Goals Aren't Always Meant to be Achieved

I don't mean that to send super Debbie-Downer, but I think it's true. Goals hold you accountable. They hold you to achieve the things you want to achieve, and when you don't get there, they keep you humble. They keep you focused, maybe more motivated, maybe less.

I set out with some pretty high goals for 2013, based off the high I'd come off of 2012 with. Looking back, some were totally realistic, without knowing the year I'd have ahead. Let'z check out what I got to do.

Health | Fitness

- 1,000 miles:  While this would have been awesome, I'm not sure I knew what I was getting into! Jumping from 664 (2012) to 1,000 is hefty as it is. And this year, having done just 573, I was far off the mark. If I had kept on my track past June, where it all fell down, I could have come close. Is 2014 my year? Maybe! 

- Sub-2 hour half marathon: Big, fat, negative. 

- Sub-26 5K: So. Close. Now standing at 26:12. I've got this. Coming to you in 2014!

- Sub 1-hour 10K: Done and done! Marigold 10K in Winterville, Georgia in May. 

- Finish that marathon standing upright:  I'm a marathoner! Surf City marathon, completed both standing upright and under my time goal with 1:18 to spare! 

- 13 in 2013: 18 races completed in 2013. One marathon, 4 half marathons, one 15K, 4 10Ks, and 8 5Ks is a hefty enough year as it is, on top of everything else I've worked through and done. I'd call that a good year, all in all! 

- VOLUNTEER with at least 2 races: I volunteered at one race this year, but never fell in line with #2. I wish I had. I was signed up to hand out medals (!) at the Long Beach Half in October, but with some family business that arose that morning, it just wasn't in the cards. Next year, I'd like to be able to give back more. 

Personal

- Student loan paid off: I am so so so excited to say this is DONE! Five years early and just in time for the December 1 deadline I had set last January. While it wasn't paid in the way I thought, I am so grateful for the support my parents gave and  helped me make this happen. So, so, so thankful. 

- Increase savings: I said in January "I have a number I'd like to achieve this year."I don't know what the number was, but I've got more in savings than I've had in the last three years. So regardless, I call this a success. Done and done.

- Make time for those I love: I feel that I can cheat on this one a little, as being in the same area as my parents, Doug, grandparents, aunt, uncles again makes this easy. However, I do need to continue balancing this and finding time for everyone who deserves it. I am grateful I'm close enough to do this, but know there's more work to do! 

- Journal: I wasn't great about this, but wrote about once a month. I'm already committing to write more regularly in 2014 and hope to get better and better about writing just for me. 

All in all, a decent 2013. An exhausting year, on all accounts, but I'm okay with what I did do and what else I can continue working on. Bring on 2014, bring it on!

What major goals did you have for 2013? Did you achieve them?

2013: The Year That Was/Wasn't

The year that wasn't...

... focused on running.

... the year I'd hoped in terms of my fitness.

The year that was...

... focused on finding my happy place.

... the happiest personal year in awhile.

... a little more chaotic than I had planned!

I vowed that 2013 would be the year I became a SMART runner -- focused, a little  more aware of what I was doing and how I was doing it (training, resting, fueling, you name it), and that I wouldn't just run as I did before, but do it a little more intentionally. And you know, for the part of the year that I was focused, determined, and motivated, I think I did just that. That wasn't the majority of the year, but for the part that was ... it was good. Let's take a look at the year that wasn't... and was. 

January

After kicking off the new year sickly in Southern California, I headed back to Georgia to begrudgingly get back work and the new year grind. Shortly thereafter, though, my sister came to visit and run the Hot Chocolate 5/15K with us in Atlanta!

Even thought I had just seen her for Christmas, I loved having her come visit, spend the weekend with me, and realize the stark comparison between her and Heather (which is eerily similar, for the record). 

The next weekend, we were sorority-business bound for Austin to welcome in the newest Omega Phi Alpha chapter to Texas State University (my former employer, to boot!). That trip wrapped up the last week of marathon tapering and before I knew it... it was marathon weekend in sunny Southern California! 

February

Surf City Marathon (Huntington Beach) was my first full - intentionally in my home state so I'd have a support crew along the way but also a weekend that turned into a pretty epic girls' running weekend (and kicking off a pretty awesome year of girls' trips). Heather, Katy Beth, Kasey and I bombarded my parents' house for the weekend ... and then ended up with an additional guest! 

