What I like to do on New Year's Day is to look back at the past year. I recall all of the good times that I had throughout the year. I cherish the laughs and all of the new friends who entered my life. I sadly remember those friends whom I lost this year. I hope that they are in a better more peaceful place now. I even look back and acknowledge those things that I set out to accomplish this year but fell short. I vow to do better and to try and meet those goals in the coming year.
As I start of this new year, I have decided that I want to observe more and to seek inspiration wherever it may lie. I plan to write more on this blog than I have in the past. Through my writing and observations, I hope to find the flaws I know I carry and to improve upon them. I also hope that I can uncover abilities I never knew I had and to trust in these new skills. This will ultimately lead me to achieve whatever I set out to do this year including being a better son, husband, father and runner.
The one clear discovery that came to me this year was the realization that home is any place where there are people who love me. Arizona has become my home now because this is where I have a wife who loves me and supports me. I am lucky enough to have a son who loves me and is living nearby. And although my daughter lives in Florida, she is still part of my world and sends love daily. Whenever she visits, she fills a very deep void. So yes. Home is where the heart is and always will be.
As I look forward to what awaits me in 2018, I am reminded of Olivia Newton John's song "Why Me". It is a beautiful thing to contemplate as we all embark on this next trip around the sun knowing there will be setbacks and triumphs ahead. How we respond to each will define how happy we are at the end of 2018.
Oh don't ask why me, why me, why not me
Why not me is the thing
Don't ask why, life's running by me
Live each moment that it brings
Take the time to smell the roses
Take the time to watch the stars
Take the time to see your child grow
Daddy now I know
Oh don't ask why me, why me, why not me
Yes time is going fast
I'm starting to question, what is life's intention
Guess I've been too scared to ask
But I'm letting go, to God in his wisdom
Or whoever that may be
Nobody knows who plans your future
Or decides your destiny
Oh don't say why me
Life does the strangest things
You never know
What each moment can bring
You turn around
Your life has changed
You've got to fight each round
Yes take it on the chin
No don't you ever give in
Happy New Year!
Nov 23 – 5.10 miles (46:52, 9:11 pace)
Nov 24 – 6.10 miles (54:05, 8:52 pace)
Nov 25 – 5.20 miles (45:08, 8:41 pace)
Nov 26 – 4.10 miles (37:31, 9:09 pace)
Nov 27 – 5.20 miles (59:58, 11:32 pace) - Hill Repeats
Nov 28 – 6.20 miles (54:01, 8:43 pace) - Speed Work
Nov 30 – 8.20 miles (01:13:13, 8:56 pace) - Tempo Run
Dec 2 – 9.10 miles (1:23:16, 9:09 pace)
Dec 3 – 8.30 miles (1:16:53, 9:16 pace)
Dec 4 – 4.50 miles (46:34, 11:22 pace) - Hill Repeats
Dec 9 – 8.10 miles (1:15:11, 9:17 pace)
Dec 10 – 8.50 miles (1:20:29, 9:28 pace)
Dec 11 –5.10 miles (57:32, 11:17 pace) - Hill Repeats
Dec 12 – 6.20 miles (54:42, 9:01 pace) - Speed Work
Dec 14 – 8.20 miles (1:13:15, 8:56 pace) - Tempo Run
Dec 15 – 8.20 miles (1:13:23, 8:57 pace)
Dec 17 – 7.30 miles (1:08:33, 9:24 pace)
Dec 18 – 5.20 miles (56:13, 10:49 pace) - Hill Repeats
Dec 19 – 6.20 miles (54:42, 8:49 pace) - Speed Work
Dec 21 – 8.30 miles (1:14:05, 8:56 pace) - Tempo Run
Dec 22 – 4.10 miles (36:35, 8:56 pace)
Dec 23 – 7.50 miles (1:07:40, 9:02 pace)
Dec 24 – 7.60 miles (1:11:24, 9:24 pace)
Dec 25 – 5.10 miles (56:49, 11:08 pace) - Hill Repeats
Dec 26 – 6.20 miles (54:09, 8:44 pace) - Speed Work
Dec 28 – 7.20 miles (1:03:03, 8:45 pace) - Tempo Run
Dec 30 – 9.30 miles (1:23:00, 8:55 pace)
Dec 31 – 8.20 miles (1:16:09, 9:18 pace)
Total Miles: 188.5 miles
2017 Total Miles: 1,842.9 miles
