Bold in 2012.

The great goggle search ::: Sports Authority ::: January 2, 2012

On January 2nd I jumped feet first into my resolutions list. 

Yes, I am that girl who writes up a three page word document full of goals for the new year. It might be dorky, but last year I typed a detailed resolutions list for the first time since I was a pre-adolescent. I found the experience empowering, as it gave me a keen sense of purpose and focus that I had not anticipated. The success of my 2011 list, prompted me to spend last week joyfully filling up another word document. I titled it, "2012". 

This brings us back to January 2nd. 

As the second day of the year arrived, I was armed with my list ready to go. I was ready to act boldly. Try something new. Face a fear. Tackle a bear. So I went swimming! 

I joined a gym in August. Each week I've been using the elliptical, attending spin class, climbing the Stair Master, and looking through the glass windows of the pool area with longing. I know how to swim. But I've never swam laps for exercise using free style form. Afraid of embarrassing myself, I've avoided the pool despite my yearning to jump in.

I knew I was being silly, but I let the fear take over for months.

On January 2nd, I recruited Chris to help me get over my fear. We headed to Sports Authority, where I bought cute pink goggles and a blue swim cap to match my Speedo.

With a small financial investment in swim gear, and Chris waiting in the third lane; I finally jumped into the pool. The experience was exhilarating. I practiced breast stroke with ease, and began experimenting with free style. My free style wasn't the greatest, but the cool therapeutic nature of the water quickly blocked any feelings of embarrassment.

I felt free. 

Lighter. 

Fear no longer choking the life out of actions.

And the possible judgement of others no longer consumed my thoughts.

Later, I flipped open my lab top. I placed a strike line through the words, "swim at least once at the gym". My first resolution of the year completed.

I grinned with pride.

I added another underneath it. 

"Swim often. @ least four times per month."

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Cheers to facing fears and being bold in 2012!

-Abigail

What resolutions are you diving into right away this year? How do you plan to act boldly in 2012? I would love to know, so please leave comments below!!

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A Marathon Must

Photo Credit: dawnzy58 (Creative Commons)

 Taper. Taper. Taper

{the last 2-3 week period before race day.}

training. you don't always push. you taper.
decrease mileage. kick up feet. relax. 

 eat protein. grains. fruit. drink water. drink Gatorade.

training. you don't always push. you taper.
 restless. nervous. worried less isn't more.

 run easy. run light. cross-training no-more.

training. you don't always push. you taper.
 press snooze. increase snuggle time in bed.
introduce nothing. the familiar is best.

training. you don't always push. you taper.
be positive patty. be calm. boost confidence.
remembering goals. remembering fun.


12 days til my big day in Memphis! 
{Holy Crap!}

~~~~~

Want to learn more about my marathon training? Click here.

Have advice concerning the tapering process? I would LOVE to hear from you!
Please leave comments below.

Motivation from 1984

...And Marathon Training Continues:

Joan Benoit
First Women's Olympic Marathon
L.A., 1984
Photo Credit: Run Maine

The next three weeks I've scheduled the longest and hardest of my training runs.

Scared & Nervous?

Hell yes! 

Running twenty miles in one afternoon is unfamiliar territory. If I can meet disaster at twelve miles, I certainly can meet it on the sixteen, eighteen, and twenty mile training runs I've planned. 

My biggest deficit {besides some healthy fear} in my training thus far are my sore ass ankles. Between training and working at a restaurant all weekend, I've been "feeling" my ankles in a whole new way. Needless to say ice, elevation, and intentional rest are my new best friends. 

Beyond ankle complaints...

I'm also excited

to do something I've never done before.

My biggest assets include finally learning to LOVE running, breaking in a new pair of shoes, seeing an increase in speed on shorter runs, and having a great coach. 

Motivation this week to hit the pavement:

Joan Benoit and her courageous win @ the first Women's Olympic Marathon held in L.A., in 1984. {just weeks after knee surgery!!} View the video below and be inspired!

Cheers to strong women!

Peace & Love

-Abigail

Want to learn more about Joan? Click here!