Friday, December 31, 2010

Bring It ON, 2011!

Oh yeah, I am SO READY for a new year! I had a pretty amazing 2010 - did some unexpected things along the way like:
  • ran 12 races...wait, I should amend that to say I went from never having run a race in my life to I RAN 12 RACES in 2010!
  • ended the year with maintaining my weight loss, but actually going down in clothing sizes (thank you, running)
  • quit my job, finally - and welcomed Saturdays back into my life
  • got to visit my best friend in California AND run a race with her
  • reconnected with my childhood best friend (hi Matt!) and my pen pal (hi Linda!)
  • got to go back to Maui where we celebrated my parent's 50th wedding anniversary
  • trained for and actually RAN a half marathon :)

So 2011. What are my plans and goals? Where is my focus?

Writing
New mantra: write first, write often. I often wake up with good ideas to blog/write about, but tend to get lost in blogland and my emails once I sit down at the computer in the morning. I will make a concentrated effort to write first - just for 30 minutes to start - before I delve into my reading, commenting and responding to emails.

Running
Step up my running - not only will I get back to my weekly schedule of running (usually Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, along with my long run on Saturday), but I will (I will, I will, I WILL!) keep up with my long runs once the half marathon racing season is over - I'd hate to lose the base that I've built up.

Also, I want to plan more destination runs - anything from weekend getaways (I have Austin and possibly Dallas coming up) to places a bit further - I'll be in California for the Big Sur marathon, where Barbara, Matt and I will run/walk/climb the hills of Highway One for 10.6 miles, in celebration of Barbara's 50th birthday - woo hoo, fun times! Jeff and I really enjoyed our weekend in Galveston for the Seawall half marathon and would like to do more running vacations. Depending on finances, we are considering heading out to Oregon for the Columbia Gorge (half) marathon in October, and maybe even hit Florida for a visit with my uncle - I'm sure there's plenty of races in his area to choose from.

Fitness
I know, isn't running considered "fitness"? Well, not exactly - I can tell that a few things have changed since I stopped doing my group workouts. Namely, my guns are not as strong as they used to be...hmmm, could that be because I usually forget to do any push ups? Or bicep curls? I'm going to make a set list of upper body workouts and actually schedule it into my training...because trying to remember to do it hasn't worked very well for me. Also, because I'm more of a distance runner than a speed racer, my cardio isn't as good as it should be. So I'm thinking jump rope. I don't have a gym membership which means no machines to get my cardio on, but hey - jump rope gets my heart racing like crazy, and I just happen to own one. So that will go on the set list as well.

Weight
First plan of order is to not gain any. I know that may seem obvious, but really, I need to keep in in the forefront of my mind, forever and always. Just because I managed to maintain my 100 pound weight loss for a year does not mean I'm safe, ever, from regaining it.

Second plan of order is to lose a few pounds - how many, I don't know, because it's not like I've stepped on the scale in a while. I'm not looking for a particular number to weigh or to lose, but I think if I DID lose some weight, running might be a little easier and who knows, I might just pick up my pace a tiny bit. This entire thought is just the *tiniest* bit ironic considering that I'm thinking of entering a race in April that rewards you with all the ice cream you can eat. Always a challenge being me, what can I say?

I'm sure I'll come up with changes and revisions as the year progresses, but I'm really excited to see what unfolds for me in 2011. After the last year, I feel like the possibilities are endless!

28 comments:

  1. Awesome year in review! You have so much to be proud of!!
    We have lots of races here in Florida for you to choose from just keep in mind its warm to hot 9 months out of the year:)
    I like your plans for 2011. I would agree that you should not forget to do some weight lifting upper is good but don't forget the lower body either. Also, you could do pick ups with your running or farleks I think its offically called.
    Happy New Year!

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  2. Thank you for everything you shared with us in 2010 Shelley. It's so motivating to have someone who has met goals write about what living life in the "now" is like! I'd say your future's so bright, you'd better wear shades!

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  3. You've had a great year and I enjoyed reading your blog this year very much. You're an inspiration.

    We have two of the same plans for next year. First is the long runs, after my half in April my plan is to keep on doing them.

    Second is that my plan is to run a half marathon at least once a year in a different country. There are lots of races to choose from in Italy and who knows, maybe one day one in the USA (Texas f.e. :) ) too.

    You are going to have a great 2011 and I look forward to follow you along the way.

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  4. Oh and a little tip: whenever I have a great idea and no access to my computer I write it down in a few words on a piece of paper or take a note in my phone.

