A #bestfoot March

I can't believe March is over! And for the first time this year I am feeling pretty good at the end of the month as I sit down to review my progress. In fact, I think January I was so out of it my review didn't happen until the beginning of March when I did January and February together.
First, let's just talk numbers. Last March I ran 104 miles. I am stoked to say I ran 144 miles this month and that the downward trend I saw last year isn't here this year. In fact, this year I had a valley in February but that all makes sense with what was going on in my life. I came out of the depths and am ready to be strong! Year to date I have run 267 miles, not quite where I dream to be but again, I am happy. March 31st marked day 792 of my running streak bringing me to 3,521 streak miles. March 31st also marked day 62 of my yoga streak.
Now for my 2014 goals...how am I measuring up?
Goal 1: Fuel my body well. This is always an ongoing project but I discovered cooking with coconut oil this month and have found some amazing recipes. Just the other night I made some pork chops with apple compote. Well, kind of. I did a little substitution and used pears instead of apples (because my family will grab an apple to eat but not a pear) and I had to use coconut syrup for the honey since I do not own honey. But the coconut syrup is made from pure coconut sugar and honey so it was close! My family loved it! I am also trying to expand the horizon of fruits and veggies in our house. I found some frozen pomegranate avrils and love adding them to my oatmeal and darling daughter is going for them too! Last night I introduced her to artichokes. I boiled them and got some veganaisse for her to dip it in. She was afraid but made a good dent in my artichoke since she wanted to eat Mommy's. In addition, I am striving to make more and more of our basics myself such as homemade tortillas. It is nice to know exactly what goes inside and cut out any additional preservatives etc. but it does take time. And time is a limiting factor in my life. For running fuel, I was given a gift of Huma Chia Energy Gel to try and I LOVE IT! It has a smoother texture and nicer flavor than the VegaSport gels...that I still use too. Now to find it at a somewhat reasonable price and Amazon only had mango and I do not like mango. It is expensive but all natural so I just might need to bite the bullet and buy 24 from their site for $54. Good thing I use gels and applesauce to go! It makes the cost easier to swallow.
Goal 2: Improve flexibility. This is a goal of persistence, confidence, determination, and practice, practice, practice. I feel this month I took a step back, or at least on photo day, but all in all, I do see many benefits from my daily yoga and I will stick to it. Since my goal was to touch my toes, and I achieved that, I am seeing just how far I can go. And yes, I will continue to keep a photo journal of my progress since it benefits me. I have also downloaded some more classes on the YogaStudio app and even braved to download some advanced classes too. Oh me oh my!

Goal 3: Run every day. Check. Done. I love it! I can't imagine a day without a run now since it is such a huge part of who I am. It would be like not brushing my teeth or taking a shower. Yuck! And I am happy to say I have discovered I Run for Michael (IR4) through a fellow blogger. For the life of me I can't remember who and I so wish I did since I would love to publicly thank him/her! I am on the waiting list to be a runner for my buddy who can't run for various reasons. Think of it as a support system for someone, child or adult, facing different challenges in life. And I am saying different since their challenges are not the same as the challenge of a run. The wait is long and I was told to expect it to take 12+ weeks to get my match. I am number 2,589 on the list and yes, they invited me to start supported the runners/buddies now on their facebook page and yes, I have. In fact, I thought of my future buddy during the final two miles of my 14 mile run this past Sunday. If my running can make someone feel better, supported, and cared for how can I not do it?
Goal 4: Be a stronger representative of Maui running. I am getting there but in all reality, this is a tough goal to measure. At least I posted on my two races I did in March. Two races. One month. In fact, two races, one week, two PR's. I am still very happy! On a somewhat related note, I did the courses, took the test, passed, and became a RRCA Certified Race Director in March too! Woo-hoo! I did learn some valuable stuff that will help me with next year's Run for the Whales. And in terms of connecting with local runners, I am out there supporting them and their efforts and that is a means of representing Maui running in my little neck of the woods.
What's in store for April? Well, it seems I am on the same track as last year at the same time. I am focused on getting a solid base in place for my marathon training. I am racing marathons in September and December again and have big goals. I am setting the foundation now and I am adding in more core work with my yoga to strengthen my core and perhaps define my abs a bit more. Just being honest...yes, I would like strong looking abs.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for technology and how it brings us all together.
Daily Affirmation: I am a good role model.