Reading and Exercising (Starting 2017 with a Bang!)

Yes!  The first read-a-thon for the new year is already here.  I've participated in the Bout of Books read-a-thon a number of times and always enjoy it.  The idea of getting my reading off to a good start for the year is always a big motivator.  If you haven't participated in Bout of Books, here are the rules:

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 2nd and runs through Sunday, January 8th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 18 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team"

Week long read-a-thons are usually the way to go for me since I fit my reading in wherever and whenever I can throughout the week.  My goals for this read-a-thon are to finish two books at least.  These are the two books that I'm currently reading (and started off 2017 with):

Don't Turn Out the Lights is my current print read and is quite good so far.  I'm not very far into it yet and I'm already not wanting to set it down.  Truth or Beard is my current kindle read and also my first read for #COYER Blackout.  (I'm failing at that reading challenge since I'm still working on book one but oh well.)  I'm enjoying them both so hopefully the Bout of Books read-a-thon is exactly what I need to get these two books read.  I'm still trying to decide if I want to come up with a January reading pile or not.  If I do then I will choose from one of those books if I manage to finish both of these.

I'm once again also signing up to participate with #FitReaders in 2017.  2016 was probably one of the worst years for me exercising wise.  I really didn't work out on a regular basis or much at all if I am being honest.  We just joined a local gym and I'm planning on the entire family getting healthier in the new year.  There is a cycling class that I'm hoping to try for sure but I also just want to commit to working out on a regular basis.  To start, I'm hoping to work out a minimum of three times a week.  Once I start getting into a regular routine (and get back to running) I will start setting more specific goals but for now just getting to the gym three times a week for the month of January will be enough.

Look at that: two events that have me pumped up for the new year already.  I'm excited to get exercising and also get reading.  Are any of you planning on participating in either of these events?  What are you doing to jump start the new year off in a great way?  If you are participating in either of these events let me know so that we can cheer each other on.  I'm definitely going to need the extra motivation boost when it comes to getting started on a regular workout schedule!

Happy Reading and Happy Moving!

Reading and Exercise (Or Winter Plans/Goals)

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 4th and runs through Sunday, January 10th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 15 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. – From the Bout of Books team"
  
What better way to kick off the new year than with a week long read-a-thon?  I've participated in the Bout of Books read-a-thon quite a few times now and it is always a fun experience.  It also usually really helps me to prioritize getting some extra reading time in.  I'm hoping this will get my 2016 reading year off to a really great start.  I'm going to need the boost as the kids go back to school this week AND it is my first full week back to work after the holidays.  Blah!  I'm also going to use this read-a-thon to help me boost up my numbers for #COYER.  A win/win scenario if I do say so myself.  

I don't have any set goals other than I would like to finish at least two books.  I will be choosing from the books in my January reading pile.  If one of those isn't calling my name then I will just switch it out with something different from my kindle.  It isn't like I don't have plenty of books just waiting to be read.

#FitReaders hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

I'm also planning on participating this year with #FitReaders.  I thought that I would share my goals for January with all of you (even though I find this quite scary....what if I don't meet them?)  I haven't always been the most motivated person but I have taken running back up since last year.  It was a year of running and then not running with huge gaps in between.  This year I would like to really focus and run more consistently throughout the entire year.  Besides my running partner and I have a personal goals to run a half marathon this year so I need to get more serious about it!

For the month of January my exercise goals are the following:

• Do Jillian Michael's 30 day shred video every day.

• Run minimum 30 miles over the entire month of January.

These both seem pretty doable to me but I always have great intentions and then things fall to the wayside.  I don't run on the treadmill very well (I despise it to be honest) so it will be a challenge to motivate myself to run distances on it.  Hopefully the weather will allow me to get outside and run once in awhile.  I have made it past the 2nd workout on the shred video but the 3rd workout really kicked my butt.  I really, really want to finish and do all thirty days of it.  Only time will tell though. 

I've got lots of plans for the new year so I need to get my butt in gear!  Are any of you also participating in either of these events?  Let me know so we can cheer each other on!!  Trust me when I say that I can ALWAYS use the extra motivation when it comes to working out :)