How Did February Go?

I set myself a few goals in February to help kick start the year and get back into some healthy habits. I was ill for a couple of weeks around Christmas with that horrible lurgy that seemed to hit a lot of people and put me off my stride, and then January is always just about survival! So I feel like I’m out of balance and need to get back to some healthy habits.

Once we hit February I felt that I needed a little kick start to get rid of the January blues and head into spring feeling better.

What I wanted to do:

• Some form of activity everyday
• No alcohol
• Average of 10k steps over the course of the month
• Take part in #splodzdpc daily photo challenge
• Take some time to do something I enjoy everyday

So how did I do?

The activity side of things has gone really well. There was only one day where I didn’t log an activity on Strava, and that was because I was working away and it was a long busy day, although having said that, I did manage a short stroll at lunchtime so it wasn’t  a complete lost cause.

I have managed 9 runs this month, one short of my monthly target, but I’m not going to beat myself up, it is a shorter month after all! I managed one 10k run, and everything is going well. I can feel that I am getting fitter and am actually starting to almost enjoy running again.

Following on from this increase in activity, my steps count is through the roof! I have averaged over 11.6k steps a day, which is brilliant. I have added in a few walking and running commutes and as the weather gets better I will try to do more. I find this is great for upping my activity levels and I really enjoy the ‘me time’. 

Finn saved up and treated himself to a vr headset and I have absolutely fallen in love with FitXR workouts, this is despite me not being interested at all to start with. But I gave it a go at the start of the month (really expecting not to like it) and it has been a game changer. The workouts are short but really pack a punch and are fun as well. I do have to pay though, so I might not always use it, but it’s great for the winter months.

The no alcohol wasn’t a total success. I lasted until Valentine’s day, then cooked a lovely meal (wild garlic and crab carbonara if you’re interested) and had a couple of glasses of wine with it. Since then I have had the odd beer here and there. I have definitely drank a lot less than usual, and to be honest, I think I will continue this. Nowadays I find that alcohol affects my sleep and makes me a bit anxious, so I just feel that it’s not worth waking up with the feeling of dread. 

This year I really want to get back into blogging. Lockdown (remember that?!) just killed my enthusiasm and it’s never returned properly. I have taken steps this month to rectify that, as I used to love documenting our adventures. I joined in with a daily photo challenge #splodzdpc, where there was a prompt for each day. I was aiming for everyday but managed 24/28. It was such an enjoyable exercise as it got me taking photos again and looking around and reevaluating the familiar sights I pass everyday. 

I have just upgraded my phone, one reason being that I need a better camera (and a battery that lasts longer than an hour), so stay tuned for more photos and even some videos. I am planning on creating some new content and being more active on social media. 

I didn’t do so well on taking more me time, although the workouts and running should probably count towards this. I was aiming to do some more relaxing things, like getting back to my cross stitch, but time was not on my side. I will try again to carve out some time for myself, but have to be realistic with what I can fit into a day.

Looking Forward

I love how there is more daylight now, even compared to a few weeks ago. The clocks will be going forward soon and I already feel more positive. It was also nice to end February with some sunshine after what seemed like endless grey days.

I have a couple of blog posts on the horizon and, as I mentioned in my last post, we have a holiday booked for May half term which will feature lots of outdoor activities. I am debating whether or not to head off for a few days camping in the Easter holidays, but am leaving it nearer the time to decide as I want to see what the weather does. 

I am enjoying feeling the benefits of increasing my activity levels, and this will definitely be continuing through March and beyond. I have a 10k event planned for May, so there’s not time to take my foot off the gas!

How are things going with you? Have you set or achieved any goals so far this year?