Monday, January 2, 2012

2012 - Looking Forward

Like a lot of you,  a new year gets me thinking about what I want to accomplish this year.  We often hear of resolutions, but to me a resolution has to do with something that we are determined to do.  It can have a negative connotation to it.  To me it sounds like something that we think we should be doing and by will power we will get it done.  I can get excited to do something and make a great start at it, but it's easy to start when enthusiasm is high, but when the adrenaline wears off, will power seems to wane.  The concept of  New Years goals seems more on how I am geared.  It is usually something that I want to do and it will help me in some way that I want.  Not just something that I should.  I won't lay out all of my goals here, but here are my health and activity challenges I want to at least start this year.

Seven Peaks Challenge
Mount Nebo (http://utahpictures.com/images/atlanta_salt_lake/smPB190101.jpg)


I live in Utah County.  Most of the population in the county lives in a geographic area called Utah Valley.  It is lined on the east by the Wasatch Range which is part of the Rocky Mountains.  We have a local resort called Seven Peaks.  I have been trying to find out what those seven peaks are that they refer to and finally found out which of the mountains are part of the "seven."  I have written several post about Mount Timpanogos and had my trash kicked by Cascade last year.  I knew that Lone Peak and Mount Nebo had to be part of it as well as Provo Peak.  I just wasn't sure what the last two would be.  I found out that they are Santaquin Peak and Spanish Fork Peak.  Mount Nebo is the highest at 11,928' and Spanish Fork Peak is the lowest at 10,192'.  At first I was going to make it a goal to climb all seven this summer, but I don't want to over reach here.  I have only been to the top of two of these (Timp and Cascade).  They are all a challenge to climb so I get to the top as many as I can this year and hopefully finish up next.

Ogden Marathon


Ogden Marathon
This is the granddaddy of all of my goals. My goal is to continue to train for this marathon to put myself in a position to finish my first marathon.  It still scares me a bit to think that I am already registered.  But with my other races that I have entered, I trusted my training plans and they all got me to the finish line.  I am still trying to decide which of three training plans I will follow.  I am building my base back up, but I need to make a decision soon because some of the marathon training plans kick in in a couple of more weeks.
One more thing about this marathon makes me nervous.  This statement on the website.
For safety reasons, runners that have not entered Ogden Canyon by 11:30am will be required to board the bus and be transported to the finish line - No Exceptions!
But then a quick calculation says that would be a 15.40 min / mile pace.  I would deserve to be taken off the course I guess.  More on my marathon goals and concerns in an upcoming blog.

Earn Those Stars Back (and then some).
I do not want to go back and do this all over again!


Michele left a comment last week that made me realize that my sidebar wasn't accurate any more.  About a year and a half ago, I made it to within 20 lbs of my goal weight.  Many factors including (surprisingly so) training for my first half marathon chipped away at that weight loss.  I need to update those stars by taking a couple away and working to fill them back in.  I will get that done by next week and make some definite plans on how I will get those stars back.  It is really hard for me (and for others I have talked to as well) not to eat more as the miles start increasing.  Sorry about not keeping that up to date.  I will think this through a bit more and post on my plans to make this a highlight this year.

How About You?
I have read some of your goals for this coming year.  Please comment on what some of your plans are for the year.  Let's make 2012 a great one!

Hang in there and I will too!


7 comments:

  1. I'm simply starting with a 12 pound loss in January. I hope to achieve that within the first three weeks.

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  2. They escort you by bus? YOWZA! That'd scare me enough to not sign up!

    I have a twenty-more goal that I've given myself until April to complete. Here's to us, buddy! Let's make these things happen!

    Happy New Year!

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  3. Bruce, I hadn't seen the weight loss pics before. Impressive!!! With your plans, those stars will be back off in no time. Those peaks look amazing and the marathon is ambitious. As you know, I'm looking to lose big with the Pounds Off Playoff World Series for the first half of the year. Am considering a cycling goal for the second half. Happy New Year!

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  4. Those are some great goals. I didn't know what the seven peaks were either. That is a fun thing to find out. One of my goals this year is to have a healthy weight gain with this pregnancy and to not get gestestional diabetes this time. I was able to control it with diet last time, so I figure if I am careful what I am eating, then I should be fine. They have been testing me every other month for it and so far so good. I am sure you will be able to reach your goals and I think you will do fine at the marathon. Love you dad and keep up the good work.

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  5. Thanks for posting those pictures - great to see the progress you have made. But, you said that you were sorry for not updating the stars - no need to be sorry...you will get them all back and fill up the rest!! Look at what you have accomplished so far!! Just even doing all those climbs is worth all the stars you have earned! Cheering you on for the Marathon - when it is (or did I miss that part)?

    No real set goal for me, just to get back on track 100% and to see more weight come off!! Looking forward to your accomplishes and mine in the coming year!

    MO-tivated

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  6. I need to really think of what my goals are all spelled out. I don't know if it's that narrow or just an overall 'Be healthy'. That's a goal, right? I have a list of 30 things I am working on before my 30th birthday in April listed on my blog. I think I'd really just want to keep plugging along with those.

    The marathon really does look like a great goal - you can do it!

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  7. I love the physical challenges that you have selected for yourself: hiking the peaks and a marathon. Even with all the running you do, they still seem to me challenges. Challenging in stamina and strength, too. Good for you.

    I have not decided yet on my goals, except one: get out of the "obese" category which is 15 pounds away. I have other ideas but am giving myself some time to really think this through.

    Look forward to watching you color in all your stars.
    michele

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