April in Review

I feel like I am spinning crazily from one thing to the next. I am not reading blogs as much as I want, I am not commenting on Daily Mile as much as I want, but yet, I am adding in a zillion other fun things! There is just not enough hours in the day to do all the things I want to do! Does anyone else have this issue?
And hey, it is only a little over a week into May before I actually reflect back on April publicly!
The Numbers
If you saw my post earlier this month, I was shocked to realize I ran 175 miles in April. Check it out!

How on Earth did that happen without me fully realizing it? I am usually somewhat aware of my mileage for each month during the month. Or at least, I used to be. In April 2012 I ran 109 miles so I am feeling pretty confident with my training progression so far. April 30, 2013 marked day 488 of my running streak and brought me to 2,027 streak miles. I have run 559 miles in 2013 and am averaging 32.6 miles per week so far this year. Yippee! I am up from my average mileage reported in March (that was 29.8 miles per week) and almost back to where I was before March (that was 32.9 miles per week). Why does all this matter? Because I want to run 2,013 miles in 2013 so I need to continue to increase my average weekly mileage to get to that goal. It is still within reach so I am not giving up.
My Body and Mind
My body is feeling good. I still worry about that IT band issue that popped up in March every now and then but think I am doing well in preventative care. I am working on stretching and adding in other elements of strength training....well, on most days. I tried to do more Ab work in April. I started out good but in all reality, after the Spring Bootie Buster Challenge ended and the Jacaranda Race I wanted to do was cancelled, my mind left the running/training game some. I kept running but my heart was having a hard time being in it. But I regained my focus and am trying to not look back on what I didn't do but to look on what I did do and what I have the potential to continue to do.
I am working on fueling my body cleaner. I have said good bye to Gatorade and GU gels and have turned to the Vega Sport product line. The only item I am having a hard time adjusting to is the Endurance gel but I have only used two gels, one each in two separate runs. I am going to keep trying it out to see if I get better accustomed to the texture and taste. But I gotta say, I am loving the pre-workout drink in the mornings in place of coffee and the recovery drink right after my run. I still turn to protein powder as well but am doing so later in the day as part of my main breakfast. Working with a nutritionist is helping pinpoint when to eat what and how much. I look forward to reporting more on that later.
May Goals
This month I took on two new running clients and I am striving to be a good source of information and motivation for them while they move through their training plans. They both have completely different goals so I find it quite fun to provide guidance and loved making each of their individual training plans. I just love running and making training plans that much!
Personally, I want to get back into my core strength workouts in addition to the almost daily squats I am doing. I want to stick to my training plan, grow my tempo run, and build up my weekly mileage a wee bit more. Wish me luck!
Finally, I am a sponsored participant in the Under Armour What's Beautiful campaign and invite you tojoin my team.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for cell phones and the ability to talk to darling daughter when dear hubby brings her to school...even on those days when she is having a rough morning.
Daily Affirmation: I can dig deep and find my inner strength when I need to do so.