Two Things, to be precise.

1. Ten. As in, “Yes! I ran ten miles this past Saturday!”

This was one of my goals for 2012. And here’s what I stated in my initial January post: “In 2012, I’d like to be able to run 10 miles (or 2 times 5 miles). I started 2011 at 2.5 to 3 miles and am now up to 7.5, so I think this is doable if I’m able to keep my schedule.” So basically, I was looking to add another 2.5 miles. I decided to try to just increase by .25 a month….meaning I’d probably meet my goal by October if I was consistent.

Now, the way I remember it, the 7.5 to 9 parts weren’t too bad, which is one reason why I’m ahead of schedule….but after 9-9.25, things got tough, and 9.5 was particularly difficult. I kept taking breaks and got discouraged by how often I was taking breaks and how long it was taking me to get it done. An exchange with Cathy set me on the right path…I was trying to run too fast for the distance I wanted to achieve. Her advice, slow down. Once I tried that, I was able to move to 9.75 and after 3 weeks running that distance, this weekend I went for 10. Again, it was a bit of a challenge at the end (I know it’s only a quarter mile…but it’s not always easy to tack that distance on!), and I had to take an extra break, but I got there!

I’m amazed at myself. For now, I’m not going to try to go beyond 10 and would like to work on increasing my speed/decreasing my time. To give you an idea, the run itself takes about 115 minutes…add a 2 minute warm-up, a five minute cool down, and 3 2-3 minute breaks…I’m at the gym for more than 2 hours. I leave my house a little before 7 and don’t get home till 9:15/20…so with shower and breakfast, it’s 10 before I’m “ready” to face the day. So, we’ll see how I’m able to do with this and evaluate from there!

2.

I just joined twitter (and on a side-note, just learned how to embed a tweet into a post). I’ve been curious about twitter for a while and finally took the plunge this weekend (maybe my Ten gave me confidence). So, I’m now following a lot of the bloggers I read who have twitter feeds, not to mention all the celebrities, magazines, news organizations, etc. that I’d like to follow. I’ve found that the process really isn’t too difficult. Who knew? This has definitely been a year of new Technology (another T) for me…the iPad, my new computer, learning how to use my iPhone more, venturing out into social media….not too shabby, I think.

[On another note, I may use a new picture for the twitter...I like the picture I use for the blog, but have to admit, the "look at my back" aspect just seems wrong on twitter...].