Goals for December 2017

For the last while, when I wouldn’t get up at 5:30 AM for my morning workouts, I would sleep in an extra hour. While that was nice, I decided to keep a standard wake up across the board – work out or not. The mornings that I am not sweating, I am stretching and meditating.

I am loving the few extra unhurried mornings and for the time period between August and end of November, although I did keep busy enough, I was all caught up on my tv shows, I was sleeping 8 hours a night and I felt like I had enough time for everything. While, I was over that whole idea pretty quickly, I do know it is absolutely necessary.

As much is it is counter to my personality type, I try to have periods of my year where there is rest, dormancy, space and in-action. Not only is it ok for me, it is necessary to open up some space for new projects, ideas and opportunities. In the last little while, I have felt as if I am leaving this space and jumping back into the breathless pace I tend to prefer and it feels amazing. 

I love December because it often gives a clear glimpse into what I am doing for the next year. Guys – I am stoked. Every year that I set goals, not only is it always better than I could have imagined but it gets better every year. So before I share some of the things I am going to put a cherry on the top of 2017, here is what I have been up to in the past month:

Do a cleanse for the month

DONE! It was awesome and I didn’t even notice how much of an impact it made until, after a recent Christmas party, I felt like absolute garbage the next morning after eating almost as many desserts in the evening than I had the entire month prior. I love desserts and I think they play a pretty special role in celebrating life, but it was good to reset my tolerance for the time being.

Kick off Gala/Christmas Party Season

This was one of my favourite photos taken this month. Mark and I were at a gala and there was a fooseball table at the after party.

Christmas parties are in full swing and I am loving it.

Do another 5 KM

I ran the Musagetes 5 KM for an offseason effort. It was an interesting race for me – I slept in, forgot my watch, spilt my morning coffee and went in with zero expectations other than a nice, decently hard effort. It is not a flat course and there is a sharp turn around so my goal was to run under 20 minutes considering I am not in racing shape and there are hills on the course. I ran a 19:14 which is a minute off my PB on a super downhill course. I was happy to see my fitness hasn’t taken a huge nose dive and it goes to show how even running 3 times a week with some maintenance speed can keep a great baseline in your offseason.

Get all my Christmas shopping done

I mean, there will be a few minute finishing touches but I can say with confidence that I got the lions share of it done in November. I am going into December feeling no stress around gifts which is a huge improvement over past years! What I did this year was make a list of everyone I needed to buy for at the beginning of November and started eavesdropping and brainstorming for gift ideas. I snatched up the items on Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and not only did I get most of it out of the way but I saved a lot as well!

So…December?

Finish off my Digital Communications and Strategy Course

I am taking a program from the University of Toronto and I am 11 weeks into a 12-week course. I am dealing with wrapping up the final projects and capitalizing on what I have learned. I will be hopping into a new course in 2018 but it feels good to be stroking one of the classes off of the list. An example of some of our projects is the video below. We were given 2 hours to conceptualize, shoot, edit and present our video to the class – all working with a remote team.

Do a last minute weekend getaway

I have been so fortunate to make friends with a few groups of the wildest, fierce, inspiring women. The only problem is that there is a significant distance between us. I am visiting the one group in December to make sure I get in my yearly visit and I can’t wait. The packing list is unreasonably long because there will be skiing, snowboarding, yoga, hiking, and other activities that require gear. I will be packing up my little car and headed to Crystal Springs to spend a much anticipated weekend with a few of my favourite ladies before the Christmas dinner rush starts.

Stay tuned at the end of the week – the “My Sport Isn’t All I’m Crushing” feature includes one of my longtime friends from this awesome group of women.

Do an FTP test

I have been jumping back into structured cycling workouts over the past 5 weeks and I am finishing off my 6th week as we speak. I will be re-testing my FTP (Functional Threshold Power is — quite simply — a measure of fitness. FTP represents the power (measured in watts) that you could theoretically maintain for about an hour.) I have been using the low volume base program from Trainer Road which allows me to do a minimum of three rides a week. I have been adding an extra ride when possible from the mid-volume plan and for the majority of the rides have felt strong, fresh and from current power readings, it appears I am going to test at my highest FTP ever! (Must be those off-season treats helping for strong legs.)

Set a new Beer Mile PR

Every year I come ready, dressed in my onesie and a carefully selected pack of 5% beer. This year, I have a good feeling. I will be wearing lighter shoes and I have been drinking carbonated water all year to prepare. Whether it is me or my record which falls this year will be determined at my annual Christmas party.

Enjoy Christmas. 

Enough said.

I hope no matter what your plans for December that you carve out some time for fun and people you love. If you are looking to set some goals for the coming year this month, check out this awesome goal guide from my good friend, Angela of Eat-Spin-Run-Repeat!