January 2, 2011

New Year, New Me



Hello, 2011!!!!! It's kind of weird that I would start this year kind of injured. What's even weirder is that I don't feel that stressed out about it. I am not totally benched. I have been running every-other day, 10ish miles before an Achilles flare-up occurs. I am being cautious. I have increased my weight lifting routine to try to preserve muscle mass and supplemented my exercise routine w/ the stationary bike. I think the elliptical is more like running, but that aggravates the Achilles as much, if not more, than actually running. I think because it engages the calf muscle and my Achilles pain is in the upper part, where it attaches to the calf.

So... yeah, I am HUNGRY to get out there and train my butt off. I am even hungrier for that Sub 3. I guess 2010 taught me to accept the things you can not change, and you will be grateful for the outcome.

Ignoring the sorta-injury, let's discuss my running goals for 2011.

1) Participate in different types of events, stepping out of my usual running "box."
I already have a few things in mind for this. I am doing the Ragnar Relay w/ a team from Mobile in February. That will be a new and fun adventure for me. TP and I were talking last night and we have decided to do a team adventure race. I have done one and he has done a few in the past. We think we have a good shot at being successful as a co-ed team. Plus, he has 2 kayaks, so I will be able to overcome that weakness. Also, I am TOYING with a 50K. TP has done 3 of them, all trail ones. I have my eye set on a road 50K this fall. If Sub 3 is still hanging over my head, I may do a key marathon instead.

2)PR in the Half Marathon
I feel like I don't have "control" over this racing distance. I'm not really sure why, but I just don't feel successful in 13.1. I want improve here.

3) Break 19 in 5K.
I did this unofficially last month. So if I find a decent race and plan well, I should be able to do this.

4) Lead a pace group for a marathon.
I would LOVE to lead the 3:40 group, considering this remains the BQ for ladies.

And, drum roll, please...
5) Run a stinkin' Sub 3 Marathon

So, now onto personal goals.

1) Do not settle out of fear of the unknown.
This has been a real area of weakness in my life. I have some big decisions to make this year regarding my current living/job situation. Sometimes you have to take risks to get the "prize."

2) Learn to trust again.

3) Rest my body and spirit more, and stop being so critical of myself.
I will always continue to work hard in all areas of my life. Sometimes you face things you can't control. Sometimes you just have to be the best you can be take the words of Tony Horton, "Do your best, and forget the rest." And from Train, "and the rest is just whatever."

4) Invest more time in my faith.
Bitterness and heartache have pushed me away from my Christian beliefs. Ironically, this was the time I needed the Lord the most. Thankfully, I was not abandoned. I made it to the other side as a new person.

5) Be a good friend.
I have been a selfish friend. I have not given to my friends in the same way they have given to me. I am so fortunate to have my friends, and I need to do better to reciprocate that friendship.

So, that's a wrap! Track starts in a few weeks and I am SOOOOOOO excited! I've been working on our racing schedule the past few days. :) I'm hoping to blog about that stuff soon, too!

Happy New Year, friends! Run strong!

13 comments:

  1. Have a great 2011 season

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  2. Great goals! I particularly like the one about being a pacer. I hope to do that someday too. I think 2011 will be your year for a sub-3:00. Hope the nagging injury goes away fast!

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  3. Anonymous1/02/2011

    yay for goals. and you should come up here and pace me :)

    can't wait to see you just crush a sub-3 this year. and i can't wait to see your racing schedule either.

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  4. Love the goals! This will be your year!!!

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  5. Happy late Birthday! I feel like such a blog stalker, but I have been meaning to wish you a happy birthday, and I can't forget your birthday because it is my birthday too. When I started reading your blog a couple years ago, I remember you saying how old you were (maybe it was on runner's world) and we happen to have been born on the same day, same year! I think it is kind of cool. The main difference between us is about 4 min. per mile! Ha ha! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I am really impressed with you as a runner and a person. I wish you all the best this year and may you accomplish all your goals!!!

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  6. Anonymous1/02/2011

    Happy Birthday!! Looks like a great goal list for 2011!! I can't wait to read all about your adventures! You are such a wonderful person! :)

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  7. Great goals! With patience and hard work you should have no problem!!

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  8. Injuries are temporary. God and friends are not...and running is fun, therefore you're gonna have a great two-zero-one-one!! That's all the uber-lame poetry I got:P

    Hoping to cross paths sometime this year!!

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  9. Anonymous1/03/2011

    Happy New Year, Rebecca! I like your running goals, but I like your personal goals even more. One of the things I'm trying to work on in 2011 is to be less better about things that have happened in my past. (I already started, sending an email to hopefully repair what was once a very meaningful friendship)

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  10. Love your positivity. Maybe one day you can be the pace leader and I'll be in that 3:40 group. Here's to a great 2011!

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  11. Best of everything to you in 2011.

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  12. Those are some great goals! I'm glad to hear you still have some mobility despite our injury.

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  13. Anonymous1/25/2011

    You goals sound very interesting!

    I run with the Kenyan Way group.

    Feel free to come by Second (SBC), you are always welcome.

    Brandon

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