goals

A goal is the desired result that a person or a system envisions, plans and commits to achieve: a personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development. Many people endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting deadlines.

It is roughly similar to purpose or aim, the anticipated result which guides reaction, or an end, which is an object, either a physical object or an abstract object, that has intrinsic value. (Wikipedia)

I started walking years ago

as a way to get outside in the fresh air

and get a bit of exercise.

To clear my mind

and have some alone time.

Goals.

I walked through my entire cancer diagnosis, surgeries, and treatments.

Walking was a way for me to have control;

I didn't have control over losing my breast or hair

but, I had control over feeling sorry for myself-

for curling up in a ball and giving up or

getting off the couch and getting outside.

I started out slowly.

As the years went by, I began to add

mileage and speed to my walks.

A few years ago,

my Mother in law was in the deep, ugly depths

of Alzheimers;

my sweet and loving  husband
 became one of  the main decision makers
and caretakers.

It was hard.

It was stressful.

It was sad.

I used walking as a way to

escape and decompress.

I walked.

I prayed.

I cried.

I sang.

I was renewed.

Out in the fresh air

I could let it go.

~~~

One day a friend of mine asked if

I was interested in doing a half marathon.

What?

No way! I can't run that far!

He encouraged me to just walk it.

So, I signed up and walked that 13.1 miles.

It was the beginning.

I wouldn't say it has become an addiction...

but,  it's close! Ha

I have done 4 half marathons since then 

and am signed up to do 2 more this year.

One I am even traveling to another state to do it in!

Goals.

~~~

In 2015

as

 New Year resolutions

started circulating,

I decided to commit to participating in a 5k every month!

I am happy to say that I did it!

Even when visiting my daughter in Vienna, Austria:

I did a virtual 5k while my grandson, husband, and daughter

played in a park.

At one point,

my grandson who stopped to watch me

as I lapped around the park

asked me,

"granny are you racing?"

"Yes, I am!"

"are you winning?"

I laughed and said,

"why, Yes I am!"

Goals.

Currently,

I belong to three separate online running groups.

We challenge and support each other.

Because of one of the groups

I have committed to 

walking/running

2,016 miles in 2016!

Goals.

I have now moved on to 

longer walks

and can now run a complete 5k

without walking!

This is huge for me!

Little by little.

Step by step.

Mile by mile.

I have become stronger.

Goals.

My youngest daughter texted me

a while back.

She wanted to know

about all these goals

and how I found out about these

5ks.

She said she had seen my posts

on Facebook

and that I 'inspired' her!

What?

I almost cried!

We never know who is 

watching.

Wow.

Last week I participated in a 5k

with 4 of my friends.

We had to be at the Seattle Space Needle

by 5:30am.

Two of us ran it

and the other three 

walked it.

At the finish line

I discovered that I had 

run my fastest 5k 

and PR'd.

I still am not a fast runner

but, I always say:

"Faster than everyone sitting on their couch!"

Yes, I got up at 5 am

to

Run for Chocolate!

~~~

As far as long term goals.

I have one huge one.

I have decided I want to do a full marathon.

I picked a 'milestone' birthday

to complete it by;

which gives me

three more years

to actually get

this goal accomplished!

I have decided

by the grace of God,

I will do it.

I can.

I will.

I am determined.

Age ?

Yeah, I believe

that age...

 is only a number!

Goals.