Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Being S.M.A.R.T. in 2008

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I can't believe it is 2008 ~~~ where did the time go?

I am still working on 2008 goals for myself, but it is going to require some more thought and planning....so I'm not ready to post anything just yet. It's ironic how in my profession I work with employees on setting goals in their professional and personal development plans, yet I have a hard time setting any goals for myself. I am trying to following my own advice and set S.M.A.R.T. goals this year for a change:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely

I'll get back on that topic later....

For now, a brief run report from the past week:

Everyone already knows about my day-after-Christmas-10-miler, and BELIEVE ME......I have the best group of blogging buddies in existence. All the supportive and encouraging words really help seal the deal for me. Just don't think that I post like that just so you can all say nice things to me :P but it is nice to know there are others out there who understand my running accomplishments ~ no matter how big or how small. So if I didn't say it enough during 2007 ~ THANK YOU.

We headed up to Flagstaff, Arizona last Thursday; then went skiing on Friday. I figured that got me a dispensation from running that day :P Saturday was a rest day; Sunday was a tough 3-miler in the high altitude, hills and ice. In all fairness, I suppose that when I post *great* run details, I also need to post the lousy details too. Sunday was a crappy run ~ 3.0 miles in 43:02 ~ yeah, a 14:19 average pace. In all honesty, I was surprised it was even that good! I was tired, cold, and the hills in Flag just kick my tail. Then add an icy running surface and it was ugly. I was happy to just have gotten out and kept moving. Like we all say, a bad run is better than no run.

Monday was rest and travel-home day, topped off at night by too much pizza, chicken wings and beer. (Okay, so it was only one beer, but it made me sound like a New Year's Eve partyer!)

This morning as my first run of the new year, I got a decent 5 miles done. I was still tired, and definitely paying for all the pizza and wings ~ but I got the distance covered in 1:04:31 ~ average pace of 12:54. Not my worst by any means....but not the best. This morning it just felt so refreshing to be out and about, I didn't care about pace in the least. I took a substantial walk break after 3 miles to just enjoy the experience......so that being included, I was happy with the overall outcome.

Now tomorrow I'm back to the grind, with a pile of work awaiting me. In the next week, I also hope to map out 2008 in terms of my running schedule. I have LOTS of work to do, but the last couple weeks have really shown me ~ for the first time ~ that improvement is possible. I am entering 2008 with the highest of hopes for a fantastic year!


Pokey's 27 Amazing Events from 2007

1. I ran.
2. I ran some more.
3. I ran longer distances that I ever imagined possible.
4. I got to run a race with my dear friend, Micheline.
5. I completed my first half-marathon.
6. I had my first group-run.
7. I met Lisa and Pat ~ and the TRC was born.
8. I called myself a runner.
9. I had my first experiences with hyrdation belts, Body Glide, and Gu.
10. My youngest son started preschool.
11. My dear hubby changed jobs to allow him more time with our family.
12. My oldest son played on the 2nd place football team in the state of Arizona.
13. My dear grandmother (my second mom) left this world for a better place.
14. We traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico for a wonderful vacation.
15. I earned a spectacular bonus at work.
16. We watched the movie the Pink Panther at least 50 times.
17. I got over a million hugs and kisses from my wonderful children.
18. My younger son ditched diapers and pullups for good.
19. My older son earned a Wii by pulling down straight A's for an entire semester.
20. My kids have learned to frustrate me and warm my heart all at the same time.
21. I went through 2 pairs of running shoes.
22. I was taken off blood pressure medication after 10 years.
23. I lost, and gained a few pounds.
24. I curbed my Starbucks addiction.
25. I learned to read labels on my food.
26. I became healthier ~ although not thinner ~ than I have ever been.
27. My family has had continued health and happiness ~ and more love than I could ever describe.

I could go on...........but I figured 27 ramblings for 2007 was enough.

Bring on 2008!

17 comments:

Pat said...

an unbelievable year. congrats and thanks for making my year special too.

We are going to ROCK 2008.

Marcy said...

You curbed your Starbucks habit?!?! Whooaaaaa Momma!! That's pure craziness right there LOL

Steve Stenzel said...

I like #26! Happy New Year!!!

Anonymous said...

Congrats!

We met through Pat that one morning at Tumbleweed (I had the gimpy leg)...

FYI - I've been running 5.25 milers around my neighborhood since then and no knee issues (even have lost 10 pounds)...I've kept my mileage to a minimum (no more than 20 miles per week) and no more than 4 time per week. I may start increasing that mileage soon, though...

Good luck in the RNR Marathon...

-Jerry

Wes said...

Happy New Year, Pokey! I think we'll be calling you "Rambler" this year, in a running (not talking) kind a way :-) Kick some butt in 08!!

Tigerlilly said...

Yeah!! What a fun year you've had...hmmmm, maybe 'fun' isn't the right word! Whatever the word should be, you have made some wonderful improvements on your life. I was blessed to have met you in 2007!

By the way, I live in Snowflake, Az. About 3 hours north of phoenix. I make it down a couple of times a year. The next time will be in February.. I'll let you know when and maybe we can meet for a brisk Wogg!!

Michelle said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!

Love your list of achievements! A lot of yours are like mine, although I won't be running my firs HM until this May.

Hope 2008 is a great one for you!

Cheryl said...

Wow, sounds like you've had a wonderful year! It's great to count your blessings, and it's easy to see that your family and friends are some of the best.

I liked reading all of your amazing events, but especially #8, and hope someday I'll be able to say the same thing.

Happy New Year, and best of luck for a great 2008!

Laura N said...

Great list of accomplishments and amazing events. What a lovely way to end 2007 and start 2008. I'm sure it will be a super year for you.

Topher said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. Likewise I like finding new people to follow along with and learn from (some call it lurking, but that's just what creeps do). I actually come away smarter when reading blogs. My mom lives in Flag and loves it there. People always say "oh, I bet you were at her house right about now" when we talk about how cold it is in Kansas, then I tell them she lives in Flag and gets just as much snow there even though it's AZ.

Enjoy your week!

onepinkfuzzy said...

what a great year.

don't forget - flag = altitude! that always makes it worse for me :)

J~Mom said...

What an amazing year!! Can't wait to see what 2008 brings!! I hope lots more running and laughing!

CONGRATS!!!!

PS I did not like that one about the Starbucks. :>P

Nancy said...

Yeah for so many things!! Wow, the bonus, the pull ups gone, the straight A's and a spectacular running and health year. GOOD FOR YOU!!

Oh yeah, don't forget the added elevation in Flag adding to the butt kicking, I would guess?!

Nancy said...

PS SMART GOALS cracked me up. Totally smart to do, just reminded me of the never ending business plans I have to write with SMART goals :D

Viv said...

LOL @ the one beer, since that is all I had as well. Oh, and a
sip of cheap champange!

That run in the high altitude sounded scary. WTG on getting that
I enjoyed the 27 list, and yaa on the being of the bp meds, healthier life, great
running pards, and healthy happy family!
Looking forward to a great 2008.

Marathoner in Training said...

You are not only a runner you are also a party girl. Whoo, was ther any lampshades and dancing on the table? Your accomplishments for 2007 were great. Keep it up.

Dan Seifring aka "OBRATS" said...

Awesome 2007 Pokey. I look forward to getting to real all about 2008 as it unfolds.