Kicking off 2020 with some new goals

Yes, I realize we are already more than a week into 2020. But mentally, with the way the holiday fell this year, it feels like 2020 started last Monday. So, I’m only a week behind in figuring life out. It’s going to be an interesting year, with some things still very up in the air. Things like what schools my kids will be going to and what job my husband will be doing, but hey, my work is fairly stable and my injury is a minor soreness here and there, so I can plan MY life LOL.

Running

1. Add some races to my half marathon count. Last year I stalled out after managing 4 half marathons in the early part of the year. Between work and deciding to cheer as a unicorn, I had nothing in the fall. So far this year, I’ve signed up for 2 in May and 1 in December, but I have my eye on 1 in February, another in April, 2 in July and 1 in August. Guess I’d better get my mileage back up soon.
2. Add some new states to my 50 states quest. This quest has really stalled out, with no new states last year at all. This year though, I have my eye on Bermuda (yes, I know that’s not a state), South Carolina, Idaho, and Utah. My original goal to hit all 50 by 50 is not happening, but as long as I am making progress, I’m good with it.
3. Run more for fun. I confess I did not enjoy training for the 50k. I start losing interest in running somewhere around mile 15. I’ve managed to make that work for me for marathons by having other high mileage days, but I ran several longer than that runs + another marathon to train for MCM50k. Turns out that ultra running may not be my thing.

Fitness/Physical Health

1. Keep lifting weights.  I drop weight lifting like a hot potato when life gets busy. As I approach my 50th birthday, I’m regularly reminded why I need to keep doing it. I have my fitness room all set up again and have found a program that works for me, so now I need to keep executing.
2. Find some new staple recipes. I’ve added a few things in the past year, but I really make a lot of the same recipes over and over. I need to find some new ideas. Having the picky eater head off to college in September will likely make that a much easier task.
3. Get back on track with my sleep. I go in streaks with this, but I’m finding that after years of being fine with 5-6 hours a night, I need more now. Trying to be lights out before 11 most nights…
4. Figure out some food intolerances. I already know that dairy is not my friend, but I’m realizing that it’s not the only thing. Given my love of bread, I hope that’s not it, but it’s time to at least figure things out. I have learned that I can’t drink alcohol at certain points of my cycle. The resulting headache is unbelievable. (Very thankful that acupuncture has gotten me to a point that I only get it if I drink. Before it was every.single.month.)

Work

1. Blog 1 time per week. I realized at the end of last year that I miss being able to look back at my year. I know it’s not a money making choice, but I need to start writing more about what’s going on in my life. Sorry to those who still read me, I’m going back to more lifestyle posts.
2. Continue to work for ZOOMA and my other job and in the library world. This is still working for me. My role with ZOOMA has evolved to more of a management/race production job. I LOVE it. It’s definitely a good fit for me, so I hope to keep learning and growing there. The other jobs just add variety and some extra $$ (I do have a kid going to college in the fall.)
3. Be more selective in commitments. Too often I say yes or jump into things without thinking what they will require of me. To that end, I was more selective about my ambassador programs this year. I’m hoping by changing my role with some and dropping others that I can be a better ambassador to the ones I kept. I’m totally excited to be keeping my relationships with Altra Running and Skirt Sports.

Personal

1. Continue cleaning and decluttering. One kid goes to college, the other heads to high school this fall. There should not be any toys in this house any longer. Or games and books for elementary kids. I think I can probably weed the craft drawer too. We are hoping to retire and leave the area in less than 5 years. It’s time to start figuring out what stuff we actually want to take with us. (After 20+ years in the same house, it will take me that long LOL)
2. Take a trip with Beer Geek.  This will always be on my list. This year we are going to Bermuda. It’ll be a little weird as I have to work in the middle of the trip, but it’s still going to be amazing.
   
3. Keep using my bullet journal to keep me on track. My bullet journal has really become just a huge spiral notebook, but it works for me. I need to keep everything in one place. It’s not pretty but it’s efficient.

I admit that I have a lot of “hope to get done” things swirling in my head, but I have a number of trips coming up with my kids, so my wants may have to take a backseat. (For example, Jones has a visit to MSU coming up. For a hot minute, I considered a race in Grand Rapids, but decided he needed me with him more.) Even if I only accomplish my listed goals, it’ll be an amazing year!