So this is the post where I am supposed to look back over the past 12 days and discuss what I may have learned or: a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.
I can't say I have found the meaning of life, or had any insight into reality. I can say that I have once again enjoyed sitting down at the end of the day and reflecting on what was and then trying to put it into something remotely interesting to others.
What I can say is that in the space of 12 days I have regained my running mojo and even pushed out a 16.5km run today without feeling like it was a chore. It was hard but it was enjoyable. On the home stretch I even enjoyed the bush on either side of the road for the birds that were singing, the lagoon that I ran past, and the view from the top of the hill overlooking the beach. I made peace with being in the right place - this beautiful place I live and love.
I felt that again after a splash in the surf with my family as I was sitting in the hot midday sun looking out over the ocean watching two dolphins swim past and a sailing boat in the distance. And up front, an 8 year old girl and her dad sharing so many laughs and moments in the surf - their bond warms my heart!!
In the afternoon, walking along the river, out on the boardwalk - secretly trying not to be too annoyed by the tourists - but instead lap up seeing my locals and saying hello. Having a short conversation with my daughters friends mother. Over hearing some visitors from Sydney saying how it was nice that everyone here says "hello" unlike in Sydney. My home, my community, my friends, my people!
There will always be hard times, tough times - but happiness can't be all the time as then we wouldn't appreciate it as much!
Being awesome is something to strive for in all aspects of your life and something I will be striving for in 2015.
Expecting miracles, celebrating achievements, being creative, enjoying moments of laziness, being alert and waking up, being healthy and celebrating being here and now, and making the most of open doors - this is what 2015 will be for me!!
Until #blogjune......
Showing posts with label achievements. Show all posts
Showing posts with label achievements. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Day 7 - Blog 12 Days of Christmas - Achievements!
Ok I skipped this mantra: Keep your heels, head and standards high. Because I very rarely wear high heels. And have moved on to this mantra: It doesn't get easier, you just get better at it.
And I will let this speak for itself:
Ok as this is the last day of 2014 I thought I'd give a little run down of my running achievements for the year. For the Run Down Under I have run/walked a total of 3828.10km's in 2014. This has included:
Tomorrow it starts all over again with the Sawtell New Years Day Fun Run and some bigger running adventures planned in 2015 ---- I have registered to complete a full marathon (42.2km) at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in July 2015!!
I know I can finish the marathon. Well that's what I'm telling myself. The training part scares me a bit. I run a lot now - well 3 times a week and I average about 30-40k each week. But I have noted that lately my longer runs which aren't that long compared to what I was doing this time last year, have been a struggle. So the idea of running for longer than 2 hours is a bit worrying. However, I strongly believe that if I follow a training plan, than this will not be a problem. I can do this!!
So back to the mantra - with running yes I can say it doesn't get easier and you do get better!
But with work, I don't think I can write a list like my running achievements and this is causing me some problems.
I am a person that likes to look back and see progress and achievement - hence why I like mowing the lawn. There is some satisfaction in seeing what grass has been cut. The progress that has been made.
With my work achievements in 2014, I don't feel satisfaction and I want that back. In 2015 I want to feel some satisfaction and really note and acknowledge my achievements.
How do you note and acknowledge your work achievements? And I don't mean through the usual performance appraisal process. Do you use lists? Computer programs??
And I will let this speak for itself:
Ok as this is the last day of 2014 I thought I'd give a little run down of my running achievements for the year. For the Run Down Under I have run/walked a total of 3828.10km's in 2014. This has included:
- Sawtell New Years Day Fun Run 5.25k in 28min 52sec;
- Coffs Australia Day Fun Run 10k in 53min 21sec;
- Port Macquarie Running Festival half marathon (21.1k) in 1h 53min 19sec;
- Ipswich QLD parkrun 5k in 25min 18sec;
- Augustine Heights parkrun 5k in 25min 22sec;
- Mother's Day Classic Coffs Harbour, NSW 8k in 40min 48sec;
- Bellingen Show Fun Run 10k in 55min 56sec;
- Macleay River Marathon Festival half marathon (21.1k) in 1h 50min 39sec;
- Urunga Fun Run 10k in 49min 40sec;
- Ipswich Park2Park Half marathon in 1h 55min 30sec;
- Misty Mountain Trail Run 20k in 2h 10min 13sec;
- Coffs Harbour Running Festival half marathon in 1h 53min 47sec;
- Dorrigo Show Fun Run 13k in 1h 20min 57sec.
Tomorrow it starts all over again with the Sawtell New Years Day Fun Run and some bigger running adventures planned in 2015 ---- I have registered to complete a full marathon (42.2km) at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in July 2015!!