The expo was unbelievable - I was a nervous wreck, as that's when it really kicked in, and I couldn't believe what I was getting myself into. How was I supposed to run 26.2 miles the next day? Oi vey. Little did I know that behind the very first window was my bestest friend, Tina, there to surprise me for the weekend!  I was beyond floored, and even more so when I found out everybody had been in on the surprise for a few months. I love her so much and am so glad she was willing and able to make the journey to support me (and get herself a half marathon PR in the process!). 

And then I ran 26.2 miles. I had two goals (finish standing upright, and finish sub-5), both of which I made, even if only by seconds (4:58:42). Unreal. I am a marathoner! Even almost a year later, it still sounds odd. 

March 

Easter Bunny Half - Clemson, SC

I spent  most of February recovering from Surf City. Hardly any mileage, a nasty chest cold (and a 10K during that), but really chilled. And struggled at times. I was ready for March to jump back in, get back on my groove and continuing working on the year goals. At the end of February, I had joined the Athens Road Runners and started working with a coach for Wednesday morning track speed sessions. They were rough, but just a few weeks in, I knew they were making a difference; I loved the challenge, the camaraderie with other 5:30-am crazies, and knowing that it was making me so much stronger and I knew it. 

March brought on quite a few races -- 2 half marathons, a 10K and a colorrific 5K. The second half marathon was a very last minute decision, but I got to cross off another state in my half-marathoning adventures! The Publix Half was rough, but a solid performance from a very long week of driving to Florida, interviewing for 13 hours for jobs, driving back, and volunteering at the expo for 5+ hours the night before. The Clemson half was my last minute decision, but one I am so glad I made; despite the course being short, I had the most solid performance to date, both with pacing and fueling, and knew that I'd come a long way since the last half. 

At the end of March I declared my dream (and major 2013 goal!) of running sub-2 at the Nike Women's race in DC in April. Based on how my March had gone, I knew I'd have it. I felt good, strong, confidence, and ready. 

April

Between Clemson (March 30) and NWMDC, I was on a no-race regimen. It was the last few weeks to focus on training, resting, and gearing up for my goal race. Nike was the new ultimate girls' running weekend: Kasey, Carly, and Brandi, my sister, Heather, Trista, and Amanda (almost all sorority sisters) all came together for an amazing weekend! Gallivanting around DC, showing  my sister around, and throwing in a race all makes for a good time, regardless of the outcome. 

I didn't sub-2. You can read all about it here, as I don't want to rehash it all again (once or twice is enough), but I'm so close. SO CLOSE. 2:01:33 is nothing to scoff at, given the fact especially that it was over a 7 minute PR. I'll make it there - when I'm focused and ready and my time is meant to be.

May

I burned. I crashed hard. And at least I recognized it? I put myself on a tech diet, vowing to run for at least a month Garmin-free, iPhone-free, and that it would just be me, my shoes, and on the random, Molly would come along too. I ran one race that month, the Marigold 10K, nearing the end of the self-challenge, and finally met my 10K goal for the year of a sub-1-hour time. You know -- running solely by feel is more telling than you'd have thought!

May was mellow. Compared to the early, crazy (and yes, awesome) months throughout the spring, I was looking forward to summer, having some to mellow out as there's not a whole lot going on in the South over the summer months, and some potential adventures.

Doug, Chris (his roommate), and Nancy (Chris' girlfriend) came out for a college friend's wedding too. It was so great playing tour guide around Atlanta, attending probably the most gorgeous wedding I'd been to before, despite the rain. I'd seen Doug a lot this spring semester, but it was wonderful having him come out for an all-fun, random weekend of adventures!

June

June was absolute insanity. The first weekend of the month, I was out to California on Thursday night through Sunday. On Friday, at Disneyland, I got a phone call for a Skype interview on Monday night (mind you, I had a red-eye out on Sunday). And then I had another offer for a Skype interview also on Monday night - two back to back. By Thursday, I was booked on a flight back to California Saturday through the following Thursday for two interviews out in LA at both campuses I had interviewed with on that Monday night. Follow all that?

Needless to say, I was exhausted that month. And just kinda flew through it, dealt with it, and crashed hard every night.

However, June also brought on Year 2 of the #RWRunStreak for me. Tina, Erica and I made it a challenge amongst the three of us, tracking our weekly progress and making a true competition out of it. It was so great, and a way to keep up the motivation and enthusiasm over running again after no-tech May. I finished in second, by just .11 miles to Tina - what a turn out!

