Last New Year's Day I committed to running 500 miles in 2012. I even roped some people into committing to do it with me. And then work hit me like a Mack truck in March and everything fell apart until September when I realized that "HOLY S&(* It's SEPTEMBER and I've only run 180 miles!"
Rather than abandon my goal, I decided to try to make it. And I did. In fact, I managed to MORE than make it and finished the year at 575 miles.
Of course that involved some 4am workouts at NYC hotels. And some 5-5:30pm pre-dinner workouts on the elliptical, a few runs in the pouring rain and one 16 degree run last week.
Here's what it looked like.
And even though it was hard, it was one of the most motivating things I've ever done. Because you can see on this graph the day I decided that I was going to hit 500. On September first I CHOSE to be the person who made it, and not the person who chose to say, "Wow, work was hard this year and I couldn't do it."
It was a hard choice and it took a lot of effort and I'm not telling you this to pat myself on the back because I'm the type of person who sees this graph and says, "Wow, you really slacked for 8 months" but I'm telling you this so that you can realize - like I did - that it's never to late to start.
No matter what your goal is.
But if your goal is running (or walking, biking, swimming, ellipticalling, etc.) then you are HEREBY INVITED to join me and over 200 others as we begin 2013 committing to MOVE 500 miles.
Here are the rules(ish.) Pick an event - or combination of event. Pick some number of goal miles. Do it.
That's pretty much it. I count elliptical miles as running miles but I'd say swimming miles count more and bike miles count less. But we're not here to nitpick. There are no prizes. Except the AWESOME way you feel when you're done.
UPDATE: The graph was generated with Runkeeper. I use it on my phone to track my runs via GPS and to enter elliptical workouts. I love it!
You know I'm in -- 1000 miles on foot, 2500 on cycle (though I'm including spinning miles, and I'm not sure how I'm counting those miles, as I don't have a speedometer on my spinning cycle).
I love that you saw where the goal was going and said "I'm not letting this goal get away from me" and went out & shattered it.
Posted by: DaddyRunsALot | January 03, 2013 at 09:12 AM
I'm going for it. 5 miles by 5 days will total 1300 miles by the end of the year.
Posted by: Tempting_stars | January 03, 2013 at 09:32 AM
That's a terrific accomplishment! My cycling goals are generally to get in a consistent 100 miles per week in good weather. In cold weather I sulk.
Posted by: Ellen Kirkendall | January 03, 2013 at 09:39 AM
What app is that?
Posted by: TetheredHeather | January 03, 2013 at 09:50 AM
Oh, it looks very motivating. Pass me the coffee and another donut please.
Posted by: joeinvegas | January 03, 2013 at 10:15 AM
It doesn't matter if you did it sooner or later - YOU DID IT! I'm so proud of you! AWESOME!
And yes, I'm joining you. I need to get off my butt.
Posted by: Corinne | January 03, 2013 at 03:48 PM
Wow, good for you! I would love to join you but currently I can't even run 5k due to stupid IT band syndrome. And I'm supposed to run a marathon in May. Ugh.
But good for you! If I recover soon enough I will definitely join you! At least I can still bike though.
Posted by: Diana | January 03, 2013 at 07:09 PM
I wish I could do that..... I know so lame but in this moment it's how I am feeling and what I am thinking thinking. Living vicariously and wishing. . sheesh.
Congratulations!! You did it. . yes you did!!
Posted by: Katybeth | January 03, 2013 at 09:01 PM
I'm in. 450 running miles - more than double last years total! ( I ran my first mile ever on May 21, 2012)
Posted by: Kristina Gregg | January 03, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Awesome and inspiring work! I'm in for 500. I'm new to running and like a good challenge'
Posted by: Nikki | January 03, 2013 at 10:24 PM
My options are crutches or wheelchair (but DAMN, my arms look amazing!)
Wonder if I could find an app to track how many miles I gimp on my crutches!
Posted by: Killian | January 04, 2013 at 05:23 PM
i was part of this last year with you and failed miserably. but i started back at it today and i hope to make it this year. thanks for the motivation!
Posted by: angela king | January 04, 2013 at 07:36 PM