Goals for July

Well this post is a little late. I would say I cared but I don’t. I really don’t.
We are in the midst of a Canadian long weekend and I am in full out vacation mode. I went camping this past weekend and I had a wonderful weekend with friends full of sunsets, long trails runs, beach days and delicious food.

There was one evening when we all walked down to the beach to watch the sunset and someone remarked that it was the very best that Canada had to offer. I am so fortunate to live in a country where I can ran, play and explore to my hearts content. Oh Canada.

It is hard to believe that we are on the cusp of July, but it is time to take a look at my past goals and focus on a few fresh ones for this month.

In my goals for June, I wanted to:

1. Learn a new sport. A+

Honestly, I did so much more with this one that I ever imagined. I learned how to golf – I played in a tournament and went to the driving range regularly with friends. I have set up a weekly golf practice with a friend and I am looking forward to playing in another tournament at the end of August to see how I have improved.

2. Take some courses for work. D
I have begun them and have been working away at them, but I am not going to lie, I have flagged a little. Work has picked up and I am focusing on keeping up more than learning anything new.

3. Focus on sleep. C
I did SO well on this at the beginning of the month, but last weekend ruined everything. A 2 hour night of sleep, followed by a 4 hour night, settled nicely into a routine of about 6 or less hours. Don’t worry, I have been properly chastised by my coach and I am hoping to get back on track in July.

4. Increase my savings. A+
I am now on a first name basis with my financial advisor and I have come up with a robust savings plan. I have some big plans to buy ALL the things in the future and I am focusing on being a bit aggressive with savings now, because we ALL know I would spend it on running shoes if I wouldn’t save it.

5. Complete my first triathlon. A+
Nailed it! I had such a blast and I know this won’t be my last one. Read more about it here.

Ok, July. So, if I could have one theme for July, it would be PREPARATION.

1. Prepare for my marathon in 7 weeks.

I haven’t talked much about this on the blog, but I have been chose to race on the women’s team for ENDURRUN in the marathon leg. It was a bit sudden so I only have a 7 week cycle to build, taper and race this thing as hard as I can. This means I will be addressing things like running all the time, sleeping 8-9 hours and eating anti-inflammatory foods like never before. Basically, good bye friends. See you in September!

2. See my friends and family more:
I know this seems counterintuitive given the point above, but when I am not training, I want relaxed evenings with family and close friends. I want to push living back to 3rd or 4th gear this month and just focus on enjoying summer. It is easy to get caught up in training and work life and I guess what I am saying is I want BALANCE.

3. Settle into my new volunteering role:

I have joined a local organization called House of Friendship on the PR Committee which focuses on helping those in the local community with addictions and social issues. I am meeting with the organization to understand my role and figure out how I can be the best asset to the company.

4. Take mini-vacations:
When I am not racing, I am peacing out on some weekend trips including a beach day, a kayak trip and a cottage weekend with some of my best friends of life. Being Canadian is amazing, but our summer is too short and I want to soak it up as much as possible!

5. Take to the lakes and trails to prep for my adventure race.
I am doing my very first adventure race in Michigan at the beginning of August and I want to be prepared. I am upping my mountain biking and canoeing and getting super excited! I already am pulling a team together for another one in November!

Now if you excuse me, I am off to tackle the list.

What are your goals for July?