Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011. Show all posts

2012 Goals

I loved making goals, not resolutions last year. In fact, I decided to do it again. And while I maybe didn't achieve all that I set out to this year, I am really proud of what I did accomplish. Look out 2012, I'm here to take you over this year!




2011 Goals Reviewed

1.  Half Marathon PR. Accomplished at RnR Providence in 2:19:44 . I was beyond surprised with this race, especially with the hills and pouring rain. But I LOVED every second of it.

2. Complete an Olympic distance triathlon. Unfortunately this didn't happen. I did a few more Sprint distance races, but didn't commit to swimming enough to be successful with a Olympic. Plus with the August half training, I was more run focused than tri focused this year.

3.  Run 1,000 miles. I made it to 780. I honestly didn't think I would make it to 1,000, so I'm really Impressed I almost made it to 800. I did make biking a more regular part of my schedule though, and between swimming, biking & running, I hit over 1,107 all together.

4.  Strength training as a regular part of my workouts. I've made it a priority of going to work out with Krystal @ Bia Fitness. A combo of Bootcamp classes & TRX has made me stronger, and I love it!

5. Follow the new weight watchers program. I did for a while when we did weight watchers at work. I lost about 10 pounds and felt good, but lost focus when the work group fell apart.

6. Start planning my wedding for spring 2012. This also didn't happen. While we're still working towards it, I'm not sure if it was a good goal to make, since I have little control over it. It will happen when it happens.


7. Start training for my first marathon. I'm heading to Disney on Friday, and can't wait to cross that finish line on Sunday!!

8. Work less weekends. I managed to do this. I stopped working my per diem job, and worked only 1-2 saturdays a month. I spent more time running, riding, and enjoying time with Kevin.

9. Raise more than $1,000 for Run to Home Base 9K. I raised over $1,000 with help from friends and family & bloggers!



2012 Goals

1. Half Marathon PR & Sub 30 5K. I'm hoping I can make my RnR DC a new PR, if not there's a few races I have my eye on for the fall. I may have to hunt down some 5Ks, but hopefully with speedwork working toward a faster half, I can speed up for my 5Ks as well.

2. Complete an Olympic Distance Triathlon. This time I'm serious. I have a couple on my radar. Most specifically Rev3 Maine or Quassy. There's a couple other local ones I'm considering as well.

3. Run, Bike, Swim 1,500 miles combined. Instead of a running only focused goals, I want to include all 3 sports more, and especially get my darn butt in the pool more!

4. Focus on healthy eating, feeling good, and getting to a happy weight. I don't want to say "goal" weight, so I won't be disappointed if I don't get there. I want to think about it in a positive way, and work my best at losing weight and becoming more healthy.

5. Save more money. I need to work on spending less on my credit cards, and socking some money away each month. I would like to triple my rainy day account.

6. Do some home improvements. Specifically, I want to install a kitchen backsplash & finish the basement.

7. Become more even-tempered. Avoid emotional meltdowns, excessive anxiety, and over-reacting to situations. I want to work on dealing with problems more calmly, and dealing with not calm people calmly as well.

8. Look for ways to be happier work wise. This past year has been miserable for the most part at work. A coworker and I are working together on this one. We want to either figure out how to be happier with our current workplace, find a new workplace, or become a little more serious about the idea for a new company we came up with. Our medical director loved the idea, and asked for a business plan, so we're planning to work on that.


Don't forget to check out my 2011 year in review, HERE!

What are your goals for 2012?

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2011 Review

2011 was a fun year! More races in a year than I've ever done, my first ever marathon training cycle, and lots of traveling. Lets look back at my 2011 highlights..

In January, we had our work holiday party...






I ran the Disney Princess Half 2 weeks later! I took my time, took lots of pictures and had fun!

A passed out near the finish, but felt better after IV fluids and a nap.

In March, Shelley & I made Tutus for the Holyoke St. Patricks Day 10K!

In April, my brother and I headed to DC for the Cherry Blossom 10 miler!


In May, I placed 3rd Athena at my first Triathlon of the year!

Later in the month, we headed to Fenway for the Run to Home Base 9k!


We ran through Boston, and finished up across the Green Monster and running across Home Base!

In June, we got hit by a HUGE Tornado. We lost power for 3 days, and many parts of Springfield, West Springfield, Monson, Westfield, and Brimfield were destroyed. We were lucky to get away without any damage.

I ran the Susan G Komen 5K in June as well.

And celebrated at a coworkers wedding.


I Joined the Half Fanatics with my qualifying 2 races in 2 weeks in 2 states (NOLA & Disney)

 At the end of July,  I did the Wilbraham YMCA Sprint Triathlon

In July, I had a blogger meet up with the Kristins at the Red Dress Run 5K in West Hartford, CT. 
New PR 30:14

Kevin & I enjoyed a few Red Sox games!

In August, I ran a soaking wet RnR Providence Half, and came away with a new PR! 2:19:44

I went to see Britney in August with my girlfriends

In August, we also went on a trip to Puerto Rico & a Southern Caribbean Cruise!


