February Fix Up

I find time just slipping by me… does this happen to anyone else? The first week of February is gone already.  But I am pretty happy with how things are shaping up this month.

I am taking part in a 21 Day February Fix Up, hosted by Danielle Prestejohn … and it is based on the Beachbody 21 Day Fix meal and exercise program. 

I am really happy how well these little colored containers complement my Weight Watchers plan and encourage me to make sure I am getting in a variety of food groups and well-rounded nutrition each day.  Yes, it is a diet, and no it’s not forever, but a good little tune-up just the same.

I can’t say I have done the 21 Day Fix assigned workouts each day, (no jumping cardio for me) or followed the food plan exactly this past week, though.  I started out very well, even though on Monday I endured an endoscopy.  4 good on-plan days under my belt and then Thursday was our wedding anniversary.  We had a lovely and slightly indulgent day, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I admit that it took me a couple of days to get back on track food-wise… but I am there now and am quite happy about it. 

Here is a little look back at that lovely day at the Grand Floridian Hotel in Walt Disney World.  I like to tell everyone that Mickey Mouse married us!

It has been a really wet week here weather-wise… one Pacific storm coming in after another.  Tonight we are expecting the fifth in as many days!  But between them, we have had some lovely opportunities to get out walking and running.  I am meeting my daily FitBit steps goal almost every day.

We ran 5km on Wednesday so I could log my 5 by the 5th Challenge run for February,  and then again this morning.  And I had a bit of aha moment today during my run.

The 5km route that we most often run around our neighborhood has some noticeable elevation changes.  Nothing exceptionally steep but there are a couple of places that have long sloped grades… a couple of blocks or more long. Usually I am really struggling to finish them without having to slow down at least a bit before I get to the top.  I realized today that if I run at a slightly slower pace before I arrive at one of those uphill sections, that I am able to maintain a steadier pace all the way up without having to slow down to crest the hill.  Sounds silly and simple, but it was quite significant to me.  It’s all in my stamina and my breathing, I know.

And then, because I really do be on track with the 21 Day Fix workouts as much as I can, I did the Yoga Fix after stretching, rehydrating, and changing into dry workout gear. I was ravenous for my lunch after that!

I am planning a good week!  And there may even be chocolate and wine on Valentines Day, all on program, of course.

How is February shaping up for you?

I love that I am still learning things about my running after 27 years!  No wonder I cannot seem to give it up entirely. Do you still have those aha moments while you are doing your workouts, too?