"It's been a long December...

but there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last." -- Counting Crows

It's been a while since I've posted - some personal / family issues required my attention, and blogging about them isn't something I want to do just yet. 

But I'm VERY excited that today is the last day of 2011.  It was a good year and a bad year, from a lot of different angles, actually.  From a fitness perspective, I had a good year in that I set PRs in a few races, and got to run the cycle (5K/10K/Half/Full Marathon), plus two triathlons and almost 1700 miles (a  good year for me).  On the downside, though, I managed to gain 10 pounds; mainly in the last two months of the year.  So I'm headed into 2012 with some serious goals.

As with just about EVERYONE else, I'm working to lose those 10 pounds, plus a few more, while increasing my strength and general fitness.  I'm starting the year at 199 pounds; about 16 more than I was when I felt my best, so it sounds like a challenge, but when I look at what many people face with weight issues, it's not that big.  I have a great support system, too, so I think this really is doable, and I'm hoping to help inspire some friends and family to do the same along the way.

Second, I plan to run three marathons this year; one winter, one spring, and one in the fall, and hopefully 2-3 triathlons.  I'm not sure I can do it all, but it would be nice, and would get me to 9 marathons in total.  The first marathon and triathlon are both already booked, and the second marathon is high-probability.  From there, I'll have to decide whether I want to train, or have more fun doing other races in the fall.

Third, I'm promising myself to read more (more possible with my new Kindle) and getting specific this year on *what* I'm going to read, not just a general 'read more' statement. Now if only I could read while I was out running....

I have more goals, but I'll share those through the year.  My first three months need to be focused on the above, because I've learned that I can't focus on too many things at once; If I do, it's not really focus, is it?  While I'm at it, I will try to be more consistent in blogging, and also to vary the topics a bit more in 2012.  I hope it pans out, and that you'll stay with me for the trip.