Aikido · Crossfit · cycling

November goals

Sam B

helo november

I find it helps to have short term goals, medium term goals, and long term goals. Five years from now, what do I want to do be doing? What do I want to do next summer? But also, what do I want to do in November?

I’ll confess that November isn’t my favorite month. It’s the start of the cold and the dark, for one. It’s also the anniversary of my sister’s death and that makes me sad. And it’s also that point in the university term when I’m up to my ears in meetings, writing letters of recommendation, grading papers, preparing lectures, giving talks, etc etc etc.

So it’s good to have something else to focus on. For November I have three things I want to accomplish.

First, I’m training to test in Aikido. There’s no guarantee that I’ll get to test. Lots to learn and new skills to master between now and the test date, November 22. I’m committed to the process even if my progress is slow. Aikido, like yoga, is a practice. You can read about what’s on my test here: Training for my 4th Kyu Test in Aikido.

Second, I’m getting back to CrossFit  after taking the summer off due to injury (stupid knee), learning to once again to fit early morning high intensity exercise back into my schedule. The challenge is, as always, getting to bed early enough so I can get eight hours sleep and make it to a 6 am workout. The math isn’t pretty.

Third, I’ve never used a trainer over the winter before though I’ve done other things. See Seven winter cycling options (I’ve tried them all!) But this winter I’ve committed to working with a cycling coach and that’s part of our plan. I bought the trainer below and it just arrived in the mail. Now that weekday evening rides are over, Tracy and I will be both taking trainer classes with Coach Chris. and with Cheryl of Happy is the New Healthy. I hope to still get out on my actual bike in the actual outdoors on the weekends when I aim for the middle of the day when it’s lighter and warmer.

November can be a tough month for me fitness wise. University life is super busy, there’s no challenging rides to keep in shape for, and it’s tempting to let everything slide, rest, and start fresh in January. But this year I have other plans. A change is as good as a rest, my grandmother used to say.

Wish me luck!

What do you have planned for November?

Published by Sam B

Philosopher, feminist, parent, and cyclist! Co-founder of Fit Is a Feminist Issue, co-author of Fit at Mid-Life: A Feminist Fitness Journey, published by Greystone Books.

10 thoughts on “November goals”

  1. I assume you were invited to test in November? If so, congratulations! Good luck with your training – I’m sure you’ll be ready.

    Interesting differences between your dojo and mine. At my dojo, you decide when you are ready to test, and failing a test now and then is not uncommon. This morning I will be attending a Dan test, where my current instructor will be testing for his next rank. (I expect him to pass.)

  2. I got more warm clothes after yesterday’s chilly ride. I also got a trainer at Mountain Equipment Co-op. We are cleaning out the front room for rollers & trainer space. Brrrrrrrrr

  3. Good luck with your November goals. I’m excited about the bike class with Chris too. Your post made me think about goals, and I’ll blog about them this week too. Thanks.

  4. I have a spreadsheet that blends running, erging, and weightlifting, but really, I hear you on the cold, dark. It’s hard. Someday, I’ll have an erg in my home and then it will be that much easier.

  5. I have a spreadsheet that blends running, erging, and lifting. But really, I hear you on the cold and dark. It’s hard. I want to blend aerobic and power work, and not hate winter quite so much this year because really, I love winter.

  6. What great goals for this time of year…good for you! Am ready a bit disenchanted with my routine going into November so I’ll be thinking of them this week too…..Thanks for the reminder!

  8. I am trying to reframe November – like you, this month has some painful memories for me. I am trying to work on finding ways to embrace November. I’m also using this month to try and figure out a good, workable winter workout schedule for myself. This will be my first winter having a studio to work out in, so I am trying to find the right balance.

  9. My November goal is to not drop off. I find myself always dropping off as the holidays and travel rolls around. The biggest test will be a trip to Iowa at the end of the month….the weather is SO much different than that at the beach in NC.

    Best wishes for hitting your goals!

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