July

July is where my year turned on its own side, in all kinds of ways. As we all know now, those job interviews in June turned into where I am now! My last day of work at UGA was July 5, officially. Doug flew out to Atlanta on July 4 to spend his summer vacation driving me back across the country (can you say best guy ever?). But first, as it does for most every runner in the Atlanta area, my July 4 started with the ever epic Peaachtree Road Race. A fitting race for my last one as a Georgia resident, and grateful HP let me take in her bib to run it myself.

We knocked off one more baseball park for Doug, after avoiding rain as long as possible, and went to the Braves' game from the sixth inning on. I worked a partial day on the 5th to pack up and say some good byes to the few folks around, and we spent Friday night packing, organizing and cleaning. Saturday morning the POD guy came to pick up the giant box, helped us with our last load, and we were off!

Driving across the country in the middle of July is a little daunting. Despite having done the drive a number of times in a number of segments and all kinds of highways, we headed off across the south, up to Memphis, and across I-40 all the way to Flagstaff, dipped into Phoenix to see Tina and Jon (they're my one consistent road trip stop) and were home on July 10. You can read allllll about the adventure, if you'd like, here: Day 1, Day 2 & 3, and Home Again!

I was in California for a week, then headed out to Pittsburgh for our annual sorority convention, and got in a run with Ragnar teammates Shannon and Cathryn. Needless to say those two weeks were beyond exhausting... but never mind that, because the new job started on July 23!

August

Nothing to write home about, thus the serious lull in blogging since then. August was adjusting to the job, a hefty commute, and enjoying having a personal life again with my parents, Doug, and rekindling some friendships here. But you know what - it was great. Quiet, busy, hectic, and enjoyable all at the same time.

September

In September, I got to coordinate a group of Marymount students to run a 5K up near LAX as part of kicking off our campus Suicide Awareness week. It's not often you get to combine work and hobbies and I felt so grateful I got to do so. A number of our students were running their first 5K, a few were even walking their first 5K ever! What a great day to be a part of something so encouraging.

I also flew up to San Francisco to spend sometime with Heather (who moved to the Bay just a week before

Bay Area Birthday 2013. 

I moved too) for my birthday! Food, wine tasting in Napa, and despite having a nasty cold, having an all-out awesome birthday weekend with one of my favorites.

October

Birthday month! And truthfully, quiet, mellow and nothing spectacular. I spent most of the fall going to Doug's football games. It was truthfully a wonderful way to spend my Friday evenings - I haven't been around, really, since he stopped playing, and it's exciting to cheer on the team he's coaching for and seeing what he loves doing with these kids.

October also brought about my 10-year high school reunion, which I decided to attend at the semi-last minute. I'm really glad I went - you can catch up via Facebook so much, but for some, it was great seeing folks in person, hearing what's really going on in their lives, especially now that I'm back in the area.

November

November's key excitement was the Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas half marathon, and yes, another girls' adventure weekend. Tina had been working on this since March, ever since our epic weekend at Surf City, and wanted to get some ladies together to run Vegas and Phoenix to earn that awesome Desert Double Down medal. Count me in, please.

So despite a complete lack of training and knowing I wasn't ready to rock a half, and fighting yet another chest cold, we were off to run Vegas. It was rough. And hard. And a friendly reminder that training kinda helps if you're planning on running a half marathon (note to self?). Personal solo-performance half marathon worst, a new PW. Despite that, I loved seeing my besties again and was reunited with the idea of our ladies' running weekends (Phoenix coming soon!). Hooray!

November also brought along a fairly major personal revelation. Cheesy as it were, I think it was important to note and I think also explains a lot of my revolution through running. I wasn't doing much, felt like I wasn't achieving much, and needed something work for. Here? I'm doing okay. Missing the feeling of fitness and

December

I found myself on a crazy series of 5Ks this month -- starting the Chino Triple Crown race series with Doug at the Reindeer Romp with an age group award and a PR, followed by the Reindeer Run the next weekend with my mom and Doug again!

Goofs. 

Christmas was a wonderful week - my sister was only home for five and a half days, but got some good time in with her as we tackled the Placerita Canyon 5K and lots of car time inbetween! I saw my sister a lot this year, and feel lucky that I got to, but I miss her immensely!

This year didn't turn out like I thought. But I'm looking forward to making 2014 everything I hope it can, and could, be.

