1. This is the first thing that I will change. It applies to running as well as life. Less STRESS in 2019. In other words, some runs won’t happen, some races will suck, PRs may be elusive. My job is just a job. It is what it is.
2. So this one has to do with priorities. Trying to do it all means not doing some things well. The hard part will be deciding what is important. In the past year, I was trying to keep up with tennis, maintain decent speed on short races and complete a few half marathons. In the mix was traveling as part of my job, vacations, family events and seeing my friends, etc. There were days that I was just going through the motions. In 2019, I may just have to let some things go and concentrate on those things that matter most.
3. I admit that this past year, I may have been in a running rut. I got complacent with my training because I was still successful …enough. I feel like I need a change. I want to do something different and something that involves effort. Once I decide, there will be no excuses. It may be joining a gym or signing up for yoga classes or trying spinning or even playing on a tennis team. I may even start to quilt again. I could even start a new job.

So how did I do?

1. I’ve ACCEPTED my job for what it is and instead, focused on its benefits. I felt less stressed about race finish times and PRs and enjoyed my runs and races more than in the past. CHECK – change
2. I made the decision NOT to play tennis. I instead concentrated on family, friendships and racing. CHECK – priorities
3. I ran my first MARATHON!! CHECK – effort

Re-Focusing in 2019 was a success in my opinion!

And now on to 2020…

What is my word? Should I pick one this year?

1.My first thought was skip the whole “word” thing. I tend to forget about it until it’s time to pick another word.

2. On the other hand, it’s a good way to look back on the past year and also look ahead to the coming year.

3. What word should I pick?

4. So my word for this year is:

So what does it mean?

1. the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint
2. steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task

5. So how will PATIENCE fit into my running in 2020?

On the whole, I am not a patient person. In fact, I am pretty impulsive. So this will be a BIG challenge.

• If I cannot run, find another activity rather than whining about not running.

• When I was healthy, I signed up for a lot of races..and then things changed.  So I need to hold off on clicking that “Register” button from time to time so I can properly train for a race rather than just “do” it.

• PRs may happen. PRs may not happen but you often can’t predict when they will happen.

• I have to start out races slower so I can negatively split a few. I must remember that it should feel easy at the start of a race and that I need to keep my energy under control so I don’t fade in the latter parts of a race.

Here are some links related to running and patience:

• https://blog.runkeeper.com/3793/five-ways-running-teaches-patience/
• https://www.womensrunning.com/2014/10/news/nyc-running-mama-patience_31724
• https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/patience-is-probably-the-best-quality-in-a-runner-
• http://www.tips4running.com/Patience-When-Running.html
• https://talk.brooksrunning.com/blog/2016/07/12/running-taught-patience/
• https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a20788560/all-we-need-is-just-a-little-patience/
• https://elevatesyracuse.com/running-and-patience/

So how am I am doing so far with relation to PATIENCE:

• Several times a week, I am using the stationary bike at the gym in order to avoid running too many weekly miles (until my foot is pain-free.)
• Although I could have qualified or registered for the Brooklyn Half Marathon in May, I decided to wait and sign up for a local May half (if I am healthy).
• I did run the Fred Lebow Half Marathon but very cautiously with zero expectations of a good finish time.

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It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostess and visit some other bloggers.

Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Are you PATIENT when it comes to running?