Setting Goals

Everyone talks about setting goals ~ losing weight, advancing at work, even relaxing more. We often fall short or stop thinking about the goals we set. We disappoint ourselves and fear disappointing others as well. Experts say, when setting goals, the path to success is to set smaller goals within the parameters of your bigger goal. Last year, I got the lofty idea in my head that I would like to run 65 half marathons by the time I reached my 65th birthday. For me, that is a lofty goal. It means absolutely nothing to anybody but me. I think, God willing, with no major injuries or health issues, I just may be able to achieve this goal. We will see. I am on number 32 and counting. It is still a long way off, which brings me to my smaller goal. I told myself that in the month of March, I wanted to run a 5K, a 10K, a 15K and a half marathon. As of yesterday, I am happy to report I achieved this goal!! Crossing that finish line yesterday, I felt such personal pride and was mentally patting myself on the back. Again, it means nothing to anybody but me, but it felt like such an accomplishment. Running has never come easy to me. It still doesn't, but when my body says, "No more!", my mind whispers, "Just a little farther, a few more steps." Step by step, block by block, mile by mile, I see the finish line in sight.
Running, like life, has good days and bad days. The trick is to just keep going forward, no matter what!

Why Run?

After a LONG hiatus, I have decided to start up my blog again. I fell silent for a while because I just didn't think I had anything to say. For those that know me well, that seems impossible!
Today, I ran the FroYo 10K in Irvine. This race was my 8th 10K and my 75th race overall! Seventy five races seems like a lot, especially when you consider I didn't start running until I was 55! I am as slow as a turtle running through peanut butter, but I am running. I am out there and I finish. I spent more on races last year than clothes! Many don't understand. Why run? Why pay money and run a race? If you like to run, just run. I am not even sure what to reply to this. At times, I wonder myself why I run. When I am driving in my car and I see a runner, I think, "Gee, I wish I was running." I usually run by myself, even in races. I watch others in groups, laughing and chatting before the start and I stand silently by myself. There is rarely anyone waiting for me at the finish line, no high fives from family or friends. Running does not come easy for me. It never has. With each passing year, I get slower. It's a bitter pill to swallow. I keep records of all my races, times, placement in my age group, etc. Silly, meaningless data that only matters to me.
So, again, it bears the question, "Why run?" I think I can sum it up in one word ~ satisfaction. Even when I'm slow, even when it's hard, even when my body hurts, at the end, I feel an intense sense of satisfaction. I did this! I accomplished this! I am still plugging along in this life.
This feeling of satisfaction is enough to spur me on to run some more, sign up for another race, keep going.
And today, they gave me a cute spoon medal and frozen yogurt at the finish line. Winner!