2008: Looking Back

Looking at my overall goals for 2008 that I posted in January, I am reminded that I had broken it down into three categories; Life, Health, and Fitness.

• Life - I wanted to take more time to read, paint, and travel. I did do some reading but still not nearly as much as I would have liked. I still haven't really picked up a paintbrush, and now that I have a whole room to pull out the canvas' and acrylics, I shouldn't have the excuse that I don't have enough room. Depending on what you call travel, I feel like I succeeded in that area. I was able to get to AZ with my sister in April, multiple trips to the cities to visit my sister and brother-in-law as well as other friends and family, trips home to the Biz, a trip to my Dad's hometown for a wedding, and another trip to northern Minnesota for a friend's wedding.
• Health - This is a constant work in progress, don't you agree? However, I questioned my overall health yesterday, when I turned 28 and realized that I am truly thankful for my health. I have been eating better, sleeping better, and taking my vitamins almost every day.
• Fitness - I had soooo many races in mind and didn't know exactly what it was that I wanted to do. Even though I didn't get in as many races as I would have liked, I did get a few "firsts" in there ... my first (indoor) triathlon, which led to a purchase of my first road bike and then first road event; my first half marathon, a new 5K PR, and the first time I participated in below zero temps for a 5K.

Over the past year, I have made some decent gains. I remember when running 3 miles would leave me tired and sore, and I wasn't able to run back to back days. I am now comfortable with my running and ready to start doing more. I remember when a short swim used to be anywhere from 800-1200M, now a swim workout is usually no less than 2000M, 1600M at least. I remember when lifting wasn't in the picture... I have slowly incorporated that into my regular routine and it has made a world of a difference on my recovery after runs. I remember when sitting on a bike for more than 45 minutes was not only painful, but took everything out of me. Now it's just a short workout...

I am assuming my race calendar is coming to a close for 2008. After the bitter 5K Jingle Bell Run, I don't know if I have a desire to venture out in such temps before 2009 approaches. If, and only if, the weather is mild and above 15 degrees on the 28th, I will try and do the Zoo Year's Eve 5K back in the Biz with the 'rents.

In addition to those goals, the year was full of exciting things .... Sioux hockey games, 80's Rock cover-bands, winter storms, finishing my first year of teaching post-graduate school, March Madness (even though the Tarheel's didn't take the NCAA Championship Title but will this year), beer pong, 1st ride on the open road, teaching 1st grade special education summer school, house hunting, 4th of July celebration, sunburns, bachelorette party, house hunting, wedding, wedding, wedding, Olympics, house hunting, Twin's game, horse races, rain storms, co-ed softball league, Celtics take the NBA Championship Title, Itasca State Park with the Fam, Jonny Lang concert with a best bud, house hunting, starting second year of teaching within same district, purchasing a house, packing, moving, first snowfall, painting, unpacking, painting, purchasing new furniture, first snow to stick, start of NCAA basketball, turning 28 .... and now I am looking forward to the holidays with family and friends.

Stay tuned for what kind of crazy ideas I may, or may not, have up my sleeves for 2009!