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I got off to a soggy start and it pretty much went downhill from there, culminating in not one but two injuries that derailed my fall marathon plans. Oh and let's not forget the pair of BDD Pukie Awards.
Miraculously, of the 10 races I ran, I eked out AG placements at five of them.
How does one rise from the ashes of a less than stellar year?
My plans for 2012 are brought to you by the letter C:
Connection
For me running has become less of a quest for PRs/BQs and more of a way to connect with friends and just have fun.
I've joined a new running group: This includes some group coaching. For once I won't be using the plan I've followed since the beginning of time.
Here's how the racing schedule is shaping up so far. Way more destination action happening in 2012!
January: Carlsbad 1/2 Marathon
February:
March: March Madness Half
April: Blue Ridge Marathon?? Half?? Jury's still out.
May: Wisconsin Half Marathon
June: Ragnar Relay Madison to Chicago
July: RnR Chicago
August:
September: RnR Denver
October: Marine Corps Marathon
November: NYC Marathon?? I had a very vivid dream about this one just last night. Hmmm....
December:
Challenges
I will do a duathlon in 2012.
I know I said this last year and did not deliver. But I did ride Blanche a LOT and built considerable riding confidence this year. I just need to pull that duathlon trigger already.
I've become a Certified Wellness Coach. More on that coming up.
I will continue in my role as a Figure Skating Coach.
Care
I know I'm not alone on this one: I already take care of everyone else in the house, but I need to take better care of myself.
Although I know I need to see the doc, PT, chiro, massage therapist for running injuries, it still seems indulgent and I feel guilty doing it.
If I took better care of myself, perhaps I wouldn't have been injured in the first place.
As much as I loathe seeing Notorious for myofascial release (ass cheek therapy for the angry high hamstring) deep down I know this is something I should be doing on a regular basis.
Consciousness
I will continue with 15 minutes of quiet time every morning, setting my intentions for the day.
Over the past 6 weeks I laid the groundwork for new habits that include decluttering, not procrastinating, overall creating better time management and energy flow around here. I hope to stay on this path into the new year.
What one thing do you most hope to do/accomplish in 2012?
Any fun plans for New Year's Eve?
We'll be home roasting marshmallows, playing games and maybe watching the ball drop.
Great goals!
ReplyDeleteI just noticed that we are both running in the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago half marathon, my husband and I are making it our destination race this year!
I also will have the goal of doing a duathlon this year (plus a triathlon). I think it is a great goal!
Decluttering is my only non-fitness related goal. I have this thing with junk mail. It seems to procreate in my home and I can't stand it!
ReplyDeleteI'm also planning on running Marine Corps ;-) And I might do some spectating at NYCM also. You have a very exciting schedule so far!
mmm - marshmallows!!
ReplyDeletehope your new run group is a good fit. i'm going to be doing long runs with a local group starting next weekend! :)
great goals - simplifying is one of my goals, and healing. We are celebrating East Coast New Years at a neighbors so our kids will be in bed at a relatively normal hour...
ReplyDeleteI am interested in reading more about your wellness coaching! Also- the 15 minutes of quiet time would be a hard goal to reach for me- but most useful.
ReplyDeleteNot sure yet what our plans for New Year's eve are, but I hope you have a great one!
That sounds like an excellent plan. I'm excited to hear about your duathlon which you will undoubtedly rock!
ReplyDeleteFor New Year's we're hanging out with friends playing board games until around 10 and then home to bed because I turn into a pumpkin if I don't get enough sleep. :D
I was wondering what fall marathon(s) you were going to choose....I had a very vivid dream about Chicago Marathon...hummmmm. If you aren't running it, then the weather should be good, and I can crash at your house! ;)
ReplyDeleteI no longer feel a tug at those illustrious PRs, now I just want to get stronger and fitter....and see what the body can do. I'm so far away from that right now, and I miss it. And want it.
I will be working NYE for awhile and then Abbey may come home and we'll watch a movie (the boys are going to poker night with a friend). If she doesn't come home then I'll probably spend the night getting caught up on blogs :). Happy New Year, my friend! Can't wait to start off the year seeing you!!
Love ya!
You have some seriously fun races lined up! I can't wait to follow you as you train for them and meet your other goals this year. Enjoy the marshmallows and games! It will probably be a movie night for me.
ReplyDeleteYAY! So excited you joined a club, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it. And if you are ever in the mood for some lazy slow (for you!) miles, you've got my number...
ReplyDeleteI guess I need to officially sign up for the WI half, huh? I loved that race...
(psssst...1000 miles is happening TODAY)
NYE is a quiet-ish night with some friends. All our kids go nuts, so I guess it really isn't all that quiett.
I'm not sure on big goals for the next year, but I'm seriously considering a 50k, and I've committed to a 24-hr adventure race in March.
ReplyDeleteOur New Year's will be spent at home with extended family and lots of food and games, and either NYE or Jan 1 we'll go for a family hike.
The one thing I want to do next year is just find the quiet spot. The place where my mind is at peace. This is huge!
ReplyDeleteI hope 2012 is everything that you envision it to be!
Looks like a great year ahead! I'm interested in hearing more about your wellness coaching.
ReplyDeleteNYE is a quiet night with the kids -- fondue, movies and Wii games :)
Challenges, care, consciousness...love it! It sounds like you're going to have a great year!!
ReplyDeleteI may be doing RnR denver too...maybe we can do a bloggy meetup?
Great goals! They seem totally realistic and doable.
ReplyDeleteAs for me - What one thing do you most hope to do/accomplish in 2012?
I would like to run 2 halfs and pay off some debt.
Any fun plans for New Year's Eve?
