my september running goals

It’s just insane to me that we are on the edge of fall, and it’s time to set some September running goals. Please forgive me that these are a week late – last week was hard with our loss, and I just didn’t have it in me to share.

My Current Status

Before I get into my September running goals, it’s a good idea to look at where I’m at right now. As it stands, I’m walking four days a week, and running three. Twice a week, I lay down 3.5 miles, and my long run is four miles. I’m not in a lot of pain or discomfort, but my ankle does get stiff and my leg tired at the end of the day. As far as I’m concerned, this is all good news, and I’m making progress.

Mileage

I closed the month of August with 134.61 miles of running and walking. It’s crazy to me, but filling in my “rest days” with long walks (strenuous and not) has definitely bulked up my distance. After so many days, weeks, and months of barely clearing 1000 steps, this has done wonders for my mojo. I feel so much more confident in my abilities, and I can’t believe that I have gone from surgery and non-weight-bearing to actually running again!

So What’s Next?

At this point, I feel like I can safely bump my week distances up to four miles, and my “long run” to 4.5, maybe five. I like to keep the two distances connected, because longer runs during the week make for easier long runs. There is the matter of my running buddy to consider, but she also has a goal to reach the 10K distance, so we are on the same page. I don’t feel like there is a huge rush to do anything drastic, but I want to keep the momentum flowing.

Races

Right now, I am registered for three virtual races:

Cupcake Run & Cake Walk – As you know, this is the race that supports Girls On The Run of Northeast Florida, so I am all in to run my 3.1 miles virtually on September 18. You have until the end of the week to register, if you want to join in the fun!

ASPN Crushing COVID 5K – I can run this anytime from September 18 – 30, and I will do it with Mr PugRunner. He normally attends an annual conference for work, and this is the affiliated charity 5K. Since the conference is a virtual affair this year, it makes sense that the race is also virtual. We are happy to support it, however.

Global Energy Virtual Race – This was (and is) a free event. Participants have from October 5-11 to complete the 5K or 10K (I signed up for the 10K!!!!!), and can receive a shirt and medal upon uploading their results. It was a lot of fun (in real life) last year, so I am all in this time. For every race completed, Bimbo Bakeries will donate a loaf of bread to Feeding America to help fight hunger in local communities.

While these events help me meet my September running goals, I would love to register for an in-person race, soon. They have started back up in my area (with restrictions and limits), so it would be nice to be able to join in the fun.

Realistically, What Do I Need To Do?

Right now, I just have to keep running. Originally, I wanted to be in half marathon shape by December, but since my goal half has gone virtual, I am comfortable waiting and taking my time.

I also need to work in some strength and some yoga. Same old story, but in order to achieve my September running goals (and beyond), I need to do extra work. The end. Period. With virtual school, I have even fewer hours to get that done, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. It will only make me stronger.

Additionally, I need to crack down on my nutrition. With Mr PugRunner’s meal plan, I’m not necessarily getting what I need and I can feel it in the mornings. It’s time to support him, but also take care of myself.

What are your September running goals?

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