In September, I did my last triathlon of the season. It was a gorgeous course, and a beautiful day.



I enjoyed a lot of fall Beer


In October, S & I headed to Long Island to run the Diva Half Marathon! 

It was a great girls weekend, even if it was the race that started the knee pain.

Just 2 weeks later, we headed to the Hartford Marathon.
My mom did her first 5K, and my brother did his first Marathon!! I did the half marathon, and limped the last 10K, but made it through.

A & Speedy trooper did the half as well. Kevin (not pictured) ran the 5K.

For Halloween, we threw our killer party again. This time dressed as "mile-high" pilots.

Halloween Weekend we had a ridiculous snowstorm in the Northeast. We lost power for 7 nights, and resorted to 15 blankets on the beds, wannabe snuggies, and taking stock in Yankee Candle.

I bought a new ride! a Honda CRV!

For Thanksgiving we ran the Manchester Road Race with my mom & my brother's girlfriend added to the mix this year.


I ran the Jolly Jaunt 5K, and escaped a sub 30 5K again...

In December, I joined Team Tough Chik!! Can't wait for the fun to begin with these awesome ladies!

Last night we spent New Years Eve at Mohegan Sun! We got a hotel room with a free hotel shuttle, and headed over after a few cocktails for a comedy show, a little gambling, drinking, and eating.

Including a 2:30am stop at Bobby Flay's Burger Palace (AMAZING!)

Happy New Year!




















































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Miss Zippy's 2011 recap

Miss Zippy asked everyone to share this 2011 recap, so here it goes....

Best race experience? I would have to go with the New Orleans Rock N Roll Half Marathon! A flat course, a new PR (beat later at RnR Providence), lots of bands and fun, followed by a night out on Bourbon St!

Best run? Right before RnR Providence I had an amazing outdoor tempo run. I remember my legs feeling so light & feeling so fast!

Best new piece of gear? There are so many new pieces I love. Right now I am in love with my fleece lined Athleta running tights. 

Best piece of running advice you received? Make strength training a priority! My weak hips were a problem and I feel so much better with the strength training added in.

Most inspirational runner? All you runners, and triathletes out there who inspire me from your blogging. Thank you!!

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? Busy, Stressful, fun!

Thanks 2011!

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2011 goals

I used to make resolutions and fall flat on most of them. Instead this year, I want to make goals. I am a wicked goal oriented person. I like to have something to work towards and look forward too.

1.  Half Marathon PR. My current is Hartford in 2008 @ 2:27:13. I would definitely love to get it down to 2:15-2:20.... we'll see what happens! I have 2 chances in February, then probably not another until May or August.

2. Complete an Olympic distance triathlon. I did my first sprint distance triathlon this past fall. LOVED it. I have all the gear now I need, plus a few new things to keep me going. I've been working hard on my running, so I need to keep at it with the swimming & cycling too!

3.  Run 1,000 miles. It sounds so impossible to me, I just have to make it a goal. I figure with all the race training I have scheduled, I should have no problem reaching this one.

4.  Strength training as a regular part of my workouts. Those of you who've been following know that my conclusion to my knee problems was a lack of strength training. I have done a few lifting workouts since then, but I want to develop a more solid plan. I am in the middle of reading strength training for triathletes, so I plan on making a program when I'm done to follow along with.

5. Follow the new weight watchers program. (not just fake it) I really need work harder towards my goal weight. I need to focus, count my points, be mindful of portions, blah blah blah. In reality I'm happy I lost 10 pounds since my foot surgery, but I wish it were more. After the holidays, I really need a kick in the ass to get me moving.

6. Start planning my wedding for spring 2012. Kevin and I made a goal to pick a spring/summer 2012 wedding date in the next few weeks. Probably May or June. The goal for both of us is to stick with it, and not get over stressed about anything.

7. Start training for my first marathon. Disney in January 2012 here I come! My brother is convinced he will do the Goofy Challenge. Me? I just want to earn my Mickey Mouse medal, the whole reason I started running in the first place. If this is the only full marathon I ever do, I will be satisfied knowing I've completed this race.

8. Work less weekends. Kevin hates that I work almost every saturday at my per diem job. We've already talked about since he will be moving in and contributing to bills and the mortgage, I won't need as much money. I probably will only do 1-2 saturdays a month. This means more last minute beach trips, bike rides, and adventures!

9. Raise more than $1,000 for Run to Home Base 9K. I will be posting more information on my fundraising shortly. I really would like to surpass my goal, which I think won't be too hard. Afterall, I did raise over $4,900 for Train to end Stroke a few years ago. I'm looking forward to incorporating some bloggy raffles this time around as part of the fundraising efforts.

I think that about sums it up! Thanks for supporting me in my journey & helping me to reach my goals!
I appreciate all the advice and words of wisdom you all give me along the way!

Don't Forget!
My Allied Steel Giveaway enter HERE by 1/6
My Zensah leg sleeve giveaway enter HERE by 1/11


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