New look, new title

I have Jenn to thank for part of the title, the "mission accomplished" part. Thanks for the input, Jenn!

The mission was the marathon, and that's over (yes, I realize it was 2+ mos ago). Now I need to move on to another goal. I won't stop running, but for now, half marathons will be my max. I will run another marathon, but I have other things I'd like to accomplish first, like going back to school. I figure between work, family & school, marathon training is out for now. I can't commit to the time it takes.

So, that said, it is New Year's Eve. Like alot of you out there, I have been pondering over the past year, as well as the upcoming one. It was a good year, but there is always room for improvement, changes and new goals.

A big goal is fitness - getting back to regular running and occasional weight training. Nutrition is another - time to put away all the holiday crap. My other big goal is school. Specifically, cosmetology. I've wanted to do it for years, but finally have found the right fit with the school. The one I choose has a very flexible program, and offers a free first 40 hours to try it out.

I'm excited, and a bit nervous about figuring out how to make it all work, but am confident it will all happen.

There's other things too, like continuing to keep in mind that I can only control myself and not how others act; keeping in touch with friends & family more often and trying to be more patient and less defensive!

So, as 2008 ends and we ring in 2009, here are a few sayings from my vast list:

** Don’t be afraid. You needn’t slay the beast nor scale the entire mountain. That’s not how it’s done. You only need to move through today. Think of the distance you’ve already covered. Focus on your strengths. Let each new step remind you of your freedom. Let every breath you take remind you of your power. Seek out friends and guides, they’re anxious to help.

** The only way to get what you really want, is to know what you really want. And the only way to know what you really want, is to know yourself. And the only way to know yourself, is to be yourself. And the only way to be yourself is to listen to your heart.

** A positive attitude has nothing to do with what happens to you. It's what you do with, and how you react to, what happens to you. Your humor, internal belief system, and your ability to look at things from a different perspective. That's the key to a positive attitude. Stuck in traffic, NO PROBLEM! Turn on the radio and laugh! It's all how you look at life!

Happy New Year, see you in 2009!

I need a new blog title..

since it's not about Chicago '08 anymore. Been there, done that. Not in the time I wanted, but I'm over that. I started, I finished. Tadaaa....

So, if anyone has any great ideas, let me know. And yes, I do plan to actually start blogging again. It's been a busy month. But, the new year is upon us, and I'm excited about that. Be sure to check back for the spiffy new title and look..

Happy New Year!

It's time..

to get motivated again. I read an article the other day about starting up again after taking way too much time off from running (for various reasons - too busy, injury, etc.). The goal is to EASE back into it. I'm not so good at easing into anything. I'm much better in jumping in with both feet, regardless of consequences.

At this point, there is no reason for me to run a zillion miles at one time. It's freezing outside with snow on the ground, so that makes it more difficult. All I have to do is a few miles, a few times a week. If I feel like getting crazy, I throw in some weight training. Really, how hard is that?

I need to sign up for a race, something to give me motivition. I'd love to say I'm running for the sheer enjoyment, but having a goal gets me off my butt alot faster.

There's a half in Kenosha in May, so I think I'm going for that one. Yes, it's in May, so I have time, but at least it's something. I miss running and I miss how I feel when I do it. Running is one of those things that no matter how I feel before the run, I always feel better afterward.

So, run on. You'll find me on the treadmill tomorrow...finally.