Reevaluating and Redesigning

Some of you may have noticed some changes over here at Run, Kelly, Run. I've been tinkering with the look of the blog, changing colors, experimenting with different layouts. I think I find something I like, then I change it a few days later. Its all rather representative of my state of mind lately. I just wasn't sure what I wanted to achieve with this blog.

This thing here has grown and evolved as I have. And I felt like it was in need of another update because me and my blog just haven't been "on the same page" lately. Last year the blog focused solely on me getting across the finish line for one race - my first half marathon. And when I accomplished that I wasn't sure what was next. It seemed logical that the next step would be a full marathon, and so I set that goal. But as this year progresses I realize that running 26.2 miles is not my priority this year. I know it is possible. I've seen many friends, virtual and otherwise, achieve this goal in the same length of time. But I don't have the desire to make it a priority at this point.

So I had to do a little soul-searching on what my priority truly is this year, in terms of running anyway. And I realize it is that same Wine and Dine half marathon I did last year. I really want to repeat that race when I am more prepared. I would like to drastically improve my time. And, most of all, I want to enjoy the experience and finish the race still smiling and ready to celebrate with my friends. Last year I was so miserable I just hobbled back to my room at the Boardwalk, with help from my dear friend, Dee, and with stops at each bench along the way. There was no partying or excitement. Just soreness and a definitive resolution that I would never do such a thing ever again.

My second goal is to run the Tinkerbell half in January. After the race last October, I went back to a life of no running or training. I spent the winter getting lazy and fat. Having a January race may just be the perfect solution. And, of course, there is that inaugural medal. And I seem to be motivated by shiny things that say "Inaugural" on them. Plus that will make me eligible for a Coast to Coast medal at next year's Wine and Dine. So - one race, two special medals....seems like a no-brainer.

Another goal is to finally get that full marathon checked off the bucket list. For some reason, I don't want to do this one at Disneyworld. I'm really drawn to the Route 66 marathon. I think its because they give a special medal for people who run their first marathon there. And you know me and those "special" medals. Plus I really want to integrate a Route 66 road trip into the whole thing. Not sure how those logistics would work out, but I do like the idea of that particular race. So Route 66 marathon in 2012 instead of 2011. Its still a goal, just a longer term one.

So I'm scrapping some of the other races I planned on running this year and focusing on these goals instead.

1. Wine and Dine Half Marathon in Disneyworld: be well-trained, finish smiling, and drastically improve time.
2. Tinkerbell Half Marathon in Disneyland: be well-trained, finish smiling, and overcome training in the winter in Wisconsin.
3. 2012 Wine and Dine Half Marathon: get me my Coast to Coast medal!
4. 2012 Route 66 Marathon: Finish in an upright position.

I think this is a much more realistic plan for me.