Looking Back, Looking Ahead

If you told me in April of 2007 that I’d become a three-time marathon finisher, Boston Marathon qualifier, and someone who ran 1/2 marathons for fun (in less than 18 months), I’d have said you were nutty. Because last April I had just completed my first marathon – slowly and painfully – and was convinced I’d never run 26.2 again.

But that quickly changed. And I’ve changed. A lot. So, I think it’s time I took a mid-year inventory to see where I stand with my New Year’s Resolutions, my running goals, and my personal goals.

Here’s the list of 2008 New Year’s Resolutions

1. Eat a piece of fruit everyday

Whoah. I forgot all about that resolution sometime in mid-February. I’ve revolutionized my eating habits (thanks to a chance meeting with a naturopathic student at Whole Foods). Now I eat salads for breakfast! I’ve broken my soy latte addiction and think apples taste like candy! My original motivation behind the resolution was to eat more healthfully. Complete success there. A+

2. Complete Boston and one other marathon

Check! Completed the Boston Marathon and re-qualified for next year! Actually, I’ve got three more planned, for a total of four marathons for 2008 (if I stay healthy and happy). The goal behind that resolution was to continue my commitment to running. Wow, have I ever!? I had no idea that running would become such a central part of my life.

3. Read, Read Read. (Unofficial resolution was to read the top 10 books of the NYT recommended book list.)

B – Does reading blogs count? I’ve been reading more and have checked off three and a half books from the NYT list, but seriously, between running and working and reading blogs, when do I have time to finish a novel? No excuses. I don’t have a TV, so this resolution shouldn’t be so hard to keep.

4. “The Year of the Fun Runs.” Run at least one race each calendar month.

So far, so good. I’ve spent a mint on race fees and received many t-shirts that are much too large for me to wear, but this resolution has been a fun challenge. Without it I’m not sure I would have signed up for the trail marathon. This resolution has been so much fun to keep. (See the “My Races” page for details)

What’s Going Well:

Running obviously. I’ve established PRs and moved lightyears ahead of where I was last year. I’ve transformed from recreational jogger who wanted to complete a marathon to someone who is, indeed, a runner.

Nutrition and Gut Health: I’ve suffered with a cranky, mean-tempered stomach for years. This year I’ve made dramatic changes to my diet and I’ve seen there is a clear connection between food/diet and health. (Personal shout out to someone who positively influenced these changes!)

What’s I Can Improve On:

I need to sleep more. I need to lift more weights and I need to clean my apartment more often.

This entry is part of the Runner’s Lounge Take It and Run Thursday (TIART) series. Runner/writers pool their collective knowledge and share their insights with other runners.