For the first time in all the years I've been running I feel like a 'runner'. I know how that sounds given how much running I've done. And like all good things, it took an injury in 2009 combined with a tough Reggae Marathon that December to force the change.
Looking forward to 2012 I mentioned to Sally on the weekend that I'm actually neutral toward the new year. Most years I've written down resolutions and things I want to do and that's been great. For this year though I didn't feel the need to start the year with a tight list. I can hear my Dad's words ringing in my ear, "Planning?...I just go with the flow". You know I'll never be able to truly embrace that fully but maybe, just maybe being more flexible will be a good thing. So for 2012, it's all about the running and some of the things I want to explore:
- I want to keep running for as long as I can. That means marathons and certainly ultra marathons are not on the plan. I know Sally will appreciate that. Instead I plan more 1/2 marathons and 10K races in 2012. Easier to train for, just as challenging and they don't leave me drained. For 2012 I am thinking of the Goodlife Fitness 1/2 Marathon in the spring, the Scotiabank 1/2 Marathon in the fall and the 10K at the Reggae Marathon December 1 in Jamaica.
- I like running to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. With all our family members who have succumbed to strokes and heart disease, I'll keep fund raising as long as I can put one foot in front of the other. So far in 3 years of fund raising, I've topped $10,000. I plan to continue in 2012. Details of the Run for Heart Campaign will be out later in 2012.
- Running has brought our family together and that's been a nice surprise. Court and I ran the 1/2 Marathon at Reggae Marathon in 2009, Andrew, Court and I (along with Amy) ran the Scotiabank 1/2 Marathon last fall and Andrew, Court, Sulleh ran in the Reggae Marathon last December. I hope to keep running with them in 2012 and beyond.
- Now that Sally and I in our new apartment in Toronto, I've got to find a place to hang my wet running gear. It's a BIG apartment but her patience will only go so far. I'm open to suggestions.
So that's it for 2012. I figure that should be enough to keep me busy.
Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
Great post! Great that you're still running to raise money - that's such a good idea! Plus great that running is bringing the family even closer! Gonna really try to make the Reggae Marathon this year! Even to walk is good right? LOL!
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