Review & Preview

As you can tell from my posts for 2016, not many were made.  Seems I stayed in an injured mode most of the year.  Like all of you, I want to make all of these resolutions (and I still do) but I must say that I learned last year that's not always the best thing to do.  Maybe it's because I'm getting older...or not.  Seriously, one thing I did try to do was to make myself accountable to others by telling them what I was or wasn't going to do.  Everywhere you look, we are advised that to make accountability work is to "announce" it to others.  Unfortunately, that just didn't work for me.  And, because I wasn't able to meet those expectations I stayed in a very low mood most of the year.  I found I would beat myself up for this or that, give up, give in, stop a class, withdraw from meeting with friends to run, sit around a lot, stop going to the gym, etc. and overall most of the year just felt discouraged with myself.  Soooo, this year I'm going to back away from that.  My best is MY best...no one else's!

Yes, I do plan to be accountable but not in that way.  One thing I found that worked for me was doing monthly challenges.  Seems I can stick to a challenge for 30 days better than one that steps on whatever little achievement I may have made.  A time or two, I wasn't able to finish one.  BUT...on the other hand, I pulled out more than I ever thought I could/would because of injuries, sickness, etc. were all around me.  For example, I finished the year with over 1,000 miles on my feet.  There were several times that I wasn't able to do anything but walk; and walk I did, even though I thought the goal wasn't going to get done.

I have made friends with "walking" and I NEVER thought that was acceptable as a runner.  I looked back over a few friends that are runners but had to incorporate walking in order to maintain miles on their legs during illness or injury, even if it lasted a couple of years!  It was then I realized that there's nothing wrong with that.  Secondly, I found that walking helped me get out more where if I had had to run it would not have happened.  My husband has had to make major changes with his sport and because he never gives up, it pushes me out the door.  And, finally, I found it's "okay" to walk...even in a race.  Oh, no!!  Thought I'd never say that...

Eating has become a problem last year.  Off and on, there would be times I would have coughing periods, pulled muscles or injury that kept me from being able to even get out and walk.  So, what's a girl to do??  Eat and sit!!  I'm paying for this now!

At this time, I want to mention a few people that have encouraged me so much without really knowing it.  In other words, I see "them" and what they are going through and their attitude toward their activities.  Moe: who never gives up or stops running...who gives it all in the face of a lot of adversity...she never quits!  Frances: who never quits...it doesn't matter her how fast or slow she is...it doesn't matter that she has grieved so much after losing her mother...she never quits!  Marsha: who after many months of training was unable to complete the race she looked forward to...from what I saw, she was not discouraged but said "there will be more"...she never quits!  Susan and Buck: who never gave up on me...always, always including me in their runs if I was able or felt like going.  There are others but these have meant a lot to me last year.

I know this is weird, especially after having a hard year, but I still "feel" there are many half marathons left in me.  I think of it all the time.  I never see myself as "down" from running except at the exact time I'm doing it.  There's always a race or distance I'm wanting to get out and do.  It's like I am what I was...or maybe what I really am.  So, folks, I'm not finished yet!  Down, but not out!!

Okay, with all of this last year's garbage said, I want to focus on the future.  I have always wanted to do a race series.  One came up recently called Run The Beach Series.  It is comprised of three half marathons.  I went ahead and signed up before the price went up but the first one is in January and is going to push me to get it done.  Training became immediate.  The race will be comprised of running/walking.  The only other time this was "planned" was in 2013 when I broke my shoulder and wasn't able to run for a while.  I've had to start over so many times last year and this year I'm going to push through even if it is a run/walk.  The second half is in February and I'm hoping I will be up to running it all...but...if I'm not there yet, so be it.  It will come!!  The final one will be at the end of the year and there's so much time to assure I'll be running solid by then.

Secondly, I'm going to focus more on losing weight.  Yep...it has gotten way out of control.  There's absolutely no reason I can't do some kind of workout at least every other day.  I can do this...I WILL do this!!  Losing twenty five pounds should be achieved easily.  I'm going to work on this.

Thirdly, I've entered the 1,000 Mile Challenge again this year.  Since I did well in it last year and was down so much, I figure I ought to bust this thing open this year.  Along with this, other challenges will be entered and accomplished.

This year is going to be a better year.  I can just feel it.  I hope I can be an encourager to others as some have been to me.  Remember to surround yourself with those that build you up and has confidence in overcoming disappointments.  They will happen, so move through it.  Never quit!  That was my motto last year and will be again this year.  Beginning NOW, I will be the best I can be with what I have NOW...not what I was or what I will be.  Take care of yourself and reach for the stars.  They are there whether you see them or not.

Being the best I can be...with my shoes ON!  Happy 2017!!