Thursday, December 10, 2009

What will we do next year?

It's that time of year where I look at some basic goals I set out to achieve this past year and to evaluate how they turned out. I really do do this around this time each year in order to assess running, as well as life in general. My top three goals for 2009 1) Finish writing, and publish my book of poems, 2) Win the points race in the Master's Division of the Mississippi Track Club, and 3) Run the New York City Marathon.

Number one will have to be moved to 2010. Who knows, I actually have the layout done! Too much procrastination this year and when I had some free time, I always felt like I needed to be out socially. I really want to get this done but it was also a busy year for me. The book should be around 50 or 60 poems and it's still a personal dream to get it done. The poems share a lot of deep feelings I've experienced through my fathers Alzheimer's disease, that finally took his life in 2004, as well as the pain of a divorce in 2007. But it includes a few poems about my daughters, and hope, as well as 10 or so inspired loved poems.

Running was good for me this year. Another 2,200 miles of running this year including 31 races and goal number two, winning the points race in the Master's Division was achieved. I also went to the Big Apple to run the New York City Marathon! It took three Ipods, eight pairs of running shoes, 50 power gels, 40 cliff bars, and a lot of water, and more important than anything, all my running friends to share the road and stories with in order to get all the those miles done.

In 2010, I want to do two or three marathons, maybe San Diego, Chicago, and another one somewhere! I also want to do a few different races and not necessarily chase the points in my track club. I'd love to do the ING Miami Marathon, but it is doubtful for 2010. I think it would be fun to try a few 400 meter events in the spring. But even more, I'd like to try something totally new, such as learning a new language or taking some type of college course that would be fun.

I've already changed up my weight lifting workouts because a change-up was past due. You should expect the same results with the same workout week-in and week-out. Therefore, if you want to change the outcome, then you have to change what you are doing.

Remember, the best results will come when you challenge yourself, get out of your comfort zone and believe you can do better. Listen to your heart, knowledgeable people, and let the naysayers say "no" all they want, but set your goals as you wish, and never give up.