Tuesday, January 01, 2008

A GIFT OF FITNESS.

That's one of the gifts I got for Christmas. Ironically, all the years I have been running or doing tris, do I get anything related to either from my family? Noooo. But I usually do get something along those lines from people I work with. This year was no exception.

One of the gifts was a "Gift of Fitness" which included three 5k race entries for 2008, a nice long sleeved T shirt, a discount coupon for one of two other 2008 races, and a 15% off coupon for shoes at the particular running store, Gazelle Sports.

I used my $5 off coupon for yesterday's race. But it got me thinking about goals for 2008.

Originally, I had all these grandiose ideas of things I wanted to do for 2008, but its looking like my first 2 months of the year will be altered due to Don's injury. Much as I wanted to do either the Missippi Blues half marathon or the Phoenix Rock N'Roll half, traveling right now is out of the question. Possibly in February, so Austin still is a possibility.

But with these three 5k race entries, it got me thinking more and more to trying to not just get by in my races this year but to actually attempt to be competitive again. Yesterday's race was a beginning, but looking back only 2 years, I see how far I have slipped in my competitiveness. I have SO much work to do if I really want to get my 5k times down. I don't expect to come close to anything I did even 5 years ago, but I thinkI can manage going back 2 or 3 years--with a LOT of work.

And I have to admit, I really prefer the shorter, faster distances, mainly because of the good feelings I have after. The longer, slower distances seem more suited for me because I really can go for a long time without running out of steam. But they do not satisfy my desire of accomplishment. Does this make sense??

So right now, I am re-evaluating my plans for 2008. I don't know where this will be going, but I do know I will be doing something!

11 comments:

Sunshine said...

Makes me want to give you a Star Trek send off... "May the force be with you" Is that OK?
We will be cheering and interested in your reports.
Blessings and Happy 2008.

Anonymous said...

The wheels are spinning, and it sounds exciting. I can't wait to read about your journey this year!

Ya know, I hear there's this marathon in Sedona in February...lol. (early Feb. though)

Oh, and what a nice gift from your co-workers!

Marcy said...

That's a pretty sweet gift :-) I like that idea!

Like 5k's better than the longer distances, huh? Better you than me LOL. I hate the hurt that comes along with traveling fast hehe.

jahowie said...

Sounds like you got hooked up to start the new year right. I need to get some races in line.

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

Austin? You know... I'll be running the half at Austin too. I'm just sayin'

Stay tuned...

IronWaddler said...

Nice gift.

Looking foward to reading your 2008 journey wherever it goes.

Bill Carter said...

I think that is a really cool gift! I hadn't even heard of or thought of such a thing. When it comes to being competitive, I think we have to first be competitive with ourselves. PRs, PBs whatever we want to call them can be very motivating.

Best wishes in '08!

zanne said...

what a great gift! whatever you decide to do - short distnaces, longer ones ... i can't wait to hear all about it. you'll be great!

SWTrigal said...

Great gift! Here's hoping 2008 brings less stress and illness for you...
:)

Nancy said...

COOL GIFT!!

Whatever you decide, we'll be here with you. I'd like to have it all (speed and distance), but I should probably be realistic :D

Unknown said...

The "gift of fitness" is an awesome and creative gift!!

And that makes sense (liking the shorter ones because the longer don't give YOU as much sense of accomplishment). I think it is so important to figure out what YOU want to do and then set your goals accordingly. Don't set goals that really aren't aligned to what you want to do, just because they are goals that you think you SHOULD have. Now I hope *that* made sense.