Flat Mama, New Year's Eve Edition

Tomorrow I am running a trail 5k. It's been raining a lot, so there may be some muddin' involved!



I'm all ready, for the most part!



But first, some celebrating with friends!



This year, our theme is the Oscars. Should be an amazing night!

Happy New Year, Y'all!

2019 Goals and my Word of the Year

If you've followed me for awhile, you know I don't believe in resolutions. Every year I pick a word and use that as a theme for the year.



I pick a lot of mini goals, knowing that I won't meet all of them, and that some will need to be expanded!

I will try and talk about all of them today!

Read 50 books.



My daughter made that for me yesterday. In 2018, I read 79, and am working on number 80 but I may not finish it. I'm guessing that this will be a goal I expand on at some point.

Run in a new state. I will be running in Kentucky in 2019!

Complete Run the Year 2019. This will be my 4th year, plus I'm leading the Charlotte NC sub group. I have a team of 5 peeps so I know my team will reach the goal early. I will also aim to hit that goal on my own.

3750 Twitter followers. I'm pretty close to this now, so I'm hoping to expand it to 4000 at some point.

3500 Instagram followers. This is always a little harder for me.

Get 5 new yoga students. I made this goal last week and have gotten new students since then! Hopefully the new trend continues in 2019.

Run my 65th half marathon. If all goes well, this will happen at Tobacco Road in March!

Do 10 Class Pass Workouts. I've been adding Barre into my rotation, and the occasional kickboxing class. I'm hoping that I reach this goal early and expand on it.



Earn CEUs. I really need to keep learning, and I have a schedule all worked out!

Complete the Georgia Jewel. I am registered for the 18 miler. Let's hope it doesn't kill me.

Run 750 miles. I hit the 600s this year but didn't reach 700. Darn injury.

Beat a 39:59 5k

2019 Moonjogger Miles, and become a Colonel. I am pretty close in my lifetime miles, it will definitely happen, just not sure how soon. I wont be able to expand on this, I'm sure, since the next level is another 2,000 miles.

Beat a 52:02 four miler

Beat a 1:30:41 10k

Beat a 1:14:41 trail 8k

Beat a 50:12 trail 5k

Complete 10 Burn Boot Camps. I'm signed up for 6 weeks of unlimited classes, this should be easy so long as I don't get lazy.

Beat a 7:15:36 marathon. I'm looking at you, Berlin.

Run 25 races. I'm currently registered for 18, so I might actually make this one! I came close last year, but fell short.

#24in48 I signed up for an event in January, but I will probably have to try again during a less busy weekend. Basically you read for 24 hours in a 48 hour period. My brain might explode,but it will be fun.



#booked2019



Do a pull up. I'm hoping that my weeks at Burn will get me there!

Beat a 2:14:08 15k

Raise $1000 for MDA

Run Berlin

Finish the Pop Sugar Reading Challenge

Go Horseback Riding. This was one of my fears in 2018 that I didn't get to face.

Beat a 2:57:12 half marathon

Lose 5 pounds. This is my arch nemesis for sure.

850 Pinterest followers. I just hit 800 last week, hopefully this is a reachable goal!

1500 Facebook followers. I have never reached this, it's been a goal for about 3 years!

2:00 plank. I probably could have done this in 2018 but I got lazy!

Beat a 1:07:35 8k

Not too bad, right? When I reach a goal, I fill in the square. I love watching it fill in! I might add some as the year goes on, which is why I leave plenty of empty spaces!



What are your goals for 2019?

Indoor Winter Workouts with Vuori

I received Vuori Omni Performance Shorts at The Running Event as part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.



So, maybe you've noticed a theme lately, it's been coldish and rainy here the last few weeks so I've been doing a lot of workouts indoors. I've really been trying to work in some Barre classes on Class Pass Live and the occasional Kickboxing class as well.



It's pretty warm in the house these days, since we have the gas fireplace going all.the.time. so these shorts are the perfect workout gear for the occasion! They are a polyester spandex mix, and they are moisture wicking, two very important features! If you like shorties for running, they even have a zipper pocket in the back!

We got to meet the owner of Vuori while we were at The Running Event, and he showed us some really cute products in their women's line.



They are all about cute gear that you can wear to the gym and then wear around town, or in reverse. The fabrics are so soft and comfy!



