It may not seem like it, but I’ve spent the last several months relatively goal-free. No, really . . .
For the first time since October 2008, I have not been “training” for something . Sure, I’ve been running and cycling, but it’s finally been just for fun. Coaching a half marathon group – without having a “goal race” myself – was fantastic because I got to focus on helping others achieve their goals. Cycling, as it turns out, wasn’t just great cross-training, but also an incredibly fun and much-needed break in my routine. I’ve met some great people and gained a ton of strength and tenacity. I won’t be giving it up any time soon.
For the first time since January 2009, I have not maintained my food diary. Three. Whole. Weeks. This is HUGE. I had diligently recorded all of my meals for so long that it was actually hard to stop (at first). This realization made me think that I might have a problem.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I have not had every day planned before the week even begins. I have purposefully avoided planning so that I can decide in any given afternoon what I feel like doing that evening. What a concept, right?
Here’s the catch: Nothing makes you realize how great it is to have goals like accomplishing one.
I’m still uber-energized about being one step closer to Financial Freedom as of this month. (Don’t worry; I’m not going to talk about money again. It seems to spark some interesting comments, not all of which were said to my face – you gotta love that! Lesson learned.)
The elation of seeing our hard work literally pay off has inspired me to set new goals. So, I am putting pen to paper and saying them out loud to you – my closest friends and my anonymous blog-followers.
1. I will run the St. George Marathon on Oct. 2 – and qualify for Boston.
I actually got in to SMG via lottery – amazing! Surely, this means I am destined to get my Boston Marathon qualifying time (a.k.a. to running-junkies as a BQ). I missed my BQ in Chicago by 45 seconds, but it was my first marathon, and I wasn’t really trying to BQ. In fact, I had no idea how the rules worked. So, this will be my first real “try.” Today, right now, before training begins, I am setting a goal of finishing in 3 hours and 30 minutes. I need to run a 3:40 to BQ, but a good friend who also is running SMG needs a 3:30, and I think I’ve got it in me.
2. I will ride the Hotter ‘N Hell 100 – with Brad – on the tandem – in 4 hours.
Okay, reading this back to myself, it sounds a little crazy. Ride 100 miles? Yes. On the tandem? Sure. In 4 hours? Woah! But, on just our fourth tandem ride two weeks ago, we knocked out 60 miles at a 20.8 mph average, so there is hope. We’re both strong, stubborn, and just silly enough to give it a whirl and make it work. And, regardless of the outcome, we’ll have fun trying!
3. I will give myself one day off my food diary each week.
When training starts up again on Tuesday, so does my food diary – proper nutrition is key. I don’t care which day is my free day. The point is that I will have one. Hopefully, this will keep me sane and serve as a reminder that I can eat “right” without recording it all and having a computer tell me I got it “right.”
4. I will be more philanthropic.
I am very blessed to be able to do so many things in life just for me. But, I also believe that I have a responsibility to give back. Last year, I was part of a young lawyers leadership class where we were introduced to an untold number of volunteer opportunities. And, my new firm is seriously dedicated to pro bono legal services. So, I now have all the tools one could possibly need to get more involved. Next month, I will take on my first adoption case. Yippee!
Okay, I think that’s a good start. I have a few other, more personal goals, but I’m not sure they are ready for public consumption . . . yet. 🙂
Bring it on!
