Monday, December 29, 2008

2009 Is The New 2008

I have been reading a lot of great posts these past days that summarize the accomplishments of 2008 and the goals for 2009.  I had hoped to do something similar but then I realized the difficulty I might have in doing that?  First, I really just returned to running earlier in the year and have yet to accomplish a formal race accomplishment beyond a few 5k and 10k's.    I guess I could summarize as follows:

  • Decide in early 2008 that we could not just wait around for our daughters condition to get worse.  Rather than be idle, I informed my hubby that I was going to run a 1/2 marathon with the Joints in Motion Care team in Toronto.  The 1/2 marathon was many, many months away so I was not overly worried.  Hubby was somewhat concerned about my tendency to overextend myself but I assured him that all was well. 
  • In February 2009, I met with the Arthritis Society.  After learning of my previous running experience, they convinced me that the 1/2 marathon in Disney is a far more exciting thing to do and that I could try to raise a lot more money.  I was very skeptical but decided to give it a shot (see: hubby has more anxiety...).  
  • In March 2009, I began running again with more regularity.  Somedays I felt like an Olympic Athlete and super Mom...other days I was little more than pathetic and bloated former athlete trying to relive the glory days after two kids and one too many plates of nachos.  I digress....
  • In April 2008, I began to fundraise and Glory be to God, it was an enormous success!  In less than a week I had raised over $4000 and within a month I had exceed $6000.  At last check, my total funds raised was approached $7000 with one week left.   We have wonderful friends, families, colleagues and employers! 
  • In May 2008, the training coach convinced me I could do the full marathon.  This was a matter of significant debate in the RunMommy household as the time, energy and physical capacity was soon to exceed critical mass.  However...the full had eluded me twice previously (darn pregnancies) so a little part of me couldn't let it go and hubby relented.
  • May 2008 to present - training really begins..hurray!
  • September 2008 - foot injury and relentless pain threaten to sideline the event and there is much discussion on whether we can proceed with so much on the line.  Several mental breakdowns later, it is decided to push forward and hope for the best!  After rest, lots of massage, physio and excellent advice - we were back on track with only the time goal to sacrifice. 
  • November 2008 - first run to exceed 30k and the first time we actually thought this might happen.  Thanks again to M&M! 
  • December 2008 - tickets are paid for, travel plans are booked, children are over the moon with excitement and there is no turning back now
So here we are!  We leave one week from today and I am ready to roll.  At this point, I would be happy even if I finish is 6 hours (put sub 5 would make me happier - who am I kidding??).

As for 2009 plans:
  • Complete first marathon
  • Sit on butt for at least 1 full week (post Disney tour)
  • Play competitive soccer again after 5 year hiatus.  
  • Conitnue to encourage children to participate in athletic endeavors to their fullest effort!
  • Repair SuperMom cape for future use
  • Cook dinner every night - not just on days I want to have vegetarian fare
  • Participate in at least one trail race
  • Complete at least on other marathon (maybe 2 - maybe 3 - Wow, the addiction really is catching!)
  • At least one marathon must be in another country - perhaps without children this time??
  • Become friends with my bikini (seriously??? no)
  • Enjoy 10 years of joyful marriage (hopefully in a cafe in Paris)
  • Introduce one new children's active living event in the community (LOVE my job)
  • Continue to read up on the activities of all the bloggers who run for health, run for love, run for joy, run for torture or run for all the above.
Happy New Year!

15 comments:

Kim said...

Happy New Year!

Wow...it really is in one week huh?? How fun!

Aron said...

happy new year and good luck in your marathon!!!! soooo soon :)

J said...

Sounds like a very successful year! Good luck in the marathon and enjoy Disney! Happy New Year!

Marlene said...

Happy New Year! Just because you don't have an official race result on your resume yet doesn't mean you haven't accomplished anything. What a year! Can't wait to hear about Disney.

Happy New Year to you and yours.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

You are so close now! Good luck with the marathon; you will do great, and your kids with love the adventure! Happy New Year, and great goals!

RunnerMom said...

What a great summary of 2008. I like how you took us on the journey that led you to train for 26.2.

I like your 2009 plans as well.

Can't wait to hear about the race as I train for my first one!

Anonymous said...

What wonderful plans! Best of luck on the first marathon & soccer again.

BeachRunner said...

What a year! Great recap. Good luck with the marathon and have fun at Disney. You are ready to do it!! Happy new year.

And 2009 sounds like a great year ahead for you.

Denise said...

Congrats on a great year and good luck next week!! Happy new year.

Felice Devine said...

Yay -- one week to your marathon! Super exciting.

Hey, my husband and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, too.

Good luck with your goals! Happy new year.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! Good luck with your marathon. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Runner Leana said...

Those are awesome goals, all the best for 2009! Can you believe Disney is so close??

Alexandra said...

What a year you have had! It's your determined attitude that is shining through and that is a great thing! Stay positive and optimistic and then you can do anything you set your heart on to do! Have a fun marathon experience. I look forward to reading all about it.

Best wishes for 2009!

joyRuN said...

Great plans!

And can't wait to hear all about Disney :)

Lily on the Road said...

Happy New Year...sounds like you have a lot a head of you...better fix that SuperMommy Cape first!