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.
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.