18 races on the year, 573 miles, and a whole lot of learning, adventures, and memories. A reflection on the goals from this year later this week, in addition to some hopes for 2014.

Happy New Year!

Halfway There (Livin' on a Prayer)

Pardon the title. You're welcome for getting it stuck in your head.

Friends, we are just over halfway through year - can you believe it? While I feel that every year goes by faster and faster, it never fails to surprise me or catch me thinking, "Where did the time go?" "Wasn't it just Christmas" because in my head yes, yes it was just December.

With that, I am now down to having half the year to accomplish the things I set out for myself. Admittedly, I'm a to-do lister to a fault - while it certainly helps me stay focused, it also really frustrated me when I leave things unfinished or unattainable. The joy of crossing something off is uncanny to me. Yes, I'm a little OCD with my lists (let's not even talk about how many lists I'm operating on this week thanks to the move).

But I set myself up for some pretty big goals in 2013 - some that I'm en route to, and some that I can't honestly say I'm certain I'll achieve. Part of me really struggles with that and part of me says "It's okay. Do what you can." With that, we're going to re-review some of these 2013 goals and see just which ones I think I can do - six months to go!

Health | Fitness
- 1,000 miles: Last year I ran 664 of those with a goal of 800. From where I stand now (351 as of June 30), I'll need 100-mile months for the rest of the year, something I've only achieved once. While I intend on being on a marathon training plan beginning in October, I am not 100% that this is do-able. B goal: 850. 
- Sub-2 hour half marathon: We all know how my dream sub-2 race turned out for me. And while it still stings a little, I can't lie, I also know now just how achievable this is. I can make this happen. The only race I'm signed up for in the fall is the Las Vegas RnR, and with moving throwing my life budget out of whack, I am not sure what else is in store. But I'm still determined to make 2013 my sub-2 year. B goal: there isn't one. Bam.
- Sub-26 5K: Current 5K PR is 27:10, on legs that ran after 11 hours after Disneyland. This is sooo do-able. B goal: not allowed.
- Sub 1-hour 10K: Completed!
- Finish that marathon standing upright:  Completed!
- 13 in 2013: 10 races down, number 11 is tomorrrow, 12 is Vegas, and number 13 will fall in there somewhere. B goal: will just be more than 13!
- VOLUNTEER with at least 2 races: 1 done, Georgia Publix Marathon. 2, I actually just signed up for volunteering at the Long Beach Marathon finish line! Excited to be at the end of a race and see all the folks meeting their goals. B goal: volunteering at more than 1 more and giving back to an amazing community!

Personal
- Student loan paid off: Pending life and living situations that are still TBD as of today, despite the fact that I'm Cali-bound in three days, this could be achieved. It would be an amazing accomplish to have this done in just five years instead of the default (and still fast) ten years. B goal: March 2014, still only three months later.
- Increase savings: That's been rocky at best, and moving certainly it won't help. But much like the above, pending life situations, this can happen. B goal: just an increase. Period.
- Make time for those I love: I was a little better at making regular calls to my grandparents, which I am okay with, but knew I could be better. Now that I get to live close to them again, this will be easier and I am really looking forward to that (as I know they are). B goal: Lunch/dinner with just me and the grandparents at least once a month.
- Journal: Major fail area. I've journaled maybe once since January. B goal: once per month, minimum.

And now... as promised... our Power Ice pack winner! Congratulations  Danielle - I've emailed you with the information I need to send your prize off. Please respond no later than Friday, July 5, at 10 am EST or I will pick a new winner.

Where do you stand with your goals for 2013? Have you had to make adjustments to any of them? 

May Recap

may!

Can you believe this year is almost half over?

Total run mileage: 50 -- plus 2-ish more tonight after it cools down for my Streak!
Highest weekly run mileage:  15
# Runs: 18
# Rest days: 14

# Cross-training workouts: 7. A few walks, a day of yoga and a few core workouts.

# Races: 1

     - Marigold Festival 10K { Race }

Favorite run: No special run this month - seriously, none at all. However, I will say that finally breaking my sub-60-minute goal on my 10K was pretty awesome. And knowing that I can go faster than that (damn side stitch) is even more encouraging. 
  

Successful finish!

Most hardcore run: I'd say as of recently, this ladder track workout was a doozie. But awesome.

Current need: Few extra bucks so I can sign up for RnR Vegas. Please and thank you. Anyone wanna donate?

