oh, I'm still here . . .

Yes, it's been a while, but I'm still here . . . and already thinking about 2012!  Every year -- like lots of other people -- I have the best intentions of getting into the habit of exercising on a consistent basis . . . and pretty much every year, I start out strong, and then *poof* I slow down and eventually stop.  It is a fact that the older you get, the faster you lose muscle.  It is really important to exercise consistently.  At 47, this is no time for me to stop exercising!  And, since I have no physical reason that keeps me from exercising, well, I'm going to go ahead and aim HIGH for 2012!


After walking 60 miles in the 3-Day for the Cure walk in 2010, and after participating in some 5K events this year, I've definitely learned that I am able to stay easily motivated (i) when I have a run for which I am preparing, and (ii) when I have someone to walk or run with.  There's just something about having that goal to reach for, and having others to help push you along that can make all the difference. 


And so . . . drum roll . . . here's the current plan . . .


New Year's Day:  5K (not sure where yet, possibly in Gaithersburg, but open to other areas)
February:  8K (not sure where yet)
March:  10K (not sure where yet)
April:  10 miler somewhere (Raleigh?  Virginia Beach?  Charlottesville?  Cherry Blossom?  somewhere else?)
April:  5K mud dog run (this one is without the zombie component)
May:  5K (at night) at the Frederick Running Festival (already signed up)
May:  HALF MARATHON!  Not sure where yet, but I'm doing it!
June - September:  In addition to increasing the running, I will be getting in some serious walking -- while carrying an extra 20 - 50 pounds of bricks and sandbags with me -- to start preparing for the Go Ruck Challenge in December . . . the walking will also prepare me for . . .
October:  3-Day for the Cure/60 mile walk -- yep, I am doing it again -- already signed up
October:  Run For Your Lives 5K zombie run -- already signed up with the guys I went with this year (join us, there is strength in numbers -- we are in the 9:30 wave)
November:  Richmond Marathon (I have been inspired by my friend, Jen, an amazing athlete (http://settingufree.blogspot.com/)
December:  Go Ruck Challenge in D.C.


Oh, it'll be a challenge, but I believe I can do it!  Let me know if you want to join in on all this fun, and don't worry, I still run/jog reeeeeally slow.  (Although I'm hoping that will change with regular, consistent workouts!)


Until next time (which I hope won't be that far away; it will probably help me to stay focused if I write here more often),


 : ) ♥♥

more from Brookside Gardens . . .



view from the back of a motorcycle

I don't get to do this nearly as often as I would like, so I especially appreciate any opportunity I have to go for a ride on a motorcycle . . . it's just so . . . peaceful  : )  I need more practice getting the shots I am after, but see what you think of these . . .

grasshopper

Loved this little guy!  And for as much as he kept slowly trying to get away, he was pretty cooperative.  Until I went and touched him, and then he hopped away.  Hmmph.  But that's alright, I got some okay shots . . . see what you think . . .

this one is my favorite  : )