't want to speed by.
Not that I was speeding. I would run quickly and take some walking recoveries. The hills, the hot sun, the people milling about... it was a nice run but not my best for time. But that's okay; at least I did it!
I finished the five miles in under an hour, which was my goal. With so many hills (for which I have not trained at all), I couldn't have asked for much more.
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| #PROOF |
I was red and sweaty after, but felt great! It'd been a while since I had a serious run. I look forward to more!
With this run, began my autumn. I want to start off the month on the right foot (ha, foot...), so a run began it. There are some big changes coming to my workouts, so I'll have to rework some of that this month.
My Goals for September are to...
- EAT: real, whole foods. After having a fairly lax July and August (and now feeling the unpleasant effects), I need a "reset" button to remind myself how great I feel when I follow paleo principles and avoid wheat. So, this month I'm doing a Whole 30 (via It Starts With Food) and using my Practical Paleo book for guidance and recipes.
- MOVE: effectively. With big schedule changes coming, my goal is to cut back gym time and work out twice per week. I don't want to overwhelm myself while I'm adjusting; I want to be realistic and focus on quality over quantity. I want my two or three workouts to be effective. I want them to be short and sweet, working my muscles to the max in the minimum time.
- SLEEP: at least seven hours nightly. Eight is better. Seven is reasonable.
- ENJOY: I'm not making this a "SMART" goal, because my September will be mostly about work, but in general I'd like to spend time with friends when possible (twice per week?), sneak in some yoga (maybe to wake up?), and taking some time to read a book for pleasure, scrapbook, or go wandering in the nice autumn weather. Wouldn't that be nice?
How was your Labor Day weekend? How did you stay active?
What are your goals for September, for the fall?
Such great goals. Good luck w/ them hunnie. Also, your run sounds & looks beautiful. Awesome job getting in those 5 miles :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize you only started running a year ago! So glad the race gave you the motivation to increase your miles-- great job!! Good goals too... I'm always working to focus on whole foods as much as possible. Takes a constant re-directing. :)
ReplyDeleteYeppp just under a year. Thanks for hosting the virtual race! It was fun; I'm so glad I did it.
DeleteAnd yes, constant re-directing is a good way to explain it. I'm a work in progress!
YAY Congratulations on finishing 5 miles under an hour!! What a great accomplishment :) I can feel fall coming around the corner, and its reminding me why this is my favorite season :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'll be in NYC end of September, I'd love to meet up if you're free!! :)
Yep; ready for the leaves to change and to pull out my scarves :)
DeleteEmail me and we can be in touch about your visit!
I love fall running, the air is so crisp!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the weather to get a little cooler! Fall weather is what motivated me to finally sign up for my first half marathon! I'm excited to be training in cooler weather!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! The weather and the race - such motivation to train harder! :)
DeleteA hike up to a peak over 12,000 feet- no biggie, but can't wait!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on that great run! I'm so excited for it to cool down so that I can run outside at any time of the day! It'll be nice to not always have to get my run in first thing in the mornings.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your goal to do things you enjoy more often. That's one of mine too. Sometimes I get way too focused on school work and neglect having fun - I need to NOT do that this semester!
Nice job on your 5 miler! All the more of an accomplishment if you've not been running frequently. I did the 5 mile race, too . Twice.
ReplyDeleteI would love to run in Central Park someday. It is so pretty and huge you can almost forget you're surrounded by a big city.
Yess exactly! It was so nice to suddenly be out of the traffic and into the woods. Beautiful.
DeleteWe must be on the same wave length! I too found that I have not ran as much as I wanted in the past month or so. And I just finished up my blog post (scheduled for tomorrow morning) outlining my goals! Congrats on meeting your goal for your 5 miler! I've always wanted to run Central Park.
ReplyDeleteI know Im saying it tootoo much but my fall goal is yoga.
ReplyDeleteMAKING THE TIME.
DECIDING IM WORTH IT.
Get at it! :) You are worth it.
DeleteLove the September goals! I'm excited to see your journey with Whole 30! I feel so much better when I eat strict Paleo and I'm curious to see your thoughts on it too! My September goals are mostly fitness and crossfit related! I would love to work towards 1 strict pull up and get 8 kipping in a row! Little goals every month really add up!
ReplyDeleteThanks! And yes, I've been strictly on and then on-and-off paleo since March, now, and I definitely "believe in it," knowing that I feel much healthier when I'm on it. Hoping that a strict month of true, clean eating will remind me why it's so worth it!
DeletePull-ups are a GREAT goal. Holy cow I did my first set of band-assisted pull-ups a month or two ago and couldn't believe how hard it was, but was totally inspired to increase my reps and get to a serious unassisted pull-up. Good luck !! #getafterit ;)
Yay for making your milage!! Sometimes time just doesn't matter - especially at the beginning!! I ran a 10k race yesterday... longest distance in awhile and I did end up being happy with my time because of all the hills.. hills are SO hard!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNice run, great goals!
ReplyDeleteMy September Fitness goal is to run my half-marathon in 3 weeks! Yeeee! :)
awesome job with this! I am planning on running a 5K this october actually...it will be my first! I'm starting to get that runner's high, even though it's been kind of tough since I had an injury. I too am trying to get back on track and eat a little better for this month.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your 5 miler!! I know exactly what you mean about running through the streets of NYC but at least you were headed to a gorgeous destination. I love running in Central Park and I think that's where I first felt like a runner. Great goals for September. I need to work on my eating too so will be curious to hear how the Whole30 challenge goes. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous day for a run! Looks lovely. And I love your goals for September - I must do something similar!
ReplyDeleteI am visiting NYK, and googled what to wear running in Central Park (I want to fit in after all) and your blog came up! Nice work :)
ReplyDelete