my next half:under two hours

and yes, those are my favorite running shoes :) mizuno wave creations, to be exact.
well friends, its time for me to start training again! in just 10 short weeks, i'll be joining two friends, brittany & jess to run my fourth half marathon. crazy! over the thanksgiving break, i teamed up with my uncle and cousin to run the thanksgiving day half and scored this sweet medal

and although i didn't have the most stellar time (2:07) i definitely earned my turkey! but its a new year, 2012 brings lots of energy and excitement for me, and as i mentioned in my resolutions, this year, i will run a half marathon in under two hours. even if its 1:59:59, i'm determined. the date of the big race is march 18, and the race will be the publix half. i ran it last year in 2:14, so we are shooting at shaving off 14 minutes. totally doable, right? i think so!

not my actual time because when i crossed the start line, there was already several minutes on the clock due to start waves

so i'm getting ready to lace up my shoes & get to work. the last week, i've been easing myself back into running. i took about a month off, which was much needed, but now it is much needed that i get back to work. so i'm going to be sure and include updates on here for you, including race day coverage! here's my training plan, in case you are interested. and as i have mentioned before in my blog, you can follow my training on dailymile, via the widget over there on the right side.

(m=monday, t=tuesday, w=wednesday, th=thursday, f=friday, sa=saturday, su=sunday)
(r=rest, m=miles)
week 1 (starting jan. 9) m=r, t=5reps of 200yd hills, w=5m, th=3m, f=workout, sa=6m, su=3m
week 2 (jan 16) m=r, t=4reps of 600yd hills, w=3m, th=4m, f=workout, sa=8m, su=3m
week 3 (jan 23) m=r, t=6reps of 200yd hills, w=3m, th=4m, f=workout, sa=7m, su=3m
week 4 (jan 30) m=r, t=5k for time, w=4m, th=6m, f=workout, sa=9m, su=5m
week 5 (feb 5) m=r, t=5k for time, w=3m, th=5m, f=workout, sa=7m, su=3m
week 6 (feb 13) m=r, t=6reps of 880yd hills, w=5m, th=6m, f=workout, sa=10m, su=5m
week 7 (feb 20) m=r, t=6reps of 880yd hills, w=4m, th=7m, f=workout, sa=8m, su=3m
week 8 (feb 27) m=r, t=4m for time, w=6m, th=7m, f=workout, sa=12m, su=6m
week 9 (march 5) m=r, t=5m, w=5m, th=8m, f=workout, sa=8m, su=3m
week 10 (march12-RACE WEEK!) m=r, t=5m, w=5m, th=8m, f=rest, sa=5k for time, su=13.1!!!!!!

so there ya have it. might have to switch around some days, but thats my plan for the next 10 weeks.
i would love your encouragement, and if you're up for it, a running buddy! pick a mileage and a day, name the place, and i'd love the challenge!!

anyone else planning on running the publix half marathon or full marathon? check out some details here! http://georgiamarathon.com/ 

my new years resolutions

alright so i'm typically not a new years resolutions person- i'm constantly setting goals for myself and don't think that it necessarily takes a new year to do that, but 2012 is going to be a big year i feel like. so, i want to go public with my resolutions, and ask for your encouragement and kick in the pants when i need it. i've spent some time thinking through these, and while these aren't all that i hope to accomplish in 2012, its definitely some major themes. i've broken them up into categories:

spiritual

1. i want to get much more consistent in my quiet times. sometimes, i'm really good about them. and then i'm not. i crave to know the lord more, and with all of the big decisions coming up in the next year, i need to be walking super close to my savior. this will require sacrifice, discipline, and dedication, but i know it will be the best thing i could do next year.
2. i want to memorize a sizable amount of scripture. i have found when i am memorizing scripture, my mind is most easily focused on Christ.

educational

1. i want to read 12 books, including Atlas Shrugged

physical

1. i want to train seriously for at least one more (maybe more) half marathon. i want to finish in 1:57.
2. i want to maintain a strong and healthy body, including a healthy diet and regular exercise.

financial

1. nathan and i are intensely saving up for a house- which we hope to purchase in 2012. this will mean sticking to our budget and doing some major saving!

blog-al (??)

1. i want to post at least 4 times every week.
2. i want to visit 10 new cupcakeries (at least!)
3. i want to introduce two new features, and maintain the unreached tuesdays one.

professional

1. i want to prepare and take the Salesforce Certified Consulting Exam.
2. i want to take the Salesforce DEV 451 course.

relational

1. i want to intentionally look for ways to strengthen mine and nathan's relationship, including weekly date nights (which we have been pretty good about).

other/misc.

1. i want to learn how to make at least 3 really good greek dishes. like homemade.
2. i want to cut down on my caffeine intake even more- getting it down to 1-2 cups of coffee/a day.

seems like a lot when i type it all out, but i am excited for this next year. what are your resolutions?