I know I can finish the marathon. Well that's what I'm telling myself. The training part scares me a bit. I run a lot now - well 3 times a week and I average about 30-40k each week. But I have noted that lately my longer runs which aren't that long compared to what I was doing this time last year, have been a struggle. So the idea of running for longer than 2 hours is a bit worrying. However, I strongly believe that if I follow a training plan, than this will not be a problem. I can do this!!
So back to the mantra - with running yes I can say it doesn't get easier and you do get better!
But with work, I don't think I can write a list like my running achievements and this is causing me some problems.
I am a person that likes to look back and see progress and achievement - hence why I like mowing the lawn. There is some satisfaction in seeing what grass has been cut. The progress that has been made.
With my work achievements in 2014, I don't feel satisfaction and I want that back. In 2015 I want to feel some satisfaction and really note and acknowledge my achievements.
How do you note and acknowledge your work achievements? And I don't mean through the usual performance appraisal process. Do you use lists? Computer programs??
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Day 4 - Blog 12 Days of Christmas - Wake up!
Today's mantra: Wake up, kick butt, be kind, repeat.
I wish this mantra was more motivating for today. It is raining again so once more my body and mind is slipping into lazy mode. It is also my rest day from running and intense exercise (ok so I maybe don't do intense exercise all the time but let's just say I don't go and do bootcamp or anything like that today - I will still go for a gentle walk later).
However, let's get back to the mantra. I think on other days this is what I need to be hit in the face with every morning. And don't think it only relates to exercise. Wake up - get alert, turn on the brain, get the imagination flowing, get set for the day ahead. Kick butt - achieve things that you have set out to do that day and do them with enthusiasm. Be kind - don't beat yourself up if you don't achieve everything you had on your list - there is always tomorrow. Repeat - let's do it all again tomorrow!! And every day following.
I really think I'm going to stick this mantra up at work and in my study here at home. I have struggled, particularly at work (well mostly at work - no problem with motivation for exercise) to get my mojo happening. I have some biggish projects to get done in 2015 so I need to get the wake up, kick butt, and be kind thing happening. I need to gather some enthusiasm and motivation. So I'm liking this mantra!
Anyone else struggling for enthusiasm and motivation about some things they need to achieve? What are you doing to ensure you get them done? What tools are you using?
I wish this mantra was more motivating for today. It is raining again so once more my body and mind is slipping into lazy mode. It is also my rest day from running and intense exercise (ok so I maybe don't do intense exercise all the time but let's just say I don't go and do bootcamp or anything like that today - I will still go for a gentle walk later).
However, let's get back to the mantra. I think on other days this is what I need to be hit in the face with every morning. And don't think it only relates to exercise. Wake up - get alert, turn on the brain, get the imagination flowing, get set for the day ahead. Kick butt - achieve things that you have set out to do that day and do them with enthusiasm. Be kind - don't beat yourself up if you don't achieve everything you had on your list - there is always tomorrow. Repeat - let's do it all again tomorrow!! And every day following.
I really think I'm going to stick this mantra up at work and in my study here at home. I have struggled, particularly at work (well mostly at work - no problem with motivation for exercise) to get my mojo happening. I have some biggish projects to get done in 2015 so I need to get the wake up, kick butt, and be kind thing happening. I need to gather some enthusiasm and motivation. So I'm liking this mantra!
Anyone else struggling for enthusiasm and motivation about some things they need to achieve? What are you doing to ensure you get them done? What tools are you using?
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Double Post Monday #blogjune #8 and #9
I'm doing a double post today as the mantra's for yesterday and today both will relate to this post.
Yesterday's mantra: Don't talk yourself out of it, talk yourself into it.
Today's mantra: Take pride in how far you've come; have faith in how far you can go.
Most of this post will relate to yesterday's events because both mantra's are relating so well to what I did yesterday.
Yesterday started at 4am when I got up and started getting ready to head down to South West Rocks for the Macleay River Marathon where I was taking part in the half marathon (21.1km for those not in the know).
It was pretty cold when I arrived there and it took me a while to locate some people I know that were doing the half, 10k and 5k runs.
The full marathon got on it's way at 7am and my race was to begin at 7.30am. A friend and I did a bit of a warm up (really so I could get rid of my jacket) and then it was on.
I should back up a bit. This was the first time I actually ate more than a banana before a race. You see the half I did back in March (my first) I really felt the lack of energy around the 17k mark and I had only had a banana to eat. Yesterday I had half a bread roll with peanut butter and honey - so I was feeling fuelled.
