Last year I set off on my goal to lose weight and get back into shape by running. I did Weight Watchers as well. It was a HUGE help to me to teach me more about portion sizes, what foods are better choices, and overall better eating habits. Highly recommended. You can read more about all of this on My Weight Watchers Story.
I never really thought I would like running as much as I do. It seemed rather boring and painful. It’s proven to be just the opposite. I began walking and hiking for 2 months or more, and then finally on April 1st I began to run… barely.
It was tough going at first, but I built up from about 2 minutes to running my first 5K on Memorial Day. I ran other 5K, and then a 10K in September. My ultimate goal for 2011 was to run the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon, which you can read about here. I did that in November.
Overall in 2011, I ran a total of 425 miles. That’s pretty darn good, from being a slug who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs, to running that far.
2012 Goals
I have several goals regarding running in 2012.
First of all, I want to reach 1,000 miles. That’s going to be quite a stretch for me. That means I am going to have to average 19-20 miles per week to pull this off. I’m already behind schedule.
Second of all, I am going to run at least two half marathons this year. I have my first one scheduled for March 25th in Dallas. That will help out my weekly mileage as I’ll be running about 25-30 miles per week in the weeks leading up to that race. I may try and insert a 3rd half marathon late in the year to help me reach my fifth running goal below.
Thirdly, I am going to run my first marathon later this year. I am still trying to pick out the right one at the right time. Running a marathon has been one of the things that has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Certainly, the weekly mileage leading up to this race will give me a boost toward my first goal.
Fourth, I am going to run shorter races throughout the year to help with motivation, encourage my family for them to run, and be a part of the competition of the race. I know I want to run the American Heroes Race 5K on Memorial Day again, as well as the Tour de Fleur 10K in September. Other than that, I may try some small races to see if I can place in any of them.
Fifth, and this is my big one. This will actually spill over into 2013, but I want to run the Goof and a Half race at Disney World in January 2013. This is a half marathon on Saturday, followed by a full marathon on Sunday. 39.3 miles in two days!
This is my goal that will stretch me and keep me moving foward. This is the big prize that I’m shooting for. If it ain’t big, then it ain’t a goal. Traci thinks it’s a bit crazy, but I’m ready to go for it.
Today’s my day off from running. I’m gonna do a little Bowflex, shower, and get back to work.
Planning my year!