If you make only one resolution this year, let it be to live boldly. You control this moment. Rather than cautiously test the water, dive straight into life with freeing abandon. Imagine the person you want to be and the life you want to live, then simply commit to them. Believe in yourself. Embrace your beauty. Discover a new passion. And whatever you do, wherever you go, don’t be afraid to make a splash!
**Thanks to Beth at SUAR for sharing this the other day.
Being the seriously goal-oriented person that I am, a list of running-related goals for 2011 was inevitable…so here goes:
After a great Christmas weekend filled with family, great food and lots and lots of laughter, I’m still basking in the after Christmas glow!
Today we’re digging out from the blizzard that hit much of the northeast. Building snow forts with the kids and romping through the snow with my oversized puppy definitely count as my cross-training for today!Â
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| Had to share a pic of my pup in between snow dives! |
My ITB has now had a full week of rest and, with Mother Nature’s help, it looks like it may get a day or two more. I figure there’s no point in stressing about it — if I hope to get this ITB under control and be ready to race again in February than this is the way it has to be now.
So my plan this week is to enjoy the rest, get in some yoga, another TRX class and, of course, more “cross-training” with the kids and the pup!
Ice, Roll, Run, Aggravate….Repeat — That’s pretty much been the cycle with my left ITB for the past two weeks. But this week I’ve finally waved the white flag and am giving my angry left leg the rest it obviously needs.
I went to a TRX demo class last night and my triceps are still not speaking to me! It was a great strength training workout. I signed up for a 6 week session starting in January to help kick the year off right and to help me to hold to one of my 2011 goals to make strength training part of my regular routine.
There is nothing more magical than seeing Christmas through the eyes of your children! Today was the last day of school for my boys and with Christmas less than 2 days away, they can hardly contain themselves! We’ve watched every holiday special multiple times, and I have to say, the Grinch never gets old for them or me.
After some quiet murmurings and occasional declarations that I want to run a half marathon “at some point” — I have finally taken the leap and registered for my first half!
On Memorial Day Weekend, I’ll be taking part in Boston’s Run to Remember. The race is a half marathon through the City of Boston in honor of fallen law enforcement officers. I’m both psyched and nervous to actually have a half on my 2011 schedule!
So I’ll kick the year off with the Hyannis 10k in February and I’m still looking at a bunch of other races for next year, including a couple of other halfs. But first thing’s first….and my first half is finally on the horizon!
A couple of notes to myself after this morning’s run…..
…too much holiday cheer (in the form of a party and many glasses of a very good Prosecco) the night before a long run is ill-advised
…your kids will always wake up early the following morning, so sleeping off said holiday cheer is never an option
…running with perpetual cotton-mouth is also ill-advised and should be avoided in the future
…getting the run done, despite the holiday cheer and rain — oh yeah did I mention it started raining about half way through the run?! — is very satisfying 🙂
Every year I promise myself that I will slow down and actually enjoy the holiday season, instead of sprinting through it, feverishly checking things off my to do list as I go. Well, with 17 days to go until Christmas, let’s just say that I’m moving at a very fast trot…so that’s an improvement.
And, while I was sure that by this point the frigid temps would have kept me indoors, my running time has become an even more necessary respite. It’s a chance to step away from volunteer commitments at my son’s school, gifts to be purchased (or wrapped, or shipped), cards still not addressed, a Christmas dinner menu still to be planned…the list goes on and on. It’s a chance to focus on nothing except putting one foot in front of the other, while Eminem or the Black Eyed Peas provides a little motivation to fight through the chilly headwind.
It’s a chance to re-group, to recharge and lately, I’ve been feeling very grateful that I’ve found running!
My November miles took a serious nosedive — a combination of a motivation vacation and being hijacked by my to-do list! I’m feeling pretty confident that with the Hyannis 10k on the horizon, this case of mileage shrinkage will correct itself.
I love the feel of these shoes and can’t wait to run in them tomorrow! (Product review to come!)
Got a chance to create a training plan for my hubs J to help him get ready for his first 10k. So I’ve introduced him to Smart Coach and Daily Mile and we’re now learning the juggling act needed to incorporate two running schedules into our very hectic family life!
How cold does it have to be before you say no to a run, or at least head for a treadmill?
I am not…repeat not a cold weather kind of girl! But after whining….er, I mean expressing my displeasure with Mother Nature and her never-ending hot flashes this summer, I promised I wasn’t going to complain when the weather finally moved to cooler temps.
Each morning as I run by the bank sign displaying the current temp, I wonder what my threshold is going to be. So far I have surprised myself (and family & friends I might add — yes I’m known as a bit of a cold wimp!) Today it flashed 29 degrees! “It’s brisk! It’s refreshing!” I kept repeating to myself, but actually once I was a mile or so in, it really wasn’t too bad. Besides it gave me a chance to try out my Lucy Propel Run Tights – a birthday present from my hubs back in August. I’m happy to say it was love at first run with these tights!
So what’s your cold threshold? How low do the temps have to drop before you stay indoors? And, what your favorite winter running gear – this girl’s got a wardrobe to build 😉
