A New Year, a New You?

Wow, what an accomplished 2011 I had, when it came to health and fitness!  Last year was the first year in my life in which I set out to accomplish some fitness goals, and I stuck to prioritizing some form of a physical fitness regimen for a solid year.  In the past, I've never gone more than a few months at a time.  Now, granted, I have slacked off a bit in the past couple of months, but I haven't completely fallen off the wagon!  It is EASY for me to see how quickly I CAN fall off the wagon, though, if I'm not careful.  It is so easy to just fall right out of the habit, if you don't intentionally choose to schedule and incorporate some form of exercise into your day.

In 2011, I ran 3 5K races.  The first two were in the spring, after completing the Couch to 5K program.  My first race was about a 33(ish) minute finish, and my second race, a month later, was a 30 minute finish.  The last race was my Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, which I finished in about 34 minutes.  And, yet, I felt the most accomplished after that one, because it came on the heels of very minimal running in the month prior to the race!  It felt great to be in good enough physical condition to be able to complete a 5K race without rigorous training prior to the race.  THAT's where I've wanted to be.  Of course, since then I haven't run ONE bit.  Part of my slacking is due to some medical issues with dystonia and possible seizures that have reared their ugly heads again after a nearly 6-year remission from symptoms.  So, I've been reluctant to hit the trail.  However, I'm getting back to it in the New Year, no ifs ands or buts about it.

The other awesome accomplishment is that I can look back at where I was at this time last year, and see that diligent, consistent effort, over the long haul, pays off.  I have dropped about 15+ lbs since this time last year, and it has come without obsession/compulsion over the scales!  It has just come off gradually, and I'm now at my pre-baby weight (133-135 lbs).  I'd still like to lose a little more (10-15 lbs), but I am currently at a healthy weight, and I know continued weight loss will happen in due time with due effort.  It's awesome to be at this mental place, with regards to my body.

My HEALTH goals for 2012 are:

• Run more races in 2012 than 2011 (>3)
• Run a 10K
• Possibly train for a half-marathon
• Get back into the gym at least 3 days per week (supplemented by running)
• Minimize my intake of grains
• Increase my intake of water

Here's to a NEW YEAR and a NEW ME!!!!