Having a random Monday off in the middle of winter couldn't have come at a better time this year. Having precious daylight hours to get caught up on cleaning, errands and long dog walks was just what the doctor ordered. With less than eight weeks to go until our next race, I am back to the drawing board trying to get a schedule etched in stone to take us through the rest of winter and into the spring race season. I have several things that I want to accomplish this year in terms of exercise and fitness, and though January was a very good month, February has shaped up to be less than stellar. Today serves as a nice interruption, and a day to reorient myself to my goals.

To put it into writing, I want to accomplish the following three things between now and July:

  1. Improve my 5k PR at the B.A.A 5k. Maybe a bit ambitious, but I want to be right around the 24 minute mark. I'm not going to say sub 24, but that is certainly my stretch goal.
  2. Get back up to half-marathon distance in case we decide to do the Buffalo Half-Marathon in May. That race is quickly approaching as well, and though we aren't registered for it, I am itching to pull the trigger and go for it.
  3. Really work on my overall fitness in preparation for the Boilermaker. That race is going to be tough, and I want to be prepared for it. I've got a great program from my cousin Jon, and I need to start stringing together the three-day a week program.

What it comes down to though to achieve these goals is this . . .

http://pinterest.com/pin/392728029975571281/

http://pinterest.com/pin/392728029975571281/

I mean, this pretty much sums it up. There is no magical motivation machine that is going to kick me into gear. I realized a few days ago that I am actually happier with myself than I have been in a long time. Because I am content, I've eased up on the gas pedal. I've stopped striving, and have been more relaxed with food. These things have to change if I want to push to the next level, but it is difficult when I am genuinely happy with where I am at. Motivation has to come from within. I have to make that decision to achieve more, to be a competitor. I need to go out and do it.

As it is Presidents day, let me leave you with a presidential quote that I find fitting:

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

-Obama