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  5. What a great year you have had. I am so honored to have been part of it. Thank you for ALL the support and inspiration you have given me.

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  6. What Helen said.
    Plus, you are an inspiration to so many (including me).
    Happy New year!

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  7. What great goals! Hmmmm....Columbia Gorge Half in October. I haven't thought out that far yet, but might tag along with you if you decided to run it!

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  8. Happy happy New Year to you Shelley! I've loved reading about all of your runs - and I meant to tell you the other day, but when I look at your June 2008 picture, I can hardly believe that's actually you!

    Thanks for continuing to be an inspiration to me - look forward to reading in 2011!

    Biggest hugs!

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  9. I got excited about the April ice cream race because I will be in CS in April---but I will be there the first weekend. Boo.

    I was telling Mr. P last night that I didn't really work on my lifestyle change much at all in 2K10, and it gained me half my weight loss back. So today I pick out a new running program, basically starting from scratch, and I up my personal trainer to once a week. Ack, I let a whole year get away from me. Now I'm back!

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  10. What an amazing year you had! I can't wait to see what you accomplish in 2011!!

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  11. I love you Miss Shelley and am so grateful to have watched your progress over the last year. Looking to see what is in store for us all in 2011!

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  12. You have done great things this year my friend and I'm so lucky to have you in my life to push me to do them to. You've set some great goals and I look forward to following along. Happy New Year!!!

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  13. I want you to know that you are one of the main reasons that I started running. I was *thinking* about it last March. I gave it a try. I pushed myself, and I was just so well - kinda jealous - that you were doing so much and I thought, "I CAN DO THIS! I CAN!" So, it's your inspiration and your blogging and your faith in yourself that has allowed me to complete my three races this past year. Onward and upward, my friend.

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  14. Wow, 12 races? Way to go, Shelley!
    You're going to love Big Sur, I wish I could come up to watch you!
    Happy New Year!
    meg

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  15. Austin wont be happening for me, but maybe dallas.

    if you do Austin, please please please get in touch, I'd love to meet up :)

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  16. Happy happy New Year to you and yours!
    Dallas? Party, then!

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  17. You had a hell of a year, Miss Shelley, and I have been so excited to see you grow and push yourself further.

    I love the idea of blog-writing first and commenting second. I have had to make myself do that too or I wouldn't have had time to blog at all! I try to keep up when I can on comments, but the weekend sweep is working for me too. (like right now, lol!)

    Happy 2011. Can't wait to see what you do next.

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  18. What an amazing year! Thank you so much for sharing and for living a life that's an inspiration to those of us who are just starting out on a weight-loss/fitness journey, as well as to those seasoned and successful folks. You're the very first person I communicated with in the blog world on this topic, and your kindness and genuine support were enough to get me hooked!

    Additionally, I really enjoy reading your posts - so funny and so real. Keeps me coming back for more!

    I love the idea of setting yearly goals. I think I might have to steal that one from you.

    Hope you have a wonderful New Year, Shelley!

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  19. Congratulations on a fabulous year! Here's to an amazing 2011.

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  20. LOVE them! Especially the writing one :) You know where to find me if you ever need a kick in the arse. Happy new year, my friend!

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  21. Oh, please do come visit Oregon! Especially the Gorge, which is... have to say it... gorgeous. (Yes, I had to say it.)

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  22. Shelley, I've been away from blogging for awhile but it's great to come back and see that you are still going strong. You look STUNNING in your profile picture and your athletic accomplishmens are amazing. You are a huge inspiration and proof that success is possible. Hope 2011 is even more amazing for you than 2010 was.

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  23. You had a great 2010! I just found your blog and look forward to reading more! I'm starting my journey to health (again) with a new blog to chart my journey!

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  24. Sounds like you have a great plan in place. I, too, have to write in the morning. I began with just 3 morning pages - hand written. It is a great place to begin.

    Here's to a fantastic 2011!

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  25. Sounds like you have a great plan in place. I, too, have to write in the morning. I began with just 3 morning pages - hand written. It is a great place to begin.

    Here's to a fantastic 2011!

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  26. greetings from the other side.
    2011 rocks :)

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  27. Congrats on an AMAZING year - truly inspiring! And, I'm sure you'll rock all of your 2011 goals! Looking forward to cheering you on!

    Winks & Smiles,
    Wifey

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  28. I'm a long time reader and infrequent commentor, but I really enjoy your blog. May I ask what part of Florida your uncle is in? I'm in the Tampa Bay area and I can advise your about some of our races. I've only done a few 5K's so far, but (as you said) it's a start!

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