It’s time to admit I may not have made it…

It’s time to resolve to do better this year!

I haven’t set my resolutions for this year yet, I’m pondering those this week. I have some ideas…trying to make them measurable and meaningful.

For now…the check on last year’s resolutions:

1) I resolve to continue the better shape goal. I am aiming to enter more races than I did this year…or at least longer ones. Last year there were five 5k’s, one 4-miler, and one 8k. This year, there WILL BE at least one 10K. I’m not sure that marathon…or even half…will ever be on my radar. But, i will admit, it is kindof fun to see how much I can do, and gain that new accomplishment pride all over again. I also aim to be a motivator to my friends and co-workers in this goal.

Okay…this year, there were 4 5k’s, one 4-miler, and one 8K. Wow, it felt like I ran more than that. I never did get the 10K run. It isn’t that i can’t do the distance. I have run it in practice a few times, it just never worked out to get to an actual 10K race.

Fun to see how much I can do?? Still is. I often find myself setting out to run a couple quick miles at the gym and end up pushing myself to 3.5 or 4 miles just to see if i can still get it done. There is a certain sense of accomplishment that comes with it – even if it is still less than 5 miles. It’s way more than I would have ever considered running 2 years ago and there are no plans to stop!

I think I have motivated people – friends and co-workers. We all check in with each other and see what we’ve been doing on the workout front. Some of us even workout together. I think we’ve all become healthier in the last year. Thanks to each other! It makes quite a difference to have a strong support network! (and one that will push you to your limit!)

So…on this goal – fail on the 10K and more races overall. I’ve got to be missing one…to at least tie last year – I’ll have to double check the records! But…win on the continuing on the journey. Last year (2010) I worked out a total of 255 days out of the year…2011 brought 305. It’s all about the numbers to me. This year I’m aiming for 306 at least.

I also attempt to run 13 miles a week. Some weeks are better than others – and some weeks I flat out don’t run at all. I think it’s better for my mental health.

Resolution #2 from last year:

2) I resolve to try harder when it comes to recognizing what people do for me. It has always been a habit to say “thank you” to people when they do something for me. I say thank you every day to the people that take care of my children, to the people that come to the library (therefore sustaining my job), and to the people that wait on my table. Basically, I say thank you to everyone. I hope that my children have noticed…I know my son has…he usually won’t stop saying thank you until you respond with a “you’re welcome”. In a entitlement society…I resolve to not become a part of that mentality and to make sure people get the thanks and recognition they deserve, if only by that simple “thank you” I can provide.

I am proud to say that this year we have all said thank you more! We have made it a priority to teach our children manners – and noticing what people do for you is a big part of that. Now, when saying thank you to someone, I don’t merely say it and walk away. I make sure I look the person in the eye and tell them thanks, and often add how much I appreciate it. Sometimes this shocks people. Sad to see that the simplest thing – a heartfelt thank you – happens so infrequently that people are surprised when it happens.

I say bring on 2012. Let’s all resolve to blow this year’s resolutions out of the water. Whatever they may be. Make sure to check back toward the end of the week for this years goals…and I welcome you to take the journey with me…whether by following along, or jumping right in.

Well, I was looking through pictures at work the other day and found this one.

It’s kind of cute, don’t you think??

Sorry…I’d gotten behind on blogging and had to catch up first. I’m like that.

What a gorgeous day for a run! Last year, if you’ll reminisce with me, you’ll remember it was a balmy 38 degrees. It left us wishing for appropriate running clothes, and a warmer spring.

This year, 57 degrees at race time and beautifully sunny, which left us wishing we hadn’t worn so many clothes by the time it was done.

Beth picked me up on this beautiful morning and we were off to meet Stacey in Cedar Falls.  (I cropped the picture because I didn’t like how the lower half of my body looked in it…but now realize you’re missing the best part – Beth’s pink sweatpants! They were the perfect thing for her to wear – if we got separated in a crowd, I could usually locate the pink pants!)

Don’t we look excited?

I wish one of us had brought a camera to the run…that way we could have gotten Stacey in the picture too. And we could have had a victory photo. Not victory for winning…victory for finishing of course!

I can’t speak for the other two ladies…but the run was awesome. Mile one felt great…miles two and three just kind of went by… and mile four, well that was probably the hardest for me. We were nearing the end I could tell. I’m not sure where Beth got it, but she found some pocket of unused energy at the end and took off trying to catch a mom pushing a baby jogger before we got to the finish line.

At the end…of course greeted with a buffet of healthy options…fruit, bagels, etc…and then there were the things I chose…a zinger and a ho-ho.

But…I did share.

We have to keep them excited about mommy running too. It’s all about the support system!

And over last year…quite an improvement I’d say.

I don’t know if you can read it at the size I have it posted…

Last years time is on the left: 49:17

This years time is on the right: 42:56

Since my two goals were to run it all and improve on time…i’m feeling accomplished. I’ve got a new goal for next years run though…find that unused pocket of energy, and use it to beat Beth.

Stay tuned for the next run of the season…the library’s own Run Your Buns Off…June 4th!