New Year

So, here is the first post of the new year. Thought I might post some goals for the year.

As I stated previously, I'm following the Van Aaken method. In line with this, I plan on running every day of the year. A run must be 1 mile long to count for the streak, though the daily mileage will almost always be longer. This will allow me to obtain my main goal for the year-consistency of training. I tend to lose my focus on running when I lose my passion. This is true of course because we are all worshippers, and what we do is an expression of what we love and serve. I am passionate about running when I am gripped by something exciting about running. For example, reading a good race report or a good book. So, to maintain consistency, I need to maintain my passion. This can be difficult because running is a secondary activity, not my identity. My identity is as an ambassador and servant for the King. My running is just a hobby. In line with my identity are important things I have to do that can cut into my training, such as sleeping and writing. The trick is to stay motivated in my hobby while keeping it relegated to a hobby. It's easy to be passionate about it when I let it become too important. It then cuts into my work time and family time as I spend too much time reading and studying about running. 

   So, consistency is my primary goal. Race wise, I would like to complete at least one 50K or one 50 miler per month. After doing this for a year, then I will tackle a 100 next year. I may possibly do the Pinhoti 100 this year as my inaugural 100. I wanted to do it in '08, but wasn't consistent enough in my training. 

  There it is. Oh, and this is a picture of Yvetta, my dog. She's an Entulbucher, or Swiss Cattle Dog. Tough girl.