Current song: I know how many times I've told y'all that I love me some Macklemore, but every time this comes on the radio (like this morning, on my way to work - can you say perfection?), I get so excited and dance by myself... in the car... yeah, that's right. Love.

Current triumph: I'm finally getting to the point in the month of running naked where I'm almost at peace with just running. Sure, it's still hard, and sure, there are mornings where I'm bolting out the door and I'm curious just how fast I bolted out the door, but it's become almost... refreshing. I'm enjoying just going, doing whatever pace, and seeing however many minutes have passed by the time I get home. Kind of awesome.

Current goal: Chillin'. Running naked for a little while longer. Who knows until when.

My secondary goal is the Summer Running Streak. I also did it last year, and in 38 days ran 80.88 miles. This year's goal in 39 days is to run further than that. I'm also in a bit of a challenge with Tina and Erica to see who puts on the most mileage over the timeframe, so there's a little extra oomph of fun in there! 

Best weekend ever: This weekend.  Food, aquarium, Coke, wedding, and good times with some seriously fantastic people. I'd like to do that all over again.

This May has been super mellow - and I think just what I needed after a super busy spring and a little too much racing. Yes, I said it. I burned out, and at least I recognized it, but am certainly trying to allow myself to totally and completely recuperate now. It's a hard thing to swallow, but if I'm going to jump back in in the fall, I need to be ready to roll.

I'm heading to California next weekend for Disneyland (!) and a wedding, and am looking forward to another uber mellow month. Cheers for that!

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? Goals for June?

April Recap

april!

Total run mileage: 57
Highest weekly run mileage:  21
# Runs: 14
# Rest days: 15

# Cross-training workouts: Like 3. Whoops.

# Races: 1

     - Nike Women's DC Inaugural Half Marathon { Expo | Race }

Favorite run: Despite not meeting my goal, I'm going to go with Nike DC. Beautiful course (even if at times I apparently had no idea where I was), amazing spectator crowd, and obviously a great weekend with my sister, sorority sisters, and the same women I'd consider some of my running besties. Wonderful weekend overall, but I definitely loved running DC!
  

Current obsession: Finding the next goal race. Suggestions welcome: fast, flat, and sub-2-able. 

Most hardcore run: This speedwork session the Wednesday prior to Nike. I knew I'd been making progress through our Wednesday sessions, but this was the one where, first, I really dragged myself out of bed in the morning, and then magic happened. Fastest 5 400s ever - all five of them!

Current need: Re-focus. Finding some mellowness again and allowing myself a little re-coup time before I focus on a race again. Not an easy thing, given that 

Current song: I love this. It's obnoxious and catchy and the lyrics crack me up. If you haven't heard it yet, where have you been?

Current triumph: Finally achieving the point where I can say "Holy crap, I ran a 7:36 PR last weekend." That my friends, is almost a full mile's time in a race like that for me. Pretty substantial. And I suppose that's something to really be proud of - and I guess that does go to show that Track Tuesdays are working, running with some faster folks at group run Saturdays is working, and that I'm definitely making progress. More to come for fall for sure!

Current goal: Finding some races for the fall, and re-establishing a new sub-2 goal race. 

Another goal is to really let myself recoup and find some peace within my own head before jumping into anything. Allowing myself a super easy week (aka I haven't run at all or hit a gym since Sunday, and only plan on running 'easy' at tomorrow's group run). I want to get into some cross-training and weight training so I can get back in a routine before jumping into a full out race plan over summer. Wheels are a-turnin'! 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? Goals for May?

March Recap

march!

Your slightly belated March recap - I feel like I'm finally back in the swing of things after taking February to recover from Surf City. Woo!

Total run mileage: 73
Highest weekly run mileage:  23.7
# Runs: 15
# Rest days: 15

# Cross-training workouts: 1 (whoops!) / 3 days strength training (whoops also)

# Races: 3

     - JLA Shamrock 'n Roll Road Race 10K (Recap)

     - Georgia Publix Half Marathon (Expo | Race)
     - Color Me Purple 5K (Recap) 
     - Clemson Easter Bunny Half (Recap)

Back in the swing of things!

Favorite run: I'm gonna go with the Color Me Purple 5K from last weekend - the rain held off (for the most part) and it was just simple, easy, and a casual 3 miles to start a Sunday morning. There's nothing wrong with that! Top it off with a little friendship, color-rific fun and you've got yourself a good day. 