Everyone was posting pics to their social media of the cute gear! Check out the Halo Performance Pullover and the Peformance Jogger, they were the big faves.

What do you wear for your indoor workouts?

2018 Goals in Review

Last year, about this time, I chose my word for 2018. I chose Determined because I was determined to have a better marathon than Chicago....
I chose a bunch of goals, knowing that there would be some I met and some I didn't, which is just fine with me!

I will start at the top, and work my way around...

3250 Instagram Followers... got it! I raised it to 3500, but didn't make it!



Do an obstacle race...



I did the Insane Inflatable with a bunch of my friends, it was a lot of fun, even though it was kind of hot and the race was a little disorganized.

Complete a Monthly Challenge...
I've done a few, including the Run Love Challenge with Zooma, which is always a lot of fun. I'm already registered for 2019!

Beat a 52:35 Four Mile Race...



Done! I practically flew through that Turkey Trot! Must have been Santa!

2200 Moonjogger Miles...

I'm currently at around 1850, so I am definitely not going to make it, but that's ok with me. I have been injured almost half of the year, so I'm thankful to be that close!

Go Zip Lining...



Done!

Read 50 books.... which was raised to 75.... and I'm up to 79!



Finish the Coach Jenny National Parks Challenge... done, I finished it a couple months ago and I'm already registered for 2019's Challenge 365.

800 Pinterest Followers. I legit just reached 800 this week!



Raise $1400 for MDA....
I actually raised over $2250!



Complete a Ragnar...



I did not beat my fastest 2017 half marathon time, and I did not earn any CEUs. I came within about 5 minutes of last year's time, and I have plans to earn CEUs in 2019!

Complete 2018 Run The Year...
My team finished in the Fall, and I am close but won't make it on my own!

200 day MFP streak.... I've skipped back and forth between apps but I have closer to 300 days at least. I just don't know the actual number.

Coach my 5th Season of GOTR.... done! I didn't coach in the Fall, though, but I'm hoping to coach this Spring!

Beat a 52:05 Trail 5k....



Done! I finished in just over 50 minutes! Woohoo!

I have been trying to get up to 1500 Facebook followers for two years! Obviously I'm not trying very hard...

Get 3750 Twitter followers.... I am 6 away y'all. So close yet so far...



Do one pull up...I totally did this... once....with help. I am doing Boot Camp classes in the New Year so I plan to crush this next year.

Beat a 41:19 5k... mission accomplished!



I completed all of the Zooma Challenges this year! Score!

Run my 60th half marathon! I did this at the Scream, which was also my fastest of the year...



I did not beat my fastest 2017 10k, although I came close, and no 2:00 plank. Real talk. I didn't even try. I could probably do one right now, I got up to 1:30 at one point, but I got bored.

Complete the Pop Sugar Challenge.... I will conquer this one year. This is not that year. Almost 80 books and not the right ones! I did check off 25 out of the 40....

Beat a 1:04:07 8k.... not done! I came within 3 minutes, but didn't actually make it!

Run in a New State.... I ran in Austin with BibRave this year!



I did not complete a 50k because of my injuries and no triathlon because a hurricane caused a cancellation. I technically Beat the Bridge during the 10k, but let's not go crazy here.

I did get yoga teacher certified and have been teaching my own classes since October!



Visit the Mother Ship....
Aka the Skirt Sports Store in Colorado. Done done done! Such a great experience!



30 day yoga streak.... I actually got up to just over 100 before life got in the way. I'm starting over again in 2019, although after tonight I will have 3 in a row.

I have already made my goals for 2019, and will post about them in a couple of days.

Did you reach some of your goals in 2018?

Winter Running With Brooks and Zwift

I received a Zwift RunPod plus Brooks Adrenalines and a Brooks LSD Jacket while I was at The Running Event last month, as part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out Bibrave.com to find and write race reviews.

Winter running can be the absolute worse, y'all. I know, I live in the south and I'm always saying how great the weather is here, and for the most part, that is true. Afternoons here are usually pretty temperate. Mornings are another story.



Mornings in the south can dip below freezing, and that can mean ice. Since we don't get it that often, our towns aren't set up to deal with it. This means we hold our breath until the ice melts and then we carry on.

