You probably know this already if you’re a regular reader, but my 2013 started off with a cold. I am also nursing a hamstring injury that has compromised my plans to run the PF Chang’s RNR AZ full marathon this month. I am also having this seriously annoying and painful issue with my neck/shoulder that gets both worse and better on a daily basis. I have never had so many issues all at once!

Having said all of this, I am starting my new year when I feel better! Hopefully that will be soon (like this weekend!?), because I am feeling like a fat ass being sedentary and not training like normal! The elliptical is getting old! Regardless of all of my obstacles, I still have some goals for this year.

The first goal I have this year is yoga: Something I’ve been talking about for a long time is incorporating yoga into my training. Coach Susan says yoga can really benefit runners by helping with both strength and especially flexibility. My body could definitely use both right now. I would like to do yoga/strength training at least twice a week. Right now would be the perfect time to get in the habit of doing this since I can’t run yet.

The second goal I have is take better care of myself before, during and after running/workouts: I tend to always be on the go, squeezing in a run here and a workout there, and not properly stretching before or after. I am, again, injured and sidelined during the month of January just like I was last year. Something’s gotta give. Everyone and their mother asks “do you stretch before/after you run?” Um….sometimes!?? I know, I know. Bad Stacey. So my goal is to make sure I am stretching, rolling, sticking, etc, properly, and icing after all of my runs. I tend to skip this step for one reason or another, and it has to be contributing to my injuries. I am SO good at telling people what to do to help themselves and giving advice (it is what I do everyday as part of my career!) and not doing it for myself. Sound familiar to anyone out there?

Third goal—this one is a goal almost every year, so I don’t know why I even bother—try to get up earlier and be more punctual/not cut it so close time wise in the morning (or afternoon for that matter.) I have always been the type of person to run late. I feel like getting somewhere early is such a waste of time! Well, not ok when it turns into being late all of the time! My priority is to be on time to work, That almost always happens. I can only put so much effort into so many parts of my life, ok people!? In every other part of my life, my motto has been “better late than never!!” My goal is to at least not be so darn late to things. Turn 20 minutes into 5. I can’t be perfect, so I will make improvements. That’s going to have to be good enough. I don’t like to make promises I can’t keep. TRY is going to have to suffice in this department.

That seems like enough for one girl to handle! I am going to have to really take care of myself, because these are the races that I have on my schedule for the rest of the season:

1/20/13: PF Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon

2/16/13: Skirt Chaser 5K

2/17/13: Lost Dutchman Half Marathon

2/22-23/13: Ragnar Del Sol

3/2/13: Phoenix Half Marathon

3/10/13: Mountain to Fountain 15K

4/27/13: Kentucky Derby Half/Full Marathon (Still deciding on this one)

I think it would be really cool to do my first full marathon in my hometown on my home turf. Ari and I were talking about it today, and I was questioning the amount of time between now and then, and whether or not I will be physically able to do a full by then. She thinks I’ll be good to go, and I think I might be as well . More on that decision as my hamstring condition (hopefully!!) improves and I resume my regular training schedule.

This season looks to be very exciting, fun, and full of new experiences! I can’t wait to tell you guys all about it!

Have an awesome weekend, and if you are sick like me, (as SO many people seem to be)  get well soon!!

Are you racing this weekend? If so, what race?

Are you sick? If so, what are you doing to help yourself get better?

Do you do yoga? What are your feelings about it?

Happy Trails!

Stacey