Goals

So, I know I've talked a little bit about exercising in the past.  I just can't remember how long ago I did, or how much detail I went into.  For quite awhile now, Dave and I have been setting some exercise goals for ourselves.  It started sometime during law school and has been off and on since then.  Basically, we lay out what we'd like to do each time we exercise (running, walking, push-ups, sit-ups, etc) and how much time or how many reps and how many times a week we do it.  And then we do it usually for 12 weeks give or take a few, with one make-up week at the end (to cover weeks we were sick or just couldn't get to it because of other factors).  And then we reward ourselves if we reached our goals.  :)  We usually treat ourselves to one item each from Barnes and Noble (one of our favorite places ever).......and then we start all over again. 

Anyway, our current set is coming to an end here soon.  Just a couple weeks left.  I just got done doing my exercise of choice, and as I was looking in the mirror at my sweaty, beet red face and my crazy hair (don't ask......it's pretty terrible when it gets hot and sweaty), and hoping that my legs wouldn't give out because they felt like jello, I got to thinking how far I've come.  There was a time that I couldn't even run for a quarter mile at the slowest possible pace.  Now, I surprise myself.  Each time I run, I usually make it at least a mile (good grief, is this actually me?!).  Not only because I can run much farther (although not much faster.....a little, but not much), but because I'm actually enjoying it.  I've never been a runner.  I never thought I could be a runner.  But slowly, as I'm getting better at it, I find myself actually loving it and feeling.........empowered?  I love how I feel when I make it a little farther.  Or run a little faster.  Like I can do anything.  And every time I reach a new best for myself I get so excited and have to tell preeeeeeeeeetty much everybody.  I'm really enjoying "try[ing] a little harder to be a little better".  (Gordon B. Hinckley, We Have Work Enough To Do)

*On a more serious note, if I ever make it to 5 miles straight, I think I'll just cry.  I think that's my far-reaching goal. 

Really far.