Shall We Chat?

Shall we chat?

You know, over coffee? Just you and me, sharing the latest? What you say?

Well, if we were to get together, here's some of the nitty gritty that I'd share:

First of all, my favorite event is happening on Saturday. This is the race, Dam to Dam, that I look forward to every year (and probably mention it too much). This year is very significant in that it's the last year of Dam to Dam as we know it. They are calling it "Forever 39" because it's the 39th year, but will also be the final year (not all is lost; a different marketing company is taking it over...but the name will change and so will the course, most likely). As excited as I am for this momentous day, the weather forecast is a definite buzz kill. Please, can you give Momma N a big kick in her booty (and also severe slap across her face)? Maybe we can knock some sense into her and and she'll show us Dam racers some kindness.

Isn't this ridiculous?

I have said this numerous times as well, but I am really looking forward to summer running! After spending the majority of last summer recovering from surgery (instead of running), my priorities have had a major gratitude shift. I have always preferred summer running over cold-weather running. After missing out last year, I will be grateful to be running this year... no matter how hot or humid.

The compression sleeve is gone and I'm free to run this summer!

I'd also tell you about my summer training plan of action....which will involve weekly speed work (well, for most weeks). While I have no grandiose hopes of becoming the next Olympic champion, I am hoping to see an improvement in my finish times. I'd like to get back to consistently running half marathons closer to the 2-hour mark (or under), and possibly get my 5K's under 25-minutes. We'll see. As someone who has seldom ever done any speed work, I may see a significant improvement or I may get really frustrated really fast. I have got nothing to lose, right?

How fast can I go?

Other than the speed work, June will be pretty low-key. My marathon training won't officially begin until late July, but I will be trying to maintain a good 10ish-mile base until then. My town hosts a series of events, the Grinnell Games,  in mid-June, and there's a half marathon and a 5K to choose from. I have always done the 13.1, but this year I am considering the 5K for something different. I'll also be at the RnR Chicago in July, as well as a couple of other July races I had to DNS (Did Not Start) last year. Stay tuned.

Some of the event shirts from previous years of Grinnell Games

And, finally, I came up with some new goals for June. Don't worry, the daily planks and leg lifts (and occasional burpees) will still be happening; I just didn't feel the need to highlight them. I do plan to do daily wall sits (maybe for 1-minute?), daily yoga in the early hours (or just before bed), continue with the daily cardio (usually early in the morning as well), and gratitude journaling before bedtime. All the fitness-related stuff is a given, but why the journaling? Even though I'm a glass-half-full gal, there are times when I do need a gentle reminder to focus more on the good and let the bad filter out of my thoughts. Jotting down a few gratitude highlights every night may be the perfect way to end each day....stay tuned. for that as well.

Daily goals

So, that's what I'd share if we had a chance to chat.

What would you share? Summer events on your calendar? Any specific goals for June? Ever tried gratitude journaling?

Since it's the first weekend of the month, I'm linking with Deborah and Coco for the Ultimate Coffee Date. What would you share, if we were having coffee and chatting about life?

I'm also inking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0.