New Site!

I've been working on updating my website!

Check out the new page at: http://defyyourlimitations.com/

Pardon the dust as I get settled in! :

2014 Goals

Lately, I have been enjoying some down time on the running front. In December I spent some time just running for fun following my marathon, and I wasn't ready to set any next goals following the race. Since mid-December, I have also been dealing with some nagging quad pain, as I mentioned the other day. I'm hoping it all clears up soon because I'm finally starting to feel more ready to make some 2014 goals!

Here are some of the things I hope to accomplish this year:

Complete my first half iron distance triathlon. I'm targeting the Folsom Triathlon in June. I haven't signed up yet (hopefully soon!), but I'm pretty excited to try a new race distance.

Read more.  I love reading and this got lost in the shuffle of life and my dissertation in 2013, so I'm excited to read some new books for fun. Right now I'm in the middle of Daring Greatly.

PR the half marathon. I don't have a goal race in mind yet, but I'm eying the Zooma Napa Half marathon. I've heard so many awesome things about Zooma races, and would love to run a race in Napa!

Volunteer for some races. I have been fortunate to be able to run many events the past few years, and I am always appreciative of the volunteers. This year, I want to give back a little! I'd like to volunteer for at least 2 events.

Consider a trail race. In December, I ran a couple short trail runs just to mix things up, and I kind of loved running on the dirt instead of the pavement. I think it could be fun to try a trail race at some point this year.

Be present. Lately I have been trying harder to notice the beauty in my surroundings, and be grateful for the little moments in each day that make me smile. For 2014, I want to make sure to be present and appreciate these little things in life.

What are your goals for 2014? I'd love to hear about them!

Have any good books to recommend for me? 

Hitting the Pool & Core Values

Lately I have been having some issues with my left leg. I've taken a few weeks off of running --my last run was on 12/18. I'm not sure if it's a hip, IT band, hamstring or quad problem -- the pain seems to sort of move around, but mostly is sore near my knee (inside) and hip (outside).

Probably the most frustrating part is that I'm not really certain the cause. I'm buckling down this week with a focus on foam rolling some knots out, and hip strengthening. If it's not feeling much better soon, I think it will be time to head to a physical therapist.

So, in the time I've taken off from running, training has been mostly swimming and weights, with a little cycling and yoga thrown into the mix. On the plus side, over the holiday break visiting my parent's house in upstate NY, I swam my longest swim ever -- 3150 meters!

{such a pretty pool! and so big, we swam the width instead of the length!}

Because of this, it's made it feel hard to plan my next goal race since my motivation to train isn't there (well, it is there, but I just can't get out and run!). But, I'm trying to keep positive that I'll be back at it soon!

At the moment, the next race on my list for this year is Ragnar FL Keys on February 7-8. I'm so excited for this adventure, and I'm doing everything I can to make sure I'm back in action by then.

Otherwise, I'm also joining in on the #corevalues 30 day core challenge by Healthy Strides. I figure working on my core can't be a bad thing! 5 minutes a day for the month of January. Maybe by the end of the month it'll stick to being a good habit I continue.

What's your favorite core exercise?

2013 Wrap-Up

For me, 2013 was truly one to remember. I love photographs, so to wrap up 2013, I wanted to share some of my favorite images of the year. Enjoy!

It brought me to the finish line of so many races...

 

 

..and also other fun adventures like vacations...

...exploring California...

...and finally finishing my graduate degree.

There were many miles in the pool,

on the bike,

and on foot.

And most importantly, I spent a lot of time friends both old and new.

   

Hope you had a great year too! I'm looking forward to more exciting times 2014! Thanks for reading along and sharing in my adventures.

What was one of your favorite adventures from 2013?