Today started out with a bright, sunny, cold 5 mile race. It was the Hair of the Dog 5 mile in Spartanburg. I was a bit grumpy this morning, having not gotten enough sleep (fireworks should be banned after 12:10 am!). When we got to the Y, I saw Wanda and Kay - this was Wanda's first attempt at running 5 miles. We all lined up at the start together and it looked like the two of them were at a good pace for me, so we fell in together on the run. Jeff took off at his comfortable pace and was soon out of sight. The course started downhill, but I knew there were many hills to come. We went through the historic area and were soon in Converse Heights. At mile 1, I ran for a little bit with a 70 year old marathoner who was a hoot! He told me all about an ultra marathon he had done and how if you don't enjoy training, you will never enjoy running. I told him that I had learned running was my sanity. At about 1.3 miles, Wanda and Kay slowed down a bit and I was just getting into my groove, so I passed them on a hill. The course was very hilly and many more uphills than down. At mile 3, Wanda and Kay were back on my heels and they stopped to enjoy some champagn at the water stop. I took a couple of sips of water, not wanting to upset my stomach, which was in a funk yesterday. I had to take a brief walk for .2 right before mile 4 on a steep hill. However, I was pleased with my time of 57 minutes and an average page of 11:35. Jeff was at the end waiting for me with a big smile on his face. I was 2 minutes slower than my last 5 miler in May, but was better conditioned, less fat, and Jeff paced me with a 10:15 mile.
So, I am thinking this was an excellent way to begin my year. It is hard to believe that a year ago, it was a struggle to run for a mile and a half. What a year it's been. But, I'm not looking in the rear view mirror. I'm ready to line up at the Start line of 2008 and see where it takes us. So, with that being said (typed), here are some thoughts/goals I'd like for the upcoming year:
- Half marathon (February 2) and Full Marathon (May 25)
- Only use credit cards for emergencies
- Save more than I spend
- Get eating habits under control (no fried food, no fast food, and eat veggies/fruit with at least one meal per day)
- Read the Bible daily
- Take the LSAT, apply and get accepted to law school (preferably University of SC)
- Listen more than I talk
- Be a better wife, mother, and daughter (not be so critical!)
If I don't reach these goals, it will not be the end of the world (except my marathons and law school!). But, I always have to have something to work towards and this is it for right now. There is flexibility in any good plan, and I am allowing for it with some of these. But, I want to 2008 to be the best year yet!
No comments:
Post a Comment