Tuesdays with Kerin: Work, Run, Sleep, Repeat

Happy Tuesday!

Can you believe it's already the last day of my 30-day wellness challenge? Time really flew by, and we're about to step into May! Reflecting on these past 30 days, I'm feeling pretty satisfied with how the challenge went. It wasn't flawless, but I believe I achieved what I set out to do. Considering doing it again sometime soon. If you haven't given it a shot yet, I highly recommend challenging yourself. You might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

Transitioning into the fitness realm, last week marked the kickoff of my 8-week 10K training block, and it started off on a good note. I managed to squeeze in 3 runs, although I did fall short of completing my long run over the weekend. I've been struggling a bit with finding the motivation to exercise on weekends; the temptation to lounge around in bed all day is real. But, I'm determined to tackle my long run this upcoming weekend. It's a 6K, the longest distance I'll have tackled in a while, so it's crucial for me to push through and continue progressing towards that 10K goal. While I don't have any races lined up until Memorial Day, there's a Cinco De Mayo race this weekend that I'm still pondering whether to sign up for or not.

3 'E's of Self-Care: Escape, Enjoy, & Enhance

Prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable for me. It's not just a luxury, it's a necessity. Recognizing that to operate at my peak, I must consistently partake in what I call the 3 'E's of self-care: Escape, Enjoy, and Enhance. These pillars of self-care have deeply resonated with me. These three little words hold so much power and have become my personal mantra, guiding me towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Escape

Escape embodies the essence of taking a breather, carving out a haven where I can just exist, away from the noise of daily life. When it comes to Escape, I prioritize creating moments of tranquility amidst the chaos of everyday life. It involves disconnecting from the frenzy, reconnecting with my inner self through activities like immersing myself in a captivating book, journaling, or simply embracing a quiet moment of reflection. I cherish these opportunities to reconnect with my inner self and recharge my spirit.

Tuedays with Kerin: Sleep & Relaxation

Happy Tuesday!

I'm feeling absolutely fantastic this morning! I had a restful 6 hours of sleep last night, with a solid 90 minutes of deep sleep – a rare feat for me that I'm over the moon about. Lately, I've been hitting the hay earlier, and it seems to be doing wonders for my sleep quality. While I've been relying on my trusty melatonin gummies, I'm contemplating giving them a break tonight. As we dive headfirst into the sleep segment of my 30-day wellness challenge, I'm optimistic that my sleep patterns will only continue to get better from here on out.

Reflecting on last week, it started off a bit lackluster, but things took a turn for the better towards the end. A last-minute online early screening of  The Idea of You on Wednesday night brought unexpected joy to my day – Anne Hatha-slay truly never fails to impress! The resurgence of romantic comedies has me excited! Speaking of, I've got my sights set on catching  Anyone But You when it hits Netflix this weekend.

How I Stay Motivated on My Fitness Journey, Even When the Road Seems Endless

As I lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement, I can't help but reflect on the ups and downs of my fitness journey.  From the triumphant feeling of crossing the finish line at my first 5K race to the humbling realization that progress is a gradual process, every step has been a lesson in resilience and determination. It's not always easy, but the marathon mentality I've adopted keeps me motivated and moving forward.

Understanding the Marathon Mentality

Ah, the marathon mentality – it's not just about crossing the finish line, but the journey that leads us there. Unlike short-term goals that focus on immediate results, the marathon mentality is all about the long game. It's about embracing the process, acknowledging that progress takes time, and staying committed to the bigger picture. It's about understanding that setbacks are just bumps in the road, not the end of the journey.

Embracing the marathon mentality means shifting our mindset from quick fixes to sustainable habits. It's about setting goals that are challenging yet achievable, keeping our eyes on the prize even when the road gets rocky. While short-term goals may provide instant gratification, the marathon mentality offers lasting fulfillment. It's about building a strong foundation for long-term success, knowing that each step we take brings us closer to our ultimate destination.