I didn’t set a lot of specific goals for 2018. I knew I was venturing into uncharted territory with my increase in work hours. I also had changed up my training with the Faster Way to Weight Loss and I had no idea what that was going to do to my running.
Short story: It was an awesome year for the most part, FWTWL is still working for me, and I love working for ZOOMA, but it took most of the year to get my heel (90%) healed.
Long story, well, grab some popcorn and settle in.
2018 Goals
Running
Continue running injury free. Yeah, that didn’t work out at all for me. I, like many runners, ignored the “niggle” and kept running half marathons. Until I couldn’t. Then I spent from May until late November dealing with off and on again pain. It’s mostly gone now, but I still have the occasional twinge, thankfully never when running.
Fitness/Physical Health
Continue following the Faster Way to Fat Loss program. (affiliate link) I still love this program. I can tell when I’m slacking on the workouts though. I’m still working on how to run farther than a half marathon while still staying on track. Anything up to that distance works great with this program.
Work
Blog when I have something to say. I’m finding that I have less and less to say. I’ve never been a blogger because I wanted to be a writer. I’ve been a blogger because I loved the support and community. I’ve met so many awesome people through blogging and many of them have moved over to real life friends. I’m not quitting, but I’m finding I’m ok with having other priorities right now.
Sub once a month at the local public library. I manage about once every two months now and that’s working well for me. I love the social aspect of it and it’s great to use those skills.
Have fun with my new job with ZOOMA. I had a great 2018 with ZOOMA and I’m looking forward to 2019. My job continues to evolve and I have opportunities and input far beyond what I was hired to do. It’s really more of a passion than a job. (And is perhaps a part of the reason I no longer NEED my blog as much.) We are currently taking applications for 2019 ambassadors, so if you live near one of our races and are planning to run, please apply! If you just want to run, my code ERIKA2018 will still get you 10% off of any race. I plan to be at all 5 races in 2019!
Personal
Take a huge trip with our boys. Australia and New Zealand were amazing! I already want to go back.
Those were all the goals I set for 2018. I still managed to run MCM despite being injured. I ran my first Ultra Ragnar. I finally renovated the kitchen after talking about it for 20 years. All in all, it was a great year.
I don’t know what 2019 will bring, but I know my priorities are changing. And with those changing priorities came the hard decision to stop hosting Tuesdays on the Run. I’ve loved doing this for the last few years, but part of being a good host is interacting with everyone who links up. And I’ve been a very bad host. When I mentioned to Marcia and Patty that I was ready to step down, we all decided it was time to let it go. So, thank you to everyone who has participated over the years. We appreciated every comment and every link up. It would not have been as much fun with out you.
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More of a passion than a job is so true. That’s absolutely true with my line of work (cultural organizations) and it makes all the difference.
These are great accomplishments!!! I know it isnt running related, but I want your kitchen! It looked fabulous. And congrats on the ultra Ragnar (that is so amazing!).
I will miss TOTR–I’ve enjoyed the prompts and the interactions with all the linkers. Holly and I have noticed a big drop in our linkers too. I wonder how much longer blogging will go on?
It was fun meeting you (finally!) at ZOOMA. I’m not going to reapply this year since I am an ambassador for a local race promoter. I still may run at Great Lakes, tho!
It’s funny how often the “how much longer will blogging be a thing” question comes up. I feel like it’s always on the edge of death, but hope it continues to fight it. So many good people
I have to visit Australia and New Zealand. They are definitely on my bucket list. I have yet to run a Zooma race either. Maybe next year will be the year. They sound so fun!
Overall a great year. Yeah those niggles can become stinkers if left unattended. Cheers to ongoing adventures professional and otherwise!
So glad to hear that your injury is better (mostly). Your job with ZOOMA does sound like a dream job. What could be better than traveling, running, meeting runners and getting paid for it? I am sure you have other responsibilities, but in my fantasy, you don’t! 🙂
Congrats on a great 2018!
I think you still had a solid year despite the on-going battle with the heel. I’m really sad to see the link-up go, but I totally can understand the extra work involved. Blogging itself is a lot of work. I have been blogging less the past month or so (desperately trying to enjoy the holidays with one less thing on my plate), and it’s been fine. I’ve realized blogging to blog (instead of blogging when you legit have something to say) in a no-win for me.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Faster Way to Fat Loss program. I hope that it is successful for you.
I will miss TOTR as I’ve always loved all the prompts.
Sad to see the link up go I had fun interacting with everyone this past year. I was thinking about applying to Zooma myself but there are not any races around here anymore. Glad you love your position w them so much.
We will definitely miss the linkup, but things change, life evolves — that’s not a bad thing.
Here’s to a great 2019.
I feel ya on the not having much to say lately. I became a blogger because I needed a place to write because I am a writer. But in the last couple years I felt like I was saying a lot more with a lot less substance. It started to wear on me.
I’m sad to see TOTR go but I know how you guys feel. Hugs to you!
Those injuries really suck it out for us. Here’s to hoping that you are injury free in 2019!