Hi Folks,
I am here to announce my goal to run the Hyannis Half Marathon in february. I have run this particular race before, but I want to improve my time. I think a realistic goal for me is 2 hours. I have taken the all important first step of registering for the race-so Im committed! Now I just have to do the training. I started training about a week ago and so far so good. But with the holidays and cold weather on the way, I know that I will be tempted to sit on the couch and eat leftovers. I hope that by putting my goal in writing, I will be more likely to stick with my training.

Darcie,

Thanks so much for announcing your goal to the world! As you mentioned, putting your goal in writing is an important step. Yours is particularly spectacular since it has all the characteristics of a "SMART" goal:

Specific - Complete the Hyannis half in 2 hours
Measurable - That would be the 2 hours
Actionable - The path to success is clear enough
Realistic - You've completed the race before and you have a "stretch goal" in mind
Time-based - February is right around the corner.

As you train to reach your goal, let us know how we can help you. As an aside, I've been impressed with a lot of the running information available online, but the discussion groups there are a bit weak. What could we do to help you achieve your goal?

I'm working on a goal and success plan for running the Falmouth Road Race next August. I'd like to find a way to register my progress to the THRIVE! community and get tips along the way. Any interest in something like that?

Congratulations once again on having a kick-ass goal, and thanks for sharing it with us!

Matty P.

Hi Darc -

Well, I'll run it with you (if you want). I've done that race three times and have always flirted with the 2 hour mark.

Remember, the couch is more comfortable and the leftovers even tastier AFTER your run.

KAED!

You can definitely run it with me. No strollers, though

Good news to report:
Since yesterday kicked off the National Season of Gorging Oneself, I was worried about sabotaging the good training that I have already done. To that end, I ran 2 miles in the morning and followed that up with a 3.1 mile (5K) race. A pretty good way to kick off a day of eating, I think. My main goal for the day was to not feel like a butterball after all was said and done. I definitely achieved that goal. I just made sure that I took small amounts of everything and vowed to leave some food on my plate to give to my sister's dogs. It worked! I woke up this morning without a food hangover and feeling motivated to keep up with these good habits.

Way to go Darc! Looks like Matt has decided to jump in on the 10K that day so we'll have another running buddy for the first half.

I think my plantar issued are on the mend, and I picked up an arch brace that's making it feel better too.

KAED!

I think its awesome that Matt has decided to jump on board and Im glad your plantar is getting better! Lets be sure to keep each other posted on our progress.

Well a god week for me. Actually got out and ran four times. MAtt is making me drag my sorry butt out at 6 am now. Ouch. Even ouchier is the teen temperature at that hour this week.

Wow. 6am? That is brutal. I have a big run planned for this afternoon. Its cold out and it will be dark. Luckily central park is well lit and well populated at that hour. Hopefully the precipitation will hold off. Im rewarding myself with a feast at Indian Cafe!

I'm impressed with all three of you sticking to it with the weather being increasingly frigid! I'd love to say I'd join you all for a run, but I think I'll stick to walking for now.

It would be great to say I'll be ready to pull out the stroller for the 10K in Feb., but I think I need to start a bit smaller (and perhaps a bit farther out than that...)

That being said, I'm having a bit of trouble staying motivated to get out and walk, or even stay in and do yoga (both things I've been really wanting to do more of). I know part of it is not being home when it's light out (for the walking), and just plain being really tired (for both walking and yoga). Of course, I also know how much better I feel when I've actually done something physical. So any encouragement you can offer to keep me focused would help!

I think its ok to take a break every now and then. I was planning on running today (see the 12:46 post) but it started snowing so I climbed into my jammies and took a nap. Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer. So here is my advice-take a nap! But if you still want some help getting moving, Ill show up at your house on sunday with my yoga pants!

Thanks for the permission to take a break! But I will definitely take you up on the offer of group yoga.