My running club runs rain or shine, but we do not run on ice so there are times when a treadmill becomes necessary.

Shoot.me.now.

I would rather take poison. I hate the dreadmill. It's so boring!
That's where Zwift comes in!



This little guy is a game changer! You click it onto your shoelaces, sync the Pod to your Zwift App, and it becomes a totally new ball game!



There are over 1000 structured workouts! The intervals are set for you, and hills are even worked in! The app reminds you to speed up or slow down.



There is a Running 101 plan that eases you into using the app, or you can plan a long term goal and crush it!

You run alongside other runners and cyclists and the scenery is ah-mazing!



You score points and unlock achievements as you go. Zwift even connects with Garmin and Strava to keep your workouts all in one place!
The post workout data shows you your effort, calorie burn, duration, etc.

Oh, and you can race your friends.



I'm not even talking about these two, although they were totally racing each other.



I'm talking about these guys. Plus, if you are Zwift friends with someone, their name will show up on your screen and you can totally pass them....or suck wind trying!



You can order your own RunPod now, plus they have some seriously cute clothes as well!

Speaking of which, while we were in Austin we also received some amazing gear from Brooks!



I received the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 shoes. Since I have been training in these I was super excited to have another pair. These are ideal if you overpronate or need that extra stability.



We took them out for a spin the next morning and they fit perfectly and ran like a dream.



Brooks has a GuideRails system in their Adrenalines supports your feet, protects your knees, and keeps excess movement in check. They are so comfy and super cute, too. Remember, cute is always important.



We also recieved the LSD Jacket, with built in reflective accents!



Look at the reflection! So important when most of your runs take place in the dark. It's super light, wind proof, water resistant, and can roll up into a little ball using the strap inside the pocket.
Seriously.





It can even be wrapped up tighter, I had it in the pocket of my running capris at one point!



So cute! For us southern folk, this is the perfect winter running jacket! Oh, and if you don't have a pocket to stow it in, you can use the elastic band to hold it on your arm.
Day.made.

What are your go to winter running tips?

Holiday Happenings with Altra and Nuun

I received gifts from Altra and Nuun while I was attending The Running Event last month, as part of being a BibRave Pro. (Ambassador) check out Bibrave.com to find and write race reviews.

The last week has been rough, y'all. While I was in Mount Dora I started having some ear pain, which escalated into a full blown cold later that week. I basically spent the holidays feeling like garbage.
That didn't stop me from getting in at least one run, though!



I met up with some old Fleet Feet Friends and ran on Christmas Eve.



I'm really loving my new Altra Escalantes, I'm not gonna lie. I've taken them out for a few short spins, since I'm used to shoes with more support. You definitely need to ease into Zero Drop shoes!



Aren't they beautiful?! I'm in love! They are super comfy and I'm easing into them a lot faster than I thought I would.



Ok so let's talk features, now.
It has a crazy generous toe box, which I love. There is a fully cushioned, zero drop platform. I really thought that zero drop meant discomfort, and I am thrilled to be proven wrong.
Grid like grooves in the midsole let your foot flex while being lighter for better speed and performance. Footpod Technology actually maps the bones and tendons in your foot to help it bend and move naturally. When we met the peeps at Altra, they were super passionate about this technology. They just couldn't stop talking about it! Altra Ego midsole compound with a responsive,but still soft, feel for increased energy return.
Plus, they are seriously cute, which is more important than most runners will admit!



I've also really been loving all of the amazing Nuun flavors we got in Austin!



The hubs has been using them a lot more than me! He takes them to the gym a few times a week.
I learned a few things when we visited the Nuun peeps at The Running Event that I didn't know before.



The tubes with colored caps have caffeine in them.
You can drink it HOT.
What?
This never occurred to me.
Mind.blown.
I was feeling so gross for days and I finally remembered that I had some of the new Nuun Immunity!



I made a nice hot mug of water..



Omg what a game changer! Elderberry, turmeric, echinacea, ginger, zinc, vitamins...
Deliciousness....



They have some really amazing flavors, and some really amazing variations: electrolytes, vitamins, (new) immunity, performance, plus some cute glasses and water bottles to enjoy them in!
Right now you can build your own mix and match 4 pack, plus free shipping on orders over $50!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, or whichever holiday you observe!