I haven't blogged here in a while. I'm a lot more consistent at www.fitem.blogspot.com

But, I thought I would share my goals for February here.

I've been doing a lot of running lately, and that has been my focus. However, some seriously cold weather a couple weeks back made my longer outdoor runs impossible, and I got into a routine of lifting and speed work on my treadmill. (and Zumba, of course)

I've found that I am really enjoying this routine. I love lifting, and doing it almost every day (different body parts, of course) has been great. I also love speed work, and I am getting back into using my jump rope while interval training. I'm really loving it. Running is still something I enjoy, but lately I've been feeling down about it. I'm a slow runner, and I am not built for speed. It's hard work for me to run fast (I'm up to 6mph, but I can't keep it up for more than a couple miles).

I've been thinking lately about what I really enjoy and what I want. Right now I am loving intervals, HIIT, and heavy lifting. Why should I focus on something less enjoyable just because I feel like I have to? I don't have to be a runner to get fit. I need a break and a new plan. I'm also looking to finally lose the last 30 pounds that I've held onto for a year and a half.

So, for February at least, I am mixing things up. I am going to lift heavy 6x/week and focus on getting strong and building muscle. I've already started losing weight again, so I know my new eating is working. I'm working on reducing fat and building muscle. I don't need to be thin. I need to be strong.

I took beginning of the month pictures for the first time ever. I'll be interested to see how my body changes over the month. I'm really focused and loving this plan, so I think it will go well. I definitely still love running, but doing something different is exactly what I need right now. My birthday is on the 27th, and by then I want to be stronger and more toned looking. I also want to increase my dead lift.

So, there you have it, my February goals.