Let the training begin!

This week I began training for a half-marathon. Ever since I ran a 10K about four years ago, I always wanted to run a longer race. I made several excuses and a year-long injury set me back. But in December of 2012, I was motivated by a blog post written by national best-selling author Jon Acuff that now was the time. 

Acuff wrote that somebody isn’t a day on the calendar, and I agreed whole heartedly. I threw away my checklist and illusion of perfect conditions and decided Jan. 7 was the day to start. My training began with lifting weights, and I hit the gym with friends. Walking in the gym with support boosted my confidence that I can do this. My friends pushed me to places I never thought I could go. That first day in the gym working my arms, back, legs and abs left me with a degree of soreness I have never felt before. It also left me with the tangible memory that I am stronger than I think I am. 

Yesterday, I ran three miles. It’s been awhile since I have ran that far -  nonstop. Throughout the run, I had to tell myself to keep going. I knew I could run 2.6 miles because I had done it over Christmas break, but I wasn’t sure I could run at a 10-minute a mile pace. 

I ran my first mile at a pace of 9:49 and then slowed down to about 12:00 for my second mile. I speed up for my third mile. When the treadmill read three miles, I was so relieved to be done. But my journey has only begun. 

I know as my training progresses there will be days that I don’t want to lace up my running shoes and the thought of lifting a single weight will make me want to stab myself in the eye. However, I know on the other side of this journey is a higher level of strength and endurance. Two traits I will need in all areas of my life. 

So this week I began a journey. Not just one that will lead me down 13.1 miles, but one that will show me anything is possible with diligence and patience. 

Here’s to never quitting. 

2013: The Year to Do It!!

The New Year always bring in new resolutions and goals. Well - actually- goals tend to roll over from year to year. I think most people do a great job making goals, but the tough part is following through.

I know that's usually where my struggle is. I can make a list of goals with the best of 'em. They'll be ambitious and noteworthy. By March or April, I'm feeling discouraged, and by May, my goals have been abandoned and are collecting dust.

I would create a list of 12 or more goals; however, I have decided that less is more. I'm not as good as multi-tasking and multi-goal reaching as I would like to think that I am so in 2013, I'm keeping it real; and keeping it simple.

I have three goals for 2013. When I complete those, I'll add some more.

Here are my goals:
1. Run a half marathon (Race date: August 2013)
2. Write 200 pages of a spiritual memoir
3. Have poems published in six publications.

I started on the first two goals. I found two training schedules online, and I have written then in my planner. Training starts Jan. 7 and I found two possible marathons for early August. I just have to pick one.

I've been working on my spiritual memoir more often. I typically do all of my creative writing by hand. Eventually, I'll type my spiritual memoir so that I can see how many more pages I need to write.

I think I have taken the most important step which is focusing my mind on achieving those goals. I have found that when I can set my mind to do something, I'm more likely to get it done - no matter what it is.

This year, I am not over-committing to a bunch of goals. I want to take baby steps and reach my goals one by one. This year, I plan to be like the tortoise who wins the race by being consistent and taking it slow and easy. I've tried to be the hare, exerting a lot of energy at the start of the race only to wind up not meeting my goal.

I encourage you to keep it simple this year and for heaven's sake: just do it!