Tuesday, December 30, 2008 — With the year coming to a close, it's time to evaluate my 2008 goals and set targets for 2009. My exercise goals for 2008 were to lose thirty pounds, break four hours in a marathon and log 1,500 miles on the road.
Looks like I've hit one of the three. That's ok, a look beyond the numbers and I'm pleased with the results. What I learned is that it's easier to stay on track to achieve your goals when you have friends around as your support group.
Sam Griffin whipped me in a weight loss competition. He dropped thirty pounds and I'm a dozen pounds lighter than I was in January.
Dr. Griffin kept me honest throughout the year. Twelve pounds isn’t thirty, but I’m wearing clothes that haven’t come out of the dresser in a while.
The four hour marathon didn't happen either. An IT band injury in September postponed my plans to 2009.
However, I did break two hours in three half-marathons this year. That was a first.
On Dec. 20, I crossed the 1,500 mile threshold on the N.E. Connector on a memorable Saturday morning run. Normally I run with one or two others.
That day I pounded the pavement with Dave Vandeventer, Samantha Smith, Rita Phillips, Betsy Furr, Dana Burleson, Matt Greene and Scott, the saxophone player from the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Two miles into the run we were heading up 24/27 when Scott joined our pack for part of the run.
He had played in the concert at the Ag Center the night before and was out for a jaunt.
He is from Wisconsin and likes running and traveling. Scott said they are on the road 48 weeks each year. One of his goals is to write a book about running while traveling.
I have four goals for 2009 - lose twenty pounds, break four hours in a marathon, log another 1,500 miles and ride my bike from downtown to the top of Morrow and back twenty times in 2009.
The bike ride is something new. I got that idea from Curt Eury. One of his goals for 2009 is to make the ride for each year of his life. I figure that I may lose a pound or two by joining him on one-third of his rides.
Thanks to all I’ve shared the road with this year. There were many days that I wanted to bail on a run, but knowing others were at the Y ready to go, got me to the starting line.
As you set your goals for the new year, share them with your friends. It will make your journey much easier.
Comments can be sent to peter@vacanddash.com.
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