Most hardcore run: The Publix Half, by far. Atlanta never fails to surprise me with its hills - you think you got them under control and then they give you a real quick wake-up call that tells you otherwise. Note to self: get on some hills, stat!

Views in Piedmont from Georgia Publix Half.

Current obsession: Finding races for fall. Contemplating signing up for another full, but not sure yet what I'm able to get my hands into. It's torturous, I tell you. Torturous! I would really like to just know where my life is headed. Subtle hints to life on-goings here. We'll see what fall has in store for me.

Current song: You know I'm lovin' me some Macklemore. And if you didn't, well... shame on you. Yes, Thrift Shop is my ultimate guilty pleasure, Same Love is just amazingly beautiful, and Can't Hold Us has found its way to my permanent running playlist. However... you will love this. It will forever be in your head. And you'll have a really, really, really good time. 

Current need: I've got no races on my calendar past April 28 (NWM) and it's killing me. I also have no cash to be able to do so. With that my need is extra cash. Please and thanks! -wink-

Current triumph: How great working with our track coach has been for the last month. I skipped the week after Publix, but I love seeing what I'm capable of doing when I'm really pushed, and realizing that I know I am capable of things that I don't just imagine... but actually follow through and achieve. It's great having a rabbit to push me on track mornings, and it's great being able to work with Al. Excited for more, excited to push it through NWM training and excited to see where this leads! Hooray!

Current goal: Got my mind on my plans for NWM DC - as you read about last week, pushing myself to hit a sub-2 at Nike in just about four (!) weeks. I'm excited; lots of work to get done in these next few weeks, but I really do feel optimistic and ready to get to work! Here I come, DC. I'm ready for ya!

And because I know you've been waiting... our ViewSport winner from last week's giveaway! Missed it? Check out ViewSport for some fantastic sweat activated technology - all in cute tanks and other fun stuff. But our lucky, lucky winner is...

Congrats, Tamara! I've sent you an email and you have until Friday, April 5 to respond. Don't miss it!

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? Goals for April?

February Recap

february.

Total run mileage: 45
Highest weekly run mileage:  31 (keep in mind that was the first weekend in february, which so happened to be marathon weekend...)
# Runs: 7
# Rest days: LOTS! 20

# Cross-training workouts: 2

# Races: 2

     - Surf City Marathon

     - Taste of Athens 10K

Favorite run: Surf City, as if you expected any less. I have a lot of post-race and post-race-month thoughts, but that's for another post. I'm a marathoner. And I have Surf City to thank. But even that, it was a personally fabulous weekend, running with an amazing group of women I'm lucky enough to call friends, having them and my family at the finish line, and knowing that I accomplished what I set out to do. You can't beat that feeling!

Most hardcore run: Did you expect a different answer? Nope, sorry. Surf City. :)

Current reads: Working on our Dean's book club read, What the Best College Students Do by Ken Bain. We meet every other Friday for a good discussion - I need to get caught up on reading a few chapters, but digging it so far.

Current obsession: Getting in as much home time as I can. It's been a great trip, it's been great being home and I'm just trying to soak up every minute of it while I can. 

Current drink: Water. It's so funny that for as sick of water as I was post-marathon (and pre-marathon, for that matter), I've been really good about sticking to it at work, and water only. At home, it's orange juice and cran-grape for splurges, but am trying to stick to my 80 oz of water a day, just to ensure I'm still taking care of myself well!

Current song: I never did a January recap, so this:

But also this:

Loving Imagine Dragons and they've made for some great additions to my running music. Check them out if you haven't yet.

Current need: To feel 100% back in this fitness game! Last week I let myself slack a little bit as I was getting back in the saddle, but now that I've got that 'easy' week under my belt, I want to know that I can jump back in and rock things. Ready to get moving and feel like myself again. I know my body needed those 20+ rest days I got in February, but man... mentally? That was rough. Worse than tapering. True story.

Current triumph: Still saying that I'm a marathoner. I don't think that will ever get old. Every time I put on my jacket, or look at the medal or look back through photos (again and again) on Facebook, it seems so real. And yet, very unreal, admittedly. Who knows when it'll sink in!

Current bane of my existence: Lots of up in the air things about what 2013 will bring me! [Insert cryptic statements here.]

Current goal: Work through these post-marathon blues (I can still have them 4 weeks later, can't I?) and getting back on track. Check out my collaborative post on motivation and struggling through it with my dear friend Amma on her blog here!

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month?