12/31/2008 18:42
2008 – The Good, The Great & The Not So Great
Ah, reflections on the year gone by. Here are the goals that I set for myself a year ago:
- Run at least 5K (3.1 miles) without stopping. *Updated 1/4/08
- Do at least one full body pullup.
- Do yoga at least once a week.
- Continue to go to the gym at least 5 days per week.
- Spend less money at Starbucks.
- Get to my goal weight. I would love to get there before we leave for Tahiti on May 31st.
Yep, I ran 3.1 miles without stopping – a least a few times. I did go to the gym or out running fairly often, and I may have spent less money at Starbucks. Probably not though!
There wasn’t very much yoga, I can’t do a full body pullup, and I’m further away from my goal weight than I was last year at this time!
Other small accomplishments (aka The Good and The Great):
- Went to Antarctica. In doing so crossed off 2 more continents (only 2 more to go) and visited Chile, Argentina, The Falkland Islands and S. Georgia Island.
- Made it through another year at my job. Year # 4 begins on 1/18/09 – 67% vested in the 401(k).
- Started running races. Ran in 17 races. Finished all 17 races. Oh yeah…one of them was a MARATHON and three were half marathons.
- Joined Team in Training and raised over $7800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
- Met some really great EP’ers in person – Shelley, RBR, Txlass, Kimquilts55, TaeboDiva & Bridget1961
The Not So Great:
- The fall of Bear Stearns & Lehman Brothers
- Plummeting stock market
- Oh yeah, we’re officially in a recession
- Jerel’s mom & grandmother passing away
- My coworker who got fired
- Hiring freeze at my company
- Crushing mental burnout after the marathon causing me to stop working out and gain about 20 lbs
So farewell 2008. You are a year that will be remembered - for the good and the bad. Bring on 2009. I am SO ready!!
Posted By: Andrea N
12/31/2008 07:18
Me too
I've gained 20 pounds too. So.... I'm sure ready for 2009. We are going to do it this year. We are!
12/31/2008 07:18
oh
And next year, we'll hopefully be able to add to that "great" list...that we met in person. I hope!
12/31/2008 08:22
well
I think despite some of the bad thigns you still came out on top. Can't wait to ready your goals for this year
12/31/2008 10:06
Hey there
Thanks for the insight about EP the other week. I did pay with PayPal so it took a little longer. Wish they would have sent an e-mail that specified that rather than..."you are payed and ready to go." 
Allison and John Paul both contacted me, so I feel better about things. Thank you!
What an awesome list. You ran 17 races? I know you were kicking tale, but I guess I lost track. That's AWESOME Andrea!! 
I think it great how you've met so many EP folks. I met one this year and it was super cool. I'm looking forward to meeting more in Memphis next December. I sure have a lot of work to do before that running event. (especially since, at this point, I'm not super fond of running.) 
Am hoping to make some changes this year. Are you going to Memphis? Hope so!
Happy New Year Andrea!!
Alicia
01/01/2009 05:11
17 races?!
That is beyond awesome!! Way to go!
I'm seriously thinking about trying to follow your lead and get in one per month. Surely, I can get myself ready and try to squeeze in one 5K before the end of January... just to finish. 
You're really an inspiration, Andrea! Keep plugging away at it!
01/01/2009 06:52
GREAT Accomplishments!
Ummmm...I wouldn't call all your accomplishments small! 
I could only dream of accomplishing all the things you did in 2008! Even for 2009, I only have 2 half marathons planned, and I doubt I will do enough 5k/10k's to equal 17 racing events! And after finishing my first half marathon...I may have already told you this...I can't imagine at this point doing DOUBLE that distance like you have done! And you not only accomplished great things in your fitness life, but things most of us can only dream of in your personal life too!
Thanks for the inspiration that you were to so many of us in 2008, and with your determination, I know 2009 will hold even greater things for you! I hope to get to meet up with you again either in Memphis in December, or maybe some other race(s) you might do in the South/Southeast!
01/02/2009 03:43
Hey
Aw, this is so inspirationsal. I don't even know what to say, this is a great perspective you've written here. Thanks,
emi
01/02/2009 04:25
happy new year!
Andrea - you have done amazing this year! you might have a small set back - but you are coming out on top! you are an inspiration!
i'm glad to be back to blogging and i look forward to hearing all about your amazing 2009!
01/02/2009 06:30
Happy New Year!
Congrats on the goals, and happy new year!