I promised myself to take it slow on the way out (this race was an out and back - the Port Macquarie half back in March was a 3 lap course - good for spectators but not so good psychologically for the runner) and then put a bit more effort in on the way home.
The start sees a bit of a an uphill followed by a long down hill (and in your head you are thinking, I have to run back up that to finish). Then a flat and a beautiful scenic run along a foot path that goes through some bush and past houses and the beach. I really enjoyed it and it was out of the sun so not too hot.
You then head up another hill, down and then out along the main street into South West Rocks, past the shopping centre and out into the "farm" bit. Not many spectators but one or two people that gave everyone a "pat on the back" as you passed them.
I was feeling really good on the way out. However, the turnaround seemed to take for ever. I had looked at the map and did a street view of the route the night before, but I think the turn around was a bit further out than marked on the map. There were 4 drink stations out and the same 4 back - I took a drink at every second one - actually there must have been more than 4. Anyway, I had about 3 drinks as well as what I was carrying myself - I don't like to drink too much because I get stitch.
So I was a bit put out by how far the turn around point was - bit stupid but I think once you head back you think you are on the home stretch even if you have another 10.55k to go. The other thing that can play on your mind is the fact you have run over a few hills and you know you have to run over them on the way back!
Heading back was where I noted that the hill repeats I had been doing with the running girls leading up to this event really paid off. It was here that I over took the odd runner or two and I almost felt like turning to them and saying "you should've done more hill repeats!!" But instead I said "going great!"
Around the 16-17k mark I hit the point where I think I should stop and walk (which to me makes it a bit harder to keep going which is why I don't stop for drinks too often - but perhaps I need to practice the stop to walk and start again). And here is where mantra one kicks in: Don't talk yourself out of it, talk yourself into it. So I do just that. I look at my Garmin GPS Running Watch and see that really there is just over 4k to go and think about how far 4k is using visuals from my runs around home - well you know that is only from the soccer field to the surf club etc. Then I look at my other wrist that has Miss A's loom band bracelet she made for me the day before for me to wear during the race so I could think of her cheering me on from home - and it gave me a boost. I can do this. 4k is nothing!!
So I continue - by this time my legs become separated from me and just go on auto pilot - it's really your head that plays games with you. I knew the end would be tough with the uphill finish but I also knew that I had done harder hills many times over in my training. Piece of piss as we boot camp girls say!
And the hill came and I overtook another person on the hill and powered away. And you know what, that hill wasn't really that bad. I would say the surf club hill that I do hill repeats on is way worse. While this hill does carry on for a while, it does flatten out a little so it's not effort all the way. That said, I knew the end was 1k away so effort kicked in. I could hear the run caller announcing other runners crossing the line and I wanted that strong finish.
So down the hill and across the finish line - I didn't throw my arms up (no finish line photographer you see) but I powered across that line so strong that I almost missed taking my finishers medal from the ladies waiting to hand them out. Yes I had done it - quick turn off the Garmin to note your time!! Garmin off and it tells me I've broken a record - YES!! I took 3 minutes off my first half marathon time!!! Second mantra breaks in: take pride in how far you've come; have faith in how far you can go.
I am always guilty of playing down my achievements as I do not want to come across as a show off. But I have to admit, while I didn't want to think about times leading into this run, I secretly was hoping I could break the 1hr 53min I did at Port. And I did - 1hr 50mins!!
The final stats: 78th out of 159 finishers, 22nd out of 65 female finishers and 8th out of 17 females in my age category 30-39.
My next run is the Urunga Little Athletics Fun Run on Sunday 22 June and will be a 10km. Then it will be my race of the year the Ipswich Park2Park half marathon on Sunday 27 July. This one is special for me because it is in my home town and I think it will be a very challenging run. It is basically up hill and down hill, up hill and down hill with maybe one flat bit with 4 laps.
As mentioned before the Port run was laps and the run yesterday was out and back. I really think that psychologically the Port run was harder because of the laps - it was great for spectators who could stay in one spot and see you a few times but for the runner, it was an endless race. Ipswich will be hard but good because I hope to have lots of family and friends there to cheer me on.
Have faith in how far you can go!
Yesterday's mantra: Don't talk yourself out of it, talk yourself into it.
Today's mantra: Take pride in how far you've come; have faith in how far you can go.
Most of this post will relate to yesterday's events because both mantra's are relating so well to what I did yesterday.
Yesterday started at 4am when I got up and started getting ready to head down to South West Rocks for the Macleay River Marathon where I was taking part in the half marathon (21.1km for those not in the know).
It was pretty cold when I arrived there and it took me a while to locate some people I know that were doing the half, 10k and 5k runs.
The full marathon got on it's way at 7am and my race was to begin at 7.30am. A friend and I did a bit of a warm up (really so I could get rid of my jacket) and then it was on.
I should back up a bit. This was the first time I actually ate more than a banana before a race. You see the half I did back in March (my first) I really felt the lack of energy around the 17k mark and I had only had a banana to eat. Yesterday I had half a bread roll with peanut butter and honey - so I was feeling fuelled.
I promised myself to take it slow on the way out (this race was an out and back - the Port Macquarie half back in March was a 3 lap course - good for spectators but not so good psychologically for the runner) and then put a bit more effort in on the way home.
The start sees a bit of a an uphill followed by a long down hill (and in your head you are thinking, I have to run back up that to finish). Then a flat and a beautiful scenic run along a foot path that goes through some bush and past houses and the beach. I really enjoyed it and it was out of the sun so not too hot.
You then head up another hill, down and then out along the main street into South West Rocks, past the shopping centre and out into the "farm" bit. Not many spectators but one or two people that gave everyone a "pat on the back" as you passed them.
I was feeling really good on the way out. However, the turnaround seemed to take for ever. I had looked at the map and did a street view of the route the night before, but I think the turn around was a bit further out than marked on the map. There were 4 drink stations out and the same 4 back - I took a drink at every second one - actually there must have been more than 4. Anyway, I had about 3 drinks as well as what I was carrying myself - I don't like to drink too much because I get stitch.
So I was a bit put out by how far the turn around point was - bit stupid but I think once you head back you think you are on the home stretch even if you have another 10.55k to go. The other thing that can play on your mind is the fact you have run over a few hills and you know you have to run over them on the way back!
Heading back was where I noted that the hill repeats I had been doing with the running girls leading up to this event really paid off. It was here that I over took the odd runner or two and I almost felt like turning to them and saying "you should've done more hill repeats!!" But instead I said "going great!"
Around the 16-17k mark I hit the point where I think I should stop and walk (which to me makes it a bit harder to keep going which is why I don't stop for drinks too often - but perhaps I need to practice the stop to walk and start again). And here is where mantra one kicks in: Don't talk yourself out of it, talk yourself into it. So I do just that. I look at my Garmin GPS Running Watch and see that really there is just over 4k to go and think about how far 4k is using visuals from my runs around home - well you know that is only from the soccer field to the surf club etc. Then I look at my other wrist that has Miss A's loom band bracelet she made for me the day before for me to wear during the race so I could think of her cheering me on from home - and it gave me a boost. I can do this. 4k is nothing!!
So I continue - by this time my legs become separated from me and just go on auto pilot - it's really your head that plays games with you. I knew the end would be tough with the uphill finish but I also knew that I had done harder hills many times over in my training. Piece of piss as we boot camp girls say!
And the hill came and I overtook another person on the hill and powered away. And you know what, that hill wasn't really that bad. I would say the surf club hill that I do hill repeats on is way worse. While this hill does carry on for a while, it does flatten out a little so it's not effort all the way. That said, I knew the end was 1k away so effort kicked in. I could hear the run caller announcing other runners crossing the line and I wanted that strong finish.
So down the hill and across the finish line - I didn't throw my arms up (no finish line photographer you see) but I powered across that line so strong that I almost missed taking my finishers medal from the ladies waiting to hand them out. Yes I had done it - quick turn off the Garmin to note your time!! Garmin off and it tells me I've broken a record - YES!! I took 3 minutes off my first half marathon time!!! Second mantra breaks in: take pride in how far you've come; have faith in how far you can go.
I am always guilty of playing down my achievements as I do not want to come across as a show off. But I have to admit, while I didn't want to think about times leading into this run, I secretly was hoping I could break the 1hr 53min I did at Port. And I did - 1hr 50mins!!
The final stats: 78th out of 159 finishers, 22nd out of 65 female finishers and 8th out of 17 females in my age category 30-39.
My next run is the Urunga Little Athletics Fun Run on Sunday 22 June and will be a 10km. Then it will be my race of the year the Ipswich Park2Park half marathon on Sunday 27 July. This one is special for me because it is in my home town and I think it will be a very challenging run. It is basically up hill and down hill, up hill and down hill with maybe one flat bit with 4 laps.
As mentioned before the Port run was laps and the run yesterday was out and back. I really think that psychologically the Port run was harder because of the laps - it was great for spectators who could stay in one spot and see you a few times but for the runner, it was an endless race. Ipswich will be hard but good because I hope to have lots of family and friends there to cheer me on.
Have faith in how far you can go!
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