We will just be hanging out at home and playing games with the girls, I'm excited though.
That 15 minutes of quiet time each morning sounds pretty nice. I should probably give that a try.
ReplyDeleteYou won't be sorry about the Marine Corp Marathon. I wonder if I'll ever run a race that tops that one? I have my doubts. Wasn't about time for me but the crowds were overwhelming. So much emotion involved. I'm like you as well, looking for a coveted spot in the ING :)
Ok I am very lame when it comes to New years eve, and even when I was in my 20's I never really got into it. I'll be in bed before midnight!!! My biggest goal of 2012 is to GET TO THE START of this marathon healthy and run the best race ever!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest goal for the coming year is to run well in my first marathon (Cowtown / February 26th). Other than that, I really want to just maintain my weight and continue to improve physically so I can be around and active as my son grows.
ReplyDeleteWork will also be a challenge, since they have put all their "profit potential" eggs in a single (and in my opinion, shakey) basket. We have been told in no uncertain terms that if profit goals are not met, then cuts will be made. As such, I really need start polishing up my resume and take the time and effort to complete a Project Management certification...that "might" help in a future job search (couldn't hurt).
Mainly though, regardless of our upcoming year of financial uncertainty, I just want to grow closer with my family, and be happy. Perhaps not attach so much of my self-worth to my ability to live financially at the level we have been living, with the mortgage on our home (in the event we lose it due to an extended unemployment), and with what I do to bring money into the house. I want to really internalize the fact that I'm a husband, father, and avid runner and cyclist...not a Project Manager
Great schedule and plan! The Wisconsin Half in May is on my list again though doing a half the next day on my 40th sounds more appealing. But You have a great plan!
ReplyDeleteNice goal setting, Marcia....and I love the way you've got your year planned out. Normally, I would have done that by now, but with Boston looming on the horizon, I'm just going to see how that goes and then plan accordingly. I've been thinking of doing the MCM for some time, so that might be a possibility. Not sure about NYC...might save that for another year?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I would LOVE to get some AG placements in my races, but I'm just too darn slow!
All the best!
Looks like a great racing season along with some pretty good goals. I'm sure you'll excel at all you set out to do. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about the Galena Duathlon - Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYay for lots of great plans for 2012! I'd love to meet you in NY. :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWe are just taking it easy on NYE! Going out to dinner and relaxing. NYE is always overrated haha.
ReplyDeleteLove all your planned races, you are so ambitious, it's motiving. I need to figure out an agenda for next year..TBD!
Sounds like a great plan for 2012! I'd love to run Marine Corps one day....just not next year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I have to admit, I was a little bummed to see that your list didn't include "cookies". What would Cookie Monster say about this?
ReplyDeleteDo the DU...you will have a blast. Have a great 2012.
ReplyDeleteGreat goals! Your 2012 schedule looks awesome!!! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI like all these goals. I'm still trying to figure out what mine will be, but decluttering definitely needs to be included in the non-running category!
ReplyDeleteWonderful plans for 2012. I cannot wait to watch it all unfold. Your motivation is very inspiring to me. :)
ReplyDeleteAre you seriously a figure skating coach?!
ReplyDeleteI love the 4C's. I'm on a similar path - trying to use this week and next to set some household routines and expectations to help me meet my own goals.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! You'll rock in 2012!
Great plans for next year! Really like the Care and Consciousness idea. Taking good care of yourself will allow you to take even better care of others. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletei hope to say no. i am terrible at it. i am going to only do things i want to do, not feel obligated to do. and i’m headed to the auburn game on nye. got lucky that it is in ATL this year. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Congrats on placing in half of your races! That is awesome!
ReplyDeleteMy BiL and I are doing the WI Half together. I hope you get in to NYC! I loved it :) My first goal for 2012 is to break my 5K PR :)
I think you're going to have a great 2012. You've got a plan in progress and as long as the body holds out okay there's no reason why it can't work well. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOkay I totally think your 2011 was awesome, so I cant wait to see your 2012, i love your goals and love how you set them up!
ReplyDeleteI'm out of town and haven't really thought through what 2012 holds for me running wise. More than anything I want to focus on family next year. Have you read "the Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin? You need to.
ReplyDeleteI am liking that January race!
ReplyDeleteI want to come cheer you and Jill!
Happy New Year!
I am trying to stay up to see the ball drop
for the last 4 yrs I am 0 for 4 for that...
we will see!
Have fun with that duathlon! I wish we had more of them around here. Like your connection goal.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a 2012 full of accomplishments. Nice scheduled plan for the next year: good luck.
ReplyDeleteTake better care about ourselves is a very good decision and this doesn't mean to be selfish. In 2012 I included in my routine physio and thermal baths: both worked.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
Happy New Year!! It looks like you've got a great plan going for the year. I love that you've carved out a specific category for taking care of yourself - so important.
ReplyDeleteI think I was in bed by 10 last night. :^)
ReplyDeleteI love your four Cs, but especially the part about RnR Denver. I would love to finally meet you.
As always you have a great post and great goals. I do want to finish a half marathon this year..but most important, I want to figure out what is most important to me...after so many years of putting someone else before me, I now am faced with figuring out how to take care of me! Not an easy task..I think you probably can relate!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good plan for the new year. Here's hoping to stay healthy and injury free. Exciting news on the new training group - I hope you love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat goals and looks like a good schedule! I really hope that you are able to stay healthy this year! It seems like there are a lot of Chicago area bloggers doing the Wisconsin half this year...I've heard good things about it and its starting to tempt me. BUT its a bit of a drive from this side of the city and I'll have to see what the school schedule is like as well! However, I AM doing RnR Chicago again :)
ReplyDelete