1/2 Marathon in under 4 Hours=DONE!

Hello all!  After 6 long months of training/conditioning/losing weight slowly I accomplished one of my more major “10 in 2010″ goals. 

The first 1/2 marathon I  completed in September of 2008 was a totally flat course (Skagit Flats) and I did in about 4:30.  I finished walking slowly into the finish line literally feeling as though I was dying.  The second one I did was the Rock N Roll in June 2009 in 4:09.  That time I still felt rough, but managed to jog the last 1/10 of a mile into the finish. 

This year I did the Rock N Roll in 3:56:58!   My pace  was above goal the first 9 or 10  miles.  After that I got very tired and it slowed considerably.  I was fighting myself mentally quite a bit this year.  Lots of negative thoughts and anxiety kept coming up for me basically from the moment I crossed the start .  Perhaps, in part, it was the prospect of being so close to finishing my goal that had me so worked up?  The closer the finish line got, the more anxious I was that I might not make it.  I am so thankful I had Brian with me.  During the last few miles, he kept a bit ahead of me and kept a close eye on the time.  I was pissed at him at the time, I wanted him to slow down walk with me, but he kept me moving and helped me to meet my goal.  I kept saying, “If I catch up to you I’m going to kick your ass”, and he kept turning around, smiling, and lifting up his shirt a little as an invitation.    I also had my friend, Jane, walking the race with me as well.  It was really nice to spend time with her and have her support on the course as well.

My anxiety and fear melted away as I jogged across the finish line with my parents, sister, and Andy watching me finish online, and a great group of cheering friends/fans and fellow racers to celebrate with at the finish line as well. 

 I am proud of myself and have already signed up for the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon June 2011!

Checking Goals off the List

It’s amazing to me how quickly this year is flying by.  2010, the Year-of-Yes is over 25% complete.  I haven’t updated on here since our trip to the Grand Canyon, so thought it was about time for me to do that.

Two more items can be checked off my list: New Job and Children’s Ministry Volunteer at Mars Hill.

After collecting 7 months of unemployment, I was worried that I might not be able to get back into the swing of things at work, but it’s been going so well.  I’ve been working now for 6 weeks.  That also means my first paycheck is coming this week, which is totally needed right now!  I’ll be able to start working toward my goal to pay off debt – sweet!

Today was my first day of Children’s Ministry.  I started out in the Toddler 1 room.  They are so cute at this age, but it’s tough because they don’t talk yet or really know how to communicate with you.  I got to hang out with a few of the ‘clingers’, which was totally great.  Looking forward to the many weeks and months of service ahead.

Now I’m exhausted and need to get some sleep before another long week at the office (yay!).

Officially 3 down, and 7 to go for 2010!!!

Lisa

Quiet seas still have a lot going on under the surface…

Okay, that is a bit of a cheesy way to get my message across, but allow me to complete my point… The blog has been quiet lately.  I haven’t posted anything since early February, BUT that DOES NOT mean I have abandoned 10 in 2010!  In fact, I think of it almost every day.  I have my list of ten posted on my bathroom mirror, on my bathroom wall (strategically placed for some high quality toilet reading), and right by my desk in my bedroom.  Thinking about my ten is not all I’ve done, however.

A couple of my goals (jog 2 miles with Emma all at once without stopping, and complete a 1/2 marathon in under 4 hours) are huge undertakings which require weeks of prep in order to accomplish.  These goals have been my primary focus.  I am feeling good about my progress.

I have focused on eating well and working out regularly to get my body in better shape.  I have lost 19 pounds since early January.  A lighter body will make my physical goals more doable and safer.  Until twisting my ankle (taking a stroll after eating a 12 egg omelet with a few of my favorite people) a couple of weeks ago, I had been jogging once a week as far as I could with Emma.  I was up to .44 of a mile before my injury.  I plan to continue jogging once my ankle feels healed.  Also, I have been following (imperfectly) my training plan for the Seattle Rock and Roll 1/2 marathon at the end of June.  My attitude is that I WILL finish in under 4 hours, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES.  I believe I can do it.  And, on the off-chance something gets in the way of my success in June, I will register for a different 1/2 marathon and get the job done this year.

I have also started thinking about what to put in my comfort box.  I have a list of things, and have purchased one movie I know I want in there. 

So, just because I haven’t blogged or crossed another item off my list recently, does not mean I am not fully committed and focused on my goals! 

DO IT!!!

Michele

New Job – Chickety Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself.

It’s official – my business cards arrived this week and I kinda sorta love my new job.  It’s been one month and after being unemployed for 6 months, it was QUITE a shock to my system to get back in the work groove.  However, I feel extremely blessed as most lighting design firms around LA are still on the 4-day work week and not hiring anytime soon.  Jobs are hard to come by these days as we all know.  I guess networking and planning industry events really does pay off!  It’s all about who you know, that’s for sure.

I love my co-workers, the salary, the projects, finally having a desk on the window wall, and our office dog, Bisby.  Sitting by the window definitely has it’s entertaining perks – like the lady in the wheelchair who was using her feet to race down the sidewalk or the woman dressed completely in yellow from head to toe or the three legged dog gimping along.  My healthcare kicks in on March 1st and there’s a pilates studio in our building that our insurance covers.  Count. Me. In.

I’ve endured all the usual awkwardness of starting a new job.  I was the new kid on the block (I love you Donnie!) but after a couple weeks, I realized – I’m going to love it here.  My moment of realization was at an italian restaurant in West Hollywood where we dined among the stars and drank pink bubbly.  ”I could get used to this…” I thought.  Not that every day is like walking on clouds – I’ve had my fair share of late nights, stressful deadlines, and time consuming CAD drafting.  The perks do make those things a little less painful though.

So I’ve crossed finding a new job that I love off my list.  If anyone needs a lighting designer, you know where to find me.    www.seanoconnorlighting.com

Beckster Out.

Palin’s Experience Lands Her A New Job.

One down, nine to go! Yay snow fun!

Leading up to my first snowtubing experience I was a bit nervous.  Memories of flying off a sled as a child and “getting the wind knocked out of me” kept coming to mind.  Also, a couple of people warned me of the hazards/risks:  “it can get really icy”, “just don’t go over any jumps and you should be okay”, and, my personal favorite, “my nephew sprained his neck doing that”.  Needless to say, the morning of the big event, I was already a bit on edge when I read the waiver form saying, “I hereby assume any and all risks of property damage, personal injury or death arising from my participation in snowtubing”.  Um, yeah, here’s me looking a little freaked out…

Heidi, Andy, Brian and I carpooled to Snoqualmie Pass where we met up with the rest of the gang for our two-hour slot of snowtubing fun!

As I have gotten older, I have developed a bit of a fear of heights…esspecially when the task at hand involves me rapidly dropping from one altitude to another.   So, when the group decided I should ceremoniously be the first to glide down, I was a bit hesitant.  I wanted to watch one of my friends survive first!   However, I thought to myself, “life is to be lived now”, and I decided to go for it.  Its amazing how fear can freeze me in my tracks in so many areas of my life.  So much of the time the best course of action seems to be to acknowledge the fear, and then do it anyway.  My first slide down was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.  By the end of the night, I was flying down on my stomach face first and screaming with delight!

Another added benefit of the event was some great excercise.  There was a lift available to tow tubers up the hill, but the lines were so long, we decided to walk back up the hill every time.  It was quite a hike up after every 30 second thrill!  We took plenty of breaks to steady our heart rates before flying back down the hill again.  At the end of the evening, the line shortened, and I was able take the tow uphill.  I felt like royalty sitting on my tube getting a ride back to the top without any effort after nearly two hours of trudging up with my tube!

On our way home, we stopped at Tweed’s Cafe in North Bend for some delicious burgers, fries, onion rings, and hot cocoa.  It was a perfect end to a wonderful day!

Post event interview:

Making Memories: One Goal at a Time

Less than one month into the new year and I can already see the effects of this project.  Last week I completed and started two of my goals: Visiting the Grand Canyon, and Completing the Mars Hill church membership process.

Shelly and I went to Phoenix, so that she could run in the Rock ‘N Roll half marathon on Sunday.  It was 70+ degrees and beautiful in the Tempe/Phoenix area!  After the race we hopped in the rental car and cruised up to the Grand Canyon in 4-1/2 hours; going 80 MPH most of the way was quite enjoyable as the driver.  We were blessed to make it to the south rim before sunset.  It was absolutely awe-inspiring!  I do not have words that could even explain the grandeur of the Grand Canyon!  All I can say is that if you have not gone, I strongly suggest that you add it to your bucket list.  I am already looking forward to returning for a longer stay; hiking, rafting, and taking in the artistry of God’s creation.

This past Saturday (1/23), Shelly and I went to the MHC Membership-in-a-Day class.  This was a crazy-fast overview of the church Doctrine.  It took only 3-1/2 hours for them to cover what was covered in 14+ hours in the original doctrine series (http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/doctrine/preview).  I still need to meet with my community group leader to finalize my membership, but I am one big step closer to completing this goal.

All in all I am stoked!  Not only to be crossing things off my list, but rather to be creating the memories and personal growth that are associated with these goals.  I look forward to continuing on this journey with all of you!

We made it to the South Rim!

Not enough time and thoughts on my career path…

I taught a life skills lesson today on values and goals. One of the main points of my lesson was centered around the idea that how we spend our time is a direct expression of our true values in life.  Sure, I can say I want to be a healthy weight, but if I’m sitting on the couch watching tv and snacking more often than I am doing other healthy things (like prepping/cooking healthy foods, working out, reading supportive literature, taking walks, etc), than which do truly value more?

I find that I only have so much energy and motivation in a day, and it is a constant exercise in balance and managing priorities to live my life in line with my desired values and goals.  I’m sure this will become easier with practice, but it is a fairly new concept to me.

Also, as I walked Emma in the pouring rain today, I thought about how much I enjoy certain elements of my current career, and how these things can point me in the right direction for obtaining a masters degree.  I enjoy teaching.  I enjoy seeing my students learn and become more competent.  I enjoy encouraging people.  I enjoy talking about/teaching  life skills, and counseling related topics.  I don’t enjoy academia.  I don’t want to teach math, science, history, or English.  I enjoy working with teenagers (most of the time).  I would love to be able to help others become healthier, stronger, more responsible,more independent, and more competent…things I have worked hard to become myself.

These things seem to naturally point me in the direction of obtaining a masters degree in counseling, school counseling, social work, or school psychology.  These are degrees I’ve tossed around in my head for years.  Yet, I haven’t done the leg work to really research and get a grasp for the distinction between them.  I am also concerned about the long path to becoming a licensed counselor would be, and how low my pay would be for those years.  I have other negatives in my head about the other degree options as well, and I think those have stopped me from moving forward.

However, my indecision and inaction on the masters degree front has freed up available time and energy to work on myself and my life in other important ways.

I guess the bottom line is this:  I get frustrated feeling stuck when it comes to my future schooling and career goals; however, I believe I will move forward when the time is right.

How do you spend your time?  What does that say about what you truly value?  Michele

Checking in…

Hello all! 

I have thought about 10 in 2010 every day.  I think to write a post, and even what the post will be about, but then I don’t do it.  Well, today is the day I break the pattern! 

First, I must say how moved I have been by the response to my 10 in 2010 idea!  What started as an idea as I was falling asleep one night, has grown into a website with several lists!  For every one person on my web site, I’d say there is at least one other person who is or has written a list to carry out this year.  My mom, cousin, coworker, friend, and friend of a friend are all doing it!  It is really neat to inspire so many to take a positive and meaningful step toward self-improvement, exploration, goal setting, dreaming, etc. 

Checking in regarding my progress…

I have been working out Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays at the gym before work in order to support my goals of jogging Emma 2 miles and finishing a 1/2 marathon in under 4 hours this year.  I have also been mindful of my food choices, although being mindful and making the best choice in any given situation are not always the same thing for me.  I may have know that piece of homemade chocolate cake (delicious, by the way, Shelly!) is not contributing to my physical wellbeing, but I still chose to eat it.  I have been working the 12 step program of Overaeater’s Annoymous for almost three years now, and I am making strides in my recovery from compulsive overeating, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a daily challenge.  I have the knowledge, I have the tools, I have the support, what I need to work on is releasing my fear of success immediately followed by failure.  One day at a time.

I will accomplish my snow tubing goal at the end of January, and I plan to post pictures of this outing on the website. 

I plan to visit Chicago in July when Shelly completes her 1/2 Ironman nearby. 

As for the other 6 items on my list, I have no specific plans as to when I will be accomplishing them yet.  A couple will have to wait for nicer weather (going to a drive-in movie and kayaking), while others seem perfect to do on a rainy day (making a multimedia production, creating a comfort drawer, or making pasta). 

I will continue to update my progress and process along the way!

Thank you so much for your support/comments/encouragement! 

I CAN do it…one day at a time,  Michele

Joining the party…

Happy New Year, everyone! I have finished my first attempt at my list of 100 things and posted it to my list page.  I say “first attempt” because, as Michele has mentioned, there’s just no way a list like this can remain fixed over time.  But I think this is a pretty good start.  It’ s been an interesting challenge, and I’ve been surprised at the mix of list entries.  I’ve also been surprised at the number of entries that seemed so darn, well, achievable.    I found that the difficulty wasn’t finding 10 items that I wanted to, and thought I could, accomplish in 2010, but rather was filtering out the things that I may not necessarily get to this year.  It underscores a major issue that I think this project can help me with: it is impossible to immediately accomplish everything, so be encouraged by identifying goals and making steady progress towards them.

Good luck to everybody!

Brian

dance dance dance everybody dance…

ok…i’m posting them here first, then to “morgan’s list”…

100 was too overwhelming. actually, 10 was overwhelming…but here they are…ten goals for two thousand ten:

1. react to drama in a positive way; constructively

2. participate in at least three races/regattas

3. dance more, especially in public

4. write  a letter and send it at least once every two weeks

5. travel to at least two countries, preferably france (paris), canada, belgium and/or germany (berlin)

6. do at least one thing just for myself each day

7. buy  a new plant and keep it alive

8. try/make/bake/create, etc one new thing a month…treats, art, music, food…

9. create a mission/blueprint/business plan of some sort for a possible art/music space

10. finish reading at least one of the two books my brother gave me recently- the moonstone by wilkie collins or the name of the wind by patrick rothfuss (they are both 400+pages)

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three goal ideas (out of alot!) for me from my brother. oh, he thinks he’s funny! i vetoed all of them…

1. date someone who has never been or has no desire to visit brooklyn

2. date someone who doesn’t like woody allen movies

3. date someone who doesn’t buy most of his clothes at thrift stores

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love you,

morgan