run update: January

This is my first time choosing a word of the year. I’m taking it pretty serious and thinking about it constantly. If there’s one thing that gets under my skin more than anything else, it’s when people talk about doing things but never actually do them. So to keep myself accountable, I’m planning on checking in at the beginning of every month and being honest with where I’m at and what I’m slacking on.

January was pretty awesome in the exercise department. While I didn’t lose any weight (and that’s kind of a bummer), I ran over 32 miles. I can say with complete confidence, that’s the most I’ve ever run in a month. I am so proud that I can say that. Running this much is making me hungry all the time so I’m trying to figure out how to be full, make healthy choices, not gain weight, and have energy to run. I’m definitely still a work-in-progress on that front. I’d really like to lose some weight in February. I’ve also been getting at least fifty ounces of water each day. I understand the importance of drinking water, but still didn’t really listen when I was “encouraged” to drink more. What finally got me drinking water is running. I was cramping too much and not able to run as far as I wanted because my body wasn’t hydrated well. So I’m drinking more water. And always feeling like I’m getting ready to pee my pants. Teacher secret: we never have time to go to the bathroom. You don’t realize how amazing going to the bathroom whenever you need to is until you become a teacher. At this point, the only thing holding me back from drinking more water is fear of wetting myself in front of a classroom full of kids.

January is one of the most off-months for me socially. I really would prefer to stay home, talk to no one, and just read a book. Add in the winter slump I’m experiencing and I’m not really keeping up with friends like I should. But I am thankful for some monthly, built-in socializing (book club, First Thursday girls, etc.) that makes me go out and see people. I’m making it more of a priority this month to reach out to friends, tell them I miss them, and send notes. I love a good hand-written note.

Last month was also full of goal setting, praying, asking, seeking, and questioning. I’m overwhelmed with the opportunities that have started coming my way recently and I want to be confident I’m saying yes and no when I should. January is all about goal-setting and I thrive on that stuff. My type-A personality loves a good goal sheet and checklist. But I need to know when I’m doing too much, running too ragged, and neglecting things that are more important. So keeping my eyes on the prize is a constant mantra for me right now.

You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
2 Timothy 4:6-8

How are you doing on your goals for 2014? Did you pick a